The Nation Newspaper

Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • I’ll ensure Akinlade succeeds me, Amosun vows

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Monday declared that his anointed man, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has all his “blessings to pursue the mandate freely given to him” by the people of Ogun State.

    Amosun also vowed to give Akinlade all he has to ensure he succeeds him in 2019.

    Read Also:Odebiyi resigns, thanks Amosun for giving him opportunity to serve

    The Governor who made the declaration in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing hundreds of loyalists and supporters, said he will work for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari at the polls as well as that of Akinlade.

    He appealed to his loyalists to cast their votes only for Buhari and Akinlade during the elections, saying he would not hide behind one finger concerning where he stands.

    Earlier, 26 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Governor Ibikunle Amosun announced their movement from the party to the Allied People’s Movement (APM), citing impunity within APC as reason for their defection.

    The defectors said they contested for the State House of Assembly primary conducted in the state last October 7 and declared winner the following day by the APC Committee responsible for the task but was shocked that their names were not listed as candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

  • Osinbajo, Yari meet in Aso Rock 

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met behind closed doors with the Zamfara State Governor, Abdullaziz Yari.

    The meeting started around 2.04pm when Yari arrived the Vice President’s office.

    Read Also:Osinbajo, Gowon see brighter future for Nigeria

    Apart from controversies that trailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Zamfara State, the state has also been saddled with security challenges.

    After one hour, two other APC governors joined the meeting.

    Those who joined the meeting around 3.05pm included Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.

    The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed also attended the meeting.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • ‘Stop causing ripples in Ondo APC’

    The Chairman of the Elders Caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Senator Nimbe Farukanmi, has warned that the former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and his group could be sanctioned, if they insist on seeming anti party activities.

    He regretted that an elder like Olanusi could allegedly assemble aggrieved members of the party to propagate falsehood because he could not have his way with the State Governor  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

    Farukanmi said the recent call by the Olanusi-led group was a wicked device to further cause disaffection and damage to the party.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that Olanusi and his group decided to revert to fanning the embers of disunity with outright lies and call for dissolution of state executive of the party at a time reconciliation was on the front burner.

    Read Also: We stand for participatory democracy, says APC

    “You will recall that most of the people in that group did not work for the APC during the last governorship election, yet the party won. It is therefore funny to hear them saying they control over 80 percent of the party strength in Ondo State.”

    The second republic lawmaker advised the estranged group to retrace their steps and make good use of the opportunity avail by the reconciliation committee set up by the National Working Committee of the party to air what ever grievances they night have against the party.

    He affirmed the confidence of the Ondo APC in the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Executive Committee led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Farukanmi said the elders  strongly have an unwavering confidence in the Adetimehin-led State Executive Committee which a recent court judgement also attested to, in piloting the affairs of the party in the next four year.

  • Fasehun left behind fine legacies — Tinubu

    The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Saturday described the late Dr Fredrick Fasehun as a renowned pro-democracy and good governance activist who left behind fine legacies.

    Fasehun, also  an active member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), died at about 1 am on Saturday, at the intensive care unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH).

    He was 83 years old.

    In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman in Lagos, Tinubu said that Fasehun was a committed democrat, tested political player and Yoruba nationalist.

    He  charged the Fasehun family and other associates of the late leader not to allow his fine legacies to die.

    ”Dr Fasehun was a renowned pro-democracy and good governance activist, committed democrat, tested political player and Yoruba nationalist.

    ” I say all of that because I knew him well. We related very closely.

    ”He was known for his Yoruba nationalistic fervor. Like an Afenifere chieftain that he was, he fought stridently for the Yoruba cause.

    ” He canvassed true federalism and political restructuring. He fought as well for the cause of the Nigerian nation.

    ”The good thing about Baba is there was never a time that he sat on the fence,” he said.

    Tinubu said that though the late Fasehun was a trained medical doctor, he was very active politically.

    Read Also: Ambode is a true leader, politician – Fasehun

    ”He founded the Oodua Peoples Congress to actualise June 12 but espoused non-violence.

    ”Nonetheless, he remained a thorn in the flesh of the military. It was therefore no surprise that Dr Fasehun was imprisoned for 19 months from December 1996 to June 1998 by the Gen. Sani Abacha regime, ”Tinubu said.

    The APC Leader said that late Fasehun participated actively in politics when democracy fully returned to the country.

    ” From being an Alliance for Democracy sympathiser in 1999 to 2003, he moved to the front stage.

    ”Perhaps, one of his last political acts was an attempt at reviving the Unity Party of Nigeria formed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, by giving the same name to the party he later formed.

    ‘There was also something remarkable about Baba: his love for Lagos. Though born in Ondo in Ondo State, he spent the most part of his life in Lagos.

    ”It was here that he situated his medical hospital, the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre, and his hotel business – the Century Hotel,” he said.

    Tinubu said that Fasehun would be greatly missed.

    ”He was an extremely humble and modest man. I will miss him dearly. The Southwest, particularly Lagos and Ondo states, will miss him. Nigeria will miss him also.

    ”I commiserate with the government and people of Ondo State. My sympathy and condolences particularly go to the Fasehun family at this moment.

    ” I hope and pray that God Almighty imbue them with the courage and strength to carry on.

    ” I enjoin them to continue with the fine legacies left behind by Baba. May Almighty grant Baba eternal rest,” Tinubu said.

    NAN

  • 2019: Akeredolu should unite APC stakeholders for victory

    Ahead of 2019 election,a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to summon a meeting with leaders of various factional groups within the ruling party to mend fences.

    The group consist of members of the 2016 Aketi gubernatorial campaign team chaired by the former Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (OSOPADEC) Chief Adewale Omojuwa.

    At a meeting held in Oba-ile, Akure North local government,the group also called on the governor to warn members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)in the state against attacking innocent people at any event.

    The politicians decried the alleged disruption of the proceedings at the State Assembly recently where many people including journalists were allegedly injured by NURTW members.

    It expressed displeasure over  the use of thugs and external militia to cause pandemonium during political party programmes such as congress and stakeholders meetings.

    In a communique jointly signed by Omojuwa and General Secretary, Teniola Oladele, the group expressed the need for Akeredolu to devise a means of bringing all aggrieved groups in the party together as one united and indivisible political family.

    Read Also: I’ll tackle Akure airport challenges –Akeredolu

    On the post-primary crisis in the state, it  advised the governor to direct APC State Working Committee(SWC) to refund money paid for nomination of forms by the councillor and chairmanship aspirants since the candidates had been picked.

    ” We implore the SWC to ensure refund of various sums of money to members who were deprived from participating in the party primaries,such as N 200,000 for House of Assembly aspirants and N 300,000 for Representatives.

    “We also plead with the governor to consider and approve a meeting of all state leaders and various interest groups with him to iron out all differences and contentious issues ahead of February 2019 election with a view to ensure remarkable success at the polls” the communique stressed.

    It expressed unflinching support for President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flag bearer,and the National Working Committee(NWC) led by Adams Oshiomhole.

  • Professionals declare for Abiodun, vow to ensure his victory

    Young professionals drawn from diverse backgrounds across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State have bonded together with a mandate to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, in 2019.

    The group said they are out to propagate the ideals and vision of Prince Dr Abiodun so that Ogun state citizens and residents would be driven by informed judgment to vote for him.

    The independent and self – funding group called Dapo Abiodun Alliance Group (DAAG), and which launched their activities on Friday night at the Green Legacy Resort, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), added that they would engage in door – to – door vote canvassing for the APC gubernatorial candidate.

    Akogun Lanre Afred who addressed the gathering on behalf of the group during the launch, said it is the group’s belief that Abiodun’s entrepreneurial successes and strong commitment to good governance, fairness and prosperity for all, made him a very well-rounded candidate for the office of governor.

    He added that the APC gubernatorial candidate would run an all-inclusive government, unite members of the party and deliver quality governance to the people when he becomes the governor in 2019.

    “We are a self-funded, not-for-profit group whose only interest is to make the people of Ogun State know that if they want a governor that has the character, competence, local and international connections and vision to take the state forward, unify party members after the factious party primary and lead selflessly; a man that has their interests at heart, Dr Dapo Abiodun is the man.

    Read Also: APC UK backs Dapo Abiodun

    “For us to have come together to form this group underscores the unanimity of our belief that Dr Abiodun’s entrepreneurial successes and strong commitment to good governance, fairness and prosperity for all make him a very well-rounded candidate for the office of governor.

    “It is for these reasons that our group, the DAAG, undertakes to galvanize and mobilize human and material resources for him across the length and breadth of the state to achieve success in 2019.

    “We are not oblivious of the fact that the task before us is arduous considering the political atmosphere in the state.

    “However, we firmly believe that it is a surmountable challenge that requires the collective efforts of people of good conscience whose love and passion for a more prosperous Ogun State is not in doubt.

    “We are young successful professionals united by a shared reverence for the inspirational leadership of Dr Abiodun and feel that none of the other contenders can tie his shoelace in a free and fair contest.

    “We also feel that the indigenes would be doing themselves a world of good by voting for the APC in the general election.

    “The electorate needs to know the good fortune that is in stock for them with an Ogun State led by one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen.”

     

  • ‘Buhari will enhance democratic governance, if re-elected’

    Alhaji Muazu Bawa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger, says President Muhammadu Buhari will enhance democratic governance in the country, if re-elect in 2019.

    Bawa told the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Thursday that Buhari remained the only credible choice among the array of presidential candidates vying in 2019 and hoping to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

    He also called on members of the party to put behind, their bitterness arising from the party primaries, in order to strengthen the party capacity to win the forthcoming elections.

    The chieftain said Buhari had demonstrated political commitment in executing meaningful projects that had improved the lot of the people.

    “ Nigerian electorate should vote for continuity in order to consolidate on ongoing changes in the country that will further set the nation on the path of progress.”

    “We have since embarked on aggressive sensitisation of people  on the laudable achievements recorded by President Buhari administration in the last three and half years,”he said.

    Mu’azu also commended Buhari for ensuring prompt release of funds for the procurement of heavy duty equipment for Baro Port.

    Read Also: Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    He said that the decision of Federal Government to link Minna and Abuja with rail from Baro Port would boost socio-economic and political development in the country.

    “ Baro port project is one of the best that has happened to the people of Niger as over 2 million residents will be gainfully employed. ”

    Muazu, a former Commissioner of Finance in the state expressed optimism that the President would be re-elected to continue with the laudable projects he initiated.

    “ President Buhari has proved beyond reasonable doubt to be honest, sincere and committed to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, irrespective of political, tribal and ethnic differences.

    Bawa called on politicians to play responsible politics and shun all kinds of political violence and thuggery for peace, progress and political growth of the state in particular and the country at large.

    “What the country needs at this material time is a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth implementation of electoral processes.”

    “ Our politicians, especially those seeking elective positions, must do more in promoting political tolerance and understanding for us to achieve transparent elections in 2018.”

  • 2019: ‘Atiku can’t dare Buhari in presidential debate’

    … debate should be issue based.

    A Non-governmental organization, Known as “Door to Door Campaign for Buhari/Ganduje 2019” on Tuesday in Kano urged President Muhammadu Buhari to respect the open invitation by honoring the presidential debate against the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alh. Atiku Abubakar, coming up 19th January 2019, organized by Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON).

    The National Chairman of the campaign organization Engr. Atiku Ahmad Dongurawa, who spoke to reporters, said that president Buhari’s credential speaks volume of his laudable achievements in many areas of human endeavors, to stand any public debate with opposition parties.

    Engr. Ahmad who is also a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) said the president’s tremendous accomplishments in the diversification of economy, agriculture, security, infrastructural development, power generation and the most celebrated war against corruption in Nigeria stood tall and above the 16 years records of PDP’s administration, adding that there was no basis for comparism between Buhari and Atiku.

    According to him, “There is no reason why president Buhari should shy away from the presidential debate looking at the period when the government came to power, there are so many projects and programs that were executed by this government, even the Nigerian citizens, will bear witness. Also there is no justification that will hinder president Buhari coming out for the debate, because the president has many things to tell Nigerians that will convince the electorate to re-elect this government back to power”.

    Read Also: 2019: Between Buhari and Atiku

    Engr. Ahmad explained that the campaign organization was established to promote the good works of APC governments at all levels and use same to educate, enlightening and mobilize the public towards renewing the APC mandates come 2019 general elections.

    “This organization wants to stress the needs for the upcoming campaigns to be issued based. Our strategies from the National, state, zonal to ward and polling unit levels, is about developing innovative and substantive modalities that will help the party in winning a free and fair election.

    Commenting on the state of the nation, “We hail president Buhari and his vice effort towards a prudent and responsible management of the nation’s resources and security.

    He further said that the ongoing infrastructural transformation in Kano, spearheaded by the APC administration under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deserves commendation and urged Kano state citizens to return come 2019 for consolidation of its huge achievements. He appealed to the electorates to ensure that president Buhari and Ganduje get another mandate through peaceful campaign.

  • APC Elders to Olanusi’s group: Retrace your steps

    The Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state on Tuesday criticized  the group led by former deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi calling for the dissolution of the State Executive Committee.

    They expressed their support to the State exco led by Ade Adetimehin,stressing that the action of Olanusi’s group amounted to anti-party activities, which should be sanctioned.

    The party elders noted that there was only one party executive led by Adetimehin, as recently affirmed by the court and only one Elders Caucus under the Chairmanship of Senator Nimbe Farukanmi

    In a statement, the group said “We observe that Olanusi, Kekemeke and their group never believed in the APC, and did not work for the party during the last governorship election in Ondo State. We wonder how could they claim to control over 80 percent of the APC strength in the State?

    “Olanusi is aggrieved because Akeredolu refused to part with more money having paid to him the sum of N147m as his entitlements in line with a court judgement,his group neither believes in the party nor attend meetings in their respective wards and local governments

    “Since inception of APC in Ondo State, Senator Farukanmi has been elected the Chairman of the Elders Caucus, in line with the Constitution of the party, as against the strange concerned elders forum.

    Read Also: APC members free to seek legal redress, says Buhari

    “We advise the group to retrace their steps and return to the party , so we can work together and ensure victory for our dear party during the forthcoming  elections

    “We, as APC elders are fully prepared to support the party and Akeredolu to deliver Ondo State for the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of our party in the 2019 general elections”.

    The Elders Caucus reiterated that Ondo State has always been a progressive State, stressing that would maintain to maintain that culture.

    At the meeting were Farukanmi, Senator Titus Pitan, Otunba Agboola Kelly, Dr. S.K Shaba, Dr. Ladi Tenabe, Prince Olu Adegboro, Chief (Mrs.) S. Adegbonmire Otunba Kanmi Koledoye, Prof. Ebenezer Akinnawo and Niran Akinsuyi among others.

  • APC, PDP boycott CP’s meeting with party heads in Bayelsa 

    …Police boss warns against thuggery, arms

     

     

    The Bayelsa State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were conspicuously absent Monday in a meeting between political parties in the state and the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan.

    The stakeholders’ meeting, which was held at the police officers’ mess, Yenagoa following the commencement of campaigns for 2019 general elections, had in attendance chairmen of other smaller parties.

    Mukan invited heads of all political parties in Bayelsa under the auspices of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to brainstorm on modalities and challenges to peaceful campaigns and free and fair elections in the state.

    But the state chairmen of PDP and the APC, Moses Cleopas and Jothan Amos, were missing in the attendance without persons to represent them.

    In their various contributions, some of the chairmen including the state Leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Edwin Tare, lamented the absence of the two major parties.

    Tare said it was unfortunate that leaders of the two parties were habitually absent in stakeholders’ meeting involving political parties during an election period.

    He said the deliberation would not achieve its purpose without the participation of the two major parties since according to him issues of violence and bearing arms primarily involved them.

    But Mukan said the absence of the two major political parties had nothing to do with the progress of the meeting adding that the outcome of the deliberation applied to all the parties in the state.

    He said all the parties were invited to the meeting but wondered why the PDP and the APC leaders neither attended the gathering nor sent representatives.

    He noted that any party that acted contrary to the electoral guidelines or breached security would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    He said: “We cannot hold a separate discussion with them. Everybody was invited but they didn’t send any representation that is why they are not here. Anybody who falls prey or err will be totally dealt with”.

    Reading the Riot Act, Mukan warned parties against bringing arms to their campaign grounds under any guise.

    Describing the police as an unbiased umpire, he said the force would ensure a level-playing field and security to all the parties.

    The police boss appealed to party leaders to mount pressure on parents to rein in their children, who would want to act as thugs to politicians during campaigns.

    Addressing them, he said: “You are the major players and we have to talk to ourselves and see how far we can go. You are all aware that the campaign has started. We have rules guiding every competition most especially our elections. The electoral laws are very clear. The INEC guidelines are there to guide us. Security agents are here to ensure a level-playing ground.

    “So, there is a need for us to come together and see how we will have a successful election in 2019.  We are assuring you of security for every participant. Our own is to ensure that there is security for you. Feel free and exercise your franchise. A lot of activities are involved in campaigns.

    “What you have to do is to inform us within 72 hours when you are going for your campaigns or avail us with the timetable if your itinerary to make it easier for us. This is to stop thugs from hijacking your rallies. We are unbiased umpire.

    “Help us appeal to the parents and guidance of the boys who usually hijack the campaigns. They should counsel their children because the law will not spare anybody. The law will be harsh on anybody who breaches electoral process. We will enforce it.

    “During your campaign, we don’t want to see anybody carrying any arms to any rallies. On no account should you bring arms because if that is done you know the repercussion. So, warn your members and take this message back to them”.