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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Why I want to be Zamfara Governor – Aminu Sani-Jaji

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Intelligence and Security, Aminu Sani-Jaji (APC, Zamfara), on Thursday said he joined the 2019 governorship race to “clear the mess of previous administrations and reform Zamfara.”

    The lawmaker who represents Kaura-Namoda/Birnin-Magaji of Zamfara State in the Green Chamber made the statement  in Abuja after obtaining the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination form.

    He also opposed any supposed zoning arrangement being proposed by a section of party stakeholders in the state.

    According to him, it was an “imposition” and an “illegality.”

    He said: “I am not in agreement with imposition. I am not in agreement with illegality, because when we were in our stakeholders’ meeting in Zamfara State on Wednesday  I said it before everybody that I had shopped the money for my nomination forms; therefore, what you are trying to do is illegal and I am not a party to it.

    Read Also: NAF hits more bandit camps in Zamfara

    The nomination form, he said, is a step towards making Zamfara greater and launching her along the path of reforms, especially with regard to education, security and social infrastructure.

    “This form is going to reform Zamfara State and clear all the mess done by the previous administrations. It is going to change our educational system, insecurity and state of our social infrastructure.

    He said he was poised to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s ambition in 2019 and joining the governorship race has proved his political detractors and enemies of democracy wrong

    “Before I got this form, they tried to make sure the Secretariat did not sell this form to me because they know that I am part of those that are praying that President Muhammadu Buhari returns in 2019.”

     

  • APC chieftain faults Wike on choice of governorship candidate

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has faulted the destructive criticisms by Governor Nyesom Wike of the endorsement of Pastor Tonye Cole as the governorship candidate of APC in Rivers.

    Eze, on Thursday in Port Harcourt, described as most unfortunate, satanic, diabolical, malicious, devious, sad and unacceptable, the remarks of Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Rivers governor, while speaking with reporters in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said: “For the APC to even think of bringing up anybody against me in this state to challenge whether I have done something or not, then you know that something is fundamentally wrong.

    “What has the Federal Government done for the APC in Rivers State? What has Rivers APC achieved? Mention one thing. Is it in terms of the roads, the airport or seaports?”

    The APC chieftain, however, maintained the Wike was a disaster, as far as governance in Rivers state was concerned.

    Read Also: ‘Why riverine person will succeed Wike in 2019’

    He said: “This is a man who forced himself on the people of Rivers State through spilling the blood of hundreds of the people of Rivers State. This is a man who supervised the ceding of some oil wells that belong to Rivers State to Bayelsa State. This is a man who institutionalised insecurity as a way of governance.

    “This is a man who has governed Rivers State against the constitution, without making public the budgets of the state since 2015. This is a man who has refused to account for what he has used over N900 billion that accrued to the state for, since he assumed office these past three years.

    “Wike lacks the capacity to govern a sophisticated state like Rivers, as he has only succeeded in making the state a laughing stock among other states in Nigeria.

    “The only major achievements of the Wike’s administration, apart from inaugurating projects earlier completed by his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (now Transportation Minister), are to withdraw our students studying on scholarship outside the country and decimated all the educational and agricultural facilities set up by the government of Amaechi.”

    Eze also stated that Rivers APC needed not to campaign vigorously this time round, based on Wike’s maladministration, thereby turning himself into the chief campaigner of the main opposition party (APC).

    He said: “Let me, as Wike’s good friend and brother, counsel him to concentrate more on his hand-over note, as the coming of Pastor Tonye Cole to rescue Rivers State from his maladministration is not only divine, but timely.

    “Cole, a renowned Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), coming at this point is answer to the prayers of various churches and groups in Rivers State, that a child of God will govern Rivers State in 2019.”

    The APC chieftain also described as untrue, Wike’s allegation that Amaechi failed Rivers people by refusing to attract development projects to the Niger Delta state.

    Eze revealed that Rivers governor denied the Federal Government land to enable it to construct an Industrial Park that would revolutionise the state, just to spite Amaechi, making the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to buy 10,000 acres of land for the project in Rivers.

  • Defection: We are discussing with APC govs, lawmakers – PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Wednesday confirmed  media reports indicating that five of the party’s governors have been holding discussions with some governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    A statement by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan however said the discussions were geared towards poaching some targeted APC governors and federal lawmakers for the PDP.

    Read Also:PDP chieftain decries Buhari’s refusal to sign PIB

    According to Ologbondiyan, the PDP had already six APC governors and 27 APC federal legislators with the view to defecting to the PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    He added that the affected governors and lawmakers were already consulting their various constituencies with the view to securing their mandates for their defection.

    The statement said, “The PDP verifies that discussions on control of party structures in the affected states and senatorial zones have also reached advanced stage and would be completed in a couple of weeks after which the governors and lawmakers will announce their defection to the PDP.

    “However, in line with decisions reached at the discussions, the members of the National Assembly decamping to the PDP will cross-carpet at the reconvening of session in the two chambers, which will increase the PDP majority in both chambers.

    “The party assures that all grey areas of the  agreement, including issues of waivers and accommodation for participation in primaries, are being smoothened out by the former Governor Liyel Imoke-led PDP Contact and Integration Committee, which has been galvanizing our alliances among stakeholders across other parties, including those from the APC.

    “The PDP also commends the spirit of tolerance, dialogue, accommodation and oneness of purpose that pervade the alliance among members”.

    The PDP expressed its determination to reclaim control of power at the centre, as well as states like Plateau, Niger, Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Imo, Edo as well as southwest states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos states.

    The party charged all members and supporters to remain steadfast and be wary of what it described as the gimmicks of the APC, which it said, has resorted to sponsoring spurious publications filled with deceptions, fabrications and lies against the PDP

    “The PDP also commends Nigerians across board for their overwhelming support and solidarity with the repositioned PDP as expressed in the unprecedented interest in our tickets for various elective positions, particularly the presidency, governorship and National Assembly positions, in addition to spirited public discourse at all levels of political engagements across our country.

    “These interests and movements from the APC to the PDP are indicators of the consensus by Nigerians to rally on the platform of the PDP to end the economic hardship, bloodletting, violence and infrastructural decay that have become the hallmark of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, and return our nation to the path of unity, national cohesion and economic prosperity, which the PDP is known for”, the statement added.

  • Saraki’s Presidential aspiration a huge joke – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Wednesday that Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki lacked the capacity to become the President of Nigeria, describing his aspirations as a huge joke.

    The party challenged the Senate President to showcase his achievement in his eight years in office as governor of Kwara State that qualifies him for the office of the President, pointing out that a presidential candidate aspirant who is promising to create jobs and infrastructures should have evidence of his past achievement in that area.

    Read Also:Saraki heads 85-member PDP’s Osun campaign council

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that as Senate President, Saraki used the position to superintend over budget padding, sabotage the executive by frustrating confirmation of presidential nominees among others.

    The statement reads: “At last, the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has declared his intention to run for the Presidency of Nigeria. While the All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomes him to the race as it is his right to do so as a Nigerian Citizen, there are however many issues that border on his integrity, antecedents, competence and capability to preside over the affairs of the country.

    “Meanwhile, we are not unaware of reports that Saraki’s presidential declaration is his tactic to deflect attention from the deluge of issues he deals with particularly ahead of the 2019 General Elections i.e. pressure to reconvene the National Assembly, a fast shifting political order in Kwara State, among others.

    “Saraki in his declaration speech stated among others:
    •       I have decided to heed the call of teeming youths who have asked me to run for the Presidency.
    •       I have what it takes to secure inclusive growth for Nigeria.
    •       I will address our infrastructural deficiency through aggressive financial initiatives.
    •       Our fight against corruption will be on deterrence.
    •       I offer leadership driven by empathy.

    “On these few points, we are mindful of the popular axiom: “By their fruits, we shall know them”. By virtue of Saraki’s antecedents, he is an abysmal failure and is totally incompetent to offer himself as a candidate for leadership of Nigeria.

    “As Kwara State Governor, was his Shonga Agricultural Programme not a white elephant project in which hundreds of millions of State funds was sunk into? “The infrastructure, particularly roads network in Kwara State in which the present administration remains under his tight grip and political machinations long after leaving office, remains deplorable while state resources is mismanaged through corrupt enrichment.

    “A Presidential aspirant, who promises to create jobs and turn around the economy at the national level, must have done so in a state he served as Governor for eight years. We challenge Saraki to give the nation his scorecard as a Kwara State.

    “As Senate President, how Saraki used the position to superintend over budget padding, sabotage of the executive by frustrating confirmation of presidential nominees, stalling legislative approvals for election budgets and his recent shadow boxing on the Electoral Act, among other treacherous actions against the APC (which he was then a member) in pursuit of his selfish political interests has been well reported.

    “Was Saraki’s Senate Presidency not a journey of shame and disgrace? – moving from one Court or Tribunal to another over charges of forgery of Senate Rules, false declaration of assets, and being linked with armed robbers who brutally killed and maimed innocent residents in Offa recently.

    “Saraki says he is heeding the call of Nigerian youths to contest the Presidency. We are not aware of any meeting of Nigerian youths held during which they decided that. For the record, the #NotTooYoungToRun group berated Saraki for selfishly using their forum to make his presidential declaration.

    “We are not surprised by Saraki’s selfish actions as it has come to define his politics and persona. Saraki says he will offer leadership driven by empathy. Coming from an incredibly selfish and self-opinionated politician this is indeed an irony.

    “Saraki’s Presidential aspiration is a huge joke and should not be taken seriously. He has repeatedly displayed his character as extremely selfish, deceitful, untrustworthy and unreliable. His only goal is to get to the top, stay at the top, ruin or wreck whatever he finds there or in the event of failure, collapse the system or process.

    “Nigerians have had enough of Dr. Bukola Saraki’s retrogressive and disruptive style of politics and deserve no more.”

  • EFCC recovers N106.5b, others in eight months

    Magu: Anti-graft war not selective

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered N106.5billion between January and last month, its Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu said on Wednesday.

    It also recovered $1,635,925.81 (about N591,419,898.83), £629,193.65 (about N294,717,451.63) and €25,575 (about N10,743,798.05) within the period.

    Magu, who met with editors at the commission’s Ikoyi, Lagos office, denied that the anti-graft war is targeted at the opposition members.

    He said despite “distractions and irritations by the corrupt,” the commission has secured 158 convictions this year, including two former governors who were jailed for 14 years each.

    “At this rate, I am confident that we will surpass the record of 189 convictions achieved in 2017,” Magu said.

    The commission has been accused of going after only those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while ignoring corruption allegations against members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Read Also: Group threatens to sue EFCC over alleged coverup of case

    But, Magu insisted that EFCC is apolitical and only goes after those who break the law.

    To him, those accusing the commission of political persecution were shedding crocodile tears.

    Magu said: “It will be naïve for anyone to expect the fight against corruption to be smooth; you should expect resistance, which is expressed in various guises.

    “With the general election fast approaching, the resistance has assumed even frightening dimensions with political motives imputed to most of our activities.”

    Magu said it had become fashionable for anyone being investigated for corruption to scream political persecution, with corrupt state officials pleading immunity not ascribed to them by the Constitution.

    According to him, some governors have extended the frontiers of their constitutional immunity by claiming that anti-corruption agencies cannot investigate them.

    “Sadly, some of our friends in the media help amplify these narratives and thereby divert attention from the real issues. The times we are in call for vigilance, especially by the media as the watchdog of society.

    “As I have stated in various fora, the EFCC is apolitical and will not knock on your door if you have not violated the law,” Magu said.

    He added that the media owes Nigerians a duty no to allow the corrupt to deploy their ill-gotten riches to corner the machinery of government.

    “The media should not lend their platforms to helping the cause of the corrupt that are shedding crocodile tears.

    “We must do what is right for our country, which is ensuring that those who steal our common patrimony are brought to justice,” Magu said.

    The corruption fighter said the commission would not rest on its oars despite successes recorded under his leadership in prosecution of persons for corruption and in asset recovery.

    “We believe there is still a lot to be done, which is the reason we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders, including the media.

    “We do not pretend to have a monopoly of knowledge on how to win the war against corruption. The anti-corruption campaign requires a concerted effort.

    “I enjoin members of the public, including the media, to be part of this effort by reporting cases of corruption to the EFCC,” Magu said.

  • 2019: Plateau APC adopts indirect primaries

    The Plateau chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted the indirect method of primaries in choosing its candidates for elective positions in the 2019 elections.

    The party unanimously adopted the position at an expanded stakeholders meeting on Wednesday in Jos.

    Mr Johnclerk Dabwan, former Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, moved the motion for the adoption of the indirect primaries and was seconded by Mr Azi Pate, the party chairman in Jos East Local Government.

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the party had given the state chapters the privilege of deciding how to arrive at its candidates.

    Among the options are direct and indirect primaries, as well as consensual agreement.

    Dabwan, while arguing for indirect primaries, cited security challenge in the state as his major reason.

    Read Also: 93, 788 PVCs uncollected in Plateau – INEC

    “Having gone through the provisions of our party’s constitution and the resolution of its National Executive Council where it suggested direct, indirect or consensus method in conducting our primaries, I want to move that Plateau should adopt indirect primaries.

    “The security challenges currently bedeviling us will make direct primaries very difficult and cumbersome,” he said.

    The news men report that stakeholders at the meeting, through a voice vote, adopted the motion after Mr Latep Dabang, the state party chairman, put the question to vote.

    Among senior party members at the meeting was Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Governor, his immediate predecessor, Ignatius Longjan, as well as former and serving lawmakers in the state.

  • PDP moves to avert Shekarau’s defection

    The national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.

    The party had, on Friday, dissolved the executive committee of the Kano chapter and set up a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the chapter.

    Read Also:Crisis rocks PDP over ‘automatic tickets’ for lawmakers

    The action was perceived as tilting the balance in favour of immediate past governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso who in July, dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP.

    Apparently piqued by the action of the party’s leadership, another former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau had threatened to defect from the PDP, as the party structure in the state was removed from his loyalists.

    However, in a deft move to avert Shekarau’s defection, the PDP Tuesday quickly reversed some of its decisions concerning the chapter.

    Shekarau and Kwankwaso are both presidential aspirants of the PDP.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said it’s open to opinions and suggestions from stakeholders in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state, “so as to ensure good governance to the people of the state”.

    The statement said, “The National Working Committee (NWC) assures that no stone will be left unturned in the overall quest to bring good governance to Kano state, while putting in place machinery to hedge the infiltration of fifth columnists into the party’s fold in the state.

    “The party leadership further assures of its preparedness to engage with all stakeholders in Kano provided all matters in court against the party are withdrawn, as all members work together to build a united PDP that can confront and send out incompetent and insensitive people in governance in Kano state and Nigeria at large.

    “Furthermore, the NWC urges all stakeholders to always emulate our members in Benue state in the way and manner they united to resolve all issues concerning party structures of their state”.

  • Nigeria no longer working under APC – Atiku

    …seeks Ekiti PDP support ahead of primaries

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of power, accusing the ruling party of failing in fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.

    Atiku alleged that Nigerian has retrogressed under the APC watch adding that nothing is working again in the country.

    He promised that he will get the country working again if he emerges as the next President.

    Read Also:Atiku: why PDP didn’t snatch Lagos from Tinubu

    According to him, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led has failed in its cardinal objectives of reviving the economy, ensuring security of lives and property and anti-corruption crusade.

    The former Vice President spoke on Tuesday at the new Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where he canvassed the support of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) delegates ahead of the presidential primary.

    Ekiti PDP delegates were led by Governor Ayo Fayose to receive Atiku who was accompanied by the Director General of his campaign organization, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, among others.

    The presidential aspirant urged the Nigerian electorate to entrust the PDP with their votes claiming that the umbrella party, which ruled for 16 years, managed Nigeria better than the APC

    Atiku said: “Today, the nation’s security system has collapsed and Nigerians are yearning for PDP to return and set things straight.

    “In spite of APC’ promises to get us massive employment, 12 million of our youths are unemployed now. They promised to fight corruption but according to international rating, Nigeria is now more corrupt than ever.

    “They promised us peace but today the security challenge has been the worst in my lifetime, they promised unity but today we are more divided than ever because they lack respect for rule of law and our constitution and are only protecting the interest of a few.

    “I assure you, we are going to get Nigeria working again the nation hasn’t been working since APC took over government.

    “This is not the government that we should allow to be here, therefore, my fellow brothers and sisters, I have come to appeal to you to support me and compare with the other contestants in terms of my capacity and integrity.

    “I have challenged anyone that if you have any evidence against Atiku on corruption you should come forward but nobody has done that. I urge you to compare all these attributes.

    “Give us the opportunity to develop our resources and our people so that we can achieve better development for our people.”

    Fayose said the major objective of the PDP is to chase Buhari and APC away from power urging all party members to be united to realize the objective.

    He said: “I want to assure that on behalf of Ekiti that this journey will not come to sorrow for you. Our prayer is that this will not be an effort in futility.

    “For Ekiti, we will speak in one voice; we believe that the only solution is PDP now, and that we must win. Today, we are being oppressed.

    “We need power more than personal interest; we have to operate a PDP that can win election. This journey will bring joy peace to your hearts.

    “If we must win, we must go to the poll united, we should not discriminate against anyone by saying someone has just come.

    “Our focus is to chase Buhari away. And we must work assiduously towards that. And I believe he will leave.”

    Ekiti PDP Chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase, said: “Buhari is not behaving like somebody who can bring the desired growth and development that Nigeria yearns for. God’s hand writing is clear that Atiku will be the next Nigeria President.”

  • 2019: SDP promises free, fair primaries in Benue

    The Social Democratic Party ( SDP ) in Benue on Tuesday promised to organise free and fair primaries for all its aspirants, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The state chairman of the party, Engr. John Enemari, gave the assurance in an interview with News men in Makurdi.

    He said that the party was ready for the forthcoming general elections and would reclaim government in the state.

    The news recall that the SDP had earlier ruled Benue for 18 months between 1992 and 1993, by Late Rev Fr. Moses Adasu.

    Enemari said that the party was banking on its earlier achievements in the state ahead of the 2019 elections.

    He stated that the 18-month administration of SDP during the third republic remained the best ever, since the creation of the state.

    He described SDP as the “beautiful bride” of Benue politics, adding that it would record overwhelming victory in the 2019 polls.

    Read Also: Go for political offices, SDP urges youths

    “SDP had ruled Benue state between 1992 and 1993 before the regime was truncated on the 4th November 1993.

    “Within this period, Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu-led administration was able to carry out landmark projects.

    “Within 18 months, Adasu established Benue State University, Makurdi, and College of Education Oju, built JS Tarka Foundation and relocated College of Education Katsina-Ala to its permanent site among others.

    “So we are banking on these pervious achievements, coupled with our resolve to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants seeking nominations on our platform.

    “We are now the beautiful bride of Benue politics; everybody wants to identify with us. That are why you will see that we have the highest number of aspirants seeking nominations in the state.

    He noted that the party had received remarkable membership boost in the state following the ongoing internal crisis in People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • 2019: Coalition backs Odoh, ex-Ebonyi SSG for Governor Election

    A coalition of 10 registered political parties in Ebonyi has endorsed Prof. Bernard Odoh, former Secretary to State Government (SSG) to contest for 2019 governorship election in the state.

    The coalition disclosed this in a 10-point communique read by its state Coordinator, Mr Cletus Ukpabi in Abakaliki on Monday.

    Odoh is among the major contenders for the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) for the 2019 governorship election in the state.

    The News men recall that the former SSG, who was appointed by Gov. Dave Umahi on May 29, 2015, resigned his appointment on April 2.

    The group said that its support for Odoh’s emergence as the flag bearer of the APC in the Ebonyi governorship election was predicated on its conviction that he was most qualified among the other aspirants.

    The group said that Odoh‘s political support base spread across a broad spectrum of the electorate, including the academia , youths, artisans, civil servants, pensioners and market women.

    The coalition urged APC to consider the former Nnamdi Azikiwe University lecturer, whom it said possessed the needed intellectual, political and adminon the APC governorship ticket.

    The group said that the political parties in the coalition were aligning with APC to produce the next governor of the state stressing that it had endorsed Odoh as its sole candidate in the election.

    It said the decision to endorse Odoh was reached after the executives and members of the political parties in the alliance voted unanimously to back him for the governorship race as their preferred candidate.

    Read Also: Ebonyi SSG, Prof Odoh resigns

    The group said: “That party executives and members of the coalition, after an exhaustive meeting, resolved to endorse Odoh as our sole candidate and recommend him for APC to consider as its gubernatorial candidate.

    “That a discreet opinion poll conducted on all other aspirants from the various political parties revealed that Odoh has more support base and general acceptability.

    “That based on the general acceptability of Odoh’s candidature by a broad spectrum of the electorate, we have resolved to endorse him as our choice candidate and urge his party to equally endorse him as a preferred choice

    “That coalition of political parties in Ebonyi will have political miscarriage if APC denies Odoh the governorship ticket as their sole candidate for 2019 election.

    “That it is crystal clear from our observation that Odoh remains the most generally acceptable, credible, result-oriented and most qualified aspirant.

    “That we have accessed him as the only credible aspirant in APC that has the capacity to defeat the incumbent Gov. Umahi, in a free and fair election.”

    The group urged eligible voters who were yet to collect their voter cards to go and get them to qualify to vote in the 2019 general elections.

    The News men report that Odoh is from Ebonyi Central Senatorial District where the immediate past Gov. Martin Elechi hails from.

    Odoh will battle Dr Paul Okorie, a two-time commissioner in the state, Sen. Soni Ogbuoji, Dr Edward Nkwegu, and Austine Edeeze among others for the APC governorship ticket for the 2019 election.

    Political parties in the coalition are: African People’s Alliance (APA), Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), National Conscience Party (NCP), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), and Fresh Democratic Party (FDP).

    Other is; Democratic People’s Party (DPP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the United Democratic Party (UPP).