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Tag: All Progressives Congress

  • Aspirant calls for per-time legislature

    An aspirant for the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alimosho Constituency, Amuludun Gbenga Ahmed, has called for a part-time legislature to cut down the cost of governance in the country.

    Gbenga disclosed this in an interview with reporters at the launch of his campaign in Lagos. The event was witnessed by  friends, party faithful and party leaders.

    He said: “I am in support of part-time legislature and it will help to reduce the high cost of governance in Nigeria.”

    Has lamented that many people are vying for public office in Nigeria because of pecuniary gain and not because they want to serve in the best interest of the people.

    Ahmed said making legislative arm of government a part-time work like its was in the first republic will help to thrown up astute professionals and highly motivated people who want to give their best and skills to serve the country.

    “I believe that we will have fewer incidences of money bag politicians who have failed in their homes and businesses but are seeking for public office as another business investment opportunity”, he said.

    Amuudun noted that the current representative have done his best to serve the people of Alimosho Constituency 1, but I want to improve on the representation of Alimosho people at the House of Representatives with selfless service and innovation that is needed in today’s world.

    He said “Lagos is the most populated state and economy epic centre of Nigeria, Alimosho is the biggest local government in Nigeria; its deserve better representation at the National Assembly”,

    He noted that his grand strategy is active engagement through continuous enlightenment and respectful engagement with stakeholders in the constituency.

    “My goal will always be clear. My agenda will always be open. At any given point, constituents will always know what I am up to. In every sense of the world, I shall be a servant-represent. My duty is to be humble enough to know what my people want, and then proceed to work for its achievement by all means necessary within the ambit of law. My law constituents will always have the final word”, he said.

    He added “I will see myself as the representative of my people in Alimosho. I shall do my best to further acquire and understand All Material facts about governance and political issues. then It shall be my duty to explain it to my people at periodic town hall (Constituent)”.

    “My aim is to immediately register and set up a non-governmental organisation that will be devoted to exclusively provide and give practical assistance to constituents by creating social intervention programmes for constituent of Alimosho.

    Amuudun said my agenda is to provide additional education and primary health care information. at least one each in all wars in Alimosho and upgrading of existing ones sponsor bills for the creation of an additional federal constituent in Alimosho seeking for their delineation of Alimosho into more local governments to be in line with the average size of local government in the country.

     

  • Ochei: PDP can’t retain power in Delta

    DELTA State All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant Victor Ochei has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot retain power in the state.

    He spoke at Ughelli during an interactive session with the APC faithful in Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency.

    According to him, “no previous administration in the state has so depleted our commonwealth as this Okowa”s.

    Ochei said it is disheartening that the Okowa administration has inflicted unimaginable hardship on Deltans by scrapping some programmes as the Edu Marshall, Free Maternal Care,, Free Education and selling off Delta Line, the state transport company where over three thousand workers were rendered jobless.

    The aspirant urged party supporters to ensure that this form of governance boosted adding that the first step towards accompplishig the task is to choose him (Ochei) as the APC gubernatorial flagbearer in Delta State.

     

  • Why council chairmen are backing me, by Sanwo-Olu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State governorship aspirant, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday debunked the insinuation on social media that local government chairmen are backing him for their economic gains.

    Those spreading such falsehood, he said, are either bereft of the knowledge of Lagos politics or are only out for mischief.

    The local government chairmen, under the aegis of Conference 57, have expressed their support for Sanwo-Olu to be APC’s candidate.

    He said the Conference 57’s endorsement was borne out of its desire to take Lagos to a greater height.

    A statement by the Media Director of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Olusesan Daini, said it welcomed various endorsements and support with excitement.

    The statement said: “We are reading all sorts of lies, distortions of facts and some falsehood posts on social media aimed at disparaging our movement and our leader. But we have decided not to respond to them because most of the posts are without authors. Rather than dissipate energy on all that, we have concentrated work on mobilising our base and preparing everyone for the election.

    “Some party leaders who have openly identified with Mr. Sanwo-Olu include former minister and notable politicians, Mr. Ademola Seriki, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East Senatorial District), former House of Representatives member Monsuru Owolabi (Bertola) and several current House of Representatives members; a one-time Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, frontline politician Mr. Shakirudeen Sola Giwa, Cardinal Omolaja Odumbaku (Baba Eto) among others.

    “We expressed joy and excitement at the outpouring of love from Lagosians, particularly the torrent of endorsements from various political and socio-economic groups across the state and several Lagosians living in the Diaspora. It is a confirmation that the people of Lagos are fully in support of my aspiration to administer the state as governor.”

    Apart from Conference 57, which listed the sterling qualities of the aspirant and stood behind him from the beginning, many other political associations and groups have come out to declare their support for him ahead of the party primary elections.

    “We have received calls from hundreds of notable politicians from across Lagos State, declaring their love for the choice of Sanwo-Olu. Some have actually written us letters to pledge their support and to endorse our man. Just yesterday (Wednesday), the Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators in Lagos issued a statement to applaud the choice of Sanwo-Olu, whom many have described as a great administrator, a listening leader and a man of character.

  • Why council chairmen are backing me, by Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governorship aspirants of the  All Progressives Congress (APC) Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday debunked the insinuation on social media that the local governments chairmen are backing him for economic gain.

    Those spreading such falsehood, he said, are either bereft of knowledge of Lagos politics or are only out for mischief.

    The council chairmen under Conference 57 have backed for Sanwo-Olu to be the party’s candidate.

    He said the Conference 57’s endorsement is borne out of the group’s desire to take Lagos to a greater height.

    A statement by Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO) Media Director Olusesan Daini said it welcome various endorsements, support with excitement.

    He said: ‘’We are reading all sorts of lies, distortions of facts and some falsehood posts on social media aimed at disparaging our movement and our leader. But we have decided not to respond to them because most of the posts are without authors. Rather than dissipate energy on all that, we have concentrated work on mobilizing our base and preparing everyone for the election.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates campaign team

    “Some party leaders who have openly identified with Mr. Sanwo-Olu include former minister and notable politicians, Mr. Ademola Seriki, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East Senatorial District), former House of Representatives member Mr. Monsuru Owolabi (Bertola), and several current House of Representatives members; a One-time Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, frontline politician Mr. Shakirudeen Sola Giwa, Cardinal Omolaja Odumbaku (Baba Eto) among others.

    “We expressed joy and excitement at the outpouring of love from Lagosians, particularly the torrents of endorsements from various political and socio-economic groups across the state and several Lagosians living in the diaspora. It is a confirmation that the people of Lagos are fully in support of my aspiration to administer the state as governor.”

    Apart from Conference 57, which had identified the sterling qualities of Sanwo-Olu and had stood behind him from the beginning, many other political associations and groups have come out to declare their support for him ahead of the party primary elections.

    “We have received calls from hundreds of notable politicians from across Lagos State, declaring their love for the choice of Sanwo-Olu. Some have actually written us letters to pledge their support and to endorse our man. Just yesterday (Wednesday), the Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators in Lagos issued a statement to applaud the choice of Sanwo-Olu, whom many have described as a great administrator, a listening leader and a man of character. Some other endorsements for Mr. Sanwo-Olu include The Consolidation Group (TCG), with the entire Amuwo Odofin and Badagry chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as several notable individuals,” Daini said.

    On the revised time table for the primaries, Daini said although the BOSCO is ready for the election, adding that the three days shift will give the campaign committee an opportunity to further reach as many party members as possible.

    “We need thousands of our members to come out en-masse to vote for Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on September 29. We need to show that our strength as a political movement is in our numbers as we are working round the clock to ensure that we record a huge turnout of party faithful on the day of the primary election,’’ he said.

     

     

  • ‘Buhari’s victory dependent on Akpabio’s second term’

    The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), specifically that of President Muhammadu Buhari in Akwa Ibom state in the 2019 general election, is dependent on the reelection of Senator Godswill Akpabio into the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

    A chieftain of the APC, Uduak Okpo stated this on Thursday at Etim Ekpo local government area of the state during a mobilization campaign for Buhari and Senator Akpabio.

    According to him, the APC in the state would emerge stronger and more united if Akpabio wins election into the Senate next year, adding that the former senate minority leader’s victory at the polls will earn Buhari more votes in the state.

    Okpo said the dislodgement of the People’s Democratic Party government in Akwa Ibom was a task that needs to be accomplished.

    The one-time House of Representatives candidate for Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika federal constituency in 2007 and aspirant for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district in 2014, said the APC party primary election in 2014 but surrendered it for the interest of the party.

    He said, “We have a formidable party now in Akwa Ibom capable of winning election. Therefore, we have to align with the former senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and President Muhammadu Buhari and Hon Emmanuel Ekon for the federal House of Representatives. Let us unite to fight our common enemy and win Akwa Ibom for the APC”, he advised.

    Read Also: 2019: Group drums support for Buhari

    Okpo appreciated the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole for the option of direct primaries as a means to enfranchise all card carrying members of the party to participate in the primary election.

    He lamented that he was robbed of his victory in the past by the ruling PDP in the state and implored all members to shun divisive tendencies and embrace Akpabio despite all differences with APC when he was the governor of the state.

    Okpo, who is also the Akwa Ibom caucus member of the APC endorsed Precious Effiong as the aspirant for Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency in pursuance of 35 percent affirmative action for women by the APC and party members not to stop galvanizing around greedy politicians for favour as all members are delegates in the party primaries.

    He faulted the previous delegate primary election where a few members of a cabal took decision to nominate party flag bearers against the wish of party faithful.

     

  • Amaechi not responsible for Abe’s political woes – APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has insisted that the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is not responsible for the political woes of Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers Southeast).

    He described the remark by Abe, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)), that nobody could stop his 2019 governorship ambition as reckless, untoward, unfortunate and undemocratic.

    Eze noted that Abe’s unguarded statement had brought out the undemocratic nature of the senator, while insinuating that even the electorate or party members lacked the power to stop his governorship ambition.

    He said: “Abe, as a citizen of Nigeria, is well qualified to contest any electoral position in the country, but to go about it as if it is a do-or-die affair is what will make it impossible for such a dream to be realised through APC during the 2019 general elections.

    “Abe must stop blaming his mentor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the person behind his political woes, but rather blame himself for whatever he is currently going through in his political life.

    Read Also: Wike, Amaechi clash over 2019

    “it is a fact that Amaechi’s impact in the political life of Abe cannot be overemphasized, which made the Senator (Abe) to proudly and openly state that Amaechi had invested so much in my political career, making him to become the highest political investment of Amaechi in Nigeria.

    “It beats my imagination that Abe who knows what Amaechi has invested in him politically will  still constitute himself as a stumbling block to APC dislodging Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose tenure as the governor of Rivers State has become anathema and a curse to the state.”

    The APC chieftain also urged Abe to stop dropping the names of leaders of the party, including President Muhamnadu Buhari; the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; wife of the President, Aisha Buhari; and the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; as the people behind his candidature, just to deceive his followers.

    Eze cautioned his friend (Abe) against aligning himself with Wike and other external forces to divide and undermine the progressive vision and mission of APC in Rivers state, while urging him to retrace his steps.

  • APC shift Primaries to September 25

    The Presidential Primaries of the All Progressives Congress earlier scheduled for Thursday, 20th September will now take place on Tuesday, 25th September, the party has said.

    A statement signed by the National Organizing Secretary, Emma Ibediro also announced the shift in date of all other primary elections from the earlier date, with the governorship primary now scheduled to take place four day after the presidential primary on 29th September.

    Similarly, the senate and House of Representatives primary will now take place on 2nd and 3rd October, while the state houses of Assembly primary will now take place on 4th October.

    The National Convention of the party to affirm the party’s Presidential candidate is expected to hold on 6th October as earlier scheduled.

    Read Also: Buhari to Osun: vote APC to shut out corrupt leaders

    No explanation was offered for the shift in date of the primaries, but The Nation can report that screening of aspirants was yet to begin as at the time of this report as no committee has been inaugurated to handle the screening.

    Also, the party was yet to name Committee to conduct the primaries.

    It was gathered that the National Working Committee of the party was working round the clock to avoid major crisis after the conduct of party primaries.

    Most states of the Federation are sharply divided over the mode of primary to adopt for the conduct of party primaries with some stakeholders pushing for direct primaries, while others are insisting on the use of direct primaries.

  • Buhari to Osun: vote APC to shut out corrupt leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged Osun State residents to save the state from returning to the “dark days”.

    Leading top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a mega rally for the party’s candidate in Saturday’s governorship election, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, the President urged the residents to renew the party’s mandate in the state.

    He told the crowd that the APC leaders were in the state to celebrate the eventful eight years of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    He said: “We are here to thank Almighty God for the successful 8 years tenure of the APC Government in this state under the leadership of His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola, the Omoluabi of Yorubaland.

    “We are also here to pray to Almighty God to safeguard and consolidate on this through Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola.

    “You are fully aware of this great partnership story. Oyetola is a partner, a trusted advisor, a brother and a friend to Governor Aregbesola. They have seamlessly worked together for many years serving you.

    “By electing Oyetola as your Governor, you are guaranteeing the consolidation of these successes.

    Eight years after Governor Aregbesola took the mantle of leading the business of government in Osun, the state now has excellent infrastructure for primary and secondary schools. The school that I commissioned in 2016 is one of the best schools in Nigeria. But more work remains to be done. Oyetola is ready for work.

    “Osun State has empowerment programmes to support entrepreneurs. You had school construction and rehabilitation programmess to improve the quality of education. You had hygiene, sanitation and health care programs to improve the quality of life. You had security and outreach programs that enhanced peace and stability in your communities.”

    Cautioning the electorate of the consequences of allowing those who plundered the nation’s wealth back into the saddle, Buhari said: “Nigerians kicked the corrupt and selfish leaders out of the Federal Government in 2015. And by the grace of God, the voters will continue to keep them out of leadership positions until we permanently consign their corrupt governing style into the history books.

    “Nigeria must be free of corrupt and selfish leaders. The children of all Nigerians will get quality infrastructure, education, health care and job opportunities. This is why you must all come out and vote for APC on 22nd September 2018.

    “Osun must remain APC. Osun must continue on the path of progress. Osun must not allow the dark days to return.”

    Aregbesola said that voting  Oyetola on Saturday will be rewarding hardwork.

    The governor danced and sang to the admiration of the huge crowd at the Osogbo Township Stadium. At the rally were President Buhari, 13 governors, ministers and party leaders, including National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    Also there were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, and other party leaders.

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said they would return on Friday for the election.

    The governors include, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

    The leaders were cheered by thousands of enthusiastic party supporters, including traders, artisans, youths, various support groups, itinerary drummers, entertainers and students.

    On the band stand was Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall 1 (KWAM1).

    It took the intervention of soldiers to keep the surging crowd at bay when new segments stormed the stadium at the middle of the rally. Yet, several hundreds of supporters were unable to enter the stadium. Vehicular movements on the major roads leading to the stadium were restricted because of Mr President and the other dignitaries.

    El-Rufai said judging by the “incredible work done in very difficult circumstances” by Aregbesola in the last eight years, they decided to stay back in the state to support Oyetola’s election for the good work to continue in the next dispensation.

    He said: “We are very proud of the achievements of the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and we are confident that the good people of Osun State will come out en masse to vote for continuity on September 22, 2018. We are confident that the progress of the last eight years will be advanced by voting for APC. So, we will remain here to support the election of Gboyega Oyetola.”

    The governor also thanked Buhari for supporting the states in various ways to meet their obligations, particularly to workers and the very poor in the society. He prayed God to strengthen him to lead Nigeria to the next level.

    Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said he could testify to the great development of Osun State by Aregbesola’s administration.

    According to him, Osun has enjoyed “eminent progress” as the governor has demonstrated tremendous amount of love to his people in the last eight years. “He has committed so much to the radical transformation of the state, especially in education, infrastructural renewal and in helping the vulnerable in the society. You have done us proud. You will now pass on the baton to another competent, tested and trusted man, Oyetola.”

    The former Lagos State Governor was also grateful to Buhari for his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and progressives ideals. He said the President, for instance, gets worried about salaries and welfare of workers and Nigerians in general, adding that he never discriminates when making decisions.

    Tinubu also pointed out that the president has grown a very thick skin against criticisms. He was confident that the party would give Buhari the victory he desired on Saturday.

    Oshiomhole also poured encomiums on Aregbesola for transforming Osun State. He recalled that the last time he came to the state was when he came to lead a workers’ strike as labour leader.

    According to him, they were able to conveniently block the roads at the time because the roads were narrow. He pointed out that Aregbesola has dualised many of the roads and beautified Osogbo, besides taking giant strides in education, health and social welfare.

    His words: “Governor Aregbesola has made a huge progress in Osogbo and Osun State at large. Governance is not a joke. We need people such as Oyetola who are prepared for this job. Let’s vote for Oyetola so he can continue from where Aregbesola stops. President Buhari, I know your deep love for helping the very poor in the society. Aregbesola’s education policies have helped children of the poor to attend good schools with free meals. This is an example of a major social welfare that you have committed yourself to, Mr President.

    “We need people with competence, who know how to manage finances and generate ideas and resources. That’s where Oyetola stands out. He had succeeded in the private sector before joining public service.

    “Don’t vote for those who will turn Government House to disco house. In times like this, we need people who have passion for their state, people of character and vision. Oyetola is an embodiment of all of these. So, I’m convinced that the people of Osun State will support Oyetola. With the innovations Aregbesola’s administration has brought to this state, only a vote for Oyetola will continue it. May we never go back in life.”

    Earlier, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who is also the chairman of the campaign committee, thanked the leadership of the party for saddling members of the committee with the assignment. He also thanked the people of the state for the support given his committee. He assured all that Oyetola would win on Saturday as voters had been educated on the need to vote for continuity.

    The outgoing governor said his looks always confirmed that he had been working hard since he took over the governance of the state eight years ago.

    “We have changed the face of Osun State. That is why we are sure of remaining in governance through Oyetola’s election. We shall surely sing songs of victory after the election,” Aregbesola said.

    The stadium erupted in jubilation when the vehicles conveying Buhari and Aregbesola arrived the stadium at 2:25 pm. The President, who donned a white dress with a green APC agbada, alighted from his official black Lexus Sport Utility Van (SUV) at exactly 2:30 pm to a rousing welcome. Shouts of “Sai Buhari, Sai Baba!” rented the air as he headed to his seat, waving his broom, which is the symbol of the party.

    Osun ‘O’ meal vendors, members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Council of Iyalojas (heads of market women), support groups etc who had sat distinctly at various locations, and in their uniforms, waved their brooms to welcome Buhari, the governors and other dignitaries. So were the crowds of youths, students, artisans and other classes of supporters who trooped into the stadium to be part of history.

    Osogbo was in high spirits, in spite of a morning rain that had dampened the day. The APC insignia painted everywhere red, blue and green.

    Asiwaju Tinubu was the cynosure of all eyes before the arrival of President Buhari. He was praised by those who spoke earlier while he also took the leading position as the dignitaries made a roll, standing to welcome the president.

    Also at the rally were the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole; his Communication counterpart Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Interior Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd); national officers of the party; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Sen. Ajayi Borofice; Sen. Sola Adeyeye; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamoora; Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam. Hon. Abike-Dabiri-Erewa was the Master of Ceremony.

     

  • ‘Allow more women go into politics’

    •    Ex-commissioner picks Ondo Assembly form

    A former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, Mrs. Margret Akinsuroju, has sought support for women in politics to get to higher positions.

    The politician is jostling for House of Assembly ticket under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Odigbo Local Government Constituency I.

    Mrs Akinsuroju, who also served as Commissioner for Adult, Vocational and Technical Education, picked her nomination form at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

    The former commissioner said she was in the race to represent her constituents in the House of Assembly.

    The politician said she also acceded to the demand of women in Odigbo to represent them in the parliament.

    She promised not to betray the confidence her people reposed in her.

    Mrs Akinsuroju also promised to use her vast experience in politics to make laws and present bills for the benefit of her people, especially women and youths.

  • Akoko youths restate confidence in Oshiomhole

    A group in Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC), Concerned Akoko Youths (CAY), has restated its confidence in the vision of the party’s National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole to lead the ruling party to victory.

    It also supported the direct primary endorsed by the party under Oshiomhole’s leadership.

    In a joint statement issued by its Chairman, Adeboye Jadesola, and Secretary, Tinuola Olagbemi, CAY also decried the alleged imposition of the senatorial and House of Representatives candidates in the area.

    The group alleged that at a recent meeting by the state leadership of the party with some Akoko leaders, one of the senatorial aspirants was ratified as APC flagbearer for Ondo North.

    Also, an incumbent lawmaker representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest was said to have been picked to retain his seat after next year’s general elections.

    The Akoko youths said the position had been rotating between Akoko Northeast and Northwest, adding that it was the turn of the Northwest to produce the next House of Representatives member.

    The statement urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to abide by the principle of equality and allow the position to go to the Northwest against retention by the Northeast.