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Tag: All Progressives Congress

  • Ajimobi’s son’s wedding: Oyo APC berates critics on Buhari’s attendance 

    Ajimobi’s son’s wedding: Oyo APC berates critics on Buhari’s attendance 

    The All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State has taken a swipe on those who have criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for attending the wedding ceremony between Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s son and Governor Abdulahi Ganduje’s daughter in Kano on Saturday.

    Critics had condemned Buhari for attending the wedding in the midst of reports of killings in different states in the north and abduction of 110 school girls in Dapchi, Yobe State.

    But the party in Oyo State said the critics have acted in bad faith, politicizing everything happening in the society.

    President Buhari, 22 State governors as well as other dignitaries had defied political, religious and ethnic sentiments to converge in Kano on Saturday to witness the solemnization of marriage between Idris Ajimobi and Fatimah Ganduje  in what could be described as the wedding ceremony of the year.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC observed that the event was not held to downplay the mood of the nation as it concerns the security situation in some parts of the country particularly in states where nefarious activities of the Boko Haram insurgents and killer herdsmen have taken a new turn for the worse.

    “Without any fear of contradictions, a new chapter was opened in the history book of the nation on Saturday when another solid foundation was laid for the unity, oneness and togetherness of the Nigerian people. At a time that fear of disintegration heightened as a result of the unpatriotic activities of some disgruntled elements, a marriage of this nature was a necessity to rescue the situation and ensure that Nigeria remain an indivisible entity.

    Read Also: Photo: Buhari attends Ajimobi’s son, Ganduje’s daughter’s wedding

    “Rather than cut the nose to spite the face, critics of President Buhari should appreciate him for being passionate and affectionate to the cause of nationhood. This was a leader who had decimated the ranks of the Boko Haram insurgents as against what was obtained before May, 2015. But for him, terrorists would have overrun Nigeria and most people within and outside the country can attest to this fact.

    “Meanwhile, hope keeps rising for the return of the school girls recently abducted in Dapchi, Yobe State as well as their remaining counterparts from Chibok girls who were kidnapped in 2014 on account of different results-oriented measures already put in place by the federal government. All we need do as a people is to intensify prayers for the safe returns of these innocent girls as well as other captives in the hands of terrorists anywhere in the world.
    “At this juncture, it is imperative to make a passionate appeal to unscrupulous politicians who are found of politicizing every issue to desist from such act. It should be noted that a President of any nation is for all the people of such country regardless of their mood or current situation. While a President shows empathy for the depressed, nothing should stop him from identifying with those with genuine cause of celebration at the same time.
    “By and large, we use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (The Alaafin of Oyo), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido (The Emir of Kano) and other eminent personalities who graced the occasion. It is our sincere prayer that God will bless the new couple and make their Union a fruitful one.” APC added.

     

  • Leave Fayemi alone, group tells Ekiti aspirants

    Leave Fayemi alone, group tells Ekiti aspirants

    A political pressure group canvassing support for the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, JKF movement,  has warned the governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop their campaigns of hate against the ex-governor.

    The group’s warning is in reaction to recent comments by some aspirants and their supporters against Fayemi’s aspiration to contest the July 14, 2018 governorship election.

    The group reacting to the tirades of an APC aspirant, Dr.  Wole Oluyede and Mr.  Segun Dipe, a media aide to another aspirant, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who both warned Fayemi against running in the 2014 governorship election.

    Fayemi was yet to publicly declare intent to run but speculations were rife that he was interested in taking another shot at the governorship race

    JKF Movement’s Director of Publicity, Kunle Omotayo, in a statement on Wednesday urged the aspirants and their supporters to concentrate on their aspirations to lead the state.

    Omotayo said instead of dissipating  energies on whether Fayemi should contest or not, aspirants should sell their programmes to the people and let others present themselves to the public to make a choice.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2018: Oni’s, Fayemi’s ambition will divide APC, says Oluyede

    He said: “Programme appeal and public acceptance, and not attacks on Fayemi, will win for them and we use this medium to warn these individuals against acts that are anti-democratic and capable of threatening the party’s unity, including undermining the integrity of APC’s constitution and supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Fayemi has constitutional right to contest and so we wonder why some aspirants pre-occupy themselves working day and night to shut Fayemi out of the race as if Fayemi, who they all surmised cannot win election, is the albatross or worst nightmare to their ambitions.

    “We particularly take exception to Dr Oluyede’s ceaseless attacks on Fayemi in the media in spite of the party’s warning to him to stop the act that can threaten the unity of the party.

    “It is particularly baffling that after the party served Oluyede a warning on his attacks on other aspirants, his supporters through a press statement linked to his supporter, one Oyelere Ogunrogba, lapsed into a reckless blackmail binge, using Governor Ayodele Fayose’s vindictive, persecutorial, worthless and unconstitutional White Paper to canvass a reason why Fayemi should not run.”

    Noting that APC was founded on constitutionally for the protection of the rights of members, he said the group was baffled that those who knew little or nothing about the establishment of the party were the ones threatening its disintegration if members exercised their legitimate right to contest election under the party.

    “We wonder why Fayemi’s aspiration is a nightmare to these aspirants. Dr Oluyede that is threatening that APC will collapse if Fayemi and Segun Oni are allowed to contest the election knew nothing about the pains that both Fayemi and Oni went through at the birth of the party.

    “Instead of a reckless display of intolerance and this running down syndrome, we expect a level-headed display of democratic conduct among the contestants, which allows members to enjoy same privileges that political parties offer members in electoral contests.

    “We hereby serve notice that this group will no longer accept any unwarranted attacks on our leader over his legitimate and constitutional right to contest election in the party he laboured to build.

    “Those who want a party that will not allow other members to contest election with them can as well establish their own political parties where they can be sole candidates or be independent candidates that belong to no party if they cannot conduct themselves in competitive democratic norm allowed by political party system,”  Omotayo concluded.

     

  • No tenure extension yet for Oyegun, other APC leaders

    No tenure extension yet for Oyegun, other APC leaders

    The tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) and state chapter executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not been extended.

    This is contrary to the impression created by Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had granted one year tenure elongation to the John Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC and the state executives.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari said last night that “what has been done is a mere expression of interest. The power of the Convention to extend tenure is exercised only by way of a constitution amendment.

    “The power of the National Executive Committee of our party cannot go beyond doing so by way of constitution amendment.

    “Article 30 of the APC Constitution states:  ‘This constitution and the schedules hereto, can be amended only by the National Convention of the party”.

    “The process of amending the constitution is also expressly provided in Article 30 sub section 2. This states: “Notice of any proposed amendment by any member or organ of the party shall be given to the National Secretary at least 14 days before the date of the National Convention. The Notice shall be in writing, shall contain a clear statement of the proposed amendment and reasons for it.”

    Yari added:  “What was done today (yesterday) is only an expression of a desire to extend the tenure of Chief Oyegun-led National Executives.”

    Also last night, party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said what was agreed at the NEC was the intention to extend the tenure of the NWC and the state executives.

    He said the decision would only be consummated after an amendment of the constitution which will be effected before the expiration of the tenure of the NWC. The tenure ends in June..

    Abdullahi added that the party had slated another NEC meeting for next month.

    Bello told reporters after the NEC meeting that the decision was taken in line with Article 13 of the party, which allows the NEC to exercise the powers of the National Convention.

    He said the tenure extension was taken owing to the need to avoid any confusion in the party’s operation ahead of the 2019 general elections and to give the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led reconciliation committee time to carry out an effective job.

    The meeting started when President Muhammadu Buhari arrived at the APC headquarters, accompanied by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. It was attended by governors, members of the National Assembly, state APC chairmen and others.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and some governors were absent.

    With Bello were National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and the party’s chairmen in Plateau, Rivers, Anambra, Ondo and Nasarawa states.

    Bello said: “At the end of the National Executive Council meeting today, a major decision was taken in line with the constitution of our party. We are all aware that the tenure of the current NWC and the executive members of this party – both elected and appointed – comes to an end in June this year.

    “Considering the time left for the party to conduct all the congresses and convention and considering that our leader, Senator Tinubu, has been charged with the responsibility of reconciling all aggrieved members of our party, we cannot afford to approach the general elections with more dispute and crises.

    “Let me tell you that this will not stop the convention of the party. But to go into elective Congresses is what we are trying to avoid relying on the constitution of our party. As a matter of fact, Mr. President believes in ensuring that there are Congresses and convention across board.

    On the timeline for the Tinubu committee, he said: “I don’t have the terms of reference that was given to our leader and I want to believe that there is no committee that is set up without timeline. So, I’m not in the position to tell you the timeline given to that committee.

    “Also, every member of this committee – whether one man committee or multiple man committee – I want to assure you that every members of APC are cooperating 100 per cent with our leader, Senator Tinubu.”

    Those who attended the meeting included: Governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Sani Bello (Niger), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Nasir El Rufai (Kaduna), Abubakar Ibrahim (Bauchi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) Samuel Ortom (Benue), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).

    Others are: Senate Leader Ahmed Lawal, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachukwu, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Deputy Senate Whip Francis Alimikhena, Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Sani Yarima, House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, House Whip Ado Dogowa, state chairmen among others.

  • ‘You cannot govern Imo’, Okorocha blasts Araraume

    ‘You cannot govern Imo’, Okorocha blasts Araraume

     

    The cold war between the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who is nursing governorship ambition under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has deepened.

    The Imo governor on Tuesday dismissed the former Senator’s ambition as unrealistic, adding that he cannot even win the party primaries, talk less of wining the main governorship election.

    Governor Okorocha in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said, “I want to say this for the sake of emphasis. Senator Ifeanyi Araraume cannot win the ticket of APC for the 2019 governorship election in the State and can never govern the State. So people should not allow themselves to be deceived”.

    The statement continued that, “In 2007, Araraume won the ticket of PDP and failed the main election. In 2011, he also had the ticket of ACN and came fourth in the election. In 2015, he also failed the PDP Primary. So what magic would he perform in 2019?

    “Again, if he sees himself as a Political force, let him do what Rochas Okorocha did in 2011 by taking the ticket of APGA that was not on ground and won his election by defeating a sitting governor of PDP extraction and in 2015, when he defiled all the PDP onslaughts with Federal might and joined the Merger that gave birth to APC at the risk of his life and his second term bid and also won his election. Let Senator Araraume pick the ticket of any of the parties, contest and win and we will celebrate him. He should not always be working to undo sitting governors to become governor”.

    Read Also: Okorocha advocates closer ties between Igbo traders and Customs

    It added further that, “some of these people were among those calling Rochas, OkoroHausa, Alhaji in Government House and Buhari-Rochas and accusing him of coming to Islamize Igboland and Nigeria in general.

    “Name-dropping has also become old fashioned in Politics. In 2007 and 2011, it was Chief Tony Aninih’s name that was been dropped. Today, they have begun to drop the name of Chief John Oyegun. Powerful Politicians in the real sense of the word do not drop names”.

    The statement which apparently a reaction to the Araraume’s alleged claim that he was not in support of the elongation of the term of office of the APC National Chairman, noted further that, “it is unfortunate that while we have continued to exercise caution and demonstrate apparent decency and discipline in our media outings even as they concern some of the Politicians and governorship aspirants in the State, few of them have always thrown caution to the wind by thinking that the only way they can make impact or make a headway in their Politics and Political pursuits is by embarking on falsehood and sponsoring cheap blackmail against Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    “As a responsible government and as responsible people we do not trade on propaganda, falsehood and blackmail. We do not tell lies. They have sponsored lies against the governor over the outcome of the APC NEC meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 in which the tenure of the National Chairman Chief John Oyegun and others were extended.

    “The governor is the strongest pillar of APC in the South-East and one of the pillars in the Country. And he has remained supportive in all ramifications to the John Oyegun-led National Exco of the Party. And there is no reason anybody should begin to create the impression that Governor Okorocha was against the extension of Chief Oyegun’s tenure.

    “The APC governors who are all members of the APC Governors’ Forum which governor Okorocha heads supported the extension of tenure across the board. And with that, the governors are the greatest beneficiaries of the extension.

    “You may ask where these elements were when the PDP foot soldiers were invading Imo and South-East in general with Soldiers and other Security agents. Rochas made the survival of APC in the South-East possible, having a Senator, three House of Representatives, Majority in the House of Assembly (23 out of 27), and gave President Muhammadu Buhari the highest number of votes in 2015 in the South-East. And APC won that election but the PDP people doctored the whole exercise with the help of Security agencies and INEC then. Time will expose these folks who think that their Political survival lies with blackmail against Okorocha”.

    Meanwhile, the governor has congratulated Oyegun and other members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) of All Progressives Congress, APC over the extension of their tenure by one year.

    The governor also congratulated States, Local Governments and Ward Executives of the party who also benefitted from the extension.

    He noted that “such lofty action would not have been possible without the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the state governors and key stakeholders in the party who were at the NEC meeting”.

    The governor reminded Chief Oyegun and his team that “by the extension, they have been challenged to do more for the progress and victory of the party at levels”.

    He wished them a successful tenure, and praying that the” good Lord should grant them all they needed to succeed”.

  • Video: Prophets of doom have been disappointed, says Odigie-Oyegun

    Video: Prophets of doom have been disappointed, says Odigie-Oyegun

    The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr John Odigie-Oyegun has said that the outcome of the meeting of the party’s national caucus had shamed those prophets of doom who predicted his removal from office.

    The party chairman stated this when he briefed State House correspondents after the APC national caucus meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday night.

    Odigie-Oyegun, who described the outcome of the meeting as `beautiful and pleasant’, allegedly accused the media of manufacturing and exaggerating issues within the party.

    According to him, the meeting did not discuss any of the issues being speculated in the media contrary to what he has been reading in the social and traditional media outfits in recent times.

    “Absolutely beautiful as usual. You find that must of the problems that are supposed to exist.

    [jwplayer vIRF6xE3]

    “In fact I want to ask the media where did they dig them out (of) because we just had a pleasant meeting and all what I have been reading in the media none of it (happened), All the prophecies of doom none of it even came near for mention,’’ he said.

    Odigie-Oyegun also dismissed the assertion that the caucus discussed his exit date as party chairman, describing it as mere media speculation.

    He said: “It is the media we should ask where do they get those stories from, where do you get them? Nothing like that ever happened; nothing like that was ever discussed; nothing like that came up – beautiful, pleasant, intellectual, deep reasoning today about issues.’’

    He announced that the APC convention would be coming up in June.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos and his Kogi counterpart, Yahaya Bello, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said the party had no plan to effect changes in its leadership as being speculated in some quarters.

    Ambode described the meeting as `very successful’, adding that the party had succeeded in addressing major issues capable of promoting harmony and understanding among its members across the country.

    He said: “No, basically there are no cracks. What you called cracks are family issues and again caucus meeting like this tends to resolve family issues.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/apc-meeting-prophets-of-doom-have-been-disappointed-says-odigie-oyegun

    “We had a very successful meeting; issues of major interest in the nation were discussed and also in the spirit of the reconciliation to make sure that the party becomes stronger and then we prepared ourselves for the major elections coming up and to make that the NEC meeting is also successful.

    “Those were the basic things that we discussed.’’

    Bello also lauded Buhari for exhibiting leadership qualities, saying members of the party had come out of the meeting more united and ready to conduct free and fair congresses at all levels nationwide. (NAN)

  • Buhari to chair APC NEC meeting

    Buhari to chair APC NEC meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to chair the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting coming up on Tuesday ahead of the party´s National Convention slated for Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governors elected on APC platform, members of party’s Board of Trustee and National Working Committee (NWC) members among others.

    The meeting will also discuss national issues, the crisis within the party and take a decision on when its National Convention would hold.

    The national convention usually provides an avenue for the party to ratify its policies and programmes; elect or remove members of its NWC and amend its constitution if need be among other things.

    Source at the APC national secretariat said that the tenure of the present APC John Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC will expire in June, adding that new members would be elected at the party’s national convention slated for July.

    He said there were issues on whether the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC should continue or be replaced.

    NAN reports that APC has been unable to hold the mandatory bi-annual non-elective convention since 2014 as stipulated in its constitution.

    The constitution makes it mandatory for the party to hold a bi-annual national convention to review party affairs and make necessary adjustments, where necessary.

    Article 25 (A)(i) of the APC Constitution specifically stipulates that the national convention of the party shall be held once in two years at a date, venue and time to be recommended by its NEC.

    The constitution further states that the date for the national convention must be approved by the party´s NEC, subject to the statutory notices given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    At least 14-day notice will be given to eligible members to attend.

    Security operatives were seen around the APC National Secretariat carrying out surveillance around the premises ahead of Tuesday’s meeting.

     

  • Cross River APC congress a sham, says Achigbe

    Cross River APC congress a sham, says Achigbe

    The special congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State to elect a chairman last Saturday has continued to generate controversy as one of the candidates, Dr Mathew Achigbe, has described the exercise as a sham.

    Achigbe, who addressed reporters in Calabar on Monday, rejected the outcome of the Congress, which saw Mr Godwin Etim John, emerge winner with 56 votes.

    He said the said congress, which lacked the participation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and went ahead despite a court injunction, used suspended members of the party for the election against the spirit and in defiance of the party’s constitution.

    “The notice of the congress was short of the prescription of Section 85 (1) of the electoral act (2010 as amended) which stipulates that at least 21 days be given to INEC of the party’s intention to hold its congress, but which in this case no notice was given at all, and for the Cross River State APC less than three days’ notice thus leading to the harried selling, completion and submission of forms up to and until the commencement of the Congress.

    “The Congress defied Article 25(iv) of the APC Constitution which states that at least 14 days’ notice be given to each level of the party of its intention to hold congress but for which no notice was given in the instant case.

    Read Also: Cross River APC crisis deepens

    “That over 980 delegates (five from each ward) of the 196 council wards were disenfranchised from participating in the election of the state party which not only denied them their right to vote but their civic responsibility resulting in the congress being short of the stipulated minimum of a third of the appropriate quorum and very unfair deal to the hundreds of thousands of anxious party members to vote for a credible person in a critical congress.

    “From ordinary logic and proper deduction, there is no iota of doubt that the Congress of the APC purportedly held on the 24th of February, 2018 in Calabar was heavily compromised from conception to execution and should be rendered null and void. Godwin Etim John should therefore be disqualified for not being able to contest by reason of his suspension by the APC and the said suspension not being lifted by appropriate organ of the party and should not be declared winner of the Congress as chairman as this will amount to rape of democracy, a case too many in our ever nascent democracy.”

    Also a chieftain of the APC in the state, Mr Ernets Irek, who also describe the congress as an illegality, said they have lost confidence in the national chairman of the party, John Oyegun.

    “We don’t have any confidence in the national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun. We have lost confidence in him because he has refused to do the right thing. With 24 states in our kitty, if we are not careful, we may not even have 10 states in the next election. The kind of impunity going on is unheard of. It has become so compromised,” Irek said.

    Chairman of Coalition of APC Support Groups in the state, Comrade Iso Bassey Edim accused some top officials of the party in the state of working with the People’s Democratic Party government to destroy APC ahead of 2019.

    “We’re not happy with what happened on Saturday because we can’t support the legalization of illegality. The constitution is clear on how to conduct party Congress. There was no INEC representation whatsoever. We are made to understand that there’s a sinister plan for those who think they can mortgage APC in the state.

    “Why did they rush into organizing a fire brigade Congress when there’s Congress coming up next month? We’re calling on the National Leader, Bola Tinubu, to come to our rescue because vultures are out to destroy APC. While we want to take over the state from PDP some people are working to destroying the party,” he said.

  • Labour Party loses only member to APC

    Labour Party loses only member to APC

    The only member of Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives, Segun Ogunwuyi has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ogunwuyi, who represents Ogbomoso North/South/Oriire Federal Constituency of Oyo state in the House, said his defection was with the consent of his constituents.

    He replaced former Leader of the House, Mulikat Akande, whom he defeated at the 2015 polls.

    He said his action followed due process with the division in Labour Party and the need for his constituents to enjoy the benefits of belonging to the party at the center.

    He said: “My defection was with the consent of my constituents who voted for me under the LP, the same people would vote for me to return to the House come next year.

    “With this development, my  constituents will have more dividends of democracy now that I am  in APC as we all know, that is the party that controls both Oyo state and the Federal government”.

    In his notice of defection letter read by the Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yussuff who presided over plenary session, the lawmaker said, “I wish to notify you and the entire House that I have defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    “This action and decision is as a result of the factionalisation in the Labour party that sponsored my election into the House of Representatives.

    “Presently there are two persons laying claim to the position of the National Chairman of the party with its attendant factional National Executive Committees.

    “After wide consultations with my constituents, I have been advised to formally defect to the All Progressive Congress so that we can together actualise our vision of moving our constituency, Oyo state and Nigeria at large forward.

    “This action is in tandem with the provisions of Section 68 (1)(g) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)”.

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Oni’s, Fayemi’s ambition will divide APC, says Oluyede

    Ekiti 2018: Oni’s, Fayemi’s ambition will divide APC, says Oluyede

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has said that the ambition of former Governors Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi will divide the party, ahead of the July 14 poll.

    He advised the two politicians to emulate their senior colleague, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, by playing the roles of leaders and statesmen.

    Oluyede said the unity of the party and its success at the poll should be paramount to Oni and Fayemi, warning that joining the race would reduce them to “aspirants and not leaders.”

    Oluyede, who spoke with reporters in Ikere-Ekiti, his home town,  said the party would face some challenges, ahead of the primary. While Oni, who served as governor between 2007 and 2010, has  declared interest, Fayemi, who was in office between 2010 and 2014, is yet to throw his hat into the ring.

    Oluyede said: “I want the two former governors (Oni and Fayemi) to recognise themselves as leaders, they did their best. I wish our two eminent leaders, Engineer Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi will remain as leaders and keep their national offices.

    “The signs are there that we may not win the net election if we present any of them as our candidate in the election and their participation in the primary will aggravate our division and their non-participation will make them better men.

    He added: “If they win in the primary, are will sure we will win the main election? If they come to the field, they will reduce themselves to aspirants and not as leaders.

    “Their presence in the race will also deepen the divisions and relinquishing their aspirations for the sake of the party will notmake them feel less in any way.

  • I support your 2019 governorship ambition, Ajimobi tells Oke-Ogun Indigenes

    I support your 2019 governorship ambition, Ajimobi tells Oke-Ogun Indigenes

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has reaffirmed his support for the aspiration of Oke-Ogun Indigenes to produce his successor in 2019.

    The governor had expressed his support for their ambition in 2016 while addressing guests at the burial ceremony of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okeho at the time.

    He reaffirmed his position while addressing crowds of supporters and beneficiaries at an empowerment programme organized by the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Fatai Buhari, in Iseyin.

    Ajimobi, who extolled the qualities and values of people of the area, recalled that he got the highest number of votes from there in the last election. The governor added that Oke-Ogun Indigenes are reliable people who support and are loyal to worthy causes.

    “I love Oke-Ogun people because they are extremely loyal and grateful. I think we should all support Oke-Ogun governorship candidate in the 2019 election. I know you have many qualified candidates. Just make sure you pick the best among them and work with Ibadan and other zones. I will support Oke-Ogun cause but if you don’t work with Ibadan, you may not realize your ambition.” Ajimobi said.

    Read Also: Ajimobi  to contest senatorial election in 2019

    Also underscoring the importance of the area to the state and Nigeria at large, Ajimobi said Oke-Ogun accounts for about 60 per cent of the land mass of the state, stressing that it has every reason to serve as the food basket of the state and the entire southern Nigeria. But he also acknowledged that the population of the area is about 20 per cent of the entire state, making it compulsory for them to work with other zones to realize their dream.

    He said his belief in Oke-Ogun and its Indigenes was the reason his administration was directing investors in agriculture related areas to Oke-Ogun.

    He emphasized the need to ensure that his successor is also a member of the APC, saying it would help sustain developmental efforts in the area and other parts of the state.

    To further strengthen harmonious relationship in the entire area, Ajimobi said he would facilitate meeting of all traditional rulers and appeal to them to work together as one.

    Sen. Buhari hailed Ajimobi and party leaders in the state for holding the party together.