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Tag: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

  • Igbo digging its political grave, says Oye

    •Aggrieved APGA members seek chairman’s removal

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Ike Oye has said Igbo was digging its political grave following the outcome of Saturday’s elections

    Oye, who spoke with reporters yesterday at Amawbia, said the people of the Southeast play politics of emotions other than politics of pragmatism.

    According to him, what happened during the presidential election has made him lose hopes of Igbo presidency in 2023. He said the Igbo were easily swayed by emotion, adding that the greatest problem the zone had was disunity, which would be difficult to heal.

    He maintained that Igbo needed a new leadership in its apex body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to take them to that elusive Promised Land.

    Oye said: “The more you play regional politics, the more you ostracise yourself. You have to align yourself with the centre and other regions. The type of politics Igbo play will never help them out.”

    Meanwhile, some aggrieved party members have threatened to work against APGA during the March 9 elections if Oye is not removed.

    The group, led by Onyeka Mbaso, gave Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano nine days to address the situation or face their wrath during the election. It said they were short-changed by the party leadership during the primaries.

    Mbaso said Saturday’s election was a preamble of what would happen to APGA on March 9 if necessary action was delayed.

    He said: “We, the aggrieved members of this party, are calling on the Board of Trustees Chairman, who is also the governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, and other concerned stakeholders, to sack Chief Victor Oye, who is a foreigner in the party, to enable the party maintain the existing relationship it has with Obiano”

  • Umeh blasts INEC for alleged manipulations

    The Senator representing Anambra central and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh has lashed out at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for leaving its flanks open for manipulations during last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Anambra State.

    He called for cancellation of the exercise in all the troubled areas identified during the polls.

    Umeh, while briefing reporters on Tuesday at his Aguluzigbo country home, said INEC lost control of the exercise in the area.

    The Senator argued tis was why the outcome of the election could not be declared three days after it ended.

    Umeh contested the Anambra Central senatorial election with Mrs. Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and Chief Sylvester Okonkwo of the All Progressive Congress APC as his main opponents.

    The commission has not declared the result for the contest despite releasing the presidential results owing to alleged anomalies observed in some polling units at Obosi and Abatete, both in Idemili North local government area in the zone.

    He  said the fact that election results for Anambra Central had not been declared was an indication that all was  not well, adding that all of them should hold their celebrations at least for now.

    Read Also: Card Reader: INEC cancels 54,668 votes in Ebonyi

    According to him: “INEC said that accreditation must be done with card readers but in majority of the places, card reader did not work and the electoral umpire resorted to the use of manual voting, which made it to lose control of the exercise.

    “The results being turned out by INEC in the zone showed that card reader did not work. In my place where it worked, the proper thing was done.

    “In Obosi and Abatete, for instance, where violence marred the exercise, INEC was still trying to generate results several days after the election.

    “The election was highly manipulated in Anambra Central and that is why INEC is finding it difficult to release the result.

    “In many places where the card reader was not used, hoodlums were brought in buses and they voted without proper accreditation.”

    He went on: “Because it lost control, INEC resorted to asking agents of political parties to bring their duplicate copies to enable it compute the results, which is not proper.

    “If the commission does not have original result, then there is nothing to compute.

    “INEC left some flanks open for manipulation, which was why even unregistered people were allowed to vote in some polling units.

    “The INEC guideline specifically said that in the event of card reader not working, the election should be shifted.

    “Since INEC cannot arrive at anything after three days of the election, the only way to remove the impasse is for the election to be cancelled in the affected places so that the card reader can be used.”

  • Who is heading for House of Reps

    •INEC unveils more winners in race to National Assembly

    The re-election of some members of the House of Representatives was announced yesterday just as more new faces emerged. Our correspondents report.

    APGA gets four seats in Anambra

    All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won four of the eleven federal constituency polls in Anambra from results so far announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the National Assembly elections.

    In the results announced by INEC in Awka on Monday,  Chinedu Obidigwe of APGA won the Anambra East and Anambra West Federal Constituency.

    Muoma Ifeanyi, the APGA candidate for Ihiala and the candidate for Orumba North and South, Okwudili Ezenwankwo as well as Oba Umeorji for Aguata Federal Constituency, won their elections.

    One the other hand,  Peoples Democratic party (PDP) candidates won in six federal constituencies, including; Nnewi North and South (Chris Azubuogu), Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia (Val Anyika), and Awka North and South (Sam Onwuaso).

    Others are: Ogbaru Federal Constituency (Chu Chu Onyema), Onitsha North and South (Linda Ikpeazu) and Oyi/Ayamelu Federal Constituency (Vincent Ofumelu).

    Idemili North and South Federal Constituency currently occupied by Rep. Obinna Chidoka (PDP) is the only area yet to be announced by INEC.

    APC wins in Jigawa’s Dutse/Kiyawa constituency

    Alhaji Ibrahim Kemba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency election in Jigawa.

    Announcing the result yesterday in Dutse, the Returning Officer, Malam Bukar Usman, said Kemba scored 66,428 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Aminu Wada Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 37,08 votes.

    He added that Shehu Sunusi Muhammad of the Action Alliance (AA), polled 5,444.

    “That Ibrahim Abdullahi Kemba of APC having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” he said.

    APGA wins Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in Taraba

    Mr Danjuma Shiddi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has emerged winner of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency seat in Taraba.

    Declaring the result in Wukari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Chibiya Shangu said Shiddi polled 39,312 votes to defeat his close rival, Prof. Yakubu Aliyara of Action Alliance (AA) who got 22,147 votes.

    According to him, Mr Naphtali Kefas of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) polled 20,574 votes while Mr Josiah Kente of the All progressives Congress (APC) got 17, 522 votes.

    Agunsoye re-elected in Kosofe

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Olurotimi Agunsoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the National Assembly election for Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

    The Returning Officer, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, who announced the results at the Anglican Primary School, Ogudu collation centre, said Agunsoye scored 41,593 votes, while his closest rival, Mrs Sherifat Olusola-Hassan of Peoples Democratic Party, scored 28,087 votes.

    Olukoju, a Professor of Maritime and History, University of Lagos, declared Agunsoye of the APC winner, having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest number votes, and returned him elected.

    Speaking after his election declaration, Agunsoye thanked his constituency for re-electing him into the House of Representatives, assuring them of better things than his first term.

    Benson retains Ikorodu seat

    Mr Babajimi Benson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared winner of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the Feb. 23 National Assembly election.

    The Returning Officer, Dr Musa Adebayo Obalola, an Associate Professor, announced that Benson, having polled 42,563 as the highest votes, is declared winner of the election.

    Benson, who is the incumbent, defeated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mrs Disu Ramota Omotola, who polled 19, 825 votes.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after he was declared winner, Benson promised his constituents value-added representation.

    “My people should expect from me more legislation that will add value to the country as a whole,” he said.

    Jimoh retains APC Lagos Mainland seat

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Mr Jide Jimoh, as winner of Saturday’s election.

    Prof. Iyiola Oni , the Returning Officer of the election announced the result at the Federal Constituency Collation Centre located in St. Agnes Primary School, Sabo-Yaba, at about 5:45 am on Monday.

    Oni, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, said that Jimoh polled a total of 22, 073 votes to defeat his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party, Tajudeen Agoro who got 16, 834 votes.

    According to him, Sherifat Ogbola of Accord  scored 40 votes, Balogun Usman of AD polled 88 votes, Olugbenga Shobowale of ADC polled 212 votes while Olaide Abiodun got only 5 votes.

    Oni said Olorunwa Ogunsemore of MPN scored 21 votes, Adewunmi Ogunlola of PPN got 45 votes, Kayode Hadiza of SDP scored 24 votes while Oluwatoyin Akande of YES party got 31 votes.

    He said the total number of votes cast was 42, 838, total valid votes was 40, 253 while the total rejected votes was 2,585.

    Kaduna Speaker wins Reps seat

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Kabiru Alhassan, the Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, as the winner of the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency seat.

    The Returning Officer, Prof. Kabir Taheer-Hamid announced this on Monday in Kano.

    According to him, Alhassan, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 62,455 votes to beat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Sani Muhammad who scored 33,296 votes.

    “Alhassan scored a total of 62,455 votes, while Muhammad got 33,296 votes. The break down shows that Alhassan scored 16,505 votes in Kibiya, while Muhammad got 2,543 votes.

    “In Rano, Alhassan polled 21,459, while Muhammad had 9,292 votes. In Bunkure, Alhassan got 24,491 votes while Muhammad scored 11, 461 votes.”

    APC wins Surulere Constituency 1; PDP, Surulere Constituency ll

    Mr Femi Gbajabiamila of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) and Mr Olatunji Soyinka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have emerged winners at Surulere Federal Constituencies l and ll  in the House of Representatives elections held on Feb. 23.

    Prof. Adetola Daramola, the INEC Returning Officer for the Feb. 23 House of Representatives poll for Surulere Federal Constituency 1, declared the result for the constituency at INEC’s collation centre in Surulere at 1.39. a.m yesterday.

    According to her, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila of APC emerged winner with 14,617 votes while Mr Adewara Michael of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 8085 votes.

    Mr Folami Abiola of Alliance for Democracy (AD) came third with 97 votes while Ms Oriyomi Barbara of the African Democratic Congress of (ADC) came fourth with 71 votes

    “At the end of voting, Femi Gbajabiamila of APC has satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes and is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, ” she said.

    At 3.a.m, Prof. Ade Ibiwoye, INEC Returning Officer for Surulere Federal Constituency ll, declared Mr Olatunji Soyinka of PDP winner with 19,950 votes while Mr Lanre Okunlola of APC came second with 17,910 votes.

    Mrs Ferguson Blessing of  (ANP) came third with 628 votes.

    “Olatunji Soyinka, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, ” Ibiwoye said.

    APC wins Ifako-Ijaye Federal Constituency of Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr James Owolabi, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of Ifako-Ijaye Federal constituency of Lagos State seat in Saturday’s National Assembly election.

    Announcing the result at Ifako-Ijaiye INEC office in Lagos yesterday, Prof. Smith Jaja, the returning officer, said Owolabi scored 34, 204 votes.

    Jaja said that Mrs Fatimah Mohamed, the Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), came second with 18, 271 votes.

    Others are: ADC 290 votes, PPN 147 votes, AD 178 and UPP 119 —  out of the 49,056 total votes cast.

    Jaja said Owolabi of APC,  “having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared as the winner and is returned elected.”

    Owolabi will be replacing Mr Nurudeen Akinwunmi, the incumbent Federal House of Representatives member in the constituency.

    APC wins Agege seat

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday declared Dr Babatunde Adejare of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Agege Federal Constituency seat in Lagos State.

    Prof. Olufemi Shaibu, the INEC Returning Officer for the Agege Federal Constituency election, who is of the Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), made the declaration at the Collation Centre in Orile Agege area of the state.

    The APC candidate polled 32, 114 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Oluwole Joseph of the PDP who had 13, 886 votes in Saturday’s National Assembly elections.

    Mr Oladipupo Ayinde of the Accord (AC) party polled a total of 5, 490.

    Shaibu said Adejare, having scored the highest votes at the election, had won the National Assembly election for the Agege Federal constituency.

    “Adejare Samuel Babatunde of APC having satisfied the requirements of the law, has scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Shaibu said.

    Shaibu said only 10 parties contested in the election in Agege local government area.

    Adejare is the Commissioner for Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure in Lagos and was also a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 representing Agege Federal Constituency.

    Four seats for Ogun APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched four House of Representatives seats in Ogun, winning all four so far declared out of nine federal constituencies in the state.

    Olumide Osoba (APC) won Abeokuta North/ Odeda/Obafemi Owode, Lanre Edun (APC) won Abeokuta South, while Korede Osunsanya, also of APC, was declared winner of Ijebu-Ode/Ijebu-North/Odogbolu federal constituency.

    The APC had earlier been declared winner of Ado – Odo/Ota Federal Constituency’s seat in Ogun.

    Olumide, son of a former governor of the state and  chieftain of APC, Chief Segun Osoba, polled a total of 33, 538 votes to defeat the incumbent, Mikhail Kazeem of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), who scored 14,903 votes.

    The result was announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. Ismaila Salami, at Unity High School Collation Centre, Ago- Ika, Abeokuta.

    At the Centenary Hall collation centre for the Abeokuta-South federal constituency, the Returning Officer, Prof. Bameke Oyedele, declared APC’s Edun as winner, having polled a total of 17,003 votes.

    He defeated his closest rival, Mr Segun Sowunmi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored a total of 8,608 votes.

    Similarly, Prof. Michael Ozoje, the Returning Officer at Ijebu-Ode Local Government Collation Centre, declared Osunsanya as winner of Ijebu-Ode/Ijebu North-East/Odogbolu seat with a total of 25,608 votes.

    Mr Taiwo Shote, the PDP candidate who came closest to Osunsanya, scored total votes of 21,775.

    PDP wins Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency seat

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Nicholas Garba, has been declared winner of Saturday’s elections for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in Kaduna state.

    Mr Ugo Chile, Returning Officer, who declared the results, said Garba got 75,370 votes to defeat Habu Anna of APC who scored 39,407 votes. The officer described the election as free and fair.

    INEC declares PDP winner of Eket Federal Constituency, A’Ibom

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Patrick Ifon, the House of Representatives candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Eket Federal Constituency election held on Saturday.

    Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Prof. Bassey Antia of the University of Uyo, said that Patrick Ifon polled 61, 580 votes to defeat his closest rival Akpabio Kufre of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 11, 263 votes.

    The results were announced at Eket Senatorial District Collation Centre on Monday.

    Addressing his supporters, Ifon, the Eket federal constituency member elect, thanked the constituents for being steadfast in their quest to ensure the people’s will prevailed.

    “This is a collective victory in the face of threatening assertions by the opposition. It is a victory attributed to God, the people and a proof that Akwa Ibom is PDP, ” he said.

    He commended INEC for the peaceful process but decried the malfunctioning of the card readers that disenfranchised a lot of eligible voters from voting.

    Eket Federal Constituency is made up of Eket, Esit Eket, Onna and Ibeno.

    APC wins Etsako seat in Edo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Johnson Oghuma as the winner of Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo.

    INEC returning officer, Dr Francis Ogbemudia of the University of Benin, who announced the result, said Oghuma polled 57,751 votes to defeat his closest rival, Blessing Agbomere of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 36,904 votes.

    Ogbemudia said of the 265,895 registered voters, 98,808 cast their votes while 2,378 votes were voided.

    Ogbemudia said: “I hereby declare Oghuma of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, as the winner and he is returned elected.”

    APC wins Ganjuwa/Darazo federal constituency in Bauchi

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Mansur Soro, has emerged winner of Saturday’s National Assembly election for Ganjuwa and Darazo Federal Constituency in Bauchi state.

    Announcing the result in Darazo yesterday, the Returning Officer, Mr Bello Abdulkadir, said the winner polled 45,867 votes to defeat contestants of other political parties.

    Candidates of other political parties that contested with him in the election includes: Mr Ibrahim Hassan of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 19,897  and Mr Dayyabu Ciroma of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), who polled 20,983 votes.

    PDP wins Jos South/Jos East Rep seat

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday declared Mr Dachung Bagos of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner of Jos South/Jos East Federal constituency.

    Prof. Rahila Gowon, the returning officer for the polls, who announced the results at the collation centre in Jos, said Bagos polled the highest votes required by the law.

    She said the winner polled a total of 117,114 votes to beat Pam Dongs of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 37, 617 votes.

    Ex-Minister wins APC Rep in Yobe

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs (state), Khadija Ibrahim, as the winner for Damaturu/Tarmuwa/Gujba/Gulani Federal Constituency on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Prof. Maimuna Waziri of Federal University Gashua, the INEC Returning Officer for the election declared the results on Sunday at Federal Secretariat Collation Centre in Damaturu.

    According to the Returning Officer, Khadija Ibrahim of APC scored the highest votes of 78,953.

    Waziri said Alhaji Habu Babayo, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the second winner with total votes of 10,508.

    APC wins Kaltungo/Shongom Rep in Gombe

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Karu Elisha, as the winner of Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

    Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Prof Sale Mohammed of the Federal University, Kashere, said Elisha polled 35,316 votes.

    He defeated his closest rival, Adamu Kalba of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 26,661 votes.

    He said that a total number of 67, 993  votes were cast out of 186, 038 total registered voters.

    He also said that 64,964 votes were valid in the election.

    Mohammed said “I hereby declare Dr Karu Elisha of APC as the winner having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes.”

    Elumelu of PDP wins Aniocha/Oshimili Fed Constituency in Delta

    Mr Ndudi Elumelu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Aniocha/OShimili Federal Constituency has emerged winner of the National Assembly election.

    Elumelu polled a total of 84,234 to emerge winner as announced by Dr Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, collation and returning officer for the Constituency on Monday in Asaba.

    According to Anene-Okeakwa, elections were contested in four local government areas that made up the constituency in the state which were Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Aniocha North and Aniocha South LGAs.

    “The PDP candidate polled a total of 84,214 votes while the All Progressive Congress (APC) Candidate, Mr Paul Adingupu polled total of 11,104 votes.

    “Total valid vote is 96,379; total vote cast is 99,549 while 3,176 votes were rejected during the process. By the power conferred on me as the Returning Officer for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, I declare that election was contested and Ndudi Elumelu, having satisfied the requirement is hereby declared winner and is return elected”.

    Onuigbo returns to House

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Chief Sam Onuigbo the winner for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency poll.

    Onuigbo, who ran on the platform of PDP for second tenure, polled 30, 669 to defeat his closest rival, Mr Martin Apugo of the APC who polled 23,279 votes.

    Mr Uba Macdold of APGA scored 10,312 votes, while Mr Charles Nzechi of Labour Party (LP) scored 559 votes.

    Prof. Georgina Ugwuanyi, the Returning Officer for the constituency, who announced the result in Umuahia, declared Onuigbo the winner.

    He said that 12,232 votes were valid out of the 13,192 votes cast at the election.

    With the result, Onuigbo has emerged the first person to be re-elected to the House of Representatives for a second tenure in the constituency.

    Akinremi is APC’s sole winner in Ibadan metropolis

    The Liberian-based millionaire businessman and candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi, has been declared winner of the Saturday’s House of Representatives election in the area.

    With his victory, Akinremi emerged as the only candidate of the APC to win in Ibadan metropolis where the opposition Peoples Democratic Party consumed the aspiration of other party’s candidates.

    Akinremi polled 17,048 votes to narrowly defeat his closest rival, Ademola Omotosho of PDP who garnered 16,237 votes.

    Read also: Buhari set for victory as INEC announces results from 12 states, FCT

    Save for Ibadan North constituency, other APC candidates lost to the PDP in all other metropolitan federal constituencies in the city like Ibadan Northwest/southwest and Ibadan Southeast/Northeast.

    Akinremi was declared elected and returned by the Returning Officer, Prof. Mukaila Olujide.

    However, the PDP collation agent, Mr. Olumuyiwa Makinde and that of Accord, Mr. Adeoye Omobolade, rejected the results on the grounds that the result sheets of three polling units in the local government area are still shrouded in mystery.

    Minority Whip, Barde wins Chikun/ Kajuru seat for 5th term in Kaduna

    The incumbent member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Umar Yakubu Barde has been reelected to represent his constituency for the fifth term.

    Hon. Barde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is the minority whip at the green chambers gannered a total votes of 92,547 to defeat his closest opponent Barrister Bashir Yahaya Wushiri of APC who scored 34,022 and Ekene Abubakar Adams of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) who polled 16,813 votes.

    In the keenly contested election, Hon. Barde polled 69,416 votes in Chikun local government area and 23,131 votes in Kajuru local government area.

    Wushiri of the APC scored 23,505 votes in Chikun local government area and 10,517 in Kajuru local government area.

    Mr. Adams got 11,636 votes in Chukun local government area and 5,177 in Kajuru local government area.

    Reps emerge in Delta

    Results for the House of Representatives in last Saturday’s election in Delta State started trickling out yesterday evening.

    After a rather slow and tiring process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released some of the results in the Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts.

    The candidate of the APC for the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Revd Ejiroghene Waive, was declared winner of the election, polling a total of 41,385.

    Returning Officer of the contest,

    Dr. Igbinoba Eghosa, said Waive thrashed his closest contenders; the candidates of the PDP, Hon Samuel Marierie, who polled 35,126 and the incumbent, Hon Solomon Awhinawhi,  who is the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and polled 11,098 votes.

    In Warri South, the candidate of the PDP, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, polled 23,016, against the incumbent and candidate of the SDP, Hon Daniel Reyeineiju, who scored 3,733, and the candidate of the APC, Mr Alex Eyengho’s 7,291.

    In Warri North, PDP polled 25,788, against SDP’s 8,326 and APC’s 4,921.

    APC clears seats in Kwara

    Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State won all the six House of Representatives Seats in the state.

    The official results released by Jacob Ayanda, Head of Department, Voter education and Publicity in Ilorin yesterday show that the House of Representatives seat for Ilorin West/Asa was won by Alhaji Abdulyekeen Alajagusi with 68, 585 votes to 42, 068 votes polled by Abdulrasaq Lawal of the PDP.

    Abdulganiyu Cook Olododo emerged the Reps member-elect for Ilorin South/Ilorin East by polling 56, 496 votes to defeat Ayinde Mohammed of PDP that polled 27, 737 votes.

    The Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency seat was won by Tijani Kayode with 54, 401 votes as against 19, 449 votes polled by Olerinoye Tope of PDP.

    The incumbent Reps member for Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero, Hon Olawuyi Abdulraheem of the APC polled 33, 386 votes to retain his seat by defeating his closest opponent, Bolade Rafiu of the PDP who got 22, 954 votes.

    The House of Reps seat for Baruten/Kaiama was won by Mohammed Bio with 39, 914 votes to 14, 476 votes polled by Abubakar Musa of PDP.

    Ahmed Ndakenne polled 58, 054 votes to secure the Patigi/Edu/Moro Federal Constituency seat by defeating Hassan Mahmud Babako of the PDP that got 19, 144 votes.

  • 3000 dump PDP for APGA in Anambra

    Over 3,000 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra South Senatorial zone at the weekend dumped the party for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    The defectors consequently endorsed Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, APGA senatorial candidate of the zone at a rally in Orsumenyi, Nnewi South Council area of the state.

    They expressed their resolve to ensure full realization of the ambition of the senatorial hopeful, describing him as one who practiced what he preached.

    Read Also: PDP rejects postponement

    Receiving the decampees, Ukachukwu commended them for the bold step, pledging quality representation if voted into power.

    “Representation was not just about the glamour, power and money as well as honour it commands, but principally about service to the people,” he said.

    He challenged every citizen of the zone to drive round his community to appreciate the construction and asphalting of roads in the area.

    “It is sad that those now elbowing one another for the senatorial seat could not do a single project for the people, including the incumbent who has wasted eight whole years on the seat without anything to show for it,” he added.

  • 2019: Abia guber candidates sign peace accord

    The governorship candidates of the three major political parties; Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the incumbent Governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, including Blessing Nwagba of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have signed a peace accord agreement.

    The peace accord deal, The Nation gathered was to ensure that there was a violent-free 2019 election on Saturday February 16 and March 2 respectively in the state as the parties square up against each other.

    The event which was organised by Hope Givers Initiative; a civil society organisation, in collaboration with Vision Africa radio station and the Abia State branch of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was witnessed by the clergy, Abia INEC Resident Commissioner; Joseph Iloh, Abia Commissioner of Police; Eden Okon and governorship candidates of various parties.

    The President of Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of Methodist Church reminded the main actors the need to have the interest of the state at heart while they push to convince Abian electorate to vote and give them the opportunity to govern the state.

    Onuoha said signing the peace accord was to ensure that the governorship candidates and other elective position seekers including their supporters were ready to accept the outcome of the elections.

    Joseph Iloh, the INEC Resident Commissioner who said that the importance of the peace accord cannot be overemphasized said there was the need to sustain the prevailing peace in the state before, during and after the polls which required the full cooperation of all the candidates and their supporters.

    Iloh assured that the commission would provide a level, playing field for all the political parties and their candidates.

    Read Also: I’ll help Abia create jobs – Atiku

    On his own part, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Eden Okon disclosed that the command has put necessary measures in place to ensure that there was adequate security in the state during and after the polls.

    The Police Commissioner who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Godwin Akoh, said, “We have enough security on ground. Nobody should be afraid or feel threatened, because police are ready and prepared to protect Nigerians during the elections.’’

    In their separate speeches, the guber candidates among others expressed their readiness to abide by the content of the peace accord during the polls.

     

    According to Gov. Okezie  Ikpeazu said, “It is my desire and sincere wish that no single blood will be spilled during this election.

    “I have express faith in the Prof. Yakubu-led INEC and the capacity of our REC to do the needful to ensure that nobody was allowed to do away with the result sheet.’’

    While Ogah of the APC said he had the interest of the people of Abia at heart and would continue to contribute to the growth of the state.

    “I am a man who stands for peace. We will ensure that the activities of my supporters are governed by peace.”

    Otti also, spoke in a similar vein, saying that he believed in peace and would do everything within his power to maintain peace and unity in Abia.

    “I call on my fellow candidates that have appended their signature to be honest to execute what we have signed.”

  • Shagari’s death: A national loss – APGA

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Saturday described the death of former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari, as the end of an unforgettable era and a national loss.

    Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA, said in Awka that Shagari was an iconic politician who played politics with fineness, candour, integrity and without bitterness.

    He said the elder statesman’s reign as president of Nigeria from 1979 to 198 was one of the most peaceful and progressive in the annals of the country.

    Oye called on contemporary politicians to emulate Shagari’s humility and honesty in leadership.

    According to the national chairman, Shagari was a strong believer of technology as major driver of economic development,adding that he had a vision to make the country a truly global competitor.

    Read Also: IBB mourns Former President Shagari

    “I was personally present as he discussed the expansion of PRODA with the agency’s director then, Prof. Gordian Ezekwe.

    “Unfortunately, Shagari’s plan to advance the cause of Nigeria’s technological development was aborted by the December 31, 1983 coup,” Oye said in a statement.

    Oye called on the Federal Government to sustain the vision of the late President by devoting more resources to research in order to promote technical and technological education in the country.

    He urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late former president by naming a national monument after him, in spite of the fact that some institutions already bore his name.

    Oye said APGA condoled with the federal government and people of Nigeria, while praying to God to grant his soul eternal repose.

    NAN

  • Court voids APGA primary in Anambra South Senatorial District

    …Sacks Nicholas Ukachukwu as party’s candidate

     

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja has voided the October 3, 2028 primary election held by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to choose candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District.

    Justice Valentine Ashi, in a judgment on Thursday, held that the primary, which produced Nicholas Ukachukwu as the party’s candidate, was not held in substantial compliance with relevant provisions of the law.

    Read Also:Ngige to PDP, APGA: forget Anambra Central senatorial poll

    Justice Ashi, who resolved the sole issue, he identified for determination, in favour of the plaintiff, also nullified Ukachukwu’s emergence as the party’s candidate and the certificate of return issued to him.

    The judgment was on a suit marked: CV/3054 filed by Dr. Okey Chidolue, who claimed to have won the primary and sought to be pronounced the winner.

    Defendants in the suit were APGA, its National Chairman, Victor Ike Oye, Anambra State Chairman, Norbert Obi, Nicholas Ukachukwu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Justice Ashi rejected the notices of preliminary objection filed by some of the defendants, who had queried the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction to hear it.

    The judge also held that the plaintiff failed to prove his case against the 5th defendant, INEC.

    The judge declined to make any order against INEC and also declined to declare the plaintiff the winner of the primary.

    Instead, the judge advised parties to approach INEC and work out ways of overcoming the challenge now created.

    The plaintiff had, among others, argued that the primary was marred with illegality and fraudulent conduct.

    He claimed, among others, that the delegates duly elected at ward congresses were not the delegates that voted in the primary held at the Ekwulobia Township Stadium on October 3 this year.

  • APGA candidate advises electorate against selling PVCs

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Mr Labaran Maku, has advised the electorate in the state against selling their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) to desperate  politicians.

    Maku made this appeal on Friday in Doma Local Government Area after a closed door meeting held with various community groups ahead of the 2019 general elections in the state.

    He urged the  people to desist from selling their PVCs to desperate politicians for whatever reasons, so as to vote for a leader, who could guarantee peace and security in the state.

    Maku said that if voted into power,  he would execute development projects that had direct bearings with the people.

    “We are advising people not to be deceived by these politicians to sell their PVCs, selling their PVCs for N5, 000 or N10,000, cannot change their life.

    “Come 2019, by the grace of God, certain things will be changed, we will give attention to rural areas in terms of executing developmental projects,” he said.

    Read Also:‘APGA will determine who wins presidency’

    The governorship candidate expressed confidence that his party would win the governorship election, even as he assured his supporters of better days ahead.

    He said he would work tirelessly to address issues of inter-ethnic relations and restore cultural practices such as festivals to foster the bond of unity among ethnic groups in the state.

    Maku said he would bring back Customary Court of Appeal that was nullified in the state, saying that the court was still relevant in settling issues for peace to reign among the people.

    He described the liquidation of the state investment company as ill advised, saying a young state as Nasarawa State, needed a company that could pull resources together to go into partnership with national and international investors.

    On the state assets, he said those who bought assets from the government without following due process, should know that such assets would be reclaimed.

    (NAN)

  • Court dismisses libel suit against Vintage Press, others

    The Kogi State High Court sitting in Idah on Wednesday dismissed a libel suit brought against the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspaper, Guardian and Punch newspapers, for lacking in merit.

    Justice Fola Ajayi in his judgment on the suit filed by the suspended Kogi chairman of APGA, Prince Ocholi Ameh, alleging defamatory imputations against him arising from publication of certain statements, dismissed the suit.

    Read Also:Alleged fraud: You have case to answer, court tells Dokpesi

    He said that it was clear that from the findings that the claims could not be substantiated as the alleged diversion of fund and anti-party activities upon which the publications were based had been proven.

    The defendants, including Mr. Ben Nweke, were alleged to have committed the offence sometimes in November, 2015.

    Ameh had averred that while preparing for the 2015 gubernatorial election, the 1st defendant (Nweke), a card-carrying member of the party and the other defendants had connived and made libelous publications against him.

    The publications, according to him, had alleged that he was suspended from the party for anti-party activities, diversion of funds, absenteeism and other acts inimical to the survival of the party.

    According to him, the publication therefore portrayed him as “a fraudulent, reckless and an irresponsible person,” all of which he claimed were false.

    The claimant stated that request by his solicitors for a retraction of the publication and an apology from the defendants was not heeded.

    In the judgment, Justice Ajayi held that the claimant had stated under cross examination that on October 26, 2015, the party gave him the sum of N1 million to organize the flag-off of campaign for the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

    He said that the claimant admitted that the campaign did not hold and neither was the money refunded just as no explanation was given to show how the money was appropriated, giving room for his suspension on November 11, in line with the party’s constitution.

    “I find without hesitation that the claimant has not proved that any offensive publication was made by the 1st and 2nd defendants against him to other person(s) in circumstances as to constitute libel.

    “It cannot be over emphasized that the isolated evidence of the claimant that the publication tarnished his good image and caused him to lose the respect and admiration of others is simply insufficient in law.”

    The court pronounced that in view of the clear findings, the defamatory imputations of diversions of fund and sundry anti-party activities alleged, were true.

    “The principle of law is settled by a long line of decided cases that if the defendant proves that the main charge or gist of the libel is true, the claim of libel fails.

    “The claimant need not justify the statement or comments which do not add to the sting of the charge. Accordingly, I find no merit in the claim and it is dismissed,” it declared.

  • APGA endorses suspension of 3 lawmakers over impeachment of speaker

    The National leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed support for the Anambra chapter of the party over the suspension of three lawmakers in the state legislature.

    Dr Victor Oye, the National Chairman of APGA, said in Awka on Friday that the state chapter acted in line with the party’s constitution.

    Chief Norbert Obi, the Chairman of the party in Anambra, on Thursday announced the suspension of three lawmakers including Mr Ikem Uzoezie, the new factional speaker of the Assembly.

    Others were Mr Harford Oseke, the Deputy Speaker and Mr Victor Okoye, the Majority Leader of the House.

    The chairman said their suspension followed their leading role in the impeachment of Hon. Rita Mmaduagwu as Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, without carry the party along.

    Oye described the purported impeachment as unfortunate, adding that they should have sought the approval of the party that gave them platform to become members of the House.

    “What happened in the Anambra State House of Assembly (ANSHA) few days ago was unfortunate, the members did not consult the leadership of the party, they did not emerge members of the House from the moon.

    “They were sponsored by the party, it was the party that won the election and they are now representing the party which is supreme and whatever they do the party must be carried along.

    “None of them stood for election; the party did and nominated them to represent the interest of the party in the House, so they should not behave as if nobody controls them.

    “Nobody discussed the removal of the speaker; they took that monumental decision when they know that they cannot muster the required number to do so.

    “No consultation with the leadership of the party, governor of the state, there are rules that should govern what they do, there should be synergy; you don’t just act anyhow,” he said.

    Oye said the three were suspended in the first instance, adding that the outcome of investigation would determine if other members would be visited with disciplinary actions

    He said “whatever the State Working Committee of our party is doing enjoys our solid backing, they have the prerogative to suspend people who breach the constitution at that level.

    Read Also: APGA will accommodate all, says Araraume

    “They acted in accordance with our constitution because way the suspended members acted in such a way that showed that they were being teleguided by fifth columnists.”

    The national chairman said there was no impeachment as the rules for removing a speaker were not followed.

    “There was no impeachment in Anambra State House of Assembly because they rules were not followed; they were not able to muster the required number, the mace was not in place while the sitting was going on.

    “You don’t remove a speaker with voice votes, there must be proper counting and you must serve the speaker with all her sins or infractions and the new speaker must be sworn in.

    “So the rules were not followed,” he said.

    Oye urged members of APGA to remain calm and key into the reconciliation process going on at the national and state levels.

    Meanwhile, Uzoezie has dismissed his suspension as illegal and uninformed, adding that it did not follow the procedures for suspending party members.

    He said the party overstepped its bounds as the events in the parliament were wholly internal to it, pointing out that members were at liberty to change their leaders who were not affective.

    “As an independent body the House of Assembly is at liberty to change its leadership if they are not performing, we are peers, co-equal so it is purely internal to us.

    “Those who say there is no change of leadership in ANSHA, including the chairman, are living in their own imagination but as it concerns us, we have removed our former speaker.

    “The impeachment stands and all other principal officers remain,” he said.

    NAN