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Tag: APC candidates

  • Buhari drums up support for APC candidates

    President Muhammadu Buhari, drumming up support for the candidates of his All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday urged Nigerians to vote for APC flagbearers on Saturday.

    According to him, security agencies will ensure a peaceful exercise.

    In his message to Nigerians on the rescheduled election, the President described Saturday as important as February 23, when the Presidential and National Assembly elections were held.

    He cautioned youths against yielding themselves as willing tools for violence and ballot box snatching.

    The President said: “The second and final phase of the 2019 general elections comes up on Saturday, March 9, with Nigerians voting for governors and members of Houses of Assembly in the states.

    “Let me once again extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of accidents or criminal violence during the elections.

    “The onus is once again on qualified people to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights. With the presidential poll behind us, let us not become complacent, and fail to vote in the gubernatorial poll. The forthcoming elections are as important for good governance as that of the presidency and the National Assembly.

    “Indeed, governance at the state level is closer to us, and should touch our lives more directly. That is why it is vital for us to participate in the choice of who governs us at the state levels.

    “I, therefore, urge you to troop out massively on Saturday to elect your governors and state lawmakers.

    “As a member of the APC, I recommend those standing on the platform of the party to you, as we are guided by progressive ideals, and we will not disappoint you.

    “Equally, I urge you to comport yourself properly, as you turn out for the election. Avoid all deviant behaviours like ballot stuffing, ballot snatching, and any other action that does not conform to best electoral practices.

    “I assure you that the security agencies will be on hand to protect voters, and ensure that the process is not undermined in anyway.”

    The President went on: “Let’s make the gubernatorial polls much better than the presidential, which the local and international observers have adjudged to be free and fair.”

  • Osinbajo expected in Ilorin Thursday for door to door campaign

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected in Ilorin on Thursday in continuation of his door to door campaign for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates.

    In a statement on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Coordinator, Field Operations Directorate of Buhari/Osinbajo Project, Mr Olorin Adebayo, called on the people of the state to come out enmass to receive Osinbajo.

    “We are calling on Kwara residents to come out en mass to receive Nigeria’s number two citizen as they did last week when the president visited the state.

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    “The last time the Vice President was in Ilorin, he was equally received by a mammoth crowd.

    “We must repeat that feat, the people should troop out to receive the Vice President,’’ Adebayo said.

    The coordinator expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party for putting Kwara on its A list.

    “We shall reciprocate this very kind gesture with our votes on Saturday,” he said. (NAN)

  • Akeredolu to electorate: vote for APC candidates

    •Governor forgives Boroffice, Kekemeke, others

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has advised All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the state to vote for the party’s candidates in tomorrow’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

    This followed a contrary claim in some quarters that the government had mandated all political office holders, including local government chairmen, to work for the Action Alliance (AA).

    Akeredolu reportedly hinged his change of mind on the need to avoid confusing voters, which may affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s votes in the state.

    A statement by the Media Assistant to the Concerned Group of APC, Shina Adewale, said: “Governor Akeredolu, in a telephone conversation with some leaders opposing him, said as the Chancellor in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), he has forgiven Senator Ajayi Boroffice and others who worked against him.

    “I have to put my Christian faith to reality; we were bound to disagree and also agree in some situations.

    “As a leader, I must show exemplary leadership by doing the needful to ensure that our party, the APC, emerges victorious in the elections.

    “If Jesus can forgive our iniquities, who am I, an ordinary mortal being, not to let go in the interest of promoting our party?”

    Akeredolu was said to have urged party faithful to discountenance previous insinuations and instructions to vote for AA and directed Ondo State electorate to vote for APC in tomorrow’s elections.

    Reacting to the statement, the immediate and pioneer Chairman of APC in the state, Isaacs Kekemeke and former Deputy Governor Alli Olanusi said if the information was correct, Akeredolu must be commended for his statesmanship.

     

     

  • Senator Tinubu to Lagos women: vote for APC candidates

    •My govt won’t neglect women, says Sanwo-Olu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday urged women in Lagos State to vote for the party’s candidates in February 16 and March 2 elections.

    She chided the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other “mushroom parties” as being nowhere to be found in the Centre of Excellence.

    Waving the broom, the symbol of the ruling party, and bursting into partisan songs, the Yeye Asiwaju of Lagos, also charged elected officers and politicians to always reward the contributions of women to their victory at the polls.

    She said: “When you get there, please, remember the women.”

    The senator representing Lagos Central spoke at a rally organised by the Lagos State APC Women Leader, Princess Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, at the Campus Square Stadium, Lagos.

    APC women and other supporters from 57 local government areas stormed the venue as from sunrise, dancing and rejoicing. On the stage was the ace musician, Queen Salawatu Abeni, who thrilled the crowd to partisan songs.

    The rally was attended by APC governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke; his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; his wife, Oluremi; party chairman Alhaji Tunde Balogun; Southwest APC Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson; former Deputy Governors Sarah Sosan and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Deputy Speakers Adio-Badmus and Toun Adediran; Women Affairs Commissioner Mrs. Akinbule Yusuf; former Sports Commissioner Segun Dawodu; Mrs. Fausat Gbadebo; Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara, many market women and students.

    Sanwo-Olu, who doffed his cap for the women, requested for their bloc blessings for the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket.

    He assured them that he would not let them down, if elected.

    Thanking the women, who he described as good mothers of the state, the APC flag bearer promised that they would always have the last say in the initiation and implementation of government policies.

    Sanwo-Olu, who spoke in Yoruba and English, said: “You are very important as mothers, wives and backbone of families. This election is your election. It is for you. All the plans we are making are for you. When you plan for women, you plan for the whole town. Women will be included in government and governance. We will promote a culture of inclusion. You will not be marginalised.”

    Urging the women to vote and defend their votes, he added: “Vote for President Muhammadu Buhari, Yeye Asiwaju Tinubu, Bayo ‘Pepperito’ Osinowo, Senator Yayi Adeola and other House of Representatives candidates on February 16.

    “Vote for us and House of Assembly members on March 2. Wake up early and mobilise for the polls. Vote and wait until the votes are counted. We will cater for your interest. We will not forget you. The election is for the security of your future.”

    Sanwo-Olu regretted that the PDP government failed Nigerians for 16 years, advising Lagosians to reject the party at the polls.

    He disputed the PDP’s claim that Lagos was in bondage, saying the party was peddling falsehood.

    Urging the women to gird their loins, the flag bearer said APC would achieve victory and the fruits of the victory would be for all Lagosians.

    Mrs Orelope Adefulire said: “We want progress across the sectors. We want a government of continuity at the centre and Lagos State and all the dividends of democracy will follow. Let each one of you go and mobilise one hundred people to vote for APC candidates: the President, National Assembly candidates, our governorship candidate and House of Assembly candidates.”

    Mrs Akinbule-Yusuf said: “Get your permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) ready and remember to use your index finger to vote during the elections.”

     

     

  • Buhari solidly behind APC candidates, says spokesman

    MEMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) got a reassurance yesterday from President Muhammadu Buhari that he is fully behind the party and its candidates across the country.

    The President, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he has demonstrated his support everywhere he had gone to campaign.

    He was making a clarification in the wake of insinuations that President Buhari sat on the fence when he took his campaign to Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    The President was reported to have told party members in the state that they were free to cast their ballot for any candidate of their choice in the forthcoming governorship election.

    But Shehu dismissed the report, saying it was untrue that President Buhari did not show full support for the APC while campaigning in Imo State on Tuesday.

    The presidential spokesman described as unfortunate that the report has unsettled the party in the state, pitting some members against Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    He told reporters: “The massive crowd that gathered to welcome President Buhari in Imo State was made up of not only supporters of the APC in the state, but also supporters of other parties who are united by their love for the President and their desire to see him re-elected, despite the local candidates they support.”

    Shehu explained that President Buhari’s consciousness of the obviously-mixed crowd was the reason why he did not speak only about support for the APC during the campaign, but also encouraged the people to vote according to their consciences.

    A statement by the Deputy Director of Information, State House, Attah Esa, quoted the presidential spokesman, saying: “While President Buhari is fully behind APC, he welcomes endorsements from those who do not belong to the ruling party but is also sensitive to their support for non-APC candidates at the local level. It would have been insensitive of him to offend his non-APC supporters by ignoring their local affiliations.”

    Shehu noted that President Buhari’s open endorsement of Imo APC governorship candidate Hope Uzodinma, whose hand the President raised high before the crowd at the campaign rally, said it all.

    “President Buhari is for the APC in every state and there is no doubt about that, despite his immense cross-party support,” he said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will sweep Cross River State in the upcoming elections.

    Buhari, who spoke at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the state capital as part of his Presidential campaign, said he would be consistent with the promise he made in 2015 of improving the economy, fighting insecurity and tackling corruption.

    Buhari, who arrived at the venue around 5pm, also assured that all APC governors are under the control of the party.

    He said: “We are very confident that we would win all the elections in Cross River State. I assure you that the promise we made in 2015, we have made substantial progress in security, economy and the fight against corruption.

    “We are working hard and the results are visible for those who want to be honest to themselves in Nigeria and Africa. I don’t have must to say than to thank you very much.”

    He also expressed gratitude to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, for acknowledging the efforts of his administration when he paid him a visit in his Palace earlier.

  • Groups urge Akeredolu to campaign for APC candidates

    Concerned elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the four major groups in the party at the weekend  raised the alarm over alleged plan by the leadership of the party to work against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates in the state. The group is made up of Olanusi, Boroffice, Abraham and Kekemeke supporters who met at the Akure residence of the former Deputy Governor, Ali Olanusi, in Alagbaka, Akure.

    They came from the three senatorial districts, urging the APC national leadership to probe the secret campaign activities and funding of Action Alliance (AA) especially in five constituencies in the state allegedly by Team Aketi and the Ade Adetimehin-led state executive committee. In a communique jointly signed after the emergency meeting, the groups alleged that clandestine moves were visible in Ondo North,Ondo South,Akoko Northeast/Northwest,Akoko Southwest/Southeast and Idanre/Ifedore House of Representatives seats.

    According to the communique,” Evidences and records exist of the support and funding of AA by Team Aketi. For instance, some of the AA candidates are people with strategic appointments in the Akeredolu’s led government. For Akeredolu to come clean of the alleged support of AA in the state, he needs to come out openly to campaign for the APC candidates in those five listed AA ‘infested’ constituencies. Anything short of that will affect the success of the President and APC candidates in those areas of the state”.

    The APC leaders noted that the collation of party agents’ list by Team Aketi and the Adetimehin led Exco without input of other party leaders suggested inimical moves.

     

  • Osinbajo seeks massive support for APC candidates

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo took his door to door campaign to Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State at the weekend.  He was joined in the exercise by Governor Akinwumi Ambode, APC governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Solomon Adeola who represents Lagos West in the Senate.

    The Vice President and his entourage visited many homes, markets. Speaking to the crowd at Greenland Stadium in Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged the APC members to work tirelessly for President Buhari and other candidates victory in the forthcoming elections.

    He said Alimosho is very crucial to APC as the largest local government with votes in Lagos State. “There are votes in Alimosho. We should all go out and vote on February 16 for Buhari. We are expecting large votes from Alimosho, which has largest voting population,” he said. In his address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said: “Alimosho votes are very crucial to APC’s victory. We should all go out and vote enmasse for President Buhari and other APC candidates in February 16 elections. We should also vote for Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates on March 2.  “You can see all of us coming together to campaign. It is a complete house and we are all united to work for APC’s victory in Lagos State.”

    Also speaking, Lagos APC governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the residents of Alimosho to vote for all APC candidates.

    “The Vice President is here to visit us in our neighborhood. We are here to campaign for President Buhari. We should come out enmasse and vote for Buhari in February 16 and vote for all APC candidates in the February 16 and March 2 elections,” he said.

    Senator Solomon Adeola, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, said Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration has performed credibly and should be reelected.

    His words: “We are all here to solicit for your votes for President Buhari and other APC candidates in February 16 and March 2 elections.

     

  • Polls: OPC endorses Sanwo-Olu, other APC candidates

    The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), led by the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, yesterday promised to mobilise support for the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other candidates of the party in the Southwest in next month’s general elections.

    The deputy president of the socio-cultural group, Wasiu Afolabi, made the promise in Lagos.

    He said the group resolved to police the votes of the electorate and enhance credible elections by resisting rigging.

    Afolabi, who led members of the group to the Independent Campaign Organisation (ICG) office at Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, for a meeting with Sanwo-Olu; Campaign Manager Tayo Ayinde; his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku and other committee members, said the interest of the Yoruba race remained paramount to OPC.

    He said: “We have the power to vote; we have the power to defend the votes. These two objectives we will accomplish.”

    The retracing of steps by OPC represented a critical and decisive political move by the organisation in post-Fasehun era.

    Afolabi said talks between the late OPC leader and APC stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had started before Fasehun died.

    According to him, surviving OPC leaders decided to put finishing touches to the discussion.

    He added: “Let it be known that in the formation of the OPC by Dr. Fredrick Iseotan Fasehun, the National Leader of APC played a role. We are proud to be back home.

    “Fasehun had put his differences with Asiwaju Tinubu aside. But he died when the group was about to finalise the agreement with him. We have resolved to cooperate with Asiwaju Tinubu. We will deliver the whole of the Southwest in the next elections. I have to thank our leaders who made this possible – Afolabi Salami and Olalekan Akintade.”

    The OPC members were ushered into the campaign office by Ayinde.

    Others at the meeting included former Agriculture Commissioner Enoch Ajiboso, Sesan Olarewaju, Bolaji Ariyoh, Wahab Alawiye-King, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Wale Adelana, Hamid Olorunoje, Ololola Essien, Tokunbo Wahab, Chris Ekwilo, Durosinmi Adeboye, Gafar Toyin, Yetunde Arobieke, Bayo Ajisebutu and Sesan Daini, who was the master of ceremony.

    Afolabi was accompanied by Alhaji Ibrahim Olarewaju, Chief Lekan Akintade, Women Leader Alhaja Taye Ibrahim, National Coordinator Mudashiru Adeniji and First Vice President Olasunkanmi Balogun.

    Sanwo-Olu, who thanked the OPC leadership for the endorsement, hugged and exchange banters with the organisation’s officers and members.

    He assured them that they will not regret voting for him.

    Ayinde paid tribute to the memory of Fasehun, describing him as a patriot and great leader who was fortunate to be survived by competent deputies.

    Also, Sanwo-Olu’s running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, thanked OPC form its support, saying public perception of the group had changed from its characterisation as a militant body to a peaceful cultural group.

    He said: “People used to think that OPC was a militant group, but you are not a militant group. You are a cultural group. There is peace in the OPC. It is a peaceful group and meant for the emancipation of the Yoruba.”

    Urging the organisation’s members to gird their loins ahead of the polls, Ayinde added: “Get your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ready. We will work with our PVCs, not only in Lagos but also in other Southwest states. You should spread the message that your members should vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the APC in the Southwest.

    “APC is the party that will take care of the OPC. We will sponsor your members for pilgrimage to Mecca and Jerusalem. We will do this government together. After voting, wait and defend your votes. Listen to the announcement of results. Follow the ballot boxes to the collation centres. Don’t fight there. Just give them security coverage. We have work to do. We want APC to lead. We will need your support. It is doable. It is achievable. By May, we will celebrate victory.”

    Hailing the collaborative decision, Odunmbaku said the Yoruba will bounce back to national reckoning, adding that this is the goal of the OPC.

    He commiserated with the group on Fasehun’s death, recalling that before his demise, there was a plan between him and Asiwaju Tinubu to have a political collaboration.

    Odunmbaku added: “The surviving leaders of OPC have now finalised it and we are happy for the cooperation. Our director-general will not forget you after the polls. Who says OPC members cannot go to Mecca and Jerusalem?”

    Alawiye-King called for dedication and consistency to the Sanwo-Olu project, assuring the peole that OPC will not regret the collaboration.

    Essien said: “I am happy that OPC has women as members. Let us go back to our local governments and wards to mobilise for President Buhari, our governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates. You will police the votes for us.”

  • Ilaje leader mobilises support for President, APC candidates

    An Ilaje leader, Otunba Sam Kokor Obazuayapce, yesterday expressed his readiness to mobilise support for President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.

    Obazuaye told reporters in Akure, the state capital, that the APC remained strong and more endearing to the people of the riverine areas.

    According to the businessman-politician and youth development expert who was Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Oil and Gas, the only way to link up Ilaje and Ese-odo local government areas with development is through youth development and effective engagement.

    The former governor’s aide said it is necessary to be on same page with the party at the centre.

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    He added: “People may not like President Muhammadu Buhari because of the discipline and transparency he has brought into governance. They may not like him because more than ever before, free money no longer flows into private pockets. A situation whereby only a few individuals made millions at the expense of the majority has become a thing of the past. So, they can’t be happy with him.

     

     

  • Ambode’s aide seeks support for Sanwo-Olu, APC candidates

    The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, Adeyemi Olabinjo, has urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area to ensure the success of the party at all levels in next year’s general elections.

    He also urged members to eschew all forms of bitterness trailing the recently primaries of the party.

    The governor’s aide assured them that APC leadership would carry them along in the preparations for next year’s polls.

    Speaking at an event to kick-start the mobilisation of prospective voters in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area, Olabinjo, who is a former Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said he had put behind him the experience of the last party primaries in which he contested to represent Ifako Ijaye Federal Constituency.

    The governor’s aide urged his supporters to do same in the overall interest of the party.

    Emphasising the supremacy of the party, Olabinjo said: “I have met our leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. They have spoken. As a good and loyal party man, I have obeyed. I urge you all to imbibe the same spirit in the interest of our party.

    “In the 2015 governorship election, Ojokoro came third in the votes delivered; this time round, I want us to come first by voting massively for President Muhammadu Buhari, our governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other candidates of our party in the State and National Assembly elections.”

    The well-attended event was attended by leaders of the Igbo, Southsouth, Arewa and Nupe communities in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area.