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Tag: APC chair

  • APC chair can’t tell Nigerians who is electable, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the claim by All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Adams Oshiomhole that its candidate Atiku Abubakar lost last Saturday’s election because he was not electable.

    Its spokesman Kola Ologbodiyan  advised Oshiomhole to first address what he called the many problems he has brought upon his party before dabbling into the affairs of Atiku and the PDP.

    Ologbondiyan said:  “It is not for the National chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole to tell Nigerians who is electable or not.

    “He told the whole world that he will deliver 100 per cent vote for president Muhammad Buhari in his ward. What did that tell you? That is pure rigging because there is nowhere in the whole world that everybody will be in one political party. It showed manifestly how much rigging Oshiomhole is capable of.

    “Is it not strange that a sitting national chairman cannot deliver his state for his party, in spite of the fact that he has a sitting governor. Will it not bother him? That is a question that should bother his mind.

    “If truly the APC is a political party, that should bother them that they have a national chairman who woefully failed to deliver his state to his party.

    “I don’t think anybody takes Adams Oshiomhole serious in this country going by the manner he conducted primaries in his party.

    “Here is a party national chairman that cannot even manage internal democracy within his party. He created problems for his candidates and his own party members were pelting him with water sachets and stones at campaign rallies.”

     

     

  • Gunmen kill APC chair in Benue

    Gunmen have reportedly killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr. Boniface Okloho.

    The Nation learnt that Okloho was killed while returning from a party function.

    APC governorship candidate Mr. Emmanuel Jime condemned the killing.

    He urged security operatives to arrest the suspects.

    Jime expressed sorrow about the gruesome murder of the chieftain.

    He sued for peace and brotherliness in politics in the state.

    Jime said: “I condemn in very strong terms, this unnecessary politics of violence and bloodshed that has claimed the life of Mr. Okloho, our beloved brother and staunch member of our great party in Ohimini.

    “Okloho was one of the committed leaders of our party in Zone C. We regret that he lost his life in such a horrible circumstance, in the service of his state and his party. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

    APC Chairman Comrade Abba Yaro condemned the murder, calling on security men to fish out the perpetrators.

    He described the killing of Okloho as sad and unfortunate.

    Police spokesman Moses Yamu confirmed the killing.

    He said the police commissioner has ordered investigation into the murder to bring the perpetrators to book.

    Yamu called for calm.

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat challenge good for democracy, says APC chair

    •Salvador heads Assembly aspirants secrening panel

    THE excitement triggered by the emergence of two challengers to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket is good for internal democracy, party Chairman Tunde Balogun said yesterday.

    He spoke at the ACME Road, Lagos secretariat of the party during the inauguration of a seven-member panel to screen aspirants into the State House of Assembly ahead of the primary scheduled for October 4.

    Balogun said that the emergence of two former Commissioners – Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu (Establishment & Training) and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Works & Infrastructure) reflected the beauty of democracy.

    Assuring that the governorship candidate would be determined by party members at the primary, Balogun described the APC as a truly democratic party which had redefined governance in the state.

    He named Moshood Salvador as chairman of the panel to screen the aspirants.

    About 230 aspirants jostling for the state’s 40 assembly seats are to be screened by the committee.

    Salvador was, until recently, chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He defected with members of the state executive to the APC.

    Other members of the screening panel are: former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro; former House of Representatives member Wale Oshun; a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), Dr. Yomi Finih and Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris.

    He told reporters after the closed-door inauguration that the setting up of the committee was in preparation for the state assembly primary.

    The committee, which, according to him, swings into action today, will conclude its job on Friday. It is to ensure that aspirants met the requirements to contest in the primary.

    Each of the members of the committee will chair a sub-committee with members to respond to the high number of aspirants.

    He said: “We have a large number of people who are to be screened to contest in the state House of Assembly primary.

    “We have 40 seats in the state and over 230 aspirants are to be screened.

    “This is a large number, and that is why each member of the committee is chairing a sub-committee to rise up to the challenge.

    “We are prepared for this enormous job, and and we are even expecting members from the national secretariat to do the work,” he said.

    He assured that the committee would carry out its responsibility without let or hindrance.

    On the inclusion of Salvador in the committee, Balogun said it reflected the party’s promise that all defectors would be treated equally like the others.

    The chairman said the APC would not renege on its promise to ensure new members were fully integrated.

    The ranks of APC in Lagos State swelled yesterday as the former Lagos State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare was received into its fold from the PDP.

    Other defectors were the National Chairman of the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN), Mr Dare Falade and the Lagos State Chairman of Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Mr Tajudeen Yinus and their supporters.

    Welcoming the defectors, Balogun said he was excited that progressives who left APC were coming back to the ruling party.

    Adiukwu-Bakare assured the leadership of APC that she would work tirelessly to ensure the party has a good outing during the 2019 general elections.

  • By-election: Wike, APC chair clash over ‘N200m bribe’

    RIVERS State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ojukaye Flag-Amachree and Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday clashed over alleged N200 million bribe.

    Flag-Amachree alleged Wike wanted his cooperation  during last Saturday’s by-election for Port Harcourt Constituency 3 so the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, Chiemeka Merukini, could win.

    A former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government, Flag-Amachree said yesterday that as a loyal member of APC, he declined Wike’s bribe and promptly reported to the leadership of his party, while working for the success of APC’s candidate, Dickens Worlu.

    Wike, who spoke on telephone through the Commissioner for Information Communications, Emma Okah, described Flag-Amachree as a liar.

    The governor said: “He  should stop his cheap lies, meant to divert attention from the atrocities he committed during last Saturday’s bye-election in Port Harcourt Constituency 3. No matter how long he tries to run, the atrocities will continue to haunt him. Nobody offered him N200 million bribe.

    “Port Harcourt Constituency 3 is a stronghold of the PDP. Even if a goat is fielded as PDP’s candidate in the area, the goat will still win for the PDP.”

    Flag-Amachree said the actions of Wike, government officials, PDP members and  INEC were aimed at scuttling the election.

    The state police command yesterday denied involvement in the disruption of Saturday’s by-election.

    Commissioner of Police  Zaki Ahmed, at a news briefing in Port Harcourt,  denied the allegation,  insisting the “police did not at anytime collude with any political party to discredit the political process as alleged in some quarters. Information at the command’s disposal, revealed the presence of political thugs at Miles II and III who were reportedly armed and were disrupting the voting process.

    ‘’The police in the wake of this information deployed more Personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to safeguard the election process, lives and property which was done most professionally.

    “The INEC officials, who appeared to have been intimidated by the thugs were reassured by our presence. Accordingly, our counter measures against the thugs and the thuggery they exhibited, calmed the situation and the INEC officials left with some of the election materials and subsequently suspected the entire process.

    “It must be emphasised that the timely action of the police in checkmating political thugs prevented the loss of lives and destruction of properties”.

  • PDP to APC Chair: submit yourself to EFCC

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole to immediately submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clear corruption allegations against him.

    The opposition party said Oshiomhole lacked the rectitude to speak in public as a leader at any level, whatsoever, until he clears the allegations that he diverted billions of naira meant for the people of Edo State while he was governor from 2008 to 2016.

    A statement yesterday by the PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said since the petition against Oshiomhole at the EFCC was in the public domain, the newly elected party chairman would do the APC, Buhari Presidency, the EFCC as well as himself a lot of good by quietly submitting himself for investigation and possibly prosecution.

    According to the party, since one of the campaign footstools upon which APC was elected into office is fighting corruption, it will be strange for Oshiomhole to go about his new assignment with allegation of corruption, even if it’s as tiny as a strand of hair.

    The statement said: “It is also instructive for the new chairman to understand that Nigerians are no longer inclined to sophistry, illogical arguments, deceit, contrivance and recourse to abuse as a method of campaign.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ekiti withdraws murder case against APC chair, others

    Ekiti State government has withdrawn the charge of murder brought against All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Chief Olajide Awe.

    Awe and two others were accused of complicity in the murder of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, Mrs. Juliana Adewumi and Mr. Murphy Jeje on March 30, 2013 at Erijiyan-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government.

    The other accused persons, who are also APC members, are Mr. Sola Adenijo and Mr. Sefiu Owonifari. Owonifari died about three weeks ago.

    Awe was forced to flee the state after the Governor Ayo Fayose administration filed the charge against him.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Kolapo Kolade moved an application for the withdrawal of the case, which came up for hearing yesterday before Justice Dele Omotoso of High Court 7.

    Following the adoption of the application to withdraw the case, Justice Omotoso discharged and acquitted the accused.

    Granting the application, the judge said the court supported the development because it was to promote peace.

    Kolade said: “What happened in court today is far beyond politics. The governor in his usual manner of promoting peace and brotherliness in communities and across party lines has intervened.

    “In this matter, many good people across Nigeria, even the defendants in this matter have appealed to His Excellency to intervene, particularly at Erijiyan.

    “As the defendants and complainant are of same family, the complainants have given a go-ahead, saying the matter should be withdrawn.

    “This development supports the course of justice. One of the cardinal principles of justice is promotion of peace.

    “The major beneficiary is Chief Jide Awe, the APC chairman in Ekiti State. He, alongside his aide and other members were alleged to have killed Madam Juliana Adewumi, mother of the Deputy Speaker and Murphy Jeje, a member of PDP, in 2013. The complainant is the Deputy Speaker.”

    Defence counsel Mr. Ibrahim Olanrewaju said: “Reason seems to have prevailed today. The attorney- general came to court to withdraw the charge.

    “By the provision of our law, the court was left with no option but to discharge and acquit the defendants. This means that this charge can’t be filled in any court again.

    “As you all know the genesis of the case. We are not saying somebody was not murdered, but we all know that it is more of political fight than looking for justice.

    “Taking from the words of the attorney- general, he said they are trying to allow peace reign in the community and to promote good neighbourliness and we support it.

    “We salute the state for doing this. We salute the courage of the attorney-general for the bold step and we salute the courage of our lord, Justice Omotoso, for discharging and acquitting the defendants. He could have just discharged without acquitting them.”

  • Kekemeke remains APC chair, says NEC

    Kekemeke remains APC chair, says NEC

    THE National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday passed a vote of confidence in its embattled Ondo State Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, and his executives.

    It debunked reports on the removal of Kekemeke, saying he is in control of the party, and will remain so until the national secretariat decides otherwise.

    In a communique at the end of the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) with National Executive Committee (NEC) officials from Abuja, APC resolved to remain focused and determined to wrest power from the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration.

    According to the communique, “the National Secretariat of the party, led by the national deputy chairman (North) and national deputy chairman (South) made it clear yesterday in a meeting with the State Working Committee that the state party chairman remains the party’s chairman in Ondo State, while grievance (s) from any dissent voice can only be treated as at first instance by the party’s zonal committee in line with Article 21 (B) (vi) (d) of the party’s constitution…”

    “We retain confidence in the leadership of Chief Pius Akinyelure, the party’s national vice chairman (Southwest).

    “We further affirm our confidence in the leadership of the National leader of our party, Senator Bola Tinubu.

    “We, therefore, assure the public, party members home and abroad and the party’s governorship aspirants in the primary election in Ondo State that the exercise is going to be free, fair and transparent to protect the integrity of our party in Ondo State.

    “We reassure the public, which made up its mind to send away the PDP-led government from its reign of deceit in Ondo State through their votes in November 2016, that there will be no imposition.”

     

  • Jonathan won’t win 10 per cent of Rivers’ votes, says APC chair

    Jonathan won’t win 10 per cent of Rivers’ votes, says APC chair

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Davies Ikanya, has said President Goodluck Jonathan will not win 10 per cent of the state’s votes on March 28.

    He said the President had committed gross sins against Rivers State and its people, without any justification, and would definitely pay for them during the presidential election.

    The Rivers APC chairman yesterday in Port Harcourt, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, declared that  Jonathan did not deserve re-election.

    Ikanya said: “The wicked acts against Rivers State and its people, for reasons only to be explained by President Jonathan and his managers explain why we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that this man who has run aground our economy will never continue in office beyond May 29, 2015.

    “President Jonathan is from Bayelsa, a sister state to Rivers. He is married to Dame Patience Jonathan, who is from Rivers State and having schooled at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and lectured in the state before joining politics, one would have expected him to be a key factor in any election in Rivers State after the state gave him the highest number of votes in the 2011 presidential election, but shockingly, he will be the greatest undoing of his party  in the 2015 general elections.”

    The Rivers APC chairman urged Jonathan to read the handwriting on the wall and start writing his handover notes. He added that  the president’s time was up and that no trickery would save him from being humiliated in Rivers State and other parts of the country.

    Ikanya maintained that the peeople promoting PDP in Rivers State were those who wanted to reintroduce the inglorious period of sharing of the common patrimony among themselves, rather than developing the state.

    Among the sins of the President, according to the Rivers APC chairman, were his refusal to refund to the Rivers state government, over N90 billion used in the dualisation of Port Harcourt-Owerri Road, approved by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and other federal roads in the state executed by the Rivers government to ease the suffering of the people and “wickedly” stopping Train 7 at the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited on Bonny Island, as well as the loss of jobs to Rivers people and revenue to government.

    He also mentioned the non-implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland, which was submitted to Jonathan in Abuja in 2011 and the abandonment of the East-West Road, especially the Eleme-Onne axis in Rivers State.

    Ikanya also added that the other sins of Jonathan include: the ceding of Rivers oil wells to Bayelsa and Abia states and the abandonment of the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt International Airport.

    He accused Jonathan of imposing Chief Nyesom Wike from the same Ikwerre tribe as Governor Rotimi Amaechi as PDP government candidate.

  • APC chair: we won’t accept PDP failures

    APC chair: we won’t accept PDP failures

    The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will not accept politicians the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected.

    The party noted that such politicians only want to embrace the opposition party as a last resort.

    It said: “Those who want to join us from the PDP should do that now, by registering officially. This is because there will be no room for those who would want to come at injury time, after being rejected by the PDP.”

    APC Chairman Dr. Ben Nwoye addressed reporters at the end of a meeting between the state Exco members, youths and zonal women leaders.

    The chairman said APC would not be a dumping ground for rejected PDP members.

    He urged PDP members proposing to use APC as their last resort in 2015 to look elsewhere or pitch tent with the opposition party now that there were available brooms at the party’s secretariat.

    Nwoye warned that it would no longer be business as usual for those who lose primary elections and defect to the opposition to realise their political ambitions.

    The chairman said APC was doing well in the 17 local government areas and the three senatorial districts ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    The local government branches of the party, he said, had recorded a large turnout in the registration of new members who believe in APC’s ideology and agenda.

    Nwoye assured the people of Nsukka, where ACP has zoned its 2015 governorship ticket to, that its candidate would emerge through a transparent process, “because our party has zero tolerance for imposition”.

    Also, the Southeast women leaders of the APC have passed a vote of confidence in the national leadership of the party and its zonal leader, Mrs. Helen Ojukwu.

    In a communique by the women’s leaders in the five states – Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and Imo – the women hinted that their meetings would henceforth be in Enugu, being the central state of the Igbo.

  • APC chair visits IBB

    APC chair visits IBB

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants  all  Nigeria’s past and present  leaders to put aside their political differences  and come together for the purpose of salvaging  the nation.

    National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,on a courtesy visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida,in Minna  yesterday said  events  in the country border on hopelessness ,and  leaders like Babangida should  use their influence to rescue  the nation from its present state.

    Odigie-Oyegun who was at the head of an APC delegation to the former President said  that for Nigeria  to get back on its feet ,it  would require “a real, inspired, focused and passionate leadership that can help to correct the nation from where it has sidetracked.”

    “We have reached a stage where political labels is not necessary.Every true Nigerian, who means well for the nation knows that this country needs salvage. And to salvage the nation, we need to put aside party labels and come together for a common cause. We just cannot let things continue to go in the direction it is going now,” he said.

    “Every facet of our national life, we have not recorded a single inch of progress. The statistics that concern us as national leaders is not all about building roads or hospitals but to look at the people’s faces if they are satisfied.

    “Do the people have hope for the future? Can the country guarantee the future of the generations to come? Can we bring corruption under control? To do all these is not about building roads or schools.It is about repairing the damage of the psyche of Nigeria. ?Permanent damage has been done to the psyche of the people and it would take true change to bring a reversal to the nation.”

    Responding,Gen.Babangida said  past leaders were already at work  to make the nation  better for the citizens.

    He  hailed the APC  for its position on the need to heal Nigeria  and told  his guests of his preparedness to continue to  work for the growth and prosperity of the country.