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  • APC UK canvasses vote for candidate

    APC UK canvasses vote for candidate

    Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, the United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the people to vote en masse for the party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    Its Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ajisola said Okpebholo’s candidacy encompasses the “Renewed Hope mantra for the people of Edo State, adding that the manifesto of the APC focuses on driving sustainable development, empowering the youth, revitalizing the economy, and also improving the state’s infrastructure.

    Ajisola said the party’s manifesto outlines a clear path towards complete economic transformation, job creation, investment in agriculture, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost Edo’s economy.

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    He added: “In the health and education sector, the Okpebholo’s administration on assumption of office will prioritize access to quality education and healthcare services for all, ensuring that no one is left behind. We are determined to ensure that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration will replicate the ongoing infrastructure development at the federal level in Edo State.

    “Edo people have a date with destiny this Saturday and as a party that is ready to impact the lives of the people, we are ready to build and maintain the roads, as well as energy infrastructure, and public amenities to improve the quality of life for the people of Edo.

    “The Saturday election in Edo State is a critical moment for the future of Edo State, and Senator Monday Okpebholo is the candidate with the vision, integrity, and leadership skills to bring about this Renewed Hope for Edo. We urge all registered voters to support this transformative agenda by voting for Senator Okpebholo and the APC to ensure effective governance, transparency, accountability, and empowerment of citizens.”

    Also, the chairman of the South-south caucus of the APC UK, Dr. Cal Amayo, urged voters in Edo State to exercise their civic rights properly and conduct themselves well to ensure victory for the APC.

    “The votes of the Edo people must count for them to effect a positive change that the people of the state desired”, the APC UK chieftain said.

  • Crisis deepens in APC UK over congress

    Crisis deepens in APC UK over congress

    …as aggrieved members threaten litigation

    The crisis rocking the United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the outcome of its congress has escalated.

    Aggrieved members have threatened to go to court over their alleged disenfranchisement unless the National Working Committee (NWC) intervenes in the leadership tussle.

    The aggrived chieftains said they were tactically fenced out from participating in the congress.

    The top party official was in London a few days ago to conduct a congress, which has continued to receive condemnations from the secretary of the interim committee, who alleged exclusion.

    In the new twist, a party member, Prince Olusanjo Adebola Olurebi, had, through his lawyers AXIS Solicitors, petitioned the party’s headquarters, alleging irregularities in the congress.

    In the petition, Olurebi’s solicitor, said: “As a legitimate member of the APC-UK, our client and several members of the party in the UK are completely disenfranchised by the failure of the system put in place on January 13, 2024. The party official came to the UK to harmonise and conjoin both national parties, but failed to do so.

    “As a consequence, our client has been denied his legitimate right to participate and vote in the congress of the party’s chapter to which he belongs as a fully paid-up member. Similarly, other members have been deprived of their legitimate right to participate in the election, which is the basis of democracy.

    Olurebi, who is the Asiwaju of Egbaland in Manchester, said the Interim Committee inaugurated  had failed woefully and should be disbanded with a new team set up to pilot the party in the United Kingdom. 

    He said the party official took sides with some people to conduct a congress when the interim committee had only met once.

    The Egba chief said the people chosen both for the interim committee and the new congress represented a mere fraction of the teeming members of the APC in the United Kingdom.

    Olurebi said: “The interim committee inaugurated and put in place at the Central London meeting on January 13, 2024, has failed to execute the functions that it was charged to perform before culminating in a congress date. 

    “They have refused to call a general meeting of members and stakeholders to harmonise the party for over six months due to personal grievances between the chairman and secretary, jeopardising the collective interests of members in the UK.

    “Furthermore, the interim chairman is contesting for the chairmanship position at the proposed congress after manipulating the process and using his office to propagate his campaign, which is unjust, unfair, undemocratic, and against the party’s constitution of level playing grounds for all contestants.

    “You have also arranged for a stakeholder meeting on June 27, 2024; however, no communication of the same has been made to the majority of the members. Only a small number of the members were made aware of their support for their candidate. This is inappropriate, disproportionate, unjust, and not in line with the constitution of the party.

    “The interim chairman has upturned the mandate of the interim committee set up in January by creating another local organising committee for himself and his group to take over and organise the congress on June 29, 2024, which is totally absurd.”

    Last week, the Secretary of the Interim Committee, J. K. Adebola, alleged that his group was not allowed to participate in the congress. 

    Read Also: APC UK elects new excos, reaffirms commitment to progress

    He said: “The lack of official communication led to the disclaimer notices issued by the interim secretariat. If there was any official communication regarding the congress, it must have been done discreetly or hidden from the interim secretariat for obvious reasons.

    “In view of the importance and enormity of a chapter consolidation congress, one would have expected an official letter with all congress details duly signed and sent from the APC headquarters (HQ) and copied to the chairman and secretary of the UK Interim Committee. If such a letter exists, none was sent to me.

    Olurebi said the crisis in the United Kingdom chapter is far from over and will require the efforts of the National Working Committee to wade in quickly to avert a tsunami that will hit the diaspora branch, which has always been the herald of the party.

  • APC UK elects new excos, reaffirms commitment to progress

    APC UK elects new excos, reaffirms commitment to progress

    The United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has elected members of the executive that would steer the ship of the party in UK for the next four years.

    The congress leading to the emergence of the new Exco held on Saturday, where 19 new members elected in an election described as free and fair election.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary, CouncillorTunde Ajisola, said the outcome of the election was a reflection of the general acceptance of the newly elected leadership of the party, adding that the new exco would do everything that is possible to promote the ideals of the organization in the UK and also bring about the best form of leadership that the APC in the diaspora required.

    “The newly-elected APC UK executive under the leadership of our amiable Chairman, Hon.Tunde Doherty, would bring their wealth of experiences and a track record of excellence to this role. 

    “Hon Doherty has been an active and influential member of our community, known for his unwavering commitment to the principles and values of the APC.

    “His leadership qualities, strategic vision, and ability to unite and inspire people have been evident throughout his career.

    “As Chairman, Hon. Doherty has also outlined a clear and ambitious vision for APC UK and his priorities are to strengthen Party Unity,

    commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and collaboration within our party and also ensuring that all members feel valued and heard.

    “The new leadership of our party in the UK is ready to engage the Diaspora community.

    “It is our plan to enhance our engagement with the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, creating platforms for meaningful interaction and contribution to the development of both the UK and Nigeria.

    “We will also advance policy advocacy and we will focus more on advocating for policies that benefit our community, promoting economic empowerment, educational advancement, social justice as well as encourage grassroots participation.

    “Part of our aims is to increase grassroots involvement in party activities and also ensure that our initiatives resonate with the people and are supported by the broader community.

    “We will also work on strengthening UK-Nigeria relations and we will work towards fostering stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, leveraging the strengths of the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.

    “We are confident that under Hon. Doherty’s leadership, APC UK will continue to grow and thrive, making significant contributions to our community and beyond. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly guide us towards achieving our collective goals.

    Ajisola, however, extended his appreciation to the national chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, the SA on Policy and Strategy to the Chairman, High Chief Omoniyi Akinsiji and all members of the party’s NWC for the successful conduct of the 2024 APC UK Congress. 

    The newly elected members of the APC UK executive include: Hon. Tunde Doherty (Chairman), Dr. Bonat Dauda (Deputy Chairman North), Hon. Olumuyiwa Adesua, (Deputy Chairman South), Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro, (Secretary), Hon. Ayokunle Agunbiade (Deputy Secretary), Hon. Susan Jegunmah (Woman leader), Hajia Mariam Muazu, (Deputy Woman leader), Hajia Sekinat Adams (Youth leader), Hon. Tunmise Ajiboye.(Deputy Youth leader).

    Others are the Financial Secretary, Hon. Bernard Doro; Deputy Financial Secretary, Alhaji Ganiu Adejumo; Treasurer, Hon. Yemi Kolawole -Taiwo, Deputy Treasurer – Hon. Abimbola Fasanu,Welfare Secretary, Dr Cal Amayo, Deputy Welfare Secretary – Ambassador Jamila Zanna Muhammad; Organizing Secretary, Dr Mustapha Bello, and the Deputy Organizing Secretary,Dr. Adeleye Jasper Elisha.

    Read Also: APC UK holds congress, elects new exco

    Hon. Babatunde Hamzat is the auditor, while Dr. Elfreda Onunkwo, is the deputy auditor. Hon. Adegboyega Ajibade is also the legal adviser of the party, even as Dr. Jude Erika was elected as his deputy.

    Councillor Tunde Ajisola is the Publicity Secretary and Hon.Vincent Akin Williams is the deputy publicity secretary. 

    Other members of the newly elected include Hon. Ayorinde Amoko, who was elected as leader of the People Living With Disability, with Hon. Olufunmilayo Adesanya as the deputy.

    Members of the Ex Officio include- Chief Adekemi Kalejaiye, Dr. Justus Timothy Yusuf, and Dr Charles Orjiakor, among others.

  • APC UK donates to campaign

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United Kingdom (UK) have donated items worth millions of naira to support the  governorship bid  Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Lagos State APC Chairman Babatunde Balogun received the items which include  wheel chairs, notepads, exercise books and other educational materials from the Tayo Sodeinde-led  group in his Acme Road, Ikeja office,  at the weekend.

    Sodeinde said: “APC in the UK has always been playing a vital role in every election held in the state.

    “We were here during the last election and we were warmly received by the former chairman of APC in Lagos, Chief Henry Ajomale.

    “We have brought wheel chairs to enable the physically-challenged members of the party move around. We also brought exercise books for the children for their education, notepads and handkerchiefs.

    “We are using this medium to congratulate you on your brilliant performance within a short period of your being in office,” Sodeinde said.

    The team described APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a pillar of support.

    Balogun thanked the group for its gesture, saying : “You have shown great passion and service to this party and each time you are here, you have never come with an empty hand. I thank you for alleviating the suffering of the physically challenged among members of our party’’.

    The group visited the Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group (ICG) in Ikeja, GRA, where some items were handed over to the Director General, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

  • Elections: APC UK wants INEC reviewed, reformed

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the United Kingdom has called for review of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) operational model with a view to reforming it.

    The chapter made the call following INEC’s postponement of the general elections on Saturday.

    In a statement copied to the News Agency of Nigeria in Uyo on Monday, the Chairman of the APC in the United Kingdom, Dr Philip Idaewor, said that the postponement indicated a systemic exhaustion within INEC and necessitated review of its operational model and enabling laws.

    “This is with a view to radically reforming it and making it fit for purpose. This is because well organised free, fair and credible elections are important to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy.

    “The announcement by INEC to postpone the 2019 General Elections has come as a huge shock to us, especially given the timing of the announcement, when political parties had already deployed huge resources to the field for the elections.

    “We have carefully listened to all the explanations given by INEC as well as the reactions of our party’s leadership, our presidential campaign council, President Muhammadu Buhari and international observers.

    “We align ourselves with the position of our party leadership, our presidential campaign council and Mr President.

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    “We are saddened that INEC leadership did not deem it necessary to brief Nigerians on a regular basis when it realised the difficulties it listed as reasons for this postponement.

    “We note that the decision by INEC falls well below the expectations for a seamless performance, given that INEC has conducted similar elections since 1999 when this fourth republic started, with opportunities for extensive field experiences and organisational discipline that would have ensured operational options even in unforeseen circumstances.

    “Moreover, INEC leadership presented the needed budget for this elections, with evidence showing that all of INEC’s requests were fully met to ensure successful implementation of this election cycle,” he said.

    Ideawor said that INEC should tell Nigerians why elections could not hold in states which did not have the logistics problems it listed.

    “Why postpone the elections in the entire country? What happens now to those ballot papers and other election materials already distributed to local government areas around the country?

    “What is the cost of this postponement to our national purse? Where will money for another deployment come from? Who takes responsibility for this, and what is the consequence?” he asked.

    He, however, urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading messages capable of heating up the polity.

    “Nigeria needs peace to continue on the path of national reclamation started by the APC government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

  • Atiku’s visit to U.S. an attempt to score cheap political point —APC UK

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom Chapter, said yesterday that Alhaji  Abubakar Atiku’s current visit to the United States would not change Nigerians’ perception about him.

    Mr.Ade Omole, APC UK chapter leader, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the trip was designed to score cheap political gain, adding that Nigerians are wise enough to read between the lines and could not be hoodwinked by such untoward arrangement.

    “Abubakar Atiku certainly has reasons for not visiting the U.S in the past years, especially because of corruption allegation against him,” he said.

    Omole described  Atiku’s entry into the U.S. as a mockery of President Bush’s Presidential Proclamation 7750 which affirmed denial of entry VISA to foreign officials involved in corrupt practices by the congress.

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    He, however, said that Atiku’s visit to America would not absolve him of the corruption allegation which had been hanging on him.

    Omole stressed that he had no objection to Atiku or any Nigerian gaining entry into the U.S., especially if he met the entry requirements.

    He, however, maintained that the visit of the former Vice President, more or less made a mockery of him and the PDP.

    “Whether he visits U.S. or outer space, it doesn’t change anything in Nigeria. The electorate have already made up their minds to re-elect President Buhari for a second term come February 16,” Omole said.

    He added that the questionable character of an individual no matter how highly placed he may be, would  not evaporate by a mere visit to America.

    He noted that while Atiku was  busy trying to prove himself clean from corruption allegations with his U.S visit, Buhari was busy campaigning to Nigerians on why he should be re-elected.

    He added that the APC had continued to use its scorecard and achievements in all sectors to campaign to Nigerians on why Buhari deserves a second term in office to consolidate on his achievements.

  • APC UK backs Dapo Abiodun

    The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has declared its support for the governorship candidate of the party in Ogun State, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, saying they would queue behind him with “full support during the campaign and in the days ahead.” The chapter said it has elected to align itself with the position and decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) which affirmed Abiodun’s candidature in line with party supremacy.

    This followed a meeting of the members in London on Friday, details of which were made available to The Nation. The meeting was attended by the APC National Secretary UK, Mr. Francis Akpan;  Prince Dele Tinuosho, Sunday O. Oyesanya, APC Ogun State Chapter UK Secretary, Mr Andrew Taiwo  and the APC Chairman, Ogun State Chapter UK- Mr Dapo Oduwole.

  • Diaspora APC hails Sanwo-Olu

    Members of United Kingdom All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State office have described of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the party flag bearer as round peg in round hole.

    According to UK APC chairman, Tayo Shodeinde, the electorates have freely expressed their choice, noting that the use of direct primary to pick a party flag bearer would entrench democracy.

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    He said Sanwo-Olu had served three administration in the state, stressing that the candidate had experience and exposure to take Lagos to greater height.

    “Sanwo-Olu you have served in three administrations in Lagos State and we are proud of your exemplary record as an astute administrator par excellence, who will bring all this experience to bear as when you take the helm of affairs.

    “This diaspora arm of the party, Lagos State APC UK has always played a crucial role in progressive and developmental politics in Lagos State for many years during struggles and it is against this backdrop we recognize you as a progressive and willing to stand with you shoulder to shoulder.

    “We truly appreciate you and we fully throw our weight behind your quest to become the Governor of Lagos State. Please be rest assured that we will do all within our power to support you in your quest to consolidate and continue the good works of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the aftermath of general elections.

    “May we also seize this opportunity to extend an invitation to you to visit us in the UK to share with us your vison for Lagos State. As such it would be most appreciated if you would let us know by way of reply your availability to visit us in the UK,” he said.

  • Flooding: APC UK expresses readiness to assist victims

    The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) says it is ready to give some form of assistance to victims of recent flooding that occurred in some states of the federation.

    Mr Jacob Ogunseye, the chapter’s acting Publicity Secretary made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, the decision to offer help to the flood victims was taken at a strategic meeting of the chapter.

    He condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire nation over the loss of lives and property following the flooding caused by rains that resulted to Rivers Niger and Benue to overflow.

    He also commended President Buhari for declaring a state of emergency in affected states by releasing #3 billion naira to help victims, noting that the vast areas affected were farmlands and residential communities.

    NAN reports that Niger, Kogi, Anambra, and Delta states had been declared as ‘National Disasters’ by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    Taraba Adamawa, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Benue, Bayelsa and Kwara states were also being monitored carefully by NEMA.

    The statement quoted Mr Ade Omole, the chapter’s leader as saying “we will be ready to deploy an up-to-date technology hardware and software in preventing and controlling floods in Nigeria if given the opportunity.

    “We will do all within our abilities to ensure that adequate technology is deployed to forewarn likely or future occurrence of down pour in these areas to ensure safety of lives of property.

    Omole noted that while homes had been destroyed and farmlands washed away, there was need to cooperate with governments to address the situation, adding that these were indeed trying periods.

    He, therefore, called on well meaning Nigerians and organisations across the country and the world to rise up at this challenging moment to help the flood victims.

    “Our show of unity is now; we should all set aside our political affiliation and come together as a united country to ensure that victims are not abandoned to suffer the effect of the current disaster.

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    “We should help in any way in ensuring that affected persons get needed assistance, especially medical, housing and clean water, Omole said.

    NAN reports that the Ecological Fund Office had, however, embarked on the inauguration of about 70 ecological intervention projects in flood prone communities across the country`s six geo-political zones.

    The interventions by the Ecological Fund Office in affected communities was to solve problems that had given concern to citizens whose means of livelihood and properties were being threatened by desertification, flooding and disastrous gully erosion.

    Vice President Yeti Osinbajo’s had since visited some affected flood communities in Anambra and Delta states to sympathise with victims.

  • Ekiti 2018: Fayemi’s victory, call to higher service – APC UK

    The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the victory of Dr Kayode Fayemi in the just-concluded Ekiti state governorship election as “a call to higher service”.

    The chapter stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, following the announcement of the outcome of the election by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fayemi was APC’s candidate in the governorship contest held on Saturday.

    The statement was jointly signed by Mr Ade Omole the chapter’s leader and Mr Jocab Ogunseye, its spokesman.

    The party described Ekiti people as the “wisest for electing a thorough-bred and respected individual” like Fayemi as their governor, adding that they would not be disappointed by the governor-elect.

    “We are confident that Fayemi will not disappoint the teeming followers and the general public of the state who have reposed their trust in his ability and experience to provide good governance for the state.

    “Fayemi has done it before; he has also worked in the higher level,” it said.

    It said that while he served as Minister of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Fayemi ensured that the moribund Ajaokuta Steal Company was revitalised.

    It added that with Fayemi as governor, the people of Ekiti state should anticipate a new era different from the days of “stomach infrastructure”.

    Read Also: Ekiti Governorship election: INEC declares Fayemi winner

    The APC chapter stated that the people of Ekiti would now have an era devoid of hooliganism and deceit in governance that had eroded the value of true governance and era that would not celebrate mediocrity.

    “There is no doubt, expectations are great, the ceiling has been raised, the altitude is higher, and the people of Ekiti cannot afford to live in darkness as they have done in the past four years,” it said.

    It, however, advised the governor-elect to provide an all-inclusive government irrespective of party affiliation “now that the election had been concluded”.

    The chapter acknowledged that everyone had played a role in entrenching democracy in the state especially, and must therefore, be valued and respected.

    In the result of the election as announced by INEC, Fayemi got 197, 459 votes to defeat his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent and closest, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, who scored 178,121 votes.