Tag: APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has placed an embargo on sectional and unauthorised meetings within the party by aspirants or their allies ahead of the Nov. 16 Local Government elections in Ogun.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the APC Party Chairman, Yemi Sanusi.

”The Party has absolute control over how it will prepare for the elections.”

According to him, unless and until the party announces or calls for meetings, any person organising or attending meetings concerning the forthcoming elections does so at his own peril.

“The party will exercise the full wrath of its disciplinary powers to punish any parallel or unauthorised meetings that undermine our strategy for the elections. 

“The party is also aware of its power to screen out any aspirant who does not conform to the party and its ideals,” he said.

Sabusi said:” the state Executive Committee observed that certain persons have been calling for meetings of potential aspirants ahead of the Local Government Elections in Ogun.

Read Also: Ondo 2024: 1200 PDP members join APC in Ondo

”Elections are an organised and regulated civic activity, with political parties as frontline regulators of the process.

”The Nigerian electoral law does not permit independent candidates, so in the coming Local Government elections, APC will be the contestant, not any individual candidate regardless of that candidate’s perceived political status.

”The Party has absolute control over how it will prepare for the elections.

“While we respect the right of party members to meet freely, the overall interest of the party outranks any individual interest.

”As such, all preparation for the forthcoming Local Government elections must be uniform and organised, under the direction of the party’s formal leadership in the state and in line with the party constitution, only the party chairman or a person designated by him, can call such meetings, not aspirants or their allies”. 

(NAN)

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Oyo State APC Chairman, Isaac Omodewu.

Alli described Omodewu’s death as a monumental loss to the party and the entire state.

A statement by Alli’s media aide, Akeem Abass, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late chairman of APC in Oyo state, and all who were touched by Omodewu’s exemplary leadership.

According to Senator Alli, Omodewu was a man of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the progress of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state.

“His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to unity and the growth of the party, and his contributions to the political landscape of the state will never be forgotten.

Read Also: APC candidate will be next Abia governor – Kalu declares

“Chief Isaac Omodewu was more than just a party leader; he was a pillar of strength and a guiding light for many within our party.”

The lawmaker urged members of the party and those who knew Chief Omodewu to honour his memory by upholding the values he stood for.

He called for prayers for the repose of Omodewu’s soul and strength for his family in this difficult time.

“May Almighty Allah grant Chief Omodewu eternal rest and comfort his family and loved ones.

“This is a great loss, but we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of service and left behind a legacy that will continue to guide us.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state on Sunday, August 18,0called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full-scale investigation into “the latest scandal“ involving spending purportedly for medical supply contract to 44 local governments in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the state chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas in Kano on Sunday.

Abbas called for the freezing of the accounts of local government councils in the state to stop further plundering of their resources in the name of joint projects.

He said the admission by Governor Abba Yusuf that he was not aware of the sleeze, is a clear indication that he is either not in control or lack capacity to lead the state, as the APC repeatedly insisted.

Abbas described as laughable the directive given to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to probe the matter.

The chairman pointed out that going by his antecedents, chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado is partisan, compromised and lack the power to investigate the scandal allegedly involving the immediate family members of the governor’s father in-law and embattled leader of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state, Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

He noted that the scandal is the latest in series of financial recklessness allegedly involving officials of the NNPP government.

Abbas recalled that the state government awarded controversial contracts worth N27 billion for the construction of two interchange bridges at Dan-Agundi and Tal’udu junction in the metropolis, the payment of which would be shared in a 30/70 ratio between the state and the 44 local governments.

Read Also: PDP, APC leaders clash over harassment, unlawful arrest of members

The chairman said there were still financial allegations that are either not probed or not properly investigated involving government, it’s officials and appointees.

He said these included diversion and repackaging of palliatives by a political appointee attached to Cabinet Office.

Sale of properties at Radio Kano, missing funds at Abubakar Rimi Television, illegal sale of palliatives at the state Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, diversion of federal  government’s palliatives traced to the private residence of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.

When contacted, Commissioner of Information Baba Halilu Dantiye commended the state Governor for directing an immediate investigation into the contract for drug supplies, stating it was the right decision.

He explained that due process was followed in awarding the contracts for the two interchange roads in the metropolitan area, and the records are available for public scrutiny.

Dantiye expressed surprise that Kano APC leaders consistently seek court restrictions on investigations into their activities, questioning their motives. He challenged them to allow investigations to proceed if they have nothing to hide.

Dantiye mentioned that there are calls for the state government to investigate the former first lady’s alleged misuse of local government funds through 44 bank accounts during their two terms.

He assured the people of Kano State that the government of Abba Yusuf was committed to fulfilling its promises, ensuring accountability, and punishing any misdemeanors and non-compliance with procurement processes in accordance with the law.

The appointment of foundation members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into crucial positions in the government is not only a matter of political loyalty but also of strategic importance for the growth and stability of the party, especially in regions like the South East.

These individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals, often at great personal and political cost. Unlike transient political actors, foundation members have consistently aligned themselves with the party’s vision, making them indispensable in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The South East has witnessed appointments that have, unfortunately, overlooked these loyal party members. This oversight has raised concerns among the rank and file of the APC in the region, as it sends a troubling signal that their sacrifices and loyalty are undervalued.

Those who stood firm during the challenging times, especially in the face of the “Obedient” wave, high insecurity, and the derogatory labeling of APC as a “Boko Haram party,” deserve recognition. They did not waver but instead stood resilient, advocating for the party even when it was unpopular and politically risky to do so.

The previous administration’s reward system within the APC was widely criticized for its perceived unfairness, where many loyalists felt sidelined. This has created a sense of disillusionment among the party’s base, particularly in the South East.

However, there was renewed optimism with the ascension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jagaban, core and a true party man. The expectation was that under his leadership, the party faithful would finally receive the recognition and rewards they deserved. Unfortunately, the continued sidelining of these loyal members could erode this optimism and weaken the party’s foundation in critical regions.

Sidelining committed APC members not only demoralizes the party’s core supporters but also reinforces the narrative that the APC does not reward loyalty. This perception can be damaging, especially in the South East, where the party is working to expand its influence.

Read Also; Acquiescent National Assembly not helping democracy

A strong, vibrant party requires a motivated base, and that can only be achieved by ensuring that those who have been loyal are given opportunities to contribute to governance. Appointing foundation members into key positions would send a powerful message that the APC values and rewards loyalty, thereby encouraging more people to remain steadfast in their support for the party and attracting new members.

In the South East, numerous APC members have remained true to the party, even when it would have been politically expedient to jump ship. These individuals have been the bedrock of the party in the region, ensuring that the APC remains a viable political force. Yet, in the distribution of appointments, their names are often missing, replaced by those who may not have the same level of commitment to the party’s ideals. This has caused frustration among the grassroots members, who feel that their loyalty is being taken for granted.

For the APC to grow and consolidate its gains in the Southeast, it must recognize and reward those who have been its most ardent supporters. Ignoring these foundation members in favour of political expediency will only serve to weaken the party in the long run. By appointing foundation members to key positions, the APC can ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda is carried out by those who truly believe in it, thereby strengthening the party’s position across the region.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra has threatened to sue Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) over the planned council polls.

Anambra APC chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, stated this at the party’s headquarters in Awka Saturday while briefing reporters.

He said the party was waiting for the decision of the Inter-Party Adversary Committee (IPAC) which, according to him, was working with APC. 

Ejidike raised a lot of issues concerning the planned election, adding the State Government and ANSIEC were hiding something from the electorates and parties

He said: “APC position is that we’re prepared to participate in the election, if a level playing ground is provided

“If ANSIEC continues in their quest to legitimize illegality, the party will not hesitate to do the needful. We’re working in tandem with IPAC in Anambra State.”

Anambra APC legal Adviser Chinonso Nwuba, such amendments by the Assembly  were inconsistent with Nigeria’s laws, 

Ejidike said: “There should be a level playing field for all the political parties, because we’re not expecting any angel to do it for us. 

“But we want a fair and credible LG election. We’re yet to be convinced that the state government is  ready. They’ve not given us any evidence that they’re ready. 

“Look at the first ANSIEC meeting of stakeholders  and we ask, what’s there gain. They’re not partnering the political parties, except APGA. 

“ANSIEC is up to something and it is wrong. The implication is that the parties are not considered in whatever they’re doing. There are also various amendments by the lawmakers thereby shifting the goal post.

“The questions are, who signs the forms, is it not  the duty of political parties? Everything was done to suit the state government. The parties should be expected to sell forms, campaign and present candidates etc within the same 30 days, address issues arising from such excercise, this is ridiculous.

“There’s also no room for review of voter’s register. How can we go on to conduct the election with these hanging issues?” 

All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for September 12 in Abuja.

The party’s National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru were elected at the last NEC meeting a year ago.

Their emergence followed the resignation of senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore from their positions as chairman and secretary respectively.

Read Also; Nigerians and their travails

A source within the National Working Committee (NWC) told the The Nation yesterday that the party’s adminstrative organ which is saddled with the responsibility of fixing date for the meeting has settled for September 12.

The decision, it was learnt followed the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the strength of a proposal by the NWC, seeking for a date that will be convenient to the President.

A source in the party’s leadership confirmed the receipt of Presidential approval for the date.

The ranks of the Ondo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have depleted further as political associates of former governor, Olusegun Mimiko, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among the defectors were a two-time member of the House of Representatives and former governorship aspirant, Hon Victor Akinjo, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Jumoke Akindele, a former Commissioner for Works and former running mate to Agboola Ajayi in the 2020 governorship election, former running mate to Eyitayo Jegede, Hon Gboluga Ikengboju and Chief Alaba Lad Ojomo.

Others were Engr Jide Adejuyigbe, Barr Tunde Atere, Hon Ebenezer Alabi, Hon Ajani Oladipo, Yeyeoge Funmilola Oluwadare, Com Solomon Adelegan, Com Femi Bosede, Chief Yele Ogundipe, Com Dayo Akinte, Dr Dapo Iwala, Mr Femi Ofakunrin, Mr Olumide Olugbebi, Ms Omowumi George, Mr Gbenga Aro, Alhaji Rauf Ogunsola, Ms Taiye Afilaka, Hon Adetimehin Badeji Jacob, Dr Felix Kehinde, Com Babatunde Sobande, Hon Idowu Ogunmade and Mr Olanrewaju Longe.

The former PDP members said they joined the APC to be part of the processes that would lead to the election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in the November governorship election.

They said they want to be part of an obvious effort to reposition the state on the path of continuous prosperity and peace as well as contribute to the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle challenges facing the country.

In the statement jointly released in Akure, the former PDP leaders said the PDP was not being positioned for victory either at the state level or at the national level with the way it was being run.

According to the statement, “We agree that our nation is facing some challenges that are as a result of cumulative errors of the past as well as direct unavoidable consequences of efforts to correct them by the current president.

Read Also: Ondo 2024: Another PDP governorship aspirant dumps party

“We, however, are firm in our belief that a committed dedication to the path of reforms as being pursued by the President will definitely take our country out of the woods. Hence our decision to be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.

“We have in the past few days been mobilising our colleagues, friends, and associates to join the APC across the State and be part of the progress and development that our State and nation are headed for.

“We do not boast of any magic wand but are ready to commit time and energy to the growth and progress of the party we have chosen to join, a party that has consistently proved to be more open to new members and new ideas.”