Tag: APC

As the nation celebrates the 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians of better days ahead.

The assurance was given on Wednesday in a statement by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the country in recent time, the governing party expressed optimism that the country is on the right path to democratic consolidation and prosperity.

The party also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its achievements in revamping infrastructure, implementing reforms, tackling insecurity, and investing in social programmes.

The APC expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and assured them that the party is committed to delivering a better, safer, stronger, and more prosperous country.

Admitting that democracy is not without its imperfections and challenges, the party noted that the country has had its fair share of setbacks, pain and disappointments.

The statement said: “These are inevitable and inescapable by-products of democratic construction. But importantly, it has set us, irreversibly, on course to build a strong, vibrant and resilient nation. Democracy provides us the opportunity of essential freedom to harness our finest human and material resources, under the participatory authority of our people, for beneficial and sustainable governance. 

“On the occasion of democracy’s silver jubilee, it is remarkably auspicious that our country is under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a veteran advocate and defender of democracy, an exemplary progressive and visionary whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation building is simply monumental.”

Highlighting the success stories of the APC-led administration in the last one year, the party maintained that, “President Tinubu administration has made impressive gains revamping our infrastructure to support the massive expansion of the Nigerian economy, implemented multi-sector reforms to remove age-long debilitating policy distortions and contradictions in the economy, tackled insecurity and revitalized the country’s security architecture, channeled resources to important social investments and poverty alleviation initiatives, initiated constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders aimed at achieving better wages and living standards for citizens. 

“President Tinubu’s bold target of building a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria in a few short years received amplified validation by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) with its recent forecast that Nigeria’s economy would be nearly $2 trillion by 2029. There can be no better indication that the Renewed Hope Agenda is right on course, and that our best days are ahead.”

Appreciating Nigerians for their unwavering support of President Tinubu’s administration and the party, Morka expressed confidence that the democracy being celebrated will usher in an era of economic freedom and secure a brighter future for our highly deserving citizens. 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo chapter, has accepted the resignation of its Vice Chairman in Edo Central Senatorial District, Chief Francis Inegbeneki.

Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, noted that it respected Inegbeneki’sdecision and wished him well in his future political endeavours.

It said: “Chief Inegbeneki has been a loyal and dedicated member of our great party since its inception. He has worked tirelessly to promote the ideals of the APC, and to advance the interests of our members and supporters across the state. 

“His contributions to the growth and development of the party cannot be overstated, and we are grateful for the time he spent with us. 

“We must now look forward to the future and focus our efforts on the task of liberating Edo State from the rudderless and ineffective government of the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

“The people of Edo State have had enough of the mismanagement and lack of vision that has characterised Governor Godwin Obaseki PDP’s reign, and they are ready for a change. 

“APC remains the only party committed to delivering the change that Edo State so desperately needs.

Our party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, will lead the joint push to rescue and return the state to Edo people.”

Read Also: JUST IN: APC suspends chieftains in Abia

The main opposition also stated that Okpebholo and Idahosa, both federal legislators, came with a bold and ambitious five-point agenda that would prioritise infrastructure development and the empowerment of Edo residents, since PDP had since neglected the peace-loving people.

It said: “The determination to build a better future for our state, one that will guarantee prosperity, security, and opportunity for all, has wet APC desire to liberate Edo State from the clutches of the PDP.

“We call on all APC members and supporters in and outside Edo State to remain steadfast and committed to our cause.”

Edo APC also called on members of the party to continue to work together to mobilise people of their communities, engage with fellow citizens, and spread the message of hope and change that the party (APC) represented.

The stakeholders of the Aba North local government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have confirmed the suspension of several party chieftains due to allegations of gross misconduct, indiscipline, and impersonation.

This decision was communicated in a letter dated June 5, 2024, addressed to the state APC chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu, following an expanded meeting of party stakeholders in Aba where the suspension was unanimously endorsed.

The suspension notice, signed by the stakeholders, has sparked controversy among party members since it surfaced on social media.

Read Also: APC stakeholders forum lauds Tinubu’s N110bn vote for youth development

The suspension letter to the state chairman which was signed by the Abia North local government chairman of the party, Hon. Tony Anuforo, attaching the signed documents signed after the local government stakeholders meeting, ratifying the suspended party chieftains was included in the letter to the state chairman.

Those suspended include Comrade Uche Moses (Eziama Ward 1), Mr. Uzoma Nwogu (Umuola Ward 8), and Mr. Uhiara Humphrey (Ward 4), amongst others.

As at the time of filling this report, the state chapter of the party is yet to make an official statement on the suspension of its chieftain by the Aba North party leadership.

No member of the suspended APC stakeholders in Aba North has made any official statement about their suspension from the party.

…educates Northern youths on how to get the fund

All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders forum has commended President Bola Tinubu for voting N110 billion domiciled in the Ministry of Youth for youth empowerment and development.

Convener and chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abdullahi Katsina, gave the commendation at Arewa House, Kaduna during a seminar organized for youths of Northern extraction on how to access the empowerment fund.

Katsina expressed confidence that the fund if accessed and properly utilized, will not only address the current economic challenges but also help in tackling the chronic poverty and unemployment crises in the North and Nigeria as a whole.

He commended the minister of youth, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim for the outstanding leadership qualities she had brought on board, which attracted the President’s attention to the ministry.

Read Also: Edo APC vice chairman Inegbeniki resigns

The forum’s chairman, however, charged the youths to go and develop their bankable business plans and apply to the youth empowerment fund, so that, they can become employers of labour, rather than looking for unavailable white-collar jobs.

In his keynote address, the Global Director-General of the Coalition of Tinubu Support Groups, Dr. Doyin Johnson charged the youth to drop the thinking of getting rich quickly.

According to Johnson, “Virtually all Nigerian youths want to be rich like Dangote, Adenuga, and Otedola, but the majority of them don’t want to work hard like Dangote and Otedola. The truth of the matter is that there is no free money under the Tinubu government.

“The good thing is that President Tinubu has done exceptionally well by recognizing the importance of youth development by voting a whooping N110 billion for youth empowerment. But, the youth must know that to access that fund, they must have a bankable proposal. Gone are the days when the government will give out money and people will waste it on frivolous things.

“So, my advice to the youths is to think of business they can do, write beautiful proposals, and access the fund. Because, if youth fail to do that, the money at the end of the year, will be returned to the national treasury,” he said.

 Johnson blamed the current economic challenge on laziness on the part of the Nigerian youths, saying that, Nigeria has an army of youths who believe in getting rich quickly.

“That is why many are engaged in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’. But, they should know that Yahoo boys don’t end well,” he said.

The vice chairman of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, High Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esanland in Edo Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the party.

Inegbeniki may soon join the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, based on the welcoming remark of Edo commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare.

The ex-vice chairman’s resignation was addressed to the ward chairman of APC in Opoji, Esan Central local government Area of Edo.

He said: “There comes a time in the life of every man, when some hard decisions must be taken, not only in one’s interest, but in the general interest of his people. This is one of such moments.

“After 25 years as an active, financial and dedicated grassroots politician in Edo State. Also as one of the founding fathers of the APC in Edo State, I believe that I have contributed my quota to the growth of the party in my ward, LGA, senatorial district, state and our country, Nigeria.

“Some recent developments in the party in my LGA and Edo State, however, conflicted with my core principles and values. These have led me to do a serious evaluation of my political future in Edo State, and decide on the way forward.

Read Also: Tinubu appoints new leadership for council on climate change

“After due consultations with my family, friends and political associates, I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the APC, and my role as the State Vice Chairman. It is a hard decision, but it is the best in the interest of the good people of my senatorial district.”

Inegbeniki thanked APC for availing him the platform, upon which he was elected the vice chairman, but insisted that a lot needed to be done to reposition the party in Edo state.

He also hailed his teeming supporters and followers for their support and loyalty, despite the challenges, while declaring that it was time to chart a new course for the good of all.

He said: “To all my friends, brothers and sisters in the APC, I wish you well, and wish to let you know that we still remain what we are.

“I cherish our relationship, and nothing can change it. I believe in the future of Nigeria, I believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda (of the administration of President Bola Tinubu).”

The former vice chairman added that together, he and other stakeholders would continue to work for the progress of Edo and Nigeria.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called for the adoption of a regional system of government in Nigeria, advocating for each region to manage its own needs using its natural resources, educational quality, political prowess, and agricultural potential.

Speaking to reporters in Jos, the Plateau state capital, on matters of urgent national importance, the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, emphasised the necessity of this change due to the marginalisation of the North Central region.

Zazzaga highlighted that the North Central region has significantly contributed to the nation in terms of agriculture, education, natural resources, and political leadership. 

He said that despite the contributions, the region has faced longstanding marginalisation.

He pointed out that the North Central region, known as the nation’s food basket with substantial agricultural produce from Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Kogi, is not fully utilized at the national level to ensure food security. 

He added that the region’s natural resources, such as tin, remain underutilised for economic prosperity.

Zazzaga further noted that since the start of the democratic dispensation in 1999, the North Central has played a vital role in the growth of democracy and the emergence of national leaders, including presidents. 

However, the region continues to be marginalized in political appointments, exemplified by the recent contentious allocation of the APC National Chairmanship position to the North West.

“So, after careful consideration of how marginalized we have been in this nation despite our endowments and contributions to national development, we the North Central APC Forum are calling for the regional system of government.

“Since the regional system of government is a political framework where power is divided among constituent political units, such as regions or states, we are therefore calling for the adoption of such a system so that each region in the nation can use their endowments to develop themselves, without any fear of marginalization 

“Also, the federal government would still be responsible for matters such as national security, foreign affairs, and regulation of interstate or inter-region commerce, while the regions would have powers to administer their respective regions,” he said.

Zazzaga said as loyal APC leaders, they have been working for the success of the North Central region and have collaborated with leaders of other parties and stakeholders from the region in this regard, irrespective of ethnoreligious or political affiliations

He explained that using their forum to project the North Central region is legitimate, pointing out that even among the governors, legislators and local government chairmen, there are party or regional forums to push for their common interest.

The United Kingdom Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has concluded plans to hold the party’s congress that will usher in a new leadership of the United Kingdom chapter of the party.

The congress, according to the organisers will hold between June 27 and 29 in London and proper arrangements have been concluded for the conduct of a free and fair election.

The delegates of the party, according to the organizers, were drawn from all the City caucuses, that make up the chapter and they will all be voting for the national executive.

“No fewer than 28 members will be contesting for the elective positions which include the Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North and South), Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Deputy Publicity Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Leader, Welfare Secretary and Legal among others.

It said: “Leading the team of the party’s delegates to oversee the electoral process is the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru and other members of the Party’s NWC, including the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Argungu, as well as other party chieftains”

Recall that a 22-member Interim Committee was appointed on January 13 2024, (the date earlier picked for the congress) with Hon. Tunde Doherty as the Chairman and Hon. Joseph Adebola, as Secretary to control the UK chapter of the APC, but now that the congress is holding, a new leadership of the party in the United Kingdom will emerge for the running of the party.

“The success of this congress will definitely bring all members in the UK together on the same pedestal to achieve the great feat for the party both in the diaspora and at the national level.”

Read Also: Only those on APC e-register will be considered for appointments, says Ganduje

Speaking on the arrangements put in place for the success of the congress, Tunde Ajisola, who is a member of the Interim committee that is organizing the congress said the congress will be a historic moment for the UK chapter of the APC, as it draws the curtains for the struggle for power and elective positions within the UK chapter of the party.

“This is history in the making for our great party APC. It is history for Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“Every progressive Nigerians in the Diaspora are glad to be part of this effort to bring sanity and quality leadership to the party and we welcome as many Nigerians as possible from across the UK to the congress.

“The coming UK congress is key to the success of the APC as a party because it is the very first Nigerian Party congress outside the shores of Nigeria after successfully adding the Diaspora chapter to APC amended constitution 2022”, Ajisola stated.