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  • APC kicks over purported ‘no primary’ report by INEC officials

    APC kicks over purported ‘no primary’ report by INEC officials

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has faulted a report by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the party did not hold a primary election in the Ilaje local government area.

    It described the report as shocking and lacking credibility.

    The INEC officials, in their various reports, said that the APC governorship primary was not held in their presence due to the unavailability of election materials to be used and the absence of an election organising committee.

    But a spokesman for the Ondo APC, Alex Kalejaiye, in a statement issued in Akure, insisted that the primary election took place in all the 18 local government areas in the State.

    “There were agitations in Ifedore and Ilaje local government areas. While the results in the entire Ifedore Local Government were cancelled, that of Ilaje affected about four wards that were also cancelled.

    “The essence of such cancellations was to emphasise the validity of the entire process and lend credence to fairness.

    Read Also: Ondo guber: APC not going to underrate opponents – Aiyedatiwa

    “The voting strength of our members in the affected areas was not substantial enough to dent the credibility of the process, nor affect the margin with which the candidate emerged.

    “The party therefore doubts the authenticity of the report, credited to an agent of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “The state chapter cautions against needless desperation on the part of some members, who have vowed, “to do everything possible to discredit the process”.

    “The party urged its teeming supporters to discountenance the spurious report and focus on the bigger task ahead: to win the governorship election and retain the Sunshine State for APC.”

  • ‘Constitutional error’ may threaten APC reconciliation move in Delta, says legal expert

    ‘Constitutional error’ may threaten APC reconciliation move in Delta, says legal expert

    The reconciliation efforts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State led by the founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, may be in jeopardy due to an alleged constitutional breach by the party Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, in constituting the Committee.

    A top Delta APC legal expert, Barr. Michael Ukusare, in a letter to Sobotie claimed the formation of an “Expanded State Caucus” which appointed Emerhor was unconstitutional as the APC constitution does not provide for such a caucus.

    Ukusare warned that any action from the committee could face credibility issues.

    The letter copied to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former APC Governorship candidate; Olorogun O’tega Emerhor (Founding Leader, APC Delta State); Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South) with several party leaders and head of security agencies dated May 4, highlighted the party gains in the 2023 elections winning two senatorial seats and eight federal and state legislative seats.

    Ukusare pointed out that the breach could undermine reconciliation efforts aimed at consolidating these gains if left unaddressed.

    The letter reads: “Dear Sir, NEED FOR URGENT CORRECTION OF A MAJOR CONSTITUTIONAL ERROR UPON WHICH OLOROGUN O’TEGA EMERHOR’S RECONCILIATION AND PEACE EFFORTS ARE BUILT:

    1. I write as a bonafide member, stakeholder and leader of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uvwie Local Government Area. I have the regular honour of playing significant roles in protecting the interests of our party, including pro bono court appearances as its legal counsel. I do these because I have faith in the fundamentals of our party’s progressive ideology.

    2. Sir, as you are aware my last successful court outing for the party at the instance of our Leader and Deputy President of the 9th Senate of the Republic, His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR is the only reason why the present State, Local Government and Ward Executives of the party in Delta State are still in office today. This was in the case of Iyekekpolor Goodluck & 9 Ors v. APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie & 13 Ors (Suit No. A/78/2023) where the judgment was delivered in favour of APC on the 8th day of February 2024 by the Delta State High Court. I am therefore in a vantage position to speak to protect our common interest, especially from a legal standpoint.

    3. Media reports have it that you presided over the meeting of a so-called ‘Expanded State Caucus’ of the APC in Delta State that appointed our highly respected founding leader of the Delta State APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, CON as the Chairman of a Reconciliation Committee to lead efforts for peace in the party. By a published press release supposed made by Olorogun Emerhor few days ago partly announcing his said appointment by the said ‘Expanded State Caucus’, I am further aware that he is ready to lead the party’s desire to increase its strengths by building much-needed post-election harmony and peace following our major successes and regrettable denials in the 2023 general elections.

    4. Mr. Chairman, I speak objectively of “major successes” in the sense that this is the first time since 1999 that an opposition party was able to easily clinch two (2) senatorial seats in Delta State. Our party also won eight (8) seats in both the House of Representatives and the Delta State House of Representatives combined.

    5. Although we were regrettably denied a clear victory in the 2023 Delta State Governorship Election, a match of the lawful votes cast at the election with the spirit and letters of the new national electoral reforms has led to a reasoned consensus by a great many that the election was clearly won by our leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. This denial notwithstanding, the final electoral outcomes, as adjudged by the judiciary as our final electoral arbiter, attest to the incontestable fact that the APC made its strongest electoral impact in Delta State in 2023.

    6. Going by this, it is undoubtedly well-advised to take proper steps to build on our 2023 successes rather than allow anyone within the party to rubbish our gains and make it difficult to make even better gains in the future. Like all responsible leaders of the APC, I am therefore wholly aligned with any lawful effort to give the party greater traction to succeed, starting with genuine reconciliation and cementing of all possible cracks within its ranks, where there are any.

    Read Also: Police confirm kidnap of Abia Archbishop, family in Anambra

    7. Sir, as founding leader of the party in Delta State, the respected Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, CON is unquestionably eminently qualified to help the party to make more progress, peacefully. However, that onerous duty is circumscribed and guided wholly by the Constitution of the party. Any effort supposedly taken by the party outside its constitution is ab initio a nullity because, as we say in law, nobody builds anything on nothing and expects it to stand.

    8. Sir, I wish that Olorogun O’tega succeeds as a peace builder, but he can only do so if a fundamental error committed solely by you as the State Chairman in calling for and chairing the meeting of the body not recognised by the constitution of the party is immediately rectified by the State Executive Committee that is imbued with the power to do so, otherwise, we are heading to a dead constitutional end.

    9. Sir, you clearly, absolutely and corruptly abused the powers of your office under the party’s constitution and acted in gross violation of the same when you unilaterally called and chaired an illegitimate so-called ‘Expanded State Caucus’ meeting of the party in Asaba on the 22nd day of April 2024. This is a serious breach of the party’s constitution but one is not inclined to focus on this breach.

    10. There is nothing like an ‘Expanded State Caucus’ in the entirety of the APC’s Constitution and nobody can contest this naked factual reality. The appellation ‘Expanded State Caucus’ is alien to the APC Constitution and its operation. Article 11, paragraph B(ii) of the APC Constitution clearly provides for a State Caucus, as an organ of the party, not a ‘Expanded State Caucus’. Yes, I have tremendous respect for all leaders who attended or participated in that meeting, but the Constitution defines the limit of our respect for people and processes.

    11. Nobody, including you Sir, has the arbitrary power and authority to unilaterally expand the party’s constitution. Doing so is a breach of the constitution itself for which appropriate sanctions ought to easily apply or a legal challenge ought to be initiated by stakeholders following due process, but these are not of interest to peace lovers like me, at least for now. The focus is strictly on abiding obedience to the constitution.

    12. Sir, maybe to avoid dictatorship, our party’s constitution unequivocally delineates the composition of the State Caucus in Article 12, paragraph 10, leaving no room for ambiguity or whimsical, subjective interpretations. The only appointments to the State Caucus allowed under Article 12.10 of the party is the inclusion of two (2) women per Senatorial District (a total of 6 women) and this must be done collectively by the State Executive Committee (SEC), not one individual like you did. No SEC meeting was held before the so-called Expanded State Caucus meeting to co-opt the 6 women into the State Caucus, and this says much on this point.

    13. Sir, clearly, to the extent that your so-called ‘Expanded State Caucus’ meeting of April 22, 2024, at Asaba was actually attended by persons who are not recognized by the constitution as ‘State Caucus’ members, you blatantly violated the party’s constitution and same ought to be urgently corrected by the State Executive Committee (SEC).

    14. In this circumstance, it is strongly advised and warned that the SEC ought to and should urgently meet to constitute the Emerhor much-needed Reconciliation and Peace Committee lawfully and properly to do its job without any fear of collectively being trashed in either an administrative or judicial bin.

    Sir, my sole interest is the success of Olorogun Emerhor’s peace-building efforts as a respected leader of the Party, subject to the party’s constitution and the law.”

  • APC Grassroots Movement elects new excos

    APC Grassroots Movement elects new excos

    National  Chairman of Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement (CAGraM), Engr. Salisu Magaji and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have congratulated the newly elected executive members of the Lagos State Chapter on their successful election.

    In the statement signed by the Acting National Secretary of the group, Engr. Keruwole Murisik Abiodun, who was present at the Lagos State Chapter election, stated that the NWC is equally proud of the transparent conduct of the state electoral committee under the watch of the trustworthy CAGraM South West Zonal Executives led by the Vice Chairman, Com. Kolawole Okedara.

    The national executives shall always be behind their progressive initiatives for the advancement of CACram in Lagos State politics.

    Read Also:APC’s Okpebholo kicks as Obaseki inaugurates five out of eight Judges

    “Let it be known that CAGraM is a consortium of all support groups registered under APC at all levels. It is one unique body nationwide with a common goal to benefit all members. No individual owns CAGraM as it is collectively your duties in line with CAGraM bye and rules as may be enacted by CAGraM NWC, it noted.

    Com. Okedara emphasised that the group is about building effective partnerships, collaboration, communication, and critical engagement with all, stressing that doing so is vital to achieving necessary success, productivity, and good performance as a grassroots movement.

  • Ondo APC primary

    Ondo APC primary

    •The difference is not clear between ruling party and other parties

    Ondo State is known as the ‘Sunshine State’, and the sun shines after the cloud has been dispersed, bringing brightness, energy and hope. However, after the primary elections held in all 203 wards of the state by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 20, the grumbling in the ruling party has  been very loud.

    Electoral democracy starts with established processes and systems within each participating party. When things  are awkward at that level, it becomes a mere wishful thinking to expect free and fair election, and consequently good governance.

    Except Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa who was declared winner of the “primary election” by the Usman Ododo  panel sent from the party’s national secretariat, no one accepted its validity. All, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, former commissioner for finance, Wale

     Akinterinwa, Mr Olusola Oke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former lawmaker, Mr Olugbenga Edema, have declared the published result, “a sham”.

    Read Also: Ekiti approves N314.5m for furniture, laptops, others

    It remains to be seen what shall follow, but when will the political parties be free from the shackles of hawks masquerading as public officers? Following closely the primaries conducted in Edo State, many had expected that  there would be an improvement in Ondo with a transparent and open process that would not be subject to disputes.

     First, it was said that while the secretary of the electoral committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, had reviewed the processes with aspirants the previous day, Kogi State Governor Ododo was reported to have upturned the procedure on the D-Day such that no one even knew what to expect. Contestants alleged that no one knew when materials were sent to the field, and that officials did not show up where the elections were reportedly conducted.

    As was the case in Edo where the first primaries conducted ended up with three results, the Ondo election was roundly rejected by the aspirants and their agents. But unlike Edo, the result has been ratified by the national working committee that has rather, curiously, resorted to appealing to those declared losers.

     In Edo it was Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and in Ondo, it was Governor Ododo. We had expected that the governors would bring forth a redeeming grace and restore confidence of party members in them. No, they seemed to be rather perfecting the art of producing results outside the field.

    What informed the choice of Governor Ododo, an apparent greenhorn for the

     sensitive assignment?

    Many observers still remember that the fire that engulfed and burnt down the Second Republic started in Ondo State.

    Also, declaration of the late Olusegun Agagu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as governor was stiffly resisted by the electorate who said they had rejected him. Electoral commission’s officials had to move to the military barracks to release the result. Eventually, he lost in court.

    The other APC aspirants have threatened to take the matter to court if the internal mechanism fails. As the ruling party, the APC has a huge responsibility to sanitise the political process. If it cannot produce a transparent primary process, how can others trust the conduct of the governorship and national elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its watch? It holds it a duty to search out credible individuals who are not beholden to any faction to conduct all party electoral processes, including sitting on appeals from aggrieved aspirants.

    It is not too late to redeem the process, even though national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is relying on sentiments to pacify the grieving aspirants rather than subject the entire situation to a forensic analysis.

    This is not just about Ondo State, or even APC. It is about Nigeria. As it is in the ruling party so it is in the opposition parties in states where they believe they stand a chance of winning, as shown in the primaries of the PDP and Labour Party in Edo State.

    About 64 years after independence, and 25 years into the Fourth Republic, we can do better.

  • Delta APC founding leader Emerhor canvasses unity, peace

    Delta APC founding leader Emerhor canvasses unity, peace

    The founding leader and Chairman, of Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Reconciliation Committee, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON, has called for peace, unity and reconciliation among members to reposition the party as a strong and veritable alternative to the ruling Delta Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Emerhor, who was the first candidate to contest election on the platform of APC and the former party governorship candidate in the 2015 elections, in a statement enjoined party leaders and members to embrace peace and give the reconciliation committee time to do its work and heal perceived wounds.

    While expressing concern over the recent attacks by a section of party supporters on the party leaders and counterattack on social media, he called for a cessation of all attacks, in order not to compound the situation.

    The statement reads: “DELTA STATE APC: PARTY UNITY, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION:

    “Dear APC faithfuls and well-wishers in Delta State, you must have learnt that at the last Expanded Caucus meeting of the Party on April 22nd 2024, the Party thought it fit to set up a Reconciliation Committee to handle any differences/issues that may exist in the Party since the last general elections, the aim being to promote Party Unity and Peace. I, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON was named as Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee. Other members are expected to be named shortly, after which, the Committee shall be formally inaugurated. 

    “I write to you today as the named Chairman of the Committee. I write in particular, to reach out to the followers and supporters of various Leaders of the party in the state. Since after the general elections and perhaps more after the Caucus meeting of April 22nd, the Social Media space is awash with supporters Attacking perceived opposing Leaders or Defending their leaders while counter-attacking others. 

    “I would like to inform all APC faithfuls and supporters that since the Caucus meeting and while waiting for the inauguration of the Committee, I have taken the initiative to personally reach out to a number of our key and strategic leaders because of the planned reconciliation efforts. I’m excited to announce that these initial outreaches have been Very Encouraging as these Leaders clearly share the same objective of a united and peaceful party. 

    Read Also: Acting Benue APC chair declares loyalty to Gov Alia, urges support for rebuilding process

    “I’m therefore using this medium to appeal to all APC Party faithfuls and particularly, ardent supporters of various leaders, to shealt the sword, stop all ongoing attacks and tune down the tempo of divisive actions. Also, I here appeal to all Leaders to hold down their followership from ramping up attacks and overheating the situation. The Committee need every help from both leaders and the followership in creating an enabling environment that will allow for the success of the Reconciliation assignment. 

    “In the coming days, I expect to have more good news to share. I wish all APC Party faithfuls goodwill and cheers,” the statement added

  • Lagos APC salutes workers, urges more resilience

    Lagos APC salutes workers, urges more resilience

    Chairman of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi, has appreciated workers, especially Lagos State workers, for their forthrightness, dedication and resilience.

    Ojelabi, who noted that no administration succeeds without a happy and productive workforce, said all the successes recorded so far in the state were because of the efforts of the workers who are ‘very dedicated and responsible’.

    The chairman praised them for their diligence and commitment to duty, but called for more resilience and patience.

    He said: “We cannot say everything is in its perfect state, we cannot say there are no challenges, but the truth remains that Lagos workers are far better than their counterparts in other states.

    Read Also: Eno declares work-free days, approves another N2billion for gratuitiesa

    “We know we have not met all the yearnings of workers, but the truth is that workers in this state of excellence are happier. APC government at all levels is committed to enhancing their welfare no matter the current situation. Things will continue to get better because this party prioritises its workers.

    “Our party is not unaware of the challenges, but it is clear to all that governments at the central and state are working to improve the condition of workers and working environment.”

    Ojelabi also said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has, in the last few months, shown commitment to the welfare of workers, the latest being the just approved credit grant for workers.

    “We cannot soon forget the wage award provided to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

  • May Day: Lagos APC felicitates workers, salutes their resilience

    May Day: Lagos APC felicitates workers, salutes their resilience

    The Lagos State Chairman of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has felicitated Nigerian workers, especially in the state, for their forthrightness, dedication and resilience.

    Congratulating workers on the commemoration of the 2024 Workers’ Day in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos,Ojelabi  said the state’s  success story could be attributed to its happy and productive workforce.

    “Since no administration succeeds without a happy and productive workforce, all the successes recorded so far in the state are due to the efforts of the workers.

    “The party is very grateful to workers for being very dedicated and responsible,” the APC chairman said.

    Commending workers for their diligence and commitment to duty, Ojelabi called for more resilience and patience, “so as to take the state to the Promised Land.

    According to him, the APC -led government is committed to improving the welfare of workers both at the centre and  the state level

    Ojelabi said: “We cannot say everything is in its perfect state, we cannot say there are no challenges, but the truth remains that Lagos workers are far better than their counterparts in other states.

    ” We know we have not met all the yearnings of workers, but the truth is that workers in this State of Excellence are happier.

    “APC government at all levels is committed to enhancing their welfare no matter the current situation.

    “Things will continue to improve and get better because this party prioritises the welfare its workers”,he said.

    He said that the APC- led Federal Government headed by President Bola Tinubu had, in the last few months, shown commitment to the welfare of workers through various interventions.

    “We cannot soon forget the wage award provided by the President to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

    The chairman also said that the state government had put in place different   palliative programmes, such as wage award,  Eko Cares and Ounje Eko ,discounted BRT fares ,to support workers and other residents  in transportation, education, health, agriculture ,among others.

    “APC at all levels is committed to putting in place measures, programmes and policies that will not only improve their(workers’) well being,” he said.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s commissioner, Edo APC clash over competent guber candidates

    Assuring that the party would always value  workers in the state, Ojelabi said Nigerian workers possess remarkable attributes to compete favourably  with their counterparts anywhere in the world.

    The chairman, however, called on the workers to continue to support the government and show greater understanding and cooperation.

    He said that the party and the government also needed prayers from the workers to always do the right thing for the advancement of the nation.

    “No party loves workers more than APC. Our party wishes workers a happy May Day celebration,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • APC battle ready for November poll in Ondo, says national chair

    APC battle ready for November poll in Ondo, says national chair

    •Aiyedatiwa gets APC Certificate of Return

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has told opposition parties in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election that the ruling party is battle ready to retain the state for the progressives.
    Ganduje said this yesterday when the five-man Ondo State Primary Election Appeal Committee, led by its chairman and former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), submitted its report to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.
    The national chairman, who lauded the commitment of the committee in carrying out its assignment, assured the members that with a credible candidate, APC was battle ready for the November 16 poll.
    He said: “We are battle ready for the election in November. Our candidate is a candidate that will ensure continuity in the development of Ondo State.

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    “He was a deputy governor, later became an acting governor, and later became a governor of the state, and now the governorship candidate. He is ready to continue with this administration.”
    Abubakar had told the NWC that his committee received six petitions from some aggrieved aspirants and that all the petitioners were given an opportunity to present their case.
    Also, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa yesterday received the Certificate of Return as APC governorship candidate in the November 16 election.
    The presentation came three days after Dr. Ganduje appealed to aggrieved aspirants who participated in the shadow poll to support the party’s candidate in the poll.
    Handing over the certificate, the national chairman reiterated his appeal to all other aspirants to join hands with the governor to win the election.
    Addressing reporters after the presentation, Aiyedatiwa said he had been consulting with the other aspirants in line with the agreement reached during last week’s peace meeting brokered by the party’s NWC.

  • APC supporters storm party secretariat, allege plot against Tinubu

    APC supporters storm party secretariat, allege plot against Tinubu

    Some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stormed the Secretariat of the ruling party in Abuja on Monday to register displeasure with those allegedly plotting anarchy in the party.

    The supporters, led by former Commissioner of Lands and Urban Development, Nasarawa State, Prof Salihu Alizaga, alleged that some external forces were behind the recent purported suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.

    They were received by the national chairman of the party. 

    Addressing the supporters at the party secretariat, Alizaga, who is the Co-Convener, Concerned APC Members and Support Groups, said those who want Ganduje removed are interested in unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    He said: “We are here to tell the whole world that APC is one united family, devoid of rancor as being erroneously portrayed and speculated by few individuals in Kano State.

    “Gentlemen of the press, in the last few weeks the media has been awash with the news of purported suspension, counter suspension and re-resuspension of the national chairman of our party by some individuals who are clearly non-members of the APC, capitalising, on the fickle agitations of a few disgruntled members of the APC who claimed to be from the North Central Zone.

    “It could be recalled that the concerned North Central Elders/Stakeholders Forum, led by a former Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, Senator Jack Tilley Gyado, Prof Nentawe Yiltwada, amongst others, had recently passed a vote of confidence on the national chairman and pledged their loyalty and commitment to the party’s leadership.

    Read Also: Bayelsa APC leaders advise Tinubu over Diri

    “Surprisingly, when we hear of North Central Zone agitation against our National Chairman, mostly it is being championed by someone from the North East and a pocket of a few people from the North Central Zone.

    “We are confident that those who want the National Chairman removed are those who are interested in unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. We can not sacrifice competence on the altar of mediocrity.”

    They passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu and Ganduje “for their jobs well done. Our support for the two of you is one hundred percent.”

    The APC national chairman commended the supporters for the solidarity.

    Ganduje accused the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf of sponsoring his purported suspension. 

    He said the New Nigeria Peoples Party was afraid of the APC because the party had started consolidating ahead of 2027 election. 

  • Bayelsa APC leaders advise Tinubu over Diri

    Bayelsa APC leaders advise Tinubu over Diri

    Some opposition leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State  chapter have admonished President Ahmed “to be wary of any alliance” with Governor Douye Diri.

     The leaders, who spoke to reporters in Asaba Delta  state capital, said they were constrained to act, “as we observe the unholy romance between Diri  and aides of the presidency coordinated by a senior official.”

    They claimed that Diri, who worked against President Tinubu’s interest in the 2023 presidential polls was already working with some northern PDP elements for the 2027 election.

     They added: “As your trusted ally in Bayelsa State, we are using this medium to let you know that Diri can’t keep faith with anyone.”

     According to them, Governor Douye Diri’s romance with the presidency may not be unconnected with the 2023 Bayelsa governorship being disputed at the Election Petition Tribunal.

    Led by its chairman, Chief Samuel Yousuo and Secretary, Elder Ebigoni Gabriel, under the aegis of APC Stakeholders Forum, they said: “Bayelsa APC does not need Diri, we are capable of winning without him, if the president supports our reconciliatory efforts.”

    Yousuo mocked Diri for lacking political clout in his party, adding that no political leader of note in PDP will be decamping with him, if he dares to cross carpet.” 

    He said: “He has abandoned all PDP leaders in the state.We are writing to let you know that he has no electoral value. So his coming to APC will be a big baggage for us.Diri is doing all he can to curry your favour, as he is afraid of being removed by the tribunal.”

    But the Chief Press Secretary to Diri, Daniel Alaibrah, dismissed the allegations levelled against his principal  as baseless.

     He said the APC is depleted following the trouncing at the polls and wondered why Gov Diri would chose to defect after winning a second term. 

    He said the APC’s petition at the tribunal is worthless.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa receives APC certificate of return today

    He added that  Diri does not need to fear removal by the tribunal. 

    He said: “Gov Diri, who trounced the APC roundly at the last poll, has no need to fear removal by the tribunal.Gov Diri was the overwhelmingly popular politician at the last poll.He is a really well loved political figure in the state. Besides, these characters who claim to belong to the group are unknown, we know the real opposition figures!

    “This is the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau.Some persons are behind this mischief. In any case, who are these persons that think they can dictate who the president goes into an alliance with?”