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  • Battle for ticket: 12 Edo APC aspirants for direct primary

    Battle for ticket: 12 Edo APC aspirants for direct primary

    • Uzodimma panel to conduct shadow poll Saturday

    Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is to head the seven-man All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State Governorship Primary Election Committee.

    The committee is to conduct the party’s shadow election on Saturday at the 193 wards of Edo State, to determine APC’s candidate in the September 21 governorship election.

    A statement late Tuesday night in Abuja announcing the names of committee members by the party’s National Organising Secretary (NOS), Sulaiman Arugungu, showed that the committee would be inaugurated today by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, by 4pm at the national secretariat of the party.

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu will serve as the deputy chairman of the committee, while Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman is appointed as secretary.

    Read Also:APC govs blast PDP, says Tinubu is working to revitalise economy

    Other members are former deputy governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Plateau State 2023 APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nentanwe Goshwe, Umar Hassan and Lawan Garba.

    The statement also unveiled C. C. Udenwa, a lawyer; as the chairman of the five-man Election Appeal Committee. Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed will serve as secretary.

    Other members of the committee are Muhammad Sarima, Udogu Chijioke and Muhammad Ali.

    The statement said the committee will also be inaugurated today.

    The party cleared the 12 aspirants jostling for its tick et to contest the September Edo State governorship election.

    They are: Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen,  Anamero Dekeri, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine, Col. David Imuse (Rtd.), Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.

  • APC govs blast PDP, says Tinubu is working to revitalise economy

    APC govs blast PDP, says Tinubu is working to revitalise economy

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum has issued a warning to their counterparts from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging them not to take any action or make any statement that could incite the public against the federal government.

    The chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, who is also the governor of Imo state, released a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, stressing the need for cooperation to address the nation’s security and economic challenges instead of blaming each other.

    In response to the PDP governors’ press conference on Monday where they compared Nigeria to Venezuela, Uzodinma said it was disloyal for those in positions of authority to play the ostrich, urging them to acknowledge the efforts of President Bola Tinubu to find long-term solutions.

    He further stated that despite listing several economic issues, the PDP failed to provide a single solution.

    Uzodimma said: “Ultimately, the decision rests squarely with Nigerians and other organs in the country to ensure that we take actions that will bring relief to all of us” amounted to covert incitement of the public against the federal government, especially because organized labour had just given the public a 14-day notice of strike.

    “As leaders, mere criticisms or even playing to the gallery for public applause is not the way to go. Engaging in blame games is also not the way to go. All of us are members of the National Economic Council, where we have the opportunity to make our input. I don’t think my colleagues have exhausted that avenue.”

     Uzodimma, however, expressed his satisfaction that the PDP as a party supported the removal of fuel subsidies, which are the root of the nation’s economic problems.

    Read Also: Uzodinma heads APC primary election committee for Edo Gov

    He said: “I don’t know when they stopped supporting that economic policy, but they are familiar with the cliche that you cannot make an omelette without breaking an egg.  We were all aware of the temporary hardship the policy would cause, but that will soon give way to prosperity.”

    According to Uzodinma, he was aware that President Tinubu was exerting great effort to guarantee that the economy was restored so that Nigerians could rejoice again.

    He implored the PDP, particularly the governors, to urge Nigerians to exercise patience rather than defaming the nation’s reputation before the international community.

  • ‘How APC will win Edo governorship poll on Nov 12’

    ‘How APC will win Edo governorship poll on Nov 12’

    The Acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has said the party is determined to take back the governance of the state on November 12, 2024.

    He said APC would do all within the purview of the 1999 Constitution, as amended; the Electoral Act, 2022; and the spirit and letter of APC’s Constitution, for its governorship candidate to win the September 21 election.

    Tenebe assured the citizens of a level-playing field for the 12 screened and cleared governorship aspirants of APC, ahead of the February 17 primary election.

    He spoke yesterday at Edo secretariat of APC on Airport Road, Benin, while addressing reporters.

    He said: “Edo APC assures all the 12 governorship aspirants that a level-playing field shall be provided them, with a view to ensuring a rancour-free primary election, which shall lead to success in the September 21 election.

    “The party wishes to re-emphasise that it has not and will not endorse any of the aspirants that has not been cleared by the committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC), neither has it given any of its organs, persons or groups to do so, on its behalf.

    Read Also; Food inflation a global phenomenon – Bwala

    “Edo APC congratulates the 12 aspirants on their successful screening and wishes to express that the party, basking in the euphoria, has pillowed on the democratic tenets of unhindered and unencumbered participation of the 12 aspirants in the primaries, as the party has not endorsed any preferred aspirant, going into the primaries, fixed for February 17, 2024.”

    The acting chairman of APC in Edo said between February 8 and 9 this year, the 12 governorship aspirants that purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party were taken through the screening by the committee set up by the NWC of APC.

    He said: “As a prelude to the primaries fixed for February 17, 2024, and in line with the timetable released by the national secretariat of APC, the party did the membership revalidation between February 10 and 11 2024.

    “Today (yesterday), in continuation of APC’s desire to ensure actions that ultimately deepen internal democracy, deployed men and resources in the 18 local governments and conducted the ward delegates’ congress, as the delegates shall affirm the results of the direct primaries.”

    Tenebe enjoined APC faithful in Edo to remain committed to the ideals of a unified, noble and big political family, signposted by the party (APC).

  • APC will take back Edo’s governance on Nov 12 – Tenebe

    APC will take back Edo’s governance on Nov 12 – Tenebe

    The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, Jarret Tenebe, has revealed that the party is poised to take back the governance of the state on November 12, 2024.

    Tenebe stated that APC would do all within the purview of the 1999 Constitution as amended; the Electoral Act 2022; and the spirit and letter of APC’s Constitution for its governorship candidate to win the September 21 election in the state.

    He also assured of a level playing field for the twelve screened and cleared governorship aspirants of APC in Edo, ahead of the February 17 primary election.

    Tenebe spoke on Monday, February 12, at the Edo secretariat of APC on Airport Road, Benin, while addressing reporters.

    He said: “Edo APC assures all the 12 governorship aspirants that a level-playing ground shall be provided them, with a view to ensuring a rancour-free primary election, which shall lead to blissful success in the September 21 election.

    “The party wishes to re-emphasise unequivocally that it has not and will not endorse any of the aspirants that have been cleared by the committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC), neither has it given any of its organs, persons or groups to do so, on its behalf.

    “Edo APC congratulates the 12 aspirants for their successful screening and wishes to express that the party, basking in the euphoria, has pillowed on the democratic tenets of unhindered and unencumbered participation of the 12 aspirants in the primaries, as the party has not endorsed or has any preferred aspirant, going into the primaries, fixed for 17th of February, 2024.”

    The acting chairman of APC in Edo also reiterated that between February 8 and 9 this year, the twelve governorship aspirants who purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party were taken through the screening by the committee set up by the NWC of APC.

    He said: “As a prelude to the primaries fixed for the 17th of February, 2024, and in line with the timetable released by the national secretariat of APC, the party did the membership revalidation between the 10th and 11th of February, 2024.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: APC clears all 12 governorship aspirants

    “Today (yesterday), in continuation of APC’s desire to ensure actions that ultimately deepen internal democracy, deployed men and resources to the 18 local government areas of the state, and conducted the ward delegates’ congress, as the delegates shall affirm the results of the direct primaries.”

    Tenebe also enjoined APC faithful in Edo to remain committed to the ideals of a unified, noble, and big political family, signposted by the party (APC).

  • Edo 2024: APC clears all 12 governorship aspirants

    Edo 2024: APC clears all 12 governorship aspirants

    Ahead of the February 17 shadow election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, its National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket for the September state governorship election.

    Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led 7-man screening committee on Friday night after a two-day screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest Saturday party’s primary.

    APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu on Saturday presented all the cleared aspirants with Certificate of Screening clearance at the party National Secretariat in Abuja.

    The aspirants cleared include former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District; former deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

    Others cleared are the immediate past APC state chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse; former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); former governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa;  and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

    All the aspirants but Prof. Osunbor who was represented by his wife, Lady Ussieh Osunbor were presented to receive their certificates.

    Read Also: Soludo, Kefas, Nnamani, Uba, others in Anambra for Offor’s birthday

    Assuring the aspirants of a free, fair, transparent shadow election on Saturday, February 17, the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru told the aspirants that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains the only clearing house for all the processes for the election.

    According to Duru, “We (NWC) are working closely with the state acting chairman of the party. We will brief him constantly on the steps being taken by the NWC to ensure free, fair, and transparent primaries in the state. Where you are in doubt, please feel free and make a call to the state chairman. If you cannot reach him, you can call on the national organising secretary or myself to answer any questions at any point in time.”

    He also advised the aspirants to acquaint themselves with a schedule of activities towards the conduct of the party’s primary.

    Earlier the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Prof. Adedoja who was represented by Hon. Adeoye Adelakun said the committee after scrutinising the expression of interest and nomination forms along with all the backup documents, found all the aspirants worthy to contest the party’s primary.

    Commending the NWC and the screening committee for a thorough job so far, the acting state chairman of the party, Hon. Harriet Tenebe said the party was ready for both the primary and the state election in September.

    Tenebe also refuted rumour of differences between the State Working Committee (SWC) and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the leader of the party in the state.

    “We don’t have any difference with our leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He is our leader in the state. The leader of the party. We are working together. Everything you see here today, he is aware. So there are no cracks in the wall.’

  • UPDATED: APC clears 12 Edo Gov aspirants, set for primary

    UPDATED: APC clears 12 Edo Gov aspirants, set for primary

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants ahead of it’s February 17 primary. 

    The Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led seven-man screening committee on Friday night after a two-day screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest Saturday party’s primary.

    APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu on Saturday presented all the cleared aspirants with Certificate of Screening clearance at the party National Secretariat in Abuja.

    The aspirants cleared include former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

    Read Also: No plan to defect from APC, says Mustapha

    Others cleared are the immediate past Edo APC chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse; former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niget Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd);  former Governor Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

    All the aspirants but Prof. Osunbor who was represented by his wife, Lady Ussieh Osunbor, received their certificates.

    Assuring the aspirants of a free, fair, transparent shadow election on Saturday, February 17, the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru told the aspirants the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains the only clearing house for all the processes for the election.

    According to Duru:  “We (NWC) are working closely with the state acting chairman of the party. We will brief him constantly on the steps being taken by the NWC to ensure free, fair and transparent primaries in the state. Where you are in doubt, please feel free and make a call to the state chairman. If you cannot reach him, you can call on the national organising secretary or myself to answer any questions at any point in time.”

    He also advised the aspirants to acquaint themselves with a schedule of activities towards the conduct of the party’s primary.

    “The next will then be the delegate’s Congress which will be conducted on Monday. I want to believe for those of you who don’t have the schedule. It has been produced and published which will lead us to the conduct of the primaries on the 17th, February 2024. Please do have it ready and handy.

    “We would like to wish all of you the very best and ensure you conduct yourselves as members of the party in an atmosphere devoid of rancour.”

  • No plan to defect from APC, says Mustapha

    No plan to defect from APC, says Mustapha

    Former House of Representatives member Hon Mashood Mustapha has dismissed rumours making the rounds of his planned defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a result of his spat with the State Government over Kwara Hotels concession.

    The erstwhile APC governorship aspirant in the State described the rumour as figment of the peddlers imagination.

    Mustapha, in a statement by his aide Dr. Opeyemi Aregbesola, noted that the issue of Kwara Hotels concession was “purely business and, therefore, has no political undertone.”

    The statement by ex-former Senate President Bukola Saraki political associate reads: “Over the past couple of days, there have been insinuations that Hon. Mashood Mustapha is planning to jump ship following the informal termination of the fix and operate Concession of Kwara Hotels granted to his company, Crystal Group, by the Kwara state Government. 

    “The rumors are not only laughable but also a figment of the peddlers’ imagination. MM is one of the few politicians who are consistent and stand firmly for what they believe in. 

    “It’s imperative to state that MM has been a member of the APC since its inception. Even when the tides were against him, he stood firmly by the party. MM is one of the major forces behind the unity and stability of the APC in his ward, local government, and the state at large. He has written his name in gold in the hearts of well-meaning Kwarans following his invaluable contribution to the success of the Otoge movement in 2019. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC clears 12 Edo Gov aspirants

    “It’s on record that MM placed the interest of his party above his personal interest during the 2018 APC Governorship primary election where he was disqualified unjustly. Instead of proceeding to court, MM rallied support for the party’s governorship candidate, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who later emerged as the governor of Kwara State in 2019. 

    “Since the formation of the APC till date, MM has contributed to the success of the party in no small measure. He was one of the few persons who remained in the APC when the majority of the party members decamped to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018.

    “It is, therefore, preposterous to assume that someone who has gone to such great lengths for the success of the party will suddenly exit the party over a mundane issue like hotel concession. MM does not mix business with politics. Hence, his stand on following the due process.

    “MM’s open letter was not meant to embarrass anyone. Rather, it was an avenue to vent his displeasure over how the government handled the issue. The fact that a high-ranking member of the APC was treated in such a manner leaves much to be desired, especially, since his expertise in the field of hospitality cannot be questioned. 

    “I want to reiterate that MM remains a bonafide member of the APC, and he will continue to contribute his quota to the success of the party both at the state and national level.”

  • JUST IN: APC clears 12 Edo Gov aspirants

    JUST IN: APC clears 12 Edo Gov aspirants

    Ahead of the February 17 shadow election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, its National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants for its ticket for the September governorship poll. 

    The Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led seven-man committee on Friday night after a two-day screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest next Saturday party’s primary.

    Indication to this effect was contained in a statement by the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday. 

    Arugungu said that all the cleared aspirants will be issued Certificate of Screening clearance on Saturday  by noon at the party Secretariat.

    Read Also: Edo APC: Oshiomhole not imposing preferred governorship aspirant

    The aspirants cleared include: former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

    Others cleared are the immediate past Edo APC chairman Col. David Imuse; former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niget Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

    The statement reads: “The Edo State Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has screened and cleared all 12 aspirants who physically presented themselves to be screened by the party’s screening committee.

    “All the 12 aspirants who purchased the Expression of Interest Fotms and Nomination Forms were screened by the screening committee over two days between Thursday 8th February 2024 and Friday 9th February 2024.

    “The Certificate of Screening will be presented to all the 12 Gubernatorial aspirants at the party’s Secretariat by the National Organising tomorrow Saturday 10th February 2024.”

  • ‘Why I should be APC candidate’

    ‘Why I should be APC candidate’

    A governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, has said he has better qualities than Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to run the affairs of the state.

    He said he would be a better candidate than Aiyedatiwa.

    Faduyile spoke yesterday in Akure while declaring his intention to run for the office of the governor in the November 16 governorship election.

    Read Also: Edo poll: INEC announces dates for APC, PDP, LP, 13 others’ primaries

    He said to face the incumbent governor in a primary of the party would mean he had to be more focused, adding that he was not in the race to negotiate.

    The former Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) president said he would engage in youths, invest more in sports and improve tourism with hospitality business.

    Faduyile said the leadership of the party could adopt any mode of primary, adding that anyone that wanted to aspire must be ready for any of the election process laid down by the party to emerge.

  • Edo guber: APC promises hitch-free, seamless primary, screens 12 aspirants

    Edo guber: APC promises hitch-free, seamless primary, screens 12 aspirants

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has assured the twelve Edo state governorship aspirants in the February 17, party primary of a level playing ground for the most eligible and accepted candidate to fly the party’s flag in the September state governorship election.

    He spoke through the national organising secretary, Suleiman Arugungu on Thursday, February 8, while inaugurating the Edo State National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee and Screening Appeal Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja

    The national chairman enjoined members of the two committees to be meticulous in the discharge of their assignment and ensure that the outcome of their assignment would be devoid of any litigation.

    He said: “We are going to provide a level playing ground for all our 12 aspirants. I implore you to be thorough in carrying out your assignment and follow the checklists to be sure that all the aspirants comply with the guidelines.

    Charging members of the two committees, the chairman said: “As you proceed to engage with the task for which you have been nominated, please, be rest assured that we have made sure that the exercise will be hitch-free and seamless.”

    Assuring the party and the aspirants of carrying out their assignment in line with the guidelines, the chairman of the screening committee, Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja, said his committee would not screen out any of the aspirants, but maintained that the guidelines would be adhered to strictly.

    He stated: “We will be guided majority by three documents in this assignment – the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution of the party and the guidelines that have been handed over to aspirants in respect to their participation

    “I want to assure you that we will be fair, first and foremost in going through the guidelines in the process of our screening of these aspirants

    “Our work is not to disqualify any aspirant but to allow all aspirants to clear themselves, and where there might be some problems, that’s why the appeal committee is also set up as part of the due process – fairness and justice process of this great party.”

    The two-day screening exercise began shortly after the inauguration of the committee with former  Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, and former deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen.

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC chieftain Cairo Ojougboh dies at 64

    Other aspirants screened were members representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri, former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu, and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

    For Friday, February 9, the immediate past APC state chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse, Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor are to present themselves for screening between 10 – 12 pm

    While former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South),  Blessing Agbohmere, member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and  Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe are slated to appear before the committee between 3 – 5 pm.