Tag: APC

  • APC women to embark on nationwide empowerment initiatives

    APC women to embark on nationwide empowerment initiatives

    The National body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women’s wing is set to begin this year’s nationwide empowerment initiative, tagged: APC Nationwide Empowerment ProgramME (NEP).

    The programme, which would be carried out across the states of the federation, aims to uplift and transform the lives of women through targeted programmes and initiatives.

    APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile, announced this in Abuja at the party’s women’s New Year celebration with the theme: Renewed Hope for APC Women.

    The woman leader said her wing would use the nationwide tour to reach every corner of the country.

    She said: “As we step into this new year, we will embark on a nationwide tour, reaching out to every corner of our great land. This tour will not only allow us to connect with the people, but it will also provide us with invaluable insights and perspectives from every state.

    “We believe that by engaging with our fellow women and citizens, we can foster a sense of empowerment and inclusivity that will drive our party’s progress.

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    “In the spirit of empowerment, we are proud to announce the 2024 Nationwide Empowerment Initiative. Tagged: APC Nationwide Empowerment Programme (NEP), every state will have the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking endeavor, which aims to uplift and transform the lives of our fellow country women.

    “Through targeted programmes and initiatives, we will work tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of our women, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

    “Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Pioneer Conference, a gathering of visionaries and trailblazers within our party. This conference will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, appreciate the efforts of our heroes past, where we can collectively shape the course of our party’s future. It is through such collaborations that we can pave the way for progress and innovation.”

    “Additionally, we are excited about the 774 Explode Initiative, which seeks to amplify the voices of our young women in politics. The 774 initiative is a programme aimed at increasing the involvement of young females in politics, in order to promote gender equality and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

    “The initiative recognises the significant underrepresentation of women in political spheres and seeks to address this imbalance by providing opportunities for young women to actively participate in politics at different levels.”

    “By encouraging their involvement and empowering them with the necessary skills and knowledge, the 774 Initiative aims to pave the way for a more diverse and representative political landscape.

    “By applying ‘Catch Them Young’ strategy, we want to leverage our demographic advantage, when the 35 per cent affirmative that we are advocating for becomes a reality, recruitment of women into political offices becomes easy.

    “However, a major challenge faced in advocating for women in politics and the implementation of project and programmes is the lack of adequate funding. Despite the recognition of the importance of women participation in politics, gender equality and the need for women’s representation in political leadership, little or no financial resources are allocated towards initiatives that support women’s political participation.

    “The lack of funding hampers the ability to provide necessary training, mentorship, and resources to young women interested in politics, thereby hindering their progress and limiting the impact of advocacy efforts.

    “Addressing this funding gap and allocating sufficient resources towards supporting women in politics is crucial to overcoming the existing barriers and creating a more inclusive political environment.”

  • APC begins sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Edo guber race

    APC begins sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Edo guber race

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday in Abuja began the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to party members aspiring to the Edo governorship seat.

    Off-cycle governorship election would hold in Edo on Nov. 16, same day as a similar exercise would hold in Ondo State.

    Mr Clem Agba, a former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning was the first APC aspirant from Edo to pick the forms at the party’s national secretariat.

    Mr Henry Idahagbon, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo picked the forms on behalf of Agba.

    Read Also: APC UK’s congress to hold Saturday in London

    According to a schedule of activities for Edo governorship election released by the APC, the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest and Delegates Forms will end on Jan. 29.

    The APC will elect its flag bearer for the governorship race at a primary election to hold on Feb. 17.

    The Expression of Interest and Nomination forms cost at N10 million and N40 million respectively.

    Aspirants living with disabilities and female aspirants are to pay for the Expression of Interest Form while the Nomination Form is free for them.

    Youths between 25 years and 40 years of age are to buy the Expression of Interest Forms and the Nomination Forms at 50 per cent discount.

    (NAN)

  • APC UK’s congress to hold Saturday in London

    APC UK’s congress to hold Saturday in London

    The United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold its congress on Saturday in London.

    The chairman of the chapter, Dr. Tunde Doherty, announced this while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja after a group of the candidates picked their Expression of Interest Forms from the party’s national secretariat.

    Doherty said the election aims to strengthen the party ahead of Nigeria’s next general election in 2027.

    The chairman said the APC UK chapter had been strong in mobilising for the party, adding that it would continue to work hard for the development of the party and the country.

    Read Also: APC picks Edo candidate Feb 17

    He said: “The APC UK is a vibrant chapter of our great party and has been led over the years by great men and women of honour. It has participated in campaigns of the party all over the world, especially during the last general election in Nigeria, which ushered in our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The congress of the APC UK comes up this Saturday, January 13, 2024. Some of us will be heading back tonight to continue with our campaigns amongst our members. The campaigns so far have taken us across the length and breadth of the UK.

    “Just last, we toured the UK midlands; we were in Leicester, Birmingham, and Walsall.”

    Doherty stressed the need for the country to embrace Diaspora voting, saying the numerous Nigerians abroad had made a lot of remittances that impacted the national economy.

    The APC chieftain enjoined Nigerians not to be despondent over the rising cost of living in the country.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had started putting measures in place to strengthen the economy.

  • Osun APC sues governor for ‘appointing PDP member ‘as OSIEC chair

    Osun APC sues governor for ‘appointing PDP member ‘as OSIEC chair

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has instituted a suit against Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Federal High Court , Osogbo, for allegedly appointing a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

    ln the Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/2/2024, filed by APC counsel, Ayodele Kusamotu and obtained by reporters in Osogbo yesterday, the opposition party in the state asked the court to set aside the appointment of Mr Hasim Abioye as OSIEC chairman.

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    Also joined as co-defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun.

  • APC picks Edo candidate Feb 17

    APC picks Edo candidate Feb 17

    Those angling for the Edo State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are to pay N50 million for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, the party announced yesterday ahead of the September 21 poll.

    The party has also fixed its primary for February 17.

    In a Schedule of Activities and Timetable for the 2024  Election in Edo State released in Abuja yesterday by the  its National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu, the party pegged the nomination form at N40 million and the Expression of Interest form at N10 million.

    It said female aspirants and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will pay only for the expression of interest form, but get the nomination form for free.

    Arugungu stated that youth aged between 25 and 40 will  pay 50 per cent of the nomination form fee along with the expression of interest form.

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    The party stated that its decision complied with the relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

    The Schedule showed that sales of nomination and expression of interest forms and sale of delegates’ forms opens tomorrow till January 29.

    Aspirants are to submit their completed forms and accompanying documents on February 5. They would be screened on February 8 and 9.

    The delegates’ congress has been fixed for February 10 and the party primary for February 17.

    The party also announced April 24 for the commencement of the campaign by its standard bearer.

  • APC members get kudos

    APC members get kudos

    Lagos APC United Kingdom has congratulated Fuad Laguda on his success in the primary election

    As an amalgamation of diaspora members, the coalition hailed Laguda for his victory.

    Chairman, Tayo Shodeinde, said: “Congratulations on your  victory. This is indication the constituents trust you. 

      Emphasising the importance of effective representation, Shodeinde urged Laguda to ensure the constituency and the party are ably represented.

    The statement was signed by caucus Secretary, Afolabi Adebayo.

     Also, the diaspora branch has lauded Tayo Ayinde, chief of staff to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for distributing New Year gifts to them.

    This appreciation was communicated through a statement by Shodeinde, and signed by caucus Secretary, Adebayo.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    “We greet our leader for his benevolence in fostering a fellowship with the ‘diasporans’.

    “We value his efforts, acknowledging his thoughtful act of remembering and distributing gifts to them .

    “Ayinde has demonstrated his commitment to our community, and we are grateful for his dedication. We are assured he will continue to uphold these commendable efforts.”

    Lagos State APC United Kingdom is an amalgamation of members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the diaspora including other support groups like TSO and ICC.

  • APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    Ahead of the Edo state governorship election on eptember 21, aspirants vying for the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are to purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for N50 million.

    The party had also fixed its primary election for Saturday 17th February, 2024.

    In a released Schedule of Activities and Timetable for the 2024 Edo state election on Monday in Abuja, the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sualiman Muhammadu Arugungu, specified that the nomination form carries a fee of N40 million, while aspirants are required to pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest form.

    Female aspirants and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are to pay for the expression of interest form while the nomination form is free.

    Arugungu also stated that youth within the age bracket of 25 to 40 years are to pay 50 per cent of the nomination form fee along with the expression of interest form.

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    The party stated that its decision complied with the relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

    The Schedule showed that sales of nomination and expression of interest forms and sale of delegates forms are fixed for 10th to 29th January 2024, while submission of completed forms and accompanying documents is slated for Monday, February 5, 2024.

    Screening of aspirants is to be held on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th February 2024.

    The delegates’ congress is fixed for Saturday 10th February and the party primary for the emergence of the party flag bearer will be held on Saturday 17th February 2024.

    The party has also fixed the 24th of April for the commencement of the campaign by its standard bearer.

  • Protests rock APC primary in Ondo

    Protests rock APC primary in Ondo

    Eight All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants jostling to occupy Akoko NorthEast/NorthWest Federal Constituency seat have protested the outcome of the party’s primary election over allegation of doctored delegates’ list.

    It became vacant after Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was appointed Minister of Interior by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Aspirants that contested the primary election were Chief Olugbenga Araoyinbo, Messrs Makinde, Olarewaju Kazeem, Owolabi, Lasisi Olanipekun, Haruna Adesina, Charles Babalola and Ife Ehindero.

    There was heavy security presence at Victory College, Ikare-Akoko venue of the primaries.

    Some of the protesters said the delegates were surprised to discover that the displayed list was filled with strange names, contrary to the collated names from the ward levels.

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    One of the aspirants and former Majority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Olugbenga Araoyinbo, who raised the alarm on the development, called on party leadership to ensure the injustice perpetrated did not hold.

    He said the electoral guidelines did not allow an individual to singlehandedly compile and submit delegates’ list.

    He was later arrested by the police.

    But Chairman, APC Election Committee, Alhaji Abubakar Nasir, said he was working in consonance with the party’s highlighted guidelines.

    Despite the protests and agitations, Nasir declared Ehindero as winner of the primary election after polling 105 votes.

    One hundred and six delegates were accredited to vote at the primary election.

  • By-election: Laguda emerges APC Reps candidate in Surulere

    By-election: Laguda emerges APC Reps candidate in Surulere

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Fuad Laguda has been elected as candidate for the House of Representatives by-election in Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos state. 

    The election, billed for February 3, will be conducted to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the former speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. 

    Laguda scored 30 votes to beat other three contestants – Raheed Owokoniran,  Lawal Kabir and Manzu Jemila-who scored nil.

    The total number of votes cast corresponded with the total number of delegates, five each from six wards, accredited delegates, and valid votes cast.

    Before the primary, the candidate, who enjoys the support of Gbajabiamila, has been endorsed by party leaders in the constituency.

    Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi had also hinted that the former speaker would not be indifferent to the nature and tendency of his successor as legislator.

    At a party event in Surulere, Ojelabi also said APC will have the last say on the primary, stressing that the party is supreme.

    The shadow poll, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere,  was conducted by a primary panel, led by Bukar Yusuf, a chieftain of the party. 

    Other members of the committee are Dapo Lam-Adesina, Ismait Alagbada, Sulaiman Gazali and Niyi Akinsiji.

    After counting the votes, Yusuf said: “Fuad Laguda, having scored the highest number of votes cast, is hereby declared winner.”

    The exercise was witnessed by a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Gabriel Abidakun Akanbi. 

    Only two contenders-Laguda and Owokoniran-were present at the venue. Laguda hugged the aspirant after both of them signed the primary result sheet before the panel.

    Southwest and Lagos APC stalwarts who witnessed the primary include Lateef Ibirogba, former Information and Strategy Commissioner,  Ayodele Adewale, state organising secretary,  Murtala Seriki, youth leader, and Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, described it as free and fair.

    Laguda thanked the delegates, party leaders and people of the federal constituency, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

    Read Also: Thousands join APC in Benue as leaders hail Akume

    He said: “We give glory to the Almighty Allah for the good atmosphere. The primary was credible.”

    The candidate said he will reach out to other aspirants for collaboration as members of a united political family.”

    House of Assembly member Elliot, who described the primary as transparent, fair and orderly, congratulated Laguda and the party for a successful primary. 

    Hailing the process, Ibirogba said party leaders will spearhead reconciliation to pacify aggrieved contenders. 

    Surulere APC chairman, Sheriff Balogun said members of the party will now return home to mobilise for the by-election.

  • Thousands join APC in Benue as leaders hail Akume

    Thousands join APC in Benue as leaders hail Akume

    Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State on Thursday expressed solidarity with the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, describing him as a leader ordained by God.

    They spoke in separate remarks at the NKST Primary School, Genyi, Yandev Gboko LGA, during a mega decamping ceremony of members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC, led by a national ex-official of the PDP, Hon Prince Yandev Amaabai.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Simon Shango and the Chairlady, Dr. Mrs Margaret Bija, applauded the decision of the detectors to join the APC, assuring them that they would not regret it, even as he urged them to line-up behind Sen. George Akume, so as to attract more development to the state.

    Member representing Gboko East in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Mrs Beckie Orpin, who chaired the Central Planning Committee, described the occasion as a huge blessing and urged the party leadership to provide a conducive environment for the new members to function effectively in the party.

    Second Republic senator and elder statesman, Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, who was guest speaker at the occasion, urged younger politicians in Benue State to, without ill will, support the leadership of Sen. George Akume to attract more blessing and God’s favour to their lives.

    Members of the National Assembly from Benue State, who spoke through Senator Representing Benue North-West, Sen. Dr. Titus Zam, assured the people of the state of the unflinching loyalty and support of the Benue caucus of the national Assembly to the leadership of Sen. Akume.

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    Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa SAN, expressed solidarity with the defectors, stating that it is the will of God that Sen. Akume leads the Tiv people today and expressed his determination to always support his leadership.

    Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, commended the decision of members of the PDP, especially Prince Yandev Amaabai to join the APC, describing it as just and in accordance with the spirit of brotherhood.

    State chairman of Benue APC, Comrade Austin Agada, promised to provide a conducive working environment for them to operate.

    On his part, Sen. Dr. George Akume expressed delight in the quality of people that have joined the APC at the event.

    He stated that as a founding member of the party, he is conversant with its principles, which seek development at all levels and does not discriminate, adding that the new members will have equal access to all privileges in the party.