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  • Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday dispelled rumours of entering into a deal with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to influence the Supreme Court to rule in favour of the Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf,

    The party also denied insinuation that President Bola Tinubu held a meeting where he intervened in favour of the NNPP candidate to remain as governor, in anticipation of his (Yusuf) subsequent decamping to the APC.

    The election of the NNPP candidate had been sacked by the Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal and declared the APC flag bearer, Dr Nasir Gawuna as the winner of the March 18 governorship election. The Court of Appeal also affirmed the judgement of the tribunal forcing Yusuf to approach the Supreme Court for a reversal of the judgement.

    Kano state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas in a statement in Abuja dismissed the speculation of any agreement and reconciliation between the party and NNPP, describing it as “mere rumours,” insisting that no deal was struck with anybody on the matter before the apex court.

    He noted that only desperate leaders of the NNPP have been spreading rumours.

    Read Also: Ex-APC national chair, Adamu, announces retirement from politics

    According to Abbas: “The rumours had it that the NNPP has reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter in favour of the NNPP candidate to remain as governor and subsequently decamp to the APC.

    “There is nowhere such meeting was held with either Mr President or any leader of the party. President Bola Tinubu is a Democrat and strongly believes in the rule of law and the right thing to be done therefore will not be part of any arrangement or reconciliation to subvert justice and support people who have stolen votes or breach the electoral act to emerge as leaders.”

    Abbas further pointed out that APC as a party was not aware of such an arrangement and would instead intensify all efforts to pursue its case at the Supreme Court to a logical conclusion.

    Assuring APC supporters and the people of Kano state, the chairman expressed confidence that the party standard bearer would emerge victorious at the Court, especially from the concrete and convincing evidence presented at both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court which ultimately led to the party’s success.

    On the issue of the so-called anticipated crisis also sponsored by the NNPP, the APC said there was no tension in Kano, stressing that the people are happy with the recent developments emanating from the judgement of both the Tribunal and Appeal Court and therefore anxiously waiting for the Apex Court to endorse the two concurrent rulings.

    He said Kano is very peaceful and the people are conducting their normal business despite all efforts by the NNPP to provoke and incite youth to create unnecessary political crisis in the state.

    Abbas assured that the party will ensure harmonious and peaceful relationships with ethnic groups and nationalities in the state no matter the provocation by the NNPP.

    He urged all the party members and Nigerians to ignore all the propaganda, and provocation and remain calm because Kano would always remain peaceful.

  • Airhiavbere: How APC can win 2024 governorship election in Edo

    Airhiavbere: How APC can win 2024 governorship election in Edo

    The immediate Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Maj.-Gen Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.), has disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can win the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, by fielding a very qualified candidate.

    Airhiavbere, who spoke on Sunday, December 17, in Benin, underscored the pivotal role of the right candidate in garnering enthusiastic support from the people of Edo for the APC.

    He said: “In the Edo State 2024 governorship election, the APC will thrive with the right candidate, and I have the reach and qualifications to win the election.

    “I supported the election of the present Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in 2016 on APC’s platform. In 2020, I was part of the seven aspirants who agreed to the consensus that produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the standard bearer of APC. It is my turn to try.”

    The governorship aspirant, who tagged his manifesto “PIE,” an acronym for Peace, Infra-structural Development and Economic Prosperity, also stated that noted that his campaign for the ticket of the party revolved around the three foundational pillars and interconnected elements essential for crafting a better society for all.

    He said: “For anything to happen in any environment -even in our homes – there must be peace. Without a peaceful Edo State, there will be no food security. You cannot even attract investors to the state and the people cannot have the best life.

    “A robust infrastructure is the backbone of any prosperous state. I will prioritise infrastructural development by investing in modern transportation systems, sustainable energy initiatives, and upgraded technology networks.

    “I will implement policies that will stimulate job creation, encourage entrepreneurship and support small businesses.”

    Airhiavbere also stated that by fostering a conducive environment for innovation and investment, he aimed to boost economic growth and ensure that the benefits were shared equitably among all Edo residents.

  • Osun APC and some hard home truths  (1)

    Osun APC and some hard home truths  (1)

    Olajumoke Ogunkeyede is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. JMK, as Ogunkeyede is popularly called, is also a chieftain of the now-rested National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and he participated actively in putting an end to military rule and the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

    In a chance encounter with yours sincerely recently, JMK has these to say on the state of Osun APC:

     “I am not a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and I try not to dabble into the running of Osun PDP. But, with the current situation of things, there’s no doubting the fact that we need to rejig the opposition APC in the state if we are going to challenge the current government. We must create structures that will help put our house in order. Politically, our house is not in order. If we are going to challenge PDP in the next Osun governorship election, we should be doing more than what we are doing presently.

     “The fact that a lot of people are running after former Governor (Gboyega) Oyetola does not resolve the quagmire into which we have fallen in Osun. Charity is said to begin at home. The leadership should do its best to make sure that we are not just sitting on the fence. Whether we like it or not, (Ademola) Adeleke’s government is there and we will just keep complaining, unless we are able to get our house in order.

    “With the way Osun APC is going about resolving its internal dynamics, it’s like we are feeling that, because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is in Abuja, we will win. No! Tinubu will only do his best for the party. But his responsibility is to the whole nation and whatever he is able to do will be minuscule, compared to what he would do were he not to be the president of Nigeria. To this end, we should begin to get our people ready so that in the next election, we are fully prepared because, from the look of things, we are not yet prepared. As things stand, the falcon doesn’t seem to hear the falconer. In Osun APC, the centre is not holding. And we are complacent, thinking that it will be good. Of course, that’s the concept of miracle. We can’t fold our arms, thinking that manna will fall from heaven. We can sit down under a make-believe canopy of ‘it’s done’. The way things stand, nothing is done.

    “Yes, President Tinubu is known to be a strategist. But he needs that strategy for the nation. He would have done a lot to push the nation up and that may have a positive effect on the electioneering processes in 2026 but, according to an adage, ‘it is a child that raises his hand that will be picked up’. We cannot depend on him doing it alone. It will be a huge joke if we are expecting him to do it for us at all costs. Already, he is doing it for us by being the president. Or do we expect him to move Aso Rock to Osogbo because his party is contesting an election? The more reason we must struggle hard to complement his efforts. If the election is in 2026; and this is 2023, what are we waiting for? We have not done much to reposition our people. We have not done anything in the area of empowerment. Yes, we are criticizing the ruling party, but it should be more than that. For now, we are an empty mouth, just clanging and making noise. There should be substance to the noise-making. If we focus too much on what the PDP is doing, that’s good. But that won’t help the APC. Rather, the opposition should have its strategy to counter and subdue the antics of the ruling party before, during, even after the election.

    “Truth be told, Osun APC is not yet ready for the next election. Otherwise, one is never ready by word of mouth. Empowerment should begin right now to be able to face the tedious challenges of electioneering, instead of hoping that, from Ile-Ogbo to Ila-Orangun, and from Orile-Owu to Ilase-Ijesa, we would win.

    “In 2022, Osun PDP caught the then party in power by surprise. Though what’s done cannot be undone again, the way out is adequate preparation. PDP had never had it so good like the 2022 governorship election. Although the enemy within made it possible for that to happen, the fear I have now is that we still have some members of the PDP who are diabolical and may still infiltrate our party. I was looking at the list of those that were suspended or expelled. Some names were still missing there. So, we should shine our eyes and make sure that we are prepared for the election.” 

    JMK has said it all; and a word is enough for the wise!

    Surely certainly, politics as a vocation has a way of mesmerizing its adherents. While one is not attempting to be adventurous as to how Osun APC decides its destiny, that there’s an urgent need for political retooling or reengineering is no longer news. To get the party back to the market, there should be a commitment to seeking the cause in order to prevent reoccurrence. Of course, this is no time to engage in the trappings of politics or dirge of self-pity. Instead, a moment like this calls for a reappraisal of how the party got to this pass. So, let those in need of penance establish a framework for it with penitent hearts and let those who think no one else matters in the affairs of the party pursue a critical political thinking that’s consistent with the dynamic changes in the world we live in.

    Read Also: Military officers found culpable in Kaduna attack will be punished, CDS vows

    In the light of truth, nobody is an island. No one is also blameless. Therefore, a recalibration of the party’s politics and needs is a viable option. Those who have no direction shouldn’t delight in elevating peculiar interests over and above everybody. Those who ate all the honey and have relocated to Abuja, struggling to be attached to somewhere must be made to account for the roles they played or failed to play while the honeymoon lasted.

    If you ask Nigerians, heaping the loss of the 2022 governorship election solely at the doorstep of Rauf Aregbesola is a tale long stale. Yes, Aregbesola’s factor might have done a lot to July 16, 2022, but it’s time the gladiators invoked critical, self-introspection to find out why their treasured party missed the mark. For instance, was Aregbesola responsible for the party’s loss in Boluwaduro, a Local Government with only 10 Wards but having the immediate past state chairman and more than 20 other high-ranking leaders and first-rate political appointees in its kitty? Was it Aregbesola who made it lose in Ila-Orangun where Bisi Akande and other party bigwigs came from? What about the shallow and hollow fries who pretended to be big birds: those who were adequately mobilized for the election but ended up losing even their Polling Units? Should we start mentioning the names of those who were pursuing vanity and pride which eventually left the party in torments? Have they been sanctioned for their unprofitable adventure?

    Let’s face the truth, to say that Aregbesola was the reason APC lost the Osun governorship election in all the three Senatorial Districts is to say that ‘Ogbeni’ was the most powerful person in the party and that, without him, nothing could be done. Unknown to Osun APC, the political strength and influence that the former governor himself may never possess have already been ascribed to him, freely.

    To be continued.

  • Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

    Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

    • By Solomon Odemwingie

    The quest for a credible, formidable and strong candidate that will fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State governorship election is about to start. In the race are prominent members of the party from across the state.

    President Bola Tinubu as the national leader of APC will have a huge say in who picks the ticket. Also expected to play a major role are former Governors John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, state chairman of the party, Col. David Imuse (rtd), former Deputy Governors Lucky Imasuen, Pius Odubu, former Secretary to the State Government and a top leader of the party in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, National Women Leader of the party, Dr. Mary Alile, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), senatorial leaders and all stakeholders in the state.

    The right to vote and be voted for is a fundamental one provided the individual satisfies all electoral requirements. It is in view of this that everyone who is qualified electorally can aspire to any position in a party.

    However, the number of aspirants who have indicated their interest in the post keeps growing by the day. This may weaken the party in the face of a strong opposition. As at last week, the number of aspirants jostling for the ticket had risen to 25. It should be noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government has vowed to retain the state as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor must come from his party. All well-meaning members of APC should advise the governorship aspirants not to play into the hands of the opposition. Only one of them will eventually pick the ticket and others who do not have their way may not accept defeat. Here lies the danger ahead.

    It will be in the interest of the APC to democratically prevail on the many aspirants to step down for the one who is most popular among them and also well known to the electorate.  From all indication, Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu are in the prime position of winning the governorship election for the party. Of a truth,  PDP has failed to deliver dividends of democracy to the people who are ready with their voters cards to vote out the party.

    As things stand now, it is safe to assume that the APC will win the forthcoming governorship election if a strong candidate, barring the unforeseen acts of  back stabbing, backbiting and sabotage. APC should tread with caution. Its paramount interest now should be the onerous task of liberating the state from the seeming imprisonment of its citizenry by political gladiators who would not let go of power. The last local government election which was characterised by open manipulation is enough lesson for the APC faithful. Ordinarily, a party that has performed creditably need not panic that another  election is around the corner.  But the contrary is the case for the PDP administration in the state because of its poor report card. The APC should therefore wake up early to look inwards and avoid those things likely to cause internal squabbles and dissension. All green horns without electoral experience should  step down for men with huge followership. It is only the presentation of a formidable candidate, no matter where he comes from, that can effectively deal with the kind of opposition on the ground. Fielding an unpopular candidate is the beginning of failure. The party should come up with a consensus candidate that can stand on his own and give the opponents a run for their money. Many have been given political appointments to mobilise and galvanise support from their respective grassroots for the election. Indeed, the state government has started brainwashing the electorate, most of whom are uneducated, illiterate, ignorant and inarticulate. Democracy is a game of numbers and the electorate can be bamboozled and easily manipulated by the use of state resources because of the level of poverty and hunger in the land.

    Energy should not be dissipated on extraneous things like ego, blame game and other diversionary issues. Let it be clear that Ize-Iyamu, the candidate in the last two governorship elections, did not lose but was a victim of power play between two dramatic personnel. He had and still has the vision as contained in his political manifesto; well thought out, printed and distributed to the people who not only embraced it but massively voted for it, but intrigues and power play robbed the good people of the state of the desiderata.  Soon, Odigie-Oyegun, Oshiomhole and other leaders would invite Ize-Iyamu to the race. The electorate already know what they have missed and are ready to give the PDP an empty calabash and welcome their real choice from the APC for the state house this time around. All green horns should appreciate the fact that the battle ahead is enormous and drum support for Ize-Iyamu,   if he gets the ticket.

    Edo 2024 election should be taken seriously even at the APC national level because winning the state, known as the heartbeat of the nation, is of paramount importance to the party. It is also a task that must be done. Let me remind Oshiomhole and other party leaders of the saying of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “No permanent friend and no permanent enemy in politics.”

    One of Nigeria’s famous musicians, Sunny Okosun sang a song which goes like this: “Africa is now or never, we must have it or lose it forever…” So, for this coming governorship election, APC should bear in mind that Edo State is now or never, we must win it or lose it forever.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing: Tinubu’s daughter visits victims, donates N5m to injured survivors

    On October 27, a former minority whip in the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, at a seminar in Benin said: “The party should ensure that aspirants jostling for the governorship ticket are properly screened to ensure that only credible aspirants with clean moral and academic records are cleared to participate in the party primaries. Aspirants with doubtful credentials or criminal allegations or conviction either in Nigeria or abroad should endeavour to withdraw from the race. The party cannot afford to take the risk of participating in an election with a candidate who the opponents will pull the rug from under his feet by unveiling his or her previous tainted records.

    “The party should immediately make its position known on the vexed issue of zoning for the party to begin to build a consensus around a possible candidate and the district. Already, the party in power has given an indication of where candidate its candidate is likely to come from and a consensus is being built around the candidate although not without opposition from within the party.”

    Osagie added: “Against the backdrop of some of the factors that have militated against APC, it is crucial to note that winning the 2024 governorship election in Edo State is a categorical imperative for the sustenance of the confidence of the party followership and the integrity of the leadership of the party.

    “Truth be told, it is not going to be a walk in the park as the government in power in Edo State has already begun its time-tested strategies of hoodwinking Edo voters through monetary inducement routed via appointments and other perks.”

    •Odemwingie, a former editor at Daily Times, writes from Benin.

  • APC leaders urge Alia to ensure unity

    APC leaders urge Alia to ensure unity

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Benue State have urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to improve his on his relationship with the party leadership.

    Speaking on their behalf in Makurdi, the state capital,  Bishop Pinot Ogbaji,  said the governor should strengthen the party as a winning vehicle.

    He said the onus is on the chapter to effectively manage its achievements instead of regressing into crisis.

    Ogbaji said what the party leaders requested from the governor was wider consultation in the process of governance.

    He said it is worrisome that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains were appointed onto government while APC chieftains were left in the cold.

    Ogbaji said:”In picking his commissioners, His Excellency exercised his sole discretion without the usual tradition of directing local governments to make nominations taking cognizance of zonings and necessary political permutations.

    “When it was time for the nomination of caretaker committees to administer the local government councils, Gov. Alia threw it back to party members to nominate.

    “But quite shockingly, when the nominations were finally announced, the party was bewildered that 80 pof the names were outside the actual nominees that were sent to the governor on his directive.”

    It can safely be said that members of opposition parties and alien faces made the lists in a higher proportion than members of APC, the govenor’s party.

    We are not pushing to usurp or share powers with His Excellency but if the governor was interested in forming a unity government, he would have simply called a general meeting of all Benue people and requested nominations from them rather than er centallowing APC members sweat to microzone the positions, shop for names and raise the hopes of candidates who were eventually ignored, dropped and their opponents, most of whom are  members of rival political parties appointed.

    In all this misgiving and dissatisfaction, the announcement of caretaker committees marked the pinnacle of a noticeably sour relationship between Gov. Hyacinth Alia and the APC in Benue State and this snowballing anger by all standards is justifiable.

    Facing series of maltreatment from our own governor has been a bitter experience that some party members could not stomache anymore; but even at that, the State Chairman and the Working Committee did everything humanly possible to stop protests and other uprisings that may have embarrassed both the government and the party.

    Worried by this high rate of neglect, 21 local government party chairmen out 23 in the state opted to stage street protests to express their open disapproval of the governor’s intentional disregard for the party but they were persuaded by the State Chairman to sheathe their swords and await outcome of the governor’s meeting with the State Chairman which eventually did not yield reasonable outcomes.

    It was at that breaking point that the agitated local government chairmen resorted to the issuance of a communique and protestation to the National Chairman in order to register their justifiable grievances.

    Another bone of contention by the APC party leaders according to the zonal Vice chairmen is “Gov. Alia seems to have more confidence in patronizing people outside APC, majority of whom had opposed him tenaciously during the electioneering periods and voting days than his partymen and women who ideally should have a cordial working relationship with him.

    A cursory look at the community of “Emergency APC Stakeholders” now trooping the Benue State Government House with Nicodemus profession of love for the governor clearly reveals an intention to either undermine core APC members in the state or a decision to perpetually suppress  them.

    The last visit of the so-called party stakeholders leaves a lot to ponder about.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing: Tinubu’s daughter visits victims, donates N5m to injured survivors

    He  Recall that shortly after Gov, Alia was nominated as the gubernatorial candidate of our party last year, Sen. Barnabas Gemade relocated from his house and was dwelling perpetually in the law courts where he sought to amongst other legal prayers, nullify the Alia ticket so as to leave APC without a candidate and after that suit became fruitless for him he went home and partnered with Sen. Joseph Akaagerger to work tirelessly for Herman Hembe and Peter Obi both of the Labour Party, that is evident in the results that emanated from his local government; Gen. Lawrence Onoja who openly campaigned for the Labour Party following his grievance with  Hon. Dr Sam Ode as Deputy Governorship candidate.

    As a sitting House  of Representatives Member for Otukpo/ Ohimini, Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh avoided the APC Governorship  candidate Hyacinth Alia, all the four times he Visited Otukpo to campaign, even at instances she was present in Otukpo; in fact, she left Nigeria shortly winning her National Assembly election without waiting to vote for the governor or to at least canvass support him during the gubernatorial election, such is also the story of Chief Ameh Ebute one wonders if he’s still active in politics due to his absence in campaigns and even elections, he’s only seen at events where cash carrying envelopes will be shared as souvenirs.

    The greatest shocker that sent jitters down our spines is the presence of Hon. Dr. Chile Igbawua, a 2023 PDP governorship  aspirant, Coordinator General of all PDP 2023 Governorship Aspirants and Coordinator Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization in Benue and an active PDP stalwart now appearing in Government House and on TV stations as an APC Concerned Stakeholder who is speaking in defence of the governor, we have also credibly gathered that a 5 man propaganda committee has been set headed by the OBIdient Gen. Lawrence Onoja and Emmanuel Jime whom assiduously worked for Atiku as member with a mandate to perforate the Villa and National Secretariat of our party with falsehoods and mistruth against the party and the SGF to misrepresent the Benue situation, the committee has since been funded and has commenced operations.

    In the final analysis, we wish to state that the crisis rocking our party is not an Alia versus Akume fight, neither is it an Alia versus Agada fight.

    This is purely a fight for the survival and recognition of the party that has provided a convenient platform forhis emergence as the Governor of Benue State.

    They concluded by saying ” We

    Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, we love you; we believe that a harmonious relationship with the party can make Benue an idea home for all of us and it is why we request that you improve on your relationship with your own party for a better working synergy”.

  • SWAGA donates relief materials to APC supporters in Benue state

    SWAGA donates relief materials to APC supporters in Benue state

    The leadership of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA) has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other groups in Benue State for voting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last February 25th presidential election.

    The Deputy Governor of Benue state, Sam Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia, made a symbolic presentation to various groups that turned out for the occasion.

    Governor Alia said the people and Government of Benue state have confidence in President Bola Tinubu and we have no problem voting for him again.

    Sam Ode stated that ” this is first in the history of Benue state that someone will win an election and come back to thank the people and only President Tinubu can do this.

    “Re-election for President Tinubu in Benue state is a foregone conclusion , he was also instrumental to the emergence of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as Senate President, and he has also done so many good things for Benue state.

    Speaking shortly after the presentation of the materials in Makurdi, the National Chairman of SWAGA, Dayo Adeyeye, said the group embarked on a thank-you tour of the country in appreciation of the support and mandate given to the president on the platform of the APC.

    Adeyeye, who said the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole gave the president overwhelming support during the election because they believed in his ability to reposition the country, also assured that the president will not let the country down in actualising his electoral promises and urged them to be patient with the President as he will surely deliver on his mandate.

    Read Also: Gov joins military operation to rescue abducted civilian

    “The national leadership is here in Benue on a thank-you tour to appreciate APC supporters who voted for President Bola Tinubu because they believed in his capacity to steer the affairs of the country.

    “We are thanking the residents, especially APC supporters, for their support during the last presidential election. You are part of the success story, and we quite appreciate your efforts. Your doggedness, determination to deliver APC and belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu contributed to the victory,” he said.

    In his brief remarks the APC governorship candidate in Plateau state, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Benue state has produced two governments because of his long relations with the state.

    The National Secretary of SWAGA, Otunba Oladele also commended the Benue Chapter of SWAGA, for the massive support and votes they gave President Bola Tinubu during the Presidential elections and advised them not to relent.

  • APC not disturbed by the gang-up of seven parties, says Morka

    APC not disturbed by the gang-up of seven parties, says Morka

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed with a wave of the hand the proposed gang up by seven opposition political parties under the guise of strengthening democracy in the country.

    Leaders of the seven parties under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came together to launch a movement.

    The coalition comprised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement (PAM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    Reacting to the development, the national publicity secretary of the governing party, Felix Morka on Thursday, December 7, said the party will not lose its sleep because of the planned gang-up by the opposition parties.

    Read Also: Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

    Asked for APC’s reaction to the move by the seven opposition parties, Morka admitted that the ruling party was an amalgam of some political parties in 2013, but noted that the governing party will not be distracted by the new move by the opposition elements to gang up and form a coalition.

    Morka said: “We also read the report of conversations around the intention of some political parties to come together. We are not concerned about that. Whatever they (opposition) do is on them. It is up to them to justify themselves before Nigerians.”

    It will be recalled that the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar had in November while hosting a delegation of the Inter-party Advisory suggested the coming together of the opposition parties, as he expressed fears of the country falling into a one-state party.

  • Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

    Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

    • By Solomon Odemwingie

    THE quest for a credible, formidable and strong candidate that will fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State governorship election is about to start. In the race are prominent members of the party from across the state.

    President Bola Tinubu as the national leader of APC will have a huge say in who picks the ticket. Also expected to play a major role are former Governors John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, state chairman of the party, Col. David Imuse (rtd), former Deputy Governors Lucky Imasuen, Pius Odubu, former Secretary to the State Government and a top leader of the party in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, National Women Leader of the party, Dr. Mary Alile, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), senatorial leaders and all stakeholders in the state.

    The right to vote and be voted for is a fundamental one provided the individual satisfies all electoral requirements. It is in view of this that everyone who is qualified electorally can aspire to any position in a party.

    However, the number of aspirants who have indicated their interest in the post keeps growing by the day. This may weaken the party in the face of a strong opposition. As at last week, the number of aspirants jostling for the ticket had risen to 25. It should be noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government has vowed to retain the state as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor must come from his party. All well-meaning members of APC should advise the governorship aspirants not to play into the hands of the opposition. Only one of them will eventually pick the ticket and others who do not have their way may not accept defeat. Here lies the danger ahead.

    It will be in the interest of the APC to democratically prevail on the many aspirants to step down for the one who is most popular among them and also well known to the electorate.  From all indication, Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu are in the prime position of winning the governorship election for the party. Of a truth,  PDP has failed to deliver dividends of democracy to the people who are ready with their voters cards to vote out the party.

    As things stand now, it is safe to assume that the APC will win the forthcoming governorship election if a strong candidate, barring the unforeseen acts of  back stabbing, backbiting and sabotage. APC should tread with caution. Its paramount interest now should be the onerous task of liberating the state from the seeming imprisonment of its citizenry by political gladiators who would not let go of power. The last local government election which was characterised by open manipulation is enough lesson for the APC faithful. Ordinarily, a party that has performed creditably need not panic that another  election is around the corner.  But the contrary is the case for the PDP administration in the state because of its poor report card. The APC should therefore wake up early to look inwards and avoid those things likely to cause internal squabbles and dissension. All green horns without electoral experience should  step down for men with huge followership. It is only the presentation of a formidable candidate, no matter where he comes from, that can effectively deal with the kind of opposition on the ground. Fielding an unpopular candidate is the beginning of failure. The party should come up with a consensus candidate that can stand on his own and give the opponents a run for their money. Many have been given political appointments to mobilise and galvanise support from their respective grassroots for the election. Indeed, the state government has started brainwashing the electorate, most of whom are uneducated, illiterate, ignorant and inarticulate. Democracy is a game of numbers and the electorate can be bamboozled and easily manipulated by the use of state resources because of the level of poverty and hunger in the land.

    Energy should not be dissipated on extraneous things like ego, blame game and other diversionary issues. Let it be clear that Ize-Iyamu, the candidate in the last two governorship elections, did not lose but was a victim of power play between two dramatic personnel. He had and still has the vision as contained in his political manifesto; well thought out, printed and distributed to the people who not only embraced it but massively voted for it, but intrigues and power play robbed the good people of the state of the desiderata.  Soon, Odigie-Oyegun, Oshiomhole and other leaders would invite Ize-Iyamu to the race. The electorate already know what they have missed and are ready to give the PDP an empty calabash and welcome their real choice from the APC for the state house this time around. All green horns should appreciate the fact that the battle ahead is enormous and drum support for Ize-Iyamu,   if he gets the ticket.

    Edo 2024 election should be taken seriously even at the APC national level because winning the state, known as the heartbeat of the nation, is of paramount importance to the party. It is also a task that must be done. Let me remind Oshiomhole and other party leaders of the saying of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “No permanent friend and no permanent enemy in politics.”

    One of Nigeria’s famous musicians, Sunny Okosun sang a song which goes like this: “Africa is now or never, we must have it or lose it forever…” So, for this coming governorship election, APC should bear in mind that Edo State is now or never, we must win it or lose it forever.

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    On October 27, a former minority whip in the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, at a seminar in Benin said: “The party should ensure that aspirants jostling for the governorship ticket are properly screened to ensure that only credible aspirants with clean moral and academic records are cleared to participate in the party primaries. Aspirants with doubtful credentials or criminal allegations or conviction either in Nigeria or abroad should endeavour to withdraw from the race. The party cannot afford to take the risk of participating in an election with a candidate who the opponents will pull the rug from under his feet by unveiling his or her previous tainted records.

    “The party should immediately make its position known on the vexed issue of zoning for the party to begin to build a consensus around a possible candidate and the district. Already, the party in power has given an indication of where candidate its candidate is likely to come from and a consensus is being built around the candidate although not without opposition from within the party.”

    Osagie added: “Against the backdrop of some of the factors that have militated against APC, it is crucial to note that winning the 2024 governorship election in Edo State is a categorical imperative for the sustenance of the confidence of the party followership and the integrity of the leadership of the party.

    “Truth be told, it is not going to be a walk in the park as the government in power in Edo State has already begun its time-tested strategies of hoodwinking Edo voters through monetary inducement routed via appointments and other perks.”

    •Odemwingie, a former editor at Daily Times, writes from Benin.

  • We must make development happen, says Edo APC governorship aspirant

    We must make development happen, says Edo APC governorship aspirant

    Frontline aspirant in Edo 2024 governorship election, Victor Eboigbe, has announced his aspiration for the number one job on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

     He made this known at Ward 1, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government.

     Eboigbe said: “We are gathered here today because I want to tell you, my people, that I have taken the decision to vie for the position of governor of our dear state. There is no way I can ever make the final formal decision without first informing you. You have to be the first to know because charity, the saying goes, begins at home.”

     The aspirant, a federal commissioner with Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), recalled his political journey from the Action Congress (AC), through the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), to the APC, and urged the people to rally round him as they have always done over the years.

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     He said the time has come for the people to be involved in governance.

     Eboigbe thanked the people for their support, which, according to him, is the pivot on which his success stands. 

    “I am glad we have walked roads together. I am happier today that we are still together, knowing that we have many more memorable journeys to go together. Your ever ready support made past journeys possible. With it I have contended with and conquered numerous challenges. With it, I will be able to conquer more, including this one.

     “With your support, I am certain that I will be able to make our dear state the envy of other states in the provision of people-oriented development. This is the reason I am stepping forward to take the challenge. This is the reason I am putting it before you,” he said.

  • Alleged attack on Tribunal Secretary: SDP exposing atrocities, says APC

    Alleged attack on Tribunal Secretary: SDP exposing atrocities, says APC

    The Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council has taken a swipe at the Social Democratic Party(SDP) accusing the horse-symboled party of exposing its atrocities against democracy. 

    The APC Campaign Council, in a statement on Tuesday, said it has noticed the desperation with which the SDP and some ethnic jingoists are trying to paint Kogi State as unsafe.

    The statement signed  by the spokesman for the Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, alleged that the SDP orchestrated the supposed attacks on the Secretary of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Mr. Mike David, in other to cover up the already exposed plans of filing petitions through the backdoor. 

    Noting the SDP is desperate to file petition against the November 11 election outside the period allowed under the Electoral Act, the APC recalled that some patriotic lawyers, from across the three senatorial districts of the state, on Monday, alerted the public to the clandestine plan of the SDP and its Governorship candidate to file their petition through the backdoor and backdate same in order to circumvent the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    “It is not hard for the discerning to see through the concocted lies and warped strategy of the SDP, as the purpoted attack on the Tribunal Secretary was said to have occurred on the day their dubious, anti-democratic plan was exposed”. 

    Raising some posers, Fanwo queried: “Why was he not attacked before the midnight of December 3, 2023, when the 21 days window closed? Why is the SDP the first to know about the purported attack? How did they know that he was working on their so called petition at the time he was allegedly attacked? Why has the SDP turned themselves to the advocate for the Secretary?” 

    He however alerted the public not  to be misled because the people know exactly what is happening. 

    He reiterated the call on security agencies to swing into action and look into the numerous petitions before them. 

    “We have called endlessly on the security agencies in the state to act on series of petitions before them against the criminalities being perpetrated by the SDP and its thugs all in the name of politics. 

    “They commit heinous crimes, kill innocent citizens, heighten tension in the state with hate speeches under a rejected ethnic agenda and turn around to play the victims through senseless propaganda. 

    “They even blatantly accuse the security agencies of committing crimes without any arrests being made.

    “The inaction of the security agencies in the face of glaring atrocities being perpetrated by these desperate politicians and ethnic jingoists has further emboldened their thugs to attack the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Kogi State, something that has never happened in the history of our dear state. 

    “And now, they and their collaborators in crime have conjured a “dead on arrival” script on the attack of the Tribunal Secretary. 

    “As we write, the lawyer, who led others to expose the SDP’s backdoor filing plans, in collaboration with some staff of the Tribunal, is being threatened by the SDP camp, even on public platforms, and this complaint is before the security agencies. 

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    “When SDP threatens, they attack. That was how they threatened the Resident Electoral Commissioner and followed up their threats with a gruesome attack on his residence. Those who act within the precinct of the rule of law must be protected by the law. 

    “We await the reports of the security agencies on the true situation of things and once again call on our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct the Department of State Services and the Police to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the criminals terrorising the state and waging fruitless war against democracy. 

    “The Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, laid a solid foundation in terms of security. Criminals had no hiding place in the state for over seven years. We cannot at this point sacrifice these widely acknowledged wins on the slab of politics,” the statement concluded.