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Tag: APC

  • ‘No adopted candidate in Edo APC’

    ‘No adopted candidate in Edo APC’

    Edo State All Progressive Congress (APC)  has denied insinuations that some aspirants have been adopted as candidates in next year’s general elections.

    The party said the alleged adoption of candidates was another propaganda by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cause disaffection in the progressives camp.

    Its treasurer, Saliu Momoh, who spoke with reporters in Benin-City, the state capital, denied speculations that Governor Adams Oshiomhole had promised the 15 APC lawmakers automatic return tickets.

    Saliu said the flag bearers would emerge through democratic process.

    He added: “Nobody has adopted anybody in the APC. The APC is quite clear about this. The APC is a political party that is for change in Nigeria. As progressives, we have said we must go by democratic rules.”

    “The APC is set, not only to change the party system in Nigeria, but every step taken must be through democratic process. No person is trying to impose any candidate at the primaries.”

    “We are not unaware that our opponent will sponsor candidates. After the primaries, those sponsored will be insisting that they will not agree. But, we are going to make the process very credible. Nobody will impose candidate. We will look at the guidelines and the rules. There will be no imposition.

    “The governor has said that aspirants must be given a level-playing field. I am not aware that the governor has given an automatic ticket to anybody or House of Assembly members. Those are rumours being peddled by the PDP.”

     

  • APC to Fed Govt: come out clean on cash seizure

    APC to Fed Govt: come out clean on cash seizure

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday urged the Federal Government to come out clean on the seizure of yet another Nigerian cash by South Africa.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC asked President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently address Nigerians on the serial embarrassments to which his administration is subjecting the country in the comity of nations.

    The party said the issues surrounding the first seizure of $9.3 million had yet to be resolved before the latest scandal, wondering why the government would want to turn Nigeria to a rogue nation by taking ownership of money laundering and other acts of illegality, thus devaluing the currency of every Nigerian.

    ‘’Again, Mr. President, Nigerians are urging you to please come clean over these cash-for-arms scandals. They want you to answer critical questions on the legality of your administration’s repeated conduct. They want to know the identities of the two Nigerians who were arrested with an Israeli in South Africa over the first illegal deal, especially since the Israeli has been named.

    ‘’Nigerians want to know why the purported arms procurement for the government is done illegally between private companies that are neither known nor registered for dealing in arms? And why are the movement of monies not transparently documented for what they really are, if they are truly for legitimate purposes?

    ‘’They want to know whether indeed the weapons which the government is seeking so furiously to procure are for the battle against Boko Haram or for a sinister motive, considering the desperation of your Administration to continue to rule at all cost and by any means possible. They want to know whether every Nigerian should begin to fear what will happen in the days and weeks leading to the forthcoming general elections, against the backdrop of your Administration and party’s do-or-die politics.

    ‘’Mr. President, if the funds involved in the latest seizure were sent through bank transfer, can the government explain why Oritsejafor’s plane was stuffed with cash and transported to South Africa? Can your Administration’s embarrassing explanation that it is customary for other country’s security agencies, including with MOSSAD, KGB and CIA, to cart plane loads of cash across the world to purchase black market weapons hold any more water now? These are some of the questions Nigerians are asking, not an untenable spin by untruthful government officials,’’ the APC queried.

    The party also wondered whether the funds being ferried up and down by the Administration were appropriated by the National Assembly, or whether they were part of the missing $20 billion oil money.

    The APC slammed the federal government for issuing childish and immature threats against South Africa, threatening its investments in the country, instead of addressing the pertinent questions surrounding the illegal arms procurement deals.

    ‘’Mr. President, you cannot threaten another country when your Administration is willfully breaking the laws of that country. In this case, your Administration stands on a weak moral ground, as its hands have been caught in the cookie jar. Therefore, issuing infantile threats is laughable, unacceptable and wrong,’’ the party said.

    It reminded the Jonathan Administration that nowhere else does a government engage in illegal black market movement of money or arms – both signatures of terrorism worldwide, adding that only terrorists and pariah nations move money and procure arms in clandestine manners as the Jonathan Administration is doing.

    ‘’Even at a time when we were ruled by military dictators and our country was a pariah nation, we did not experience these repeated and embarrassing national disgrace and clandestine, terrorist groups’ approach to the purchase of arms. How can Nigeria truly be a respected member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)  when our own government and its operatives are self identified and self confessed money launderers?’’ APC queried.

    The party wondered how many other unknown scandals the Jonathan Administration had plunged Nigeria, and appealed to the Administration to tread softly in the interest of all Nigerians, who will be the ones to suffer the repercussions of the government’s repeated illegal conduct.

  • Ondo PDP rejects Mimiko-NWC deal

    Ondo PDP rejects Mimiko-NWC deal

    •‘Governor’s defection is a blessing for APC’ 

    ONDO State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the manner the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko was handled by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    It noted that the process was executed without respect for the state Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Alabi and members of the State Working Committee (SWC).

    The party’s Publicity Director, Ayo Fadaka, in a statement yesterday, said the action was calculated to treat the members of the party as inconsequential.

    “We therefore declare that this is grossly unfair and so reject outright, all negotiations purportedly entered on our behalf without our direct input and blessings.

    “We state in the most unequivocal manner that we repose absolute confidence in the executives of the party at every level in the state and will take serious exceptions to any action taken directly or indirectly to harm or dismantle them,” the statement reads.

    It added: “We welcome Mimiko and his followers to the party in their individual capacities. We also respect the Constitution of the PDP, particularly the recognition that it confers on any governor who is a member.

    “However, we remain mindful of the fact that he is joining as a governor. We say this because PDP is a big party with established structures that must not be treated anyhow.

    “We also understand that Governor Mimiko’s publicly stated goal of defecting into our party is to enable him contribute effectively to the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. We must say this is appreciable, but as citizens of Ondo State, we do know that Governor Mimiko carries a lot of baggage and liabilities that precludes him from discharging such responsibility.”

    The party said the governor has descended from the charismatic height he operated from in 2009, when he came into office, to a level of scorn, alleging that his administration has mismanaged the state’s finances and commonwealth.

    “Most disappointing of all is the now emerging trend of the inability of government to pay workers’ salaries as at when due and even owing two months salaries now.

    “This we consider a baggage and liability that will do great harm to the electoral prospects of President Jonathan than any good,” it stated.

    The party also observed that the governor was conscious that his party could no longer win any election.

    “We also want to bring to public domain the fact that before Mimiko’s defection to our party, principal and prominent members of his Labour Party (LP) had already abandoned him and his party and are already members of our party, prominent among them is Senator Boluwaji Kunlere.

    “Therefore, we declare again that our party, the PDP, was already set on a winning course before this desire of Mimiko to cross into our party again.

    “The generality of our members want it place on record that they demand proper respect from the leaders of the party in Abuja and that they equally conduct their research on the viability of people before admitting them to the party,” the statement added.

    But the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Ajayi Boroffice, said Mimiko’s return to PDP would assist the All Progressives Party (APC) to win more elective posts.

    He spoke at a rally entitled, ‘The Broom Revolution,’ organised by the youth wing of APC as part of efforts to drum up support for the party and welcome over 250 defectors to the party.

    Boroffice said the development was a blessing to APC since the LP had turned into a rudderless ship without direction.

    He added that the crisis in the PDP over leadership shift has started bringing more members into APC.

    The senator noted that the LP would be dissolved, explaining that from what he gathered from sources, the party would soon submit its certificate and flag to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the disappointment it suffered from the governor.

    He said: “The LP in Ondo State has become a rudderless ship that is going on a wide sea without direction. The implication is that the people will have to leave a sinking boat that is LP for the only alternative, which is APC. Therefore, the development is a blessing to APC in the state. Only that right now, majority of people are civil servants, a reason many of them are yet to declare that they have deserted Mimiko’s administration”.

    Boroffice added that in 2015 general elections, the APC will be the political party to beat.

    The senator assured that the partywould win at the the Federal level as well as in 26 states.

     

     

  • APC women on state tour

    APC women on state tour

    AllProgressives Congress (APC) women leaders in Akwa Ibom State have begun a month state tour.

    The tour, from October 2 till October 28, will cover the three senatorial districts and all the federal constituencies.

    The woman leader, Mrs. Magdalene Ekaette Akpabio, said the essence of the tour was to enable the leadership mobilise and sensitise women.

    Mrs. Akpabio said the party was on ground and is working to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “We are working on getting party offices in all local governments and to enhance our presence to position the party to take over power in the state,” she added.

  • Buhari shifts presidential declaration

    Buhari shifts presidential declaration

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), will no longer declare his intention to seek his party’s ticket today.

    The declaration will now take place on October 15.

    A statement by the Coordinator of the Buhari declaration ceremony, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said arrangements for the declaration remained the same.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar a fortnight ago declared his intention to seek the APC ticket.

    Ogbeh said Gen. Buhari’s declaration would take place at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

  • APC to govern Imo for 20 years, says governor

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will govern the state for another 20 years and even beyond under the philosophy of the Rescue Mission administration.

    The governor said the party’s development strategy would be based on one Rescue Mission administration to another.

    A statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, quoted Okorocha as saying governance in Imo State had surpassed making him the governor.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, at the inauguration of officers and members of the state campaign council.

    He noted that the philosophy of the Rescue Mission would be institutionalised for the rapid development of the state.

    Okorocha said: “We are working. And with that, we have been able to silence the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We intend to sustain that for life. We have no gun, but the people. Our work or the performance of the administration has destroyed the PDP in the state. We only need to close ranks to achieve the goal. I am preparing the ground so that the younger ones will have opportunities tomorrow.”

    He added: “We have sent packing those who held the state hostage for decades. The Rescue Mission administration, under the aegis of APC, will continue to grow. The masses are behind us because they have seen the difference. We won’t relent. We will not rest on our oars. We will continue to empower youths to be useful to themselves and to the society, and not to become thugs, like the PDP did.”

  • ‘No adopted candidate in Edo APC’

    Edo State All Progressive Congress (APC)  has denied insinuations that some aspirants have been adopted as candidates in next year’s general elections.

    The party said the alleged adoption of candidates was another propaganda by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cause disaffection in the progressives camp.

    Its treasurer, Saliu Momoh, who spoke with reporters in Benin-City, the state capital, denied speculations that Governor Adams Oshiomhole had promised the 15 APC lawmakers automatic return tickets.

    Saliu said the flag bearers would emerge through democratic process.

    He added: “Nobody has adopted anybody in the APC. The APC is quite clear about this. The APC is a political party that is for change in Nigeria. As progressives, we have said we must go by democratic rules.”

    “The APC is set, not only to change the party system in Nigeria, but every step taken must be through democratic process. No person is trying to impose any candidate at the primaries.”

    “We are not unaware that our opponent will sponsor candidates. After the primaries, those sponsored will be insisting that they will not agree. But, we are going to make the process very credible. Nobody will impose candidate. We will look at the guidelines and the rules. There will be no imposition.

    “The governor has said that aspirants must be given a level-playing field. I am not aware that the governor has given an automatic ticket to anybody or House of Assembly members. Those are rumours being peddled by the PDP.”

  • APC’ll emerge stronger from primary, says Saraki

    APC’ll emerge stronger from primary, says Saraki

    Senator Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central) has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge stronger from its December 2 presidential primary.

    Saraki was responding to insinuations that the ambition of APC presidential aspirants would tear the party apart at the primary.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, he said: “This is propaganda from the opposition. I assure Nigerians that the primary would not disintegrate the party, but unify it. After the primaries of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party did not disintegrate but became stronger.

    “In the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Alex Ekwueme contested a primary and the party did not disintegrate. I have sat with General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso and there are assurances from them that whichever way the primary goes, they will support the party. When we merged with the legacy parties, the opposition said the party would disintegrate. After that, they said it would disintegrate at the national convention.

    “The party will not disintegrate because we are all making sacrifices every day. It is not easy to come together to take on a government with this level of impunity. We are doing this because we truly believe is the best for Nigeria. I have utmost confidence that everyone would rally round whoever emerges as the presidential flag bearer.”

    On whether he has a presidential ambition, Saraki said: “I will make my position known soon. I appreciate the demands I have seen coming from different parts of the country on this issue. I believe 2015, for a lot of us, is all about Nigeria. It is about the sacrifices that will have to be made. The key thing is to rescue Nigeria and put it in the right direction.”

     

     

  • Edo North: Gladiators battle for Senate

    Edo North: Gladiators battle for Senate

    The battle for the Edo North senatorial ticket has started within the two major parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ten aspirants are in the race. Who wins the ticket? EMMANUEL OLADESU examines their strengths and weaknesses.

    Edo North Senatorial District is a politically conscious zone. It has produced prominent politicians who are making waves in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although the ban on campaigns has not been lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the aspirants are mobilising stakeholders, ahead of next general elections.

    Instead of campaigns, contenders and their supporters have resorted to rallies, which are campaigns in disguise. Town hall and village square meetings, visit to palaces of prominent monarchs and homes of party elders and influential community leaders, and meetings with interest groups have increased. There is also a gale of endorsements for aspirants by stakeholders.

    The contenders are bold, courageous and determined. In the politics of Edo North, they have not taken the back seat. They have served in government before and they are in reckoning with the people. However, the senatorial poll appears to be a different ball game. Therefore, the wheat will still be separated from the chaff at the primaries.

    The aspirants include Senator Domingo Obende (APC), Hon. Abubakar Momoh (PDP), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC), Francis Alimikhere (APC), Hon. Pascal Ugboma (PDP), and Chief Richard Lamai (PDP).

     

    Obende

     

    Obende became a senator in 2011 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The politician from the Akoko Edo area is now one of the leaders of the APC in the district. Edo North is made up of Akoko Edo, Etsako and Owan. It is a tripod arrangement. Indeed, the senatorial election has always created tension among these three areas.

    Obende has a second term ambition. His campaign train has rolled into towns and villages. Armed with his score card, he has been calling attention to his achievements as a federal legislator and a community man. His ambition has divided the district. But, his supporters believe that his achievements will continue to endear him to constituents. These include the hand pump boreholes, which he attracted to the area,  the sponsoring of Christians and Muslims on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Mecca and skill acquisition training for constituents.

    But, his major feat as a senator is that he sponsored the bill, which criminalised same sex marriage. The bill has become and act.

    Those objecting to his re-election bid have said that they were not impressed by his performance. Critics have alleged that Obende os inaccessible, although they acknowledged that he has attracted some projects to the constituency. Others have an axe to grind with him on the projects. They said he sited many of the projects in his area, thereby leaving other five local governments in the cold. Some constituents even questioned the quality of the work done by the contractors.

    Stakeholders from Owan (East and West) and Etsako (Central, East and West) are agitating for power shift. But, those supporting Obende in Akoko Edo have urged them to wait for their turns. Their argument is that the two areas have enjoyed the slot in the past. Etsako produced Senator Kassim Oyofo, who was in the Upper Chamber between 1999 and 2007. Also, Owan produced Senator Yisa Braimoh, who served from 2007 to 2011. But, Braimoh is campaigning against his successor, saying that he is unfit for a second term. He urged stakeholders to beam a searchlight on his credentials. Obende camp believes that the senator is a victim of blackmail and bitter struggle for power.

    But, can Obende get the ticket? A source said that, unlike 2011, his popularity has waned, not because of non-performance, but because some powerful forces are not willing to back him for a second term. Having seen the handwriting on the wall, some of his supporters deserted him.

     

    Momoh

     

    Momoh, an engineer from Etsako, is a member of the House of Representatives. He represents Etsako Constituency, which comprises of Etsako Central, Etsako East and Etsako West. He is a grassroots politician and he has supporters. For him, the Senate should be a compensation for hard work and a sort of elevation. Momoh has served as a councillor, supervisory councillor, and Chairman of Etsako East Council. He was a member of the House of Assembly for eight years. In 2003, he won election into the Lower Chamber. In 2011, he returned to the House.  Momoh is a household name in Edo North. But, some stakeholders have grudges against him. According to them, Momoh has not become an exemplary federal legislator. He has also been accused of playing the ethnic card. The legislator is said to be behind the “Etsako Agenda.” The agenda is to mobilise all Etsakos to endorse him for the Senate. Hid ally, according to sources, is Alhaji Usman Shagadi, who is in charge of the mobilisation.  The Shagadi/Momoh calculation is that, since Etsako is more populous than Akoko-Edo and Owan, Momoh can rely on the bloc votes from his area to defeat other contenders. However, since this calculation may flounder, he defected to the PDP.

     

    Alimhikhena

     

    Alimhikhena is a retired soldier and lawyer. He is a veteran aspirant, having tried his luck thrice at the PDP primaries. Many party men have hailed his courage, despite the political adversity of losing at each turn. Alimhikhena has not stirred controversy. But, his ambition is not a threat to any contender. He has experience, which he garnered in the military. He has built political structures, which he can rely on. He is a reliable politician. He is popular in Etsako East.

     

    Ihonvbere

     

    The political scientist and university don fought for democracy. He was in the trenches during the dark days of the military rule. When he returned to the country, many were taken aback when he joined the Obasanjo Administration. But, while in that government, he did maintained his puritanical zeal. Many are still expecting him to document his experience as the former Presidential Adviser on Project Monitoring and Evaluation from 2003 to 2007.  During the period, he developed a wide network of contacts locally and internationally.

    An accomplished and erudite scholar, the Secretary to Edo State Government left the PDP for the defunct ACN in 2012, when he was short-changed by the PDP in his quest for the governorship ticket. He was indeed, the front runner in the race. Ihonvbere defected with thousands of supporters. His ability to communicate, integrity, accessibility, and experience are assets.

    Ihonvbere is also a modest philanthropist. Through the Julius Ihonvbere Foundation, he has extended a duty of care to the needy. Many ouths and women have benefitted from his empowerment programmes. He is perceived as  a tested and trusted politician, who has what it takes to represent the district in the Senate. Already, stakeholders from four local governments have endorsed him. These are Akoko-Edo, Owan East and Owan West. He also has some supporters in Etsako Central, East and West. Party chieftains believe that his credentials place him above other aspirants. He is focused, humble, charismatic and goal-oriented.

     

    Ugbome

     

    A lawyer and an astute politician, Ugbome served as the former Chairman of Etsako Central local government between 2004 and 2007. He is the Director of Organisation of the PDP. He was a member of the House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He represented Etsako Central Constituency. Like Obende, Hon. Ugbome is a Deacon. He has connections. He is a loyal party member, committed and dependable. Stakeholders say he stands a good chance of clinching the ticket of PDP as a fitting reward for his commitment, loyalty and dedication.

     

    Lamai

     

    He is the son of the late Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai. He is the youngest aspirant. Lamai is a shrewd businessman with interests in hospitality, oil and gas. He contested in 2007 and lost narrowly to Senator Braimoh at the primaries. His supporters now believe that he will do better at the proposed shadow poll. But, the aspirant has some hurdles to cross. Some have questioned his commitment to the party. They point out that he only comes around during the electioneering. Some have advised him to vie for a seat in the House of Assembly. In their opinion, age is still on his side.

     

     

     

  • APC chieftain calls for urgent reconciliation

    APC chieftain calls for urgent reconciliation

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Abu Orieni, has called for reconciliation before next year’s election.

    He alleged that some aggrieved members have resolved to frustrate the party in Badagry  Division.

    The party chieftain spoke shortly after some members disrupted the reconciliation meeting organised by the state leadership of the party.

    He said the visit by state leaders was disrupted because some politicians turned the occasion into a campaign ground.

    Orieni said: “If there is going to be genuine reconciliation, it cannot take place under such condition. The meeting should be between the core leaders of the three local governments and the party chieftains in Lagos.

    “Apart from that, the council did not hold congress in the Badagry West LCDA. We expect the chairman of our party in Lagos to call us together and put the house in order. He is our father and we expect him to look at all the complaints and take decision.”

    Orieni saidthe aspirants, who stormed the venue to receive visitors with their campaign posters, did so in bad faith.

    He added: “I can assure you that the oppositions are praying very hard for us not to have peace in our party. The party’s reconciliation must be between the leaders in a well organised environment.”

    The politician said the party leader, Hon. Sunny Ajose, who reconciled other councils in the constituency because it was well coordinated.

    He stressed: “At this junction, I will implore our National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to step in to save the party from being hijacked by those who considered themselves as above the law because if it not done now, it will be too late.”