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Tag: APGA

  • PDP, APC, APGA governorship candidates boycott debate

    PDP, APC, APGA governorship candidates boycott debate

    •Ahmed: I had engagement

    Only the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Mike Omotosho, yesterday honoured the governorship election debate in Kwara State.

    Other parties, whose governorship candidates were invited, included the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    But the APC governorship candidate, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, gave reasons for his absence.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said the governor was absent, following his prior engagement.

    He added: “The governor loved to be at the event, but for prior state engagement. He is desirous of interacting with the group anytime, to highlight his achievements in the last four years and what his plans are if re-elected.”

    The debate, held in Ilorin, was organised by the Kwara Coalition of Business and Professional Associations (KWACOBPA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Elections Debate Group, Centre for International Private Enterprise and International Republican Institute.

    It was assessed by a moderator and two panelists.

    Expatiating on his blueprint for the state, Dr. Omotosho bemoaned Nigeria’s over dependence on oil, saying such a development was dangerous for the economy.

    He promised, if elected, to place premium on the welfare of people with disability.

    “We in LP have constituted a lobby group to prevail on the President to pass the Social Disability Bill waiting for his assent into law. The bill has already been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly,” the pharmacist-turned- politician said.

    On education, he said: “We have a blueprint to focus on qualitative education. We shall encourage deserving students by sponsoring them to tertiary institutions. To a large extent, we shall abolish the indigene and non- indigene disparity in the payment of school fees.”

    The Chairman of KWACOBPA, Chief Hezekiah Adediji, said the debate “is to give candidates the opportunity to address a large audience, discuss their programmes and respond to questions.

    “This debate is meant to promote politics of issues, as against thuggery and violence. I implore our candidates to be good sportsmen and the audience to be truly non-participatory.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • APGA women decry attack on Obiano, Umeh

    APGA women decry attack on Obiano, Umeh

    Women for Good Governance (WGG), a group in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has condemned the attack on Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Victor Umeh and other members of the APGA campaign team at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government.

    Obiano, APGA senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Umeh and other members went to the hometown of former Governor Peter Obi to campaign when youths attacked them, destroying their vehicles and billboards.

    The group decried the attack, describing it as despicable, detestable, reprehensible and repugnant to democratic ethos. It alleged that it was the handiwork of desperate politicians.

    A statement on behalf of the group by its coordinator, Mrs. Grace Chike, called for an end to such an action, which it said was not in the interest of democracy.

    The statement reads: “We wonder why failed politicians should hire and hoodwink youths in Agulu to stone Governor Obiano, APGA senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Chief Umeh and supporters campaigning in the area. They destroyed vehicles and billboards.

    “We frown at this primitive, do-or-die politics in this era of issue-based civilised politicking.”

    The body also condemned the attack on the party’s campaign team of former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who is gunning for the Nassarawa State governorship on APGA’s platform. It described it as the height of irresponsible politics.

    WGG said those behind the attack were afraid of the ex- minister’s popularity and grassroots support, which had changed political equation in the state, alleging that the cabal that held the state hostage since 1999 sponsored the attack to intimidate Maku.

    “The former minister has remained focused and will never be distracted by frustrated politicians with no vision for a greater Nassarawa State.”

    The APGA women said they were shocked by the destruction of four campaign offices and 15 vehicles of the party’s governorship candidate, Sani Shinkafi, in Zamfara State. They wondered why APGA candidates had become target of violence.

    The women said: “This is man’s inhumanity to man and a giant step backward in our democratic process. We demand a stop to this madness. Let the word go out to the perpetrators of this crime and their sponsors that APGA is a mass movement and a change agent that cannot be crushed by disgruntled elements. If the objective is to quench APGA’s progressive flame, it has failed. We demand a stop to this dangerous political naivety.

  • Apga promises good governance

    Apga promises good governance

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has promised to establish good governance in Lagos State by giving dividends of democracy to the people if voted into power in the February 28 governorship election in the State.

    The gubernatorial canditate of the APGA in Lagos State, Prince Adeshina Olayokon, while addressing party supporters  in  Lagos yesterday said his party has  a well entrenched grassroot presence that would make it spring suprises in the state in the coming elections as it is fielding candidates in all elections.

    He stated that the APGA is set to use its existing infrastructure, high population density and high talented human resources to establish good governance in Lagos State, asserting that the question of faction in Lagos State chapter of the APGA had been laid to rest and  the only recognized gubernatorial candidate of the party who is duly recognized by the INEC was his humble self, who also doubles as the state Chairman of the party.

    Describing the APGA as a beautiful bride as the politics of Lagos State is concerned, Prince Olayokun said the party is well  embraced all over major areas in Lagos State by the Ibo communities, as well as other tribes as it was evident by their choice of candidates cutting across all tribes.

    He said the APGA has made tremendous and wonderful progress in some states of the federation which include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Anambra, Abia,  Imo and Lagos, urging all members to join the campaign to sensitize Lagosians  to vote for the APGA in the coming elections.

  • Ihenacho knocks Okorocha

    Ihenacho knocks Okorocha

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State and former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, yesterday dismissed the youth employment programme of the government.

    He described it as a “mere ruse that does not meet the yearnings of the unemployed youth.”

    Ihenacho, who briefed reporters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said: “It is misleading to declare 2,500 jobs for youths, with nothing on ground to support the pronouncement.”

  • Otti to supporters: defend your votes

    Otti to supporters: defend your votes

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged his supporters to vote and defend their votes.

    He said voting was part of their contributions to the party’s victory, assuring them of his success at the polls.

    “God willing, I will take over government after the election.”

    Otti said votes would count, as there would be no rigging.

    He enjoined youths to wait until the votes were counted.

    Speaking at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local  Government when receiving the one million-man march in his support, Otti said APGA would strive to win the governorship election.

    He advised youths and people who want a positive change not to be intimidated by the antics of the PDP.

    Said he: “Now God has taken over the state. No matter what they do, we will take over. People should not worry as we are going to take over government and things will start working.”

    The APGA governorship candidate said what the state needed was someone who could stand without being aided by the government.

    According to him, such a candidate would not mortgage the state.

    Otti urged people who wanted a change to vote APGA, advising them to get their permanent voter cards (PVCs), which he described as the weapon of the electorate.

    The former bank chief said the party would rebuild the state.

    He assured civil servants and teachers, who are owed that they will be paid if APGA wins.

     

    Otti’s running mate, Prof.

    Uche Emuche, lamented that there were no drugs in hospitals, adding that there were no desks in schools.

    She said there will be free and compulsory education if APGA wins.

    “Aba’s problems will be addressed so that the glory of the commercial city will be restored.”

     

  • Over 5,000 dump PDP, APGA for APC

    Over 5,000 dump PDP, APGA for APC

    •Buhari’s campaign train moves to Anambra 

    Over 5,000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State.

    This followed the inauguration of General Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in the state by the coordinator, Chima Okafor.

    Okafor, a lawyer and his 12-member campaign team have taken the rally to the hinterland of Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra West, Anambra East, Awka North among others.

    Before, the acceptance of the party was poor. What kept APC going was Senator Chris Ngige’s popularity.

    Political observers said with the massive support for the party, the battle between President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Buhari would be close.

    The Nation learnt yesterday that the defectors took the decision because of the problems in their parties, which had resulted in factions.

    One of them, a former chairman in one of the councils, who preferred anonymity, said: “We can not continue this way every year in the PDP.

    “APC was regarded as a Boko Haram party in the Southeast because of the campaigns by APGA and PDP. But now, truth has prevailed. Our people are tired of being fooled.

    “Buhari is the most acceptable person among the candidates. Jonathan has failed the people.”

  • APGA adopts PDP’s candidate in Enugu

    APGA adopts PDP’s candidate in Enugu

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Enugu State has adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as its choice for the election.

    The party said its choice was based on his performance, expressing confidence that with Ugwuanyi as the next governor, there would be a secure future for the people

  • ‘APGA must deliver Jonathan in Anambra’

    ‘APGA must deliver Jonathan in Anambra’

    The Chairman of Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ), a group in Anambra State sponsored by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said yesterday that the party must deliver President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential election.

    Speaking with reporters, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Inter- party Affairs, Chief Ben Obi, said only APGA was positioned to deliver Jonathan in Anambra State.

    He said the party would not allow the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over tickets to dampen its spirit in delivering Jonathan.

    According to Obi, “with JJJ led by Governor Obiano and my humble self as the chairman, as well as APGA leadership led by Chief Victor Umeh, President Jonathan is sure of the majority votes in Anambra.

    “We have the capacity to achieve and we are happy that President Jonathan has taken us into confidence by acknowledging APGA as a major part of the campaign team.

    “We are on ground and we have been visiting markets, churches and other public places, urging our people to vote for Jonathan and APGA.”

    He said some PDP chieftains were inviting anarchy by campaigning, when they were aware that they had no tickets for elective positions, as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

  • APGA candidate promises to rescue Imo

    APGA candidate promises to rescue Imo

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Imo State, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, has assured that his administration will rescue the state from the “visionless government of Rochas Okorocha”.

    The former Minister of Interior, who spoke at a campaign at Ugwu Ekwema Square in Owerri, said the governor “only came to rescue members of his family and not Imo people.”

    He said the people voted for Okorocha in 2011 out of sentiments, adding: “The way the governor has personalised governance showed he came to rescue his siblings, family, in-laws and associates from poverty and not Imo people.”

    Urging the people to vote APGA in the elections, Ihenacho said it was “unfortunate that Concorde Hotel, which was the pride of the state, has died under the present government. Okorocha lacks the training and capacity to industrialise the state.”

  • APGA alleges plot to disenfranchise members

    APGA alleges plot to disenfranchise members

    The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday alleged that over half of its members had not been given Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), despite complaints to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It said statistics showed that the areas affected by the scarcity of the PVCs were its strongholds, which included Owerri North and Owerri Municipal council areas.

    Addressing a news conference, the Chairman, Mr. Peter Ezeobi, said: “The issue of the PVC has been of concern to APGA. Areas mostly affected are pro-APGA areas, where the party has many supporters.”

    He added: “Our governorship candidate and I have not got our PVCs and this is worrisome, considering that INEC insists that no PVC, no voting. There is anxiety among our members and supporters, especially in Owerri North where our governorship candidate hails from.

    “When we noticed the development, we sent a delegation, led by the Legal Adviser, Ikechukwu Ikeji, to INEC to lodge a complaint and it promised that by January 30 everybody would get PVCs, but we are no more comfortable with the promise because of the situation.

    “We urge the commission to release PVCs so that the indigenes can vote. We also want the poll to be devoid of disenfranchisement, rigging and violence.”

    The Nation learnt that the party had suspended one of the governorship aspirants, Mr. Okey Ezeh, for parading himself as its candidate, after INEC had published the name of the winner of the primaries, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho.