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Tag: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

  • Buhari promises to secure Nigeria

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to secure the country for the future.

    Buhari stated this at the All Progressives Party (APC)presidential campaign rally on Tuesday in Akure.

    The president, who asked the electorate for votes for his re-election, noted that if he re-elected, he would get rid of corruption in the country.

    According to him, those found culpable in corrupt acts would be prosecuted.

    He added that his 2015 campaign promises of revamping economy, security and fighting corruption had been fulfilled.

    “Boko haram is no longer occupying those places it was in control of before our administration came in in 2015, though they are now using young girls to attack soft targets.

    “But we are reassuring you that we will revamp our economy and we are making fertiliser available to farmers in all Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country.

    “Those found culpable of corruption will be prosecuted.
    “We will secure the country and rid it of corruption,”he said.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the present administration had taken youths engagement seriously, hence the introduction of NPower initiative.

    Osinbajo added that the initiative had engaged 500,000 youths, promising that the number would be increased to 1.5 million youths.

    The vice president stated that the planned railway line to Akure would create job for different strata of people.

    According to him, more power distribution companies will be engaged to supply power and that that the Federal Government is partnering with some solar power suppliers to provide electricity to some parts of the state.

    Osinbajo recalled the federal government had partnered with Brazil to supply farm equipment that would make farming attractive to youth.

    He warned electorate not to vote for another party’s candidate that would take the country back to era of corruption, saying “it was corruption that took us back”.

    Comrade Adams Oshiomohle, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC),said the difference was clear between Buhari and other candidates.

    Oshiomole noted that Buhari’s policy was to liberate children of the poor and ensure that Nigerian workers got the best, hence the reason for bailout funds to all states.

    According to him, the APC led government is ensuring that Nigerians must produce what they eat and stop exporting job to Europe.

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, assured the president of landslide victory come Feb. 16 poll.

    Akeredolu said that if the party could win in 2015 general election when it was in opposition, it would handsomely win in the coming election.

    Read Also:Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

     

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC National Leader, said the Buhari administration was rebuilding the country for the future.

    Tinubu added that the administration had created enabling environment for the economy to thrive.

    He asked electorate to vote for Buhari, saying that the president represented honesty and accountability.

     

     

  • Tinubu to opposition: APC NEEDS NO VIOLENCE TO WIN

    THE ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have to engage in violence to win the forthcoming elections,Cochairman of its Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said yesterday.

    Tinubu, who was responding to allegations from certain quarters that the APC was preparing grounds for violence during the elections, said those making such allegations were already sniffing their defeat at the polls. He said the cries  of violence were also indications that those making the allegations had already conceded defeat even before the first ballot was cast in the election.

    The APC leader spoke to reporters after a meeting with traditional rulers from the South West in Abuja. The traditional rulers were led by the Ooni of Ife,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Tinubu said neither the  party nor  its presidential candidate,Muhammadu Buhari, wanted  any Nigerian to be a victim of violence during the elections and therefore  did  not need any form of violence to win the election. The APC, he pointed out, was working hard to win the elections, while those alleging violence were busy looking for excuses for their impending defeat. On his meeting with the obas,Tinubu said: “The royal fathers spoke of the need for a peaceful election. When you have the belief that you can get a proper result, you work hard because you want peace. “When you believe that you can win, you don’t want violence. We all love our children, our brothers and our followers and none of us would want our followers to become sacrificial lambs.

    “We won’t encourage violent disruption of any election because we are confident of winning. Those who are crying wolf before the election have already accepted defeat before the election as far as I am concerned. “I am very happy and proud of the very promising situation. When you have the endorsement of your royal fathers, it means you have the people with you and the voice of the people is the voice of God. I am elated.”

    The APC chieftain appreciated the royal fathers for their support and for not giving up on the APC and also for visiting the President to encourage him. Taking a fresh broadside at Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,the PDP presidential candidate,Tinubu said he (Atiku)   did nothing  to help Lagos State as Vice President when the Obasanjo government seized its local government allocations, but merely asked them to go and comply with Obasanjo’s directives. He said: “Atiku was Vice President of this country when the local government allocations for Lagos State were seized. “When we led a protest to Atiku then, he said: ‘Go away; go and comply.’ Without the allocations, you cannot bring development. “When we said we needed power to power Lagos and the industrial base in our region, they said no.

    “They were taking away N250 million from our allocations every month for being innovative and creative. “Everywhere we turned, they rejected us and punished us. But we never gave up. “Today, we are in that progressive development championed and led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Thank you for not looking back. Thank you for visiting and encouraging him.” Tinubu also spoke on his  purported collapse  on Monday after the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. His words: “Fake news and whoever is manufacturing it, you better don’t believe them.” He also described as negative and fake news,reports of the alleged boycott of the campaign council by APC governors.

    He said: “The point is,  the governors had to stay back home because we all don’t have to converge in one place to decide certain modalities when we can easily go back to them on what was discussed and what we expect from their states. That is what we call structuring in an election. There are some jelly fish reporters around Nigeria these days.” At the meeting,Oba Ogunwusi said as royal fathers, traditional rulers  would therefore continue to preach peace and peaceful coexistence. The Oni said: “My message to Nigerians in this time of election is peace, peace and peaceful co-existence all the way. “The power of every Nigerian and every electorate lies in the thumb. “As traditional rulers, we are fathers to all and in playing that role, we pray that there should be peace in this country. “

    That is what we are preaching and it is very important to all of us to know that Nigeria is greater than any of us. So, we should continue to preach peace and identify with good things that will be beneficial to the nation. That is why we are here.” Hide original message The traditional rulers, who had earlier visited the President, also included the the Alake of Egbaland, Oba  Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi; the  Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh 1V, and the Oloye of  Oye Ekiti,Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III.

  • 2019 : Opposition can wrangle, but don’t misinterpret Buhari!

    Interestingly, I am getting to know more about the impressive, but  silent aspects of President Muhammadu Buhari’s life and personage. I have never met him personally. But with his credentials as a retired Army officer, and given the military culture, it was safer for me to believe he is rough and unapologetically ruthless.
    But I was damn wrong! He is just a leader who is blunt and plain.  He hates any brazen act of trampling on laws of the land or decency in conduct.
    President Buhari, as Nigeria’s incumbent President is gunning for reelection in 2019 for another term of four years, on the platform of the ruling APC. But he was enraged over INEC’s sudden postponement of the February 16, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly ballots. His party, the APC was equally angered and condemned the impromptu shift of elections, barely five hours to the commencement of the ballot. I think, the electoral umpire knows better why the decision was taken. We are sad, but what else can anybody do?
    When I listened to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s address to the nation on the elections postponement, I pitied him. From  his facial scowls, it was clear to discerning minds that something terribly went wrong. And discontinuing with  the ballot as scheduled became inevitable.
    Prof. Yakubu nicely concealed his anger in these official explanation;  “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.”
    But political actors and Nigerians did not swallow this excuse lightly. And it has sparked very profound reactions from all segments of  the Nigerian community.  I may not bother with every view expressed by every Nigerian. But at least, we can speak to our conscience and it will certainly prick us in glaring terms that the ballot was compromised even before the vote cast. And our leaders know this; INEC knows it; critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project are aware and Nigerians know everything dubiously contrived affected the ballot in focus.
    President Buhari was more disappointed. And  so,  at the opening session  of the National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja,  the President who is not oblivious of what crooked politicians planned in dark chambers and rigged the ballot before the vote fumed;
    “The security agencies have identified hot spots and flash points and should be prepared to move. We have made as much arrangement as possible for them as much as the country can afford. Anybody who decide to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb the process, may be that will be the last unlawful action you will take.We have directed the military and other security agents to be ruthless. We are not going to be blamed that we want to rig elections.”
    This innocent comment from Mr. President has provoked partisan outbursts, especially from PDP chieftains and stalwarts. These Nigerians have imputed very funny meanings into the comments, which are beyond any reasonable limits of decency. I understand the intention of antagonistic elements to spite and slight the President in order to diminish his electoral value in the eyes of Nigerians.
    But in truth and to our conscience, what contents of the presidential statement alludes to an order calling for the killing of Nigerians as propagated by the opposition? There is none! An election rigger is worse than an armed robber. Accepted, we are guided by laws, which presumes every person is innocent until pronounced guilty by a competent court. But why do we think, criminals should be allowed to ply their trade unmolested by security agents?
    I do not buy the arguments of the vocal PDP analysts. They  have repeatedly said the President has issued a direct order to security agents to kill Nigerians.  Why would any decent Nigerian think the best thing to do is to foist a regime of electoral violence on Nigerians, but gets offended when the President ask security agents to ruthlessly handle such miscreants or hoodlums? And why would anybody happily contemplate this absurdity? Is it because the potential culprits know there are elder statesmen and people who would rise up to their defence?
    APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been speaking on  Buhari’s presidential statement. He has done what is humanely possibly to deflect the misconstrued interpretations. But trust Nigerians! We are more comfortable promoting evil than good. But let me leave the mischief makers and the drugged or incensed partisans that President Buhari never wished  the death of any Nigerian because he wants to continue as Nigeria’s leader.
    Let’s get some sense in what Tinubu said on the misinterpretations of the President’s comments. He said;   “These are not his words; he is a law abiding person and he understands categorically and clearly what rule of law is and the lives of individual citizens that he is in that office to protect. Now, let me run this; he has been fighting Book Haram, kidnappers and all these before this election, did you hear him asking them to be shot and executed summarily?”

    Read Also: We’ve completed Card Readers’ configuration 100 per cent, says INEC

    However, we cannot pretend that elections results were written before the ballot. How can Nigerians explain the pre-ballot violence, deaths and destructions in some states in Nigeria? Are we canvassing that  President Buhari, as Chief Security Officer of the nation should be soft with such characters so that tomorrow, we shall gladly also  blame him  for a degenerative insecurity in the country? This is not wisdom from any sane mind.
    Let me leave these adversaries of Nigeria with the sound advice from my friend, Alhaji Aminu Musa.  His words; “Those with ears have been so blessed. I believe,  the words that made up the statement of Mr. President are unambiguous. We are by it advised to stay clear of any form of malpractices in the forthcoming rescheduled election.”
    So, those who have plotted violence and rigging are forewarned. Security agents would ruthlessly handle the destroyers of our nation’s democracy and the electoral process. Well done,  Mr. President for this forewarning.
    Ikpa is Executive Secretary, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) and wrote this piece from Abuja.

  • Tinubu to Nigerians: treat one another with kindness, decency

    All Progressives Congress national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Monday urged Nigerians to rise above their differences and treat one another with kindness and decency.

    Tinubu, in his Christmas message in Lagos, urged Christians and Muslims to act as brothers, not antagonists.

    ”As we gather in our homes to celebrate the Christmas, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season.

    ”Jesus Christ came into the world not that we may use his birthday as an excuse for festivities.

    “He came into this world to teach and show us the best aspects of our common humanity and to point the way to spiritual salvation.

    “He is known as the prince of peace but he came into the world not cloaked in temporal power or visible wealth.

    “He came dressed in humility and in compassion for those whom society has tossed aside.

    ”Let us remember these things as we eat and drink on this day. Let us, on this day, resolve to help our fellow man a bit more than we have in the past,” he said.

    According to him, it is easy to be good to family and friends, however, we must do better than this.

    “We must strive to be kind and generous even when it is hard to do so.

    ”We must exercise tolerance regarding those who even oppose us and must douse hatred and conflict where we find it.

    “As a Muslim, I understand that Jesus knew the road to our better existence and that his life was dedicated so that we may walk this path as well.

    ”Whether or not one is a practicing Christian or not, Jesus holds something value for us.

    ” His teachings are of a most ethical and humanitarian existence. To follow them will make of each of us a better person and to make of Nigeria a better nation,” he said.

    Tinubu said Nigeria is a young and growing nation, still shaping its national identity and political culture.

    ” It would be easy for us to descend into the way of endless squabbling and mindless conflict, to seek power solely for the sake of holding power.

    ”But this is not how we build our nation. We must strive to serve the greater purpose.

    ”Whether Christian or Muslim, we must recognize each other as part of the same human family and must act as brothers not antagonists.

    “There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency.

    ”This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build,” he said.

    Tinubu wished all Nigerians a peaceful and happy Christmas, urging everyone to join hands to make the country a better land for all.

  • Does Asiwaju Bola Tinubu sleep at all?

    When Chief Obafemi Awolowo said it in his lifetime that the difference between him and his opponents was that while he was busy at his table burning the midnight oil and thinking out solutions to the problems of Nigeria, his opponents were busy at nightclubs in revelry with women of easy virtue, I could not adequately capture the essence of that statement then.

    Not until I encountered Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On my return from self-exile late 2007, I went to touch base at Iga Idunganran, to pay my respects to his royal majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos with whom I had a warm relationship that dated back in time.

    After a sumptuous lunch at the Palace, I prepared to take leave of the monarch when, in concerned tone, Kabiyesi asked me to do him a favour by urging Asiwaju Tinubu, when I got to him at his Bourdillon residence, to slow down; that the man was overworking himself.

    I did as the monarch commanded when I was ushered into Asiwaju’s presence. He thanked Kabiyesi for his concern but told me there was so much work to be done to be able to extricate Nigeria from the clutches of those who were decidedly altering her destiny; and that rest would have to wait till later.

    From that time till now, it’s been work and more work for this political enigma, leaving one to wonder if he ever sleeps. It is like holiday is far away yet for someone who has risen from relative obscurity to the zenith of Nigerian politics, admired at home and respected abroad.

    One can only wish this effervescent bundle of inexhaustible energy more zest to achieve for the progressive family of Nigeria what a combination of factors prevented his hero, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, from achieving before exiting this wicked world.

  • APC: Still a long way to party?

    The sensational allegation, by a body that calls itself the Buhari Support Group (BSG), that some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors were working against President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has sure taken the APC cosmos by storm.

    Most of the governors have issued sharp ripostes, which, to be honest make a lot of sense.

    But instead of viewing it all as some putative rebellion against party authority and supremacy, it is perhaps wise to situate it within the contestation of various tendencies, within a very young political party, which nevertheless has had a chequered history, in terms of crisis management.

    A post-nPDP APC, with the combined policy treachery of Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, would appear to face new teething problems.

    But it could also have resulted from in-built pathologies, accumulated from the post-political new breed era, from Ibrahim Babangida’s experiment, that started in 1991.  With a stroke of the pen, IBB built completely new parties and hoped the tendencies and affiliations to 1st and 2nd Republic parties would vanish in the new golden vacuum!

    Well, it hasn’t — and the political party system has been the poorer for it, even with the new breed of yore now coming of age.

    So, if some governors are indeed unhappy with APC’s new direction under Oshiomhole, that is only to be expected.  For the hitherto all-mighty governors — the party be damned! — that portends a power paradise lost, never to be regained.

    It is natural for any group about to lose power to grumble and throw tantrums.  Doing otherwise would not have been human.  If the governors were hitherto lords and masters, who could impose, drop and re-impose candidates, by virtue of their exalted elected posts, it would be only natural for them to kick.

    Now link that with the flamboyant and swash-buckling Oshiomhole style — Oshiomhole, who probably as a governor, was guilty of what he now tries to stamp out among the present corps of APC governors — and you can understand the gubernatorial angst.

    But if the ruling party must move from its teething stages, to build a cohesive and highly integrated outfit, able to impose discipline and enforce its authority, the governors and other hierarchs just must reconcile themselves to shedding present powers for the future good of their party.

    Besides, beyond APC, the Nigerian party system is at the crossroads.  The APC experience: a party, goaded by a treacherous few, that made itself an opposition against itself (reference Saraki’s 8th National Assembly), is only the latest disturbing example.

    Earlier, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had had a field day subverting other parties by poaching their parliamentary members and goading them to cross over, in a brazen display of real-politik, in its ugliest form.

    That has worsened the ideological crisis among the parties (you belong to one, you belong to all).  It has also led to errant and fickle defections, which again the present Saraki National Assembly has brought to a rather ugly nadir.

    So, while the APC governors and other hierarchs fume, at the loss of near-absolute powers to build intra-party dynasties, Hardball thinks the Oshiomhole reforms are on the right track.

    Nigeria’s democracy needs a re-build of the party as a vibrant entity with defined policy and ideological direction.  That is the direction every political party should go.

  • Tinubu backs Sanwo-Olu for Lagos State APC ticket

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday broke his silence on the battle for the party’s ticket in Lagos State.

    He backed former Commissioner Jide Sanwo-Olu and explained why incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would not receive his blessing. The primary is today.

    Tinubu highlighted the qualities expected of the party’s flag bearer in next year’s governorship election.

    He urged party faithful to vote in today’s direct primary for an aspirant with a wealth of experience, who understands the importance of the blueprint for development and who can reach out and work with other compatriots to maximise development and provide the best leadership.

    Describing the shadow poll as an encounter with discipline, Tinubu said the candidate should possess superlative vision and commitment, and the ability to restore enlightened governance.

    The former governor said in a statement that the flag bearer should have the attributes of dynamism, tolerance and ability to extend a collegial hand to all stakeholders, far and wide.

    He said: “I am encouraged by the presence of a candidate in this primary, who has served the state in senior positions in my administration, the Fashola administration and even in the current one. While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment.

    “Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development. He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximise development and provide people the best leadership possible. With people like him at the helm, the state will write the proper history for itself.”

    Two chieftains-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and former Special Adviser, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, and Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu-are competing for the party’s ticket.

    Sanwo-Olu has been endorsed by the Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC), which is the highest advisory committee of party elders and leaders, 377 councillors, 57 chairmen of local councils, state and federal legislators, religious leaders and traders.

    Reflecting on the adoption of the direct primary, Tinubu described the ground-breaking and character-defining option as a step toward greater internal democracy and progressive governance.

    Thanking party members for embracing the selection method, he said today’s exercise cannot be shaped by any selfish ambition and perceived personal grievance .

    Tinubu said what is at stake is the future of Lagos and how best to maximise the collective destiny of Lagosians.

    He added: “By resort to direct primary, the party places the people’s future soundly in their hands. As democracy would have it, you shall be the author of the party’s nomination and hopefully our next government.”

    Tinubu spoke on the legendary Lagos State Development Master Plan, which, he recalled, was put together about 20 years ago by dedicated and patriotic Lagosians who put aside personal interest and rivalry.

    He also recalled that he had the honour of implementing the plan faithfully, adding that his successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), also honoured the enlightened plan.

    Justifying the import of the master plan, Tinubu said: “Where state government remained true to that blueprint, positive things happened. During my tenure and Governor Fashola’s, Lagos State recorded improvements in all aspects of our collective existence, from public health to public sanitation, from education to social services, from the administration of justice to the cleaning of storm and sewage drains.  Businesses, large and small, invested, hired millions of workers and thrived.”

    He added: “All Lagosians were to fully participate and justly benefit from the social dividends and improvements wrought by this plan. From the common labourer to business leaders, to professionals and our industrious civil service. We all were to be partners in a monumental but joint enterprise. None was to be alienated. None was to be left out. And none were to be pushed aside.

    “This is especially true for those who contributed so much to our development, whether as a business leader who has invested heavily in Lagos, the homeowner who struggles to pay his fair share of taxes or as someone employed in the hard work of keeping our streets and byways clean so that others may go about their daily tasks unimpeded.”

    In Tinubu’s reckoning, the master plan is perfect, although it can always be fine-tuned. “Whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure,” the former governor said.

    In his view, when the “blue-print for progress” is ignored, the tendency is to replace it with ad-hoc schemes of a materially inferior quality, which contravenes the spirit of progressive governance espoused by the APC.

    Tinubu said “such narrowness of perspective does not bring us closer to our appointed destination; it takes us farther from that destiny”.

    The former governor lamented that many Lagosians are experiencing deviations from enlightened governance, pointing out that it has become a major concern as the party prepares for its primary.

    Tinubu urged the party to halt the deviation to save the future of Lagos.

    He said: “We must arrest this trend before irreparable harm is committed against the people and their future. For the record, let it be known that I shall vote in this primary because I see it as one of extreme import to our state and our party. Just as I shall vote, I equally urge all party members to do so.

    “We must vote in a manner that returns Lagos to its better path, the one that promises a just chance for all to enjoy the fruits of our prosperity. We must always pursue our goal of a Lagos energised by creative dynamism, tolerance of others, and guided by a leadership capable of extending a collegial hand to all stakeholders, far and wide.”

    Tinubu said Lagos APC will wax stronger after the primary and return the platform to its finest path.

    He added: “We walk into this primary strong and confidently believing in the right course we are to take. We shall emerge from this primary even stronger and more confident that we have taken that course by returning Lagos and our party to their finest path.”

     

  • Osun 2018: APC has laid good foundation to remain in govt — Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday night declared that the APC government  in Osun State led by the outgoing Osun State Governor, Rauf Aragbesola, has laid  a good foundation for the party to retain the seat in the forthcoming governorship election.

    The election comes up on the 22nd of September, 2018.

    Tinubu spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of APC South West stakeholders with President Muhammadu Buhari  at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the APC is also fielding a qualified technocrat in the forthcoming election.

    He said: “We expect victory. We have a progressive government there where the incumbent and the outgoing governor has worked and laid a good foundation. Therefore, we have successes to build upon.

    ”We equally are bringing in one of the most competent and qualified technocrat in the person of Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. He is eminently qualified.” he said

    Asked if the Osun election is going to be a hard battle like the Ekiti governorship election, he said: “You don’t predict the activity of elections. It can always be unique from one state to the other.

    “But we believe that with our leadership in Osun from the state chairman down to the lowest level and the way they conducted the direct primary and the way people had turned out, are signals to the opposing parties that they have no way of beating us.”

    The Osun State governorship candidate for APC, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, thanked  President Buhari for the opportunity of the visit.

    He said: “It shows that he is the father of all. He is committed to APC winning the Osun election come 22nd September this year.

    “He is committed to our party retaining the government, he is committed to free and fair elections. And I want to say categorically, that by the grace of God, we are winning that election on the 22nd of September.” he said

    The victory, he said, would be a foundation for the election of President Buhari in 2019.

    He added: “We are committed to it and I belong to Buhari Support Group. We have done very well as a party, we have done very well as a government, the governor has done very well. The state has changed from what it used to be. Huge development projects have been taking place.”

    While thanking the former APC aspirants for their love and understanding, he said that there was absolute reconciliation of all the aspirants.

    “We are all now working together, except for the few people that decided to defect. But that will not have any serious consequence on the outcome of the election.” he said

    Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje, who is the chairman of the Osun Governorship Campaign Council, said that the purpose of the meeting was to create an inclusive atmosphere so that they would face the election squarely.

    He said: “From what has transpired, all those who contested, the aspirants that lost the election, they have pledged their loyalty, commitment and that they are part and parcel of the election campaign.

    “So, that is very encouraging. And also other stakeholders have made their commitments in order to win this very important election.

    “And most importantly is that Mr President has blessed the Campaign Council. He has appreciated those aspirants who lost the election and he appreciated also the commitment of all those who matter in the South West geopolitical zone APC politics. I think that is very encouraging for us.” he added.

  • Osun 2018: APC has laid good foundation – Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday night declared that the government of the outgoing Osun State Governor, Rauf Aragbesola, has laid good foundation for the party to retain the seat in the forthcoming governorship election.

    The election comes up on the 22nd of September, 2018.

    Tinubu spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of APC South West stakeholders with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the APC is also fielding a qualified technocrat in the forthcoming election.

    He said “We expect victory. We have a progressive government there where the incumbent and the outgoing governor has worked and laid a good foundation. Therefore, we have successes to build upon.

    “We equally are bringing in one of the most competent and qualified technocrat in the person of Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. He is eminently qualified.” he said

    Asked if the Osun election is going to be a hard battle like the Ekiti governorship election, he said “You don’t predict the activity of elections. It can always be unique from one state to the other.

    “But we believe that with our leadership in Osun from the state chairman down to the lowest level and the way they conducted the direct primary and the way people had turned out, are signals to the opposing parties that they have no way of beating us.”

    The Osun State Governorship candidate for APC, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, thanked President Buhari for the opportunity of the visit.

    Read Also: Buhari laying foundation for better future, says Tinubu

    He said “It shows that he is the father of all. He is committed to APC winning the Osun election come 22nd September this year.

    “He is committed to our party retaining the government, he is committed to free and fair elections. And I want to say categorically, that by the grace of God, we are winning that election on the 22nd of September.” he said

    The victory, he said, would be a foundation for the election of President Buhari in 2019.

    He added “We are committed to it and I belong to Buhari Support Group. We have done very well as a party, we have done very well as a government, the governor has done very well. The state has changed from what it used to be. Huge development projects have been taking place.”

    While thanking the former APC aspirants for their love and understanding, he said that there is now absolute reconciliation of all the aspirants.

    “We are all now working together, except for the few people that decided to defect. But that will not have any serious consequence on the outcome of the election.” he said

    Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje, who is the chairman of the Osun Governorship Campaign Council, said that the purpose of the meeting was to create an inclusive atmosphere so that they would face the election squarely.

    He said “From what has transpired, all those who contested, the aspirants that lost the election, they have pledged their loyalty, commitment and that they are part and parcel of the election campaign.

    “So, that is very encouraging. And also other stakeholders have made their commitments in order to win this very important election.

    “And most importantly is that Mr President has blessed the Campaign Council. He has appreciated those aspirants who lost the election and he appreciated also the commitment of all those who matter in the South West geopolitical zone APC politics. I think that is very encouraging for us.” he added

  • Tight security as APC holds rally in Ekiti

    Heavy security cordon has been thrown around Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag off rally Tuesday.

    Armed security operatives are standing guard on all major roads in the city.

    Regular policemen lined the major highway in Ikere and Ado on the route to be taken by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Osinbajo is expected to touch down at Akure Airport and travel by road to Ado, which is about 50 minutes’ drive from the Ondo State capital.

    The vice president is expected to present the party flag to the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi at the rally.

    Senior party figures including the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Interim National Leader, Chief Adebisi Akande, had arrived the city on Monday.

    Men of the regular and mobile police are stationed on major junctions while officers of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) were also mobilized to ensure free flow of traffic.

    Read Also:Osinbajo, Tinubu, Oyegun, others storm Ekiti

    The road adjacent to the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium was cordoned off with heavy security presence.

    Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS) were seen within and outside the stadium complex.

    People entering the stadium are being frisked before being allowed in.

    The two covered terraces of the stadium are draped in green, red, white and sky blue colours of the APC.

    Television and radio stations expected to beam the rally live are also fully on ground with their Outside Broadcast (OB) Vans and other equipment.

    They include Channels TV, Television Continental (TVC), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, Adaba FM, Orange FM all based in Akure and Voice FM, Ado-Ekiti.

    Two big screens have been placed on the pitch to give the spectators a better view of events on the platform.

    Entertainers billed to perform include musicians, Adewale Ayuba, Adeniyi Sese Alhaji, Apasco and DJ Jimmy Jazz.

    Gbenga Adeyinka and Akinlade Ojo will serve as Masters of Ceremony (MCs).

     

    Details later…