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Tag: Aspirants

  • 2015: G7 PDP aspirants insist on Ibadan consensus candidate

    2015: G7 PDP aspirants insist on Ibadan consensus candidate

    The Group of Seven (G7) governorship aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State who hail from Ibadan, the state capital, insisted yesterday on producing a candidate for the next election.

    In a communique issued after its meeting, the group explained that its insistence was based on the  recognition of the political realities in the state.

    However, the group said it has never excluded other zones in the governorship arrangements of the party.

    The group said: “We are aware of similar meetings at various zones of the state for the governorship slot.”

    The G7 emphasised that each state has its own political peculiarities.

    It said it was “concerned about winning the next governorship election and forming the next government in Oyo State and therefore encourages contributions and ideas on the best strategies to achieve the objective.”

    The group’s goal drew criticism from Ogbomoso where two other aspirants hail from. They are the immediate former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Senator Ayoade Adeseun. Alao-Akala boasted that he would defeat them. Adeseun said Ogbomoso did not anoint Alao-Akala as the sole candidate. He said the members of the G7 were only exercising their fundamental human right.

    Adeseun said the decision of PDP members in Ogbomoso was to support whoever wins the governorship ticket in any of the political parties, believing that his success in the election would bring benefits to the zone.

    Members of the G7 are Dr Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Sen. Teslim Folarin, Seyi Makinde and Dr. Azeez Adeduntan.

  • NFF election: Aspirants raise the alarm

    NFF election: Aspirants raise the alarm

    The Nigeria Football Federation Electoral Committee chairman, Amoni Bambo, has been accused of being biased and acting the script of certain people.

    Some aspirants who have been denied rights to obtain nomination forms to participate in the upcoming elections into the Executive Committee of the NFF pointed the accusing fingers at the Electoral Body Chairman, Bambo.

    They have therefore threatened a showdown should they be excluded from participating in the elections slated for Tuesday, 26th August, 2014.

    If the release of guidelines for elections by the NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, on Thursday, is anything to go by, the sale of nomination forms has been technically closed and many aspirants now stand denied rights to contest.

    Those who have indicated interest in contesting the elections but may have been denied buying forms are Abba Yola , Ganiyu Majekodunmi , Ishola Busari, Domnic Iorfa, Joe Anene, Lucky Gospel-Ewa, Ebel Ehige amongst many others.

    Bambo is said to be using an official of the NFF to technically exclude some aspirants from participating in the elections by either not allowing them to pick nomination form or using other means that could knock them out from the race.

    It was gathered that while many could not get the nomination form, the same form that is being hidden was sold to the Chairman of Kogi FA, Adams Yahaya on Thursday but without receipt.

    Another aspirant who pleaded anonymity, said he has also picked the nomination form but without receipt, wondering: “Is this not a technical way of pushing me out of the race?

    “I am asking because the receipt is the only proof that I have the genuine form because I am aware there are some fake nomination forms out there.

    “But when I asked for receipt, the officer that sold it, Banabas Joro, said it would be sorted out later.

    “I think the Electoral Committee as it is presently constituted is biased and something must be done urgently.”

    The aggrieved aspirants are alleging that the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, Electoral Committee Chairman, Bambo, may be acting the script of Chris Giwa, owner of Giwa FC who is said to be eyeing the NFF Presidency and dropping the Minister of Sports’ name to manipulate the Electoral body.

    “The NFF Executive Committee must act urgently otherwise the crisis that will follow the elections will be unimaginable for our football because some of us will head to court and damn the consequence,” an aggrieved aspirant said on Friday.

  • Benue 2015: Disquiet as monarch prunes governorship aspirants

    Benue 2015: Disquiet as monarch prunes governorship aspirants

    The battle to succeed Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has taken a new twist following the alleged screening and selection of four governorship aspirants on the ticket of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Uja Emmanuel writes on the controversy that is trailing the purported selection which has divided the ruling party in the state.

    There is fierce battle to succeed Governor Gabriel Suswam. Within the ruling party alone, there are at least 25 governorship aspirants that have so far embarked on vigorous campaigns across the three senatorial zones to woo supporters ahead of PDP primaries.

    For the first time since the creation of Benue, from Plateau State, all the three senatorial zones (ABC), are claiming that it is their turn to rule Benue in 2015 and have presented governorship aspirants.

    In zone A, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Mike Aondoakaa, led other aspirants like Dr. Terhemba, Ada Chenge, Peter Chieshe and Emmanuel Akem battling for what they described as “ completing the tenure of the first civilian governor of Benue State, the late Aper Aku, who was from the zone, and the administration was cut short by military coup.

    In Benue South Senatorial zone, known as zone C, the deputy governor of the State, Chief Steven Lawani, led few governorship contenders like  Mathias Oyegiya and Paul Harris Ogbole in a succession battle. They are appealing to their Tiv brothers, to allow Benue South to have a shot at Government House, Makurdi, for the first time since the creation of Benue from Plateau.

    In zone B, there is what we may describe as “a tug of war” as over 15 governorship aspirants are jostling to succeed Suswam in the ruling party alone. Out of these, eight have been described as heavy weights with political clout and so far, none of them is ready to step down for another.

    The big eight are: Minister of State for Interior, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Dr. Tivlumun Nyitse, Felix Atume, Dr. Eugene Aleigba, Hinga Biem, Alex Adum , Terhemen Tarzor, and Simon Anchaver.

    They all hail from Masev, Ihyarev and Nongon, otherwise known as MINDA group among the Tivs covering four local government areas (Makurdi, Gwer, Gwer West and Guma Local Government Areas), in Benue North-West Senatorial zone, otherwise known as zone B.

    MINDA, a group among the Tivs, is insisting they are the only political block which has not occupied the Government House in Makurdi. And they are therefore laying claim to the governorship slot, both in the ruling PDP and in the All Progressives Congress (APC). This explained why they have the highest number of governorship aspirants jostling to take over from Suswam in 2015.

    But then, PDP elders in MINDA, and MINDA Cultural Association are worried that having too many governorship aspirants may mar their chances of succeeding Suswam, especially during the PDP primaries.

    This prompted the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, who also hails from MINDA, with his Council of Chiefs to summon all the governorship aspirants from the area on the platform of the ruling PDP to his Palace in Gboko.

    Though the meeting with governorship aspirants with Tor Tiv in his Gboko Palace, may have been designed to bring unity, cohesion and to avoid acrimony and division for a common cause, it ended up dividing the aspirants the more.

    Even before the end of the palace meeting, news spread that the highly respected Tiv monarch with his council of chiefs had screened and selected only four PDP governorship aspirants out of the 15 from MINDA, to contest the primaries.

    But after that, there was denial and counter denial among the aspirants who argued that the meeting neither screened nor selected aspirants, but that it was just a meeting between a father and his sons as Tor Tiv, being the father of the Tiv people, has the right to summon any Tiv man to the palace for consultations.

    While some of the governorship aspirants denied that there was no selection, others, especially those allegedly favoured kept mute, but their supporters said there was indeed selection.

    The purported selection of preferred candidates is generating tension among PDP family. Tor Tiv has been bashed for allegedly turning his palace into PDP screening committee room.

    Nat Apir, Director of Communication and Strategy, Aliegba Governorship Campaign Organisation, described the purported endorsement as null and void. Apir stated that Tor Tiv’s schedule does not included screening of PDP aspirants and that he should strive to hold the sanctity of the Tiv traditional stool.

    The MINDA PDP Governorship Forum, under the chairmanship of Professor David Ker, dismissed the purported endorsement, saying they were in the palace of Tor Tiv, who advised them on how best to go about their campaign devoid of violence.

    “Tor Tiv only advised us to maintain peace and respect for one another during consultations as only one person would eventually emerge as governor, at no time did we subject ourselves for screening and four governorship aspirants selected and others told to step down,” said Professor Ker in a press statement he issued.

    The four governorship aspirants allegedly favoured by the Tiv Traditional Councils are: Chief Samuel Ortom ( Guma), Terhemen Tarzor (Makurdi), Hinga Biem (Gwer) and Felix Atume ( Gwer West).

    But another governorship the aspirant, Simon Anchaver, alleged that result of the screening was manipulated as he was the one endorsed from Gwer Local Government Area, instead of his opponent.

    The account by Comrade Anchaver, who is the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is a revelation that there may have indeed been an attempt to prune down governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP.

    The question is, does the Tor Tiv, as the traditional ruler have the power to screen and select governorship aspirants?

    Abraham Kwaghga, Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment told The Nation that as a traditional ruler and a MINDA man, Tor Tiv has the right to ensure that the zone produces the next governor.

    According to Kwaghga, what Tor Tiv did was to avoid spending money and acrimony because many of his subjects resigned from top positions like commissioners, permanent secretaries and other high positions to contest the governorship election; a development which he said does not argur well for MINDA people.

    Kwagha said if any one disregard the directive of the traditional ruler, Swem (Tiv  traditional gods) would punish him and he may never win any leadership position in Tiv land.

    Another account said since Tor Tiv hails from MINDA, it would not be politically wise for the zone to produce the next governor of Benue State and as such, Jechira, Kwande axis, led by Mike Aondoakaa, are waiting.

    The battle to succeed Suswam has just begun and in the next few months, the people of Benue State would know who gets the PDP ticket.

    But for APC, Emmanuel Jime, Akange Audu and Mike Lordye are patiently waiting to re-enact the 2011 magic wand of Ishior Chenji (game has changed) in 2015.

  • Warming up for presidency

    Warming up for presidency

    Ahead of 2015 general elections, presidential contenders under the All Progressives Congress (APC) are warming up. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the antecedents of the aspirants and issues that may shape the proposed primaries.

    The challenges are overwhelming: the poor economy, failed budgets, insecurity, energy crisis, bad roads, rot in the aviation sector, soaring unemployment and corruption. Who will fix Nigeria in 2015?

    In 1999, hope became the elixir of life for the country. But, today, cries of despondency are on the increase. Under the first Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, efforts were made to lay a good foundation in the post-military era. But, as from 2003, the Presidency derailed. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s successor, the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, was also distracted by protracted illness, which ultimately claimed his life. It is believed that his successor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has not got it right since then. The future appears bleak. The Federal Government’s transformation agenda is beautiful on paper, but its faulty implementation has led to a disaster. Fourteen years after, eyes are on the main opposition party. Can the All Progressives Congress (APC) seize the storm?

    There is no scarcity of presidential materials in the APC. The party parades heavyweights and credible politicians across the six geo-political zones. However, there are indications that the opposition party will zone the slot to the North. The aspirants are warming up for the selection process.

    A party chieftain from the North disclosed that eyes are on six chieftains as the party prepares for its inaugural primaries, which will be heralded by the national convention. “We know that the Southwest, the Southeast and the Southsouth are out of the primaries. Although the guidelines are not yet out, but there is this understanding that the presidential slot would be zoned to the three zones -Northwestm Northeast and Northcentral. But, the cooperation of other zones will ensure the emergence of a credible candidate”, he said.

    Some of the aspirants are former military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former governor of Kwara State Senator Bukola Saraki, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and publisher of the Leadership Newspaper Sam Nda-Isaiah. At the weekend, it was also learnt that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may revive his presidential ambition on the APC platform. He defected to the party yesterday. In the last few weeks, he has been on tour of the country for consultations with his supporters. The name of a leading federal legislator from the Northwest has also come up, although he has not defected from the ruling party. One of his colleagues from Lagos State said the House of Representatives member may be the last key defector. In this season of the realignment of forces, there are some legislators in the PDP who are staying back for strategic reasons. Their souls are in the APC,” he added.

    In the APC, there are two strands of opinion that may shape the presidential nomination. A section of the party is pushing for generational shift, claiming that presidential activities nowadays are very rigorous. They believe that young, dynamic, brilliant, credible and fertile minds are better equipped for the rigour. But, another section is of the view that the criteria should exclude age, adding that merit, antecedents, credibility and public record of an aspirant should be considered.

    In 2015, three factors are also important. For political expediency, the parties will be responding to pressures and constraints imposed by religion, ethnicity and contradiction within the parties. It is gradually becoming a norm that, if a Muslim from the North is the presidential candidate of any major party, his running mate will be a Christian from the South and vice versa. This, analysts contend, has become a stumbling block to merit. Instructively, pairing two people from the religious divides together for presidential elections is not a guarantor of good governance. The potency of religious balance is also debatable. In 1993, the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) Muslim/Muslim ticket of the late Alhaji Moshood Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe defeated the national Republican Convention (NRC) Muslim/ Christian ticket of Alhaji Othma Tofa and Sylvester Ugoh.

    Observers are raising concern over the neglect of internal democracy. But, it appears that critics and party leaders have divergent views about what constitutes internal democracy. In the PDP, the President is likely to intimidate other aspirants at the primaries. In the APC, it is not yet clear how this vexed issue will be handled, until the release of the nomination guidelines after the national convention. But, a party source said that, judging by the antecedents of its founding fathers, the APC leaders will be ready to give concessions, build consensus, strive at an accord and work for concord within the organisation.

     

    Aspirants:

    Buhari

     

    One quarter of the history of Nigeria is about General Buhari, former military Head of State. He is an experienced politician, a statesman and an incorruptible figure in a society that has produced many soldiers of fortune. Buhari fought gallantly on the federal side during the civil war. Shortly, after the war, he became the governor of the defunct Northeastern State. When the late Gen. Muritala Muhammed became the Head of State, Buhari was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In the Second Republic, he was the General officer Commanding (GOC), Third Armoured Division, Jos. On December 31, 1983, Buhari became the Head of State.

    The former Head of State had a mission. He wanted to get rid of corruption. He also wanted to restore public discipline. Thus, he stepped on toes. Buhari presided over an administration that intended to return Nigeria to his glorious past. He paid the national debt and ensure that the nation did not incur a new debt. Many corrupt politicians were tried for graft. He also restore national security, which had been threatened by the rising wave of armed robbery. In running the country, he was assisted by a diligent deputy, the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon. Although the regime was accused of high handedness, it was undeterred in its focus and mission to enforce discipline and public morality. However, he was toppled in August 1985. Buhari was in detention for almost two years. In retirement, he led a quite life. When he became the Chairman of the Petroleum Tax Fund (PTF), he fought infrastructure battle nationwide without enriching himself.

    The Daura-born soldier-turned politician is a veteran presidential candidate. In 2003, Buhari joined the fray. Obasanjo government had started to drift. He contested for the Presidency in that year under the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Congress (ANPP). He lost his deposit. In 2007, he also contested against Yar’Adua, but without success. But, the former President later confessed that the poll was severely flawed. In 2011, Buhari also tried his luck on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He lost to President Jonathan. However, owing to his influence, voters voted out the PDP in Kano, Nasarawa states. Buhari has a mass appeal. Many look up to the General for leadership in the North.

    Reality had dawned on Buhari that, unless the opposition figures work together to change the government, the ruling party will continue to mismanage the affairs of the country. Therefore, his party, the CPC, the ACN, the ANPP and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) merged together in the APC. It was a great sacrifice made in the national interest.

    Buhari has not jettisoned his ambition to return to power. But, for him, it is not a do or die affair. His primary goal, according to his associates, is the repositioning of the country. To him, the PDP has failed to make impact 14 years after. “It is not about me, it is about the nation. We need change in 2015. APC will rule this country and bring that change”, he said.

     

    Kwakwanso

     

    Kwankwano made history in the Third Republic when he emerged as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. A grassroots operator, has remained a household name in Kano State for three decades. In 1999, he became the governor of the state. But, he was defeated by his rival, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau of the defunct ANPP, who ruled for eight years. Between 2003 and 2007, Kwankwaso served as the Minister of Defence. But, he bounced back in 2011, when he was re-elected as the governor. It is believed that the governor has performed in his state and there were indications that he was being encouraged to declare a presidential interest before he called it quits with the PDP.

    Kwankwaso is among the five PDP governors, who recently defected to the APC. The fact that many big wigs, including state and federal legislators, followed him to the new party showed that he has a large following. He is today a national leader of the party.

     

    Ribadu

     

    Ribadu’s service to the nation as the anti-graft curator is legendary. He was the first Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Under his leadership, the agency recorded some achievements. The fear of the EFCC became the beginning of wisdom for many corrupt politicians.

    A police officer and lawyer, Ribadu approached his duties with patriotism. He stepped on toes. Many convicted public officers perceived him as personal foes. As the head of a controversial organisation, his career was also embroiled in controversy. There were allegations that the power that be was using the EFCC to witch hunt perceived foes. Ribadu also became a victim of jealousy in the police. His ouster as the anti-graft boss was dramatic. He was promoted to the position of the Assistant Inspector General of Police. But, he was also asked to proceed on study leave at the Nigerian Institute of Strategic Studies (NISS), Kuru, Jos. His days as the EFCC Chairman were numbered. When his life was in danger, he fled the country.

    In 2011, he returned to fly the flag of the defunct ACN at the presidential election. He lost to President Jonathan at the poll. Thos who believe in him point out that age is on his side and he has integrity. Ribadu’s associates confided that the retired police officer is interested in the presidential race. he is trying to revive his structure. He is also holding consultation across the zones.

     

    Saraki

     

    Senator Bukola Saraki is a medical doctor and inheritor of the gigantic political structure of his illustrious father, the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Olusola Saraki. Between 1999 and 2003, he was a Senior Special Assistant on Food Security to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. As the governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011, he performed creditably. His feats across the sectors were visible. Saraki was the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). In 2011, he joined the presidential race in the PDP. But, the Northern establishment did not pick him. A group of Northern Elders selected Atiku Abubakar, who was defeated by Dr. Jonathan at the primaries. Supporters of Saraki believe that he will be the bridge between the North and South, if selected as the APC presidential candidate.

     

    Abubakar

     

    Abubakar is another veteran presidential aspirant. He had contested for the exalted seat in 2007 and 2011, but lost his deposit. Had he thrown his hat into the ring in 2003, may be, the story would have been different. But, he deferred to his boss, Obasanjo, hoping to succeed him in 2007. The marriage had turned sour before the poll.

    In 2003, the Turaki Adamawa emerged as the arrowhead of the progressives. He was the presidential flag bearer of the ACN. But, shortly after the election, he retraced his steps to the PDP. The move infuriated the ACN family. Following his return to the PDP, he visited Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in a fence-mending move, but there was no real renewal of political contact between the former President and his deputy. Last year, the former President castigated him at a public lecture in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. He also explained why he refused to hand over to him. In the PDP, Abubakar has been deliberately sidelined. He was among the aggrieved PDP chieftains who stormed out of the party’s rancorous convention in Abuja last year to form the ‘New PDP. Many believe that Abubakar has a towering political stature. A detribalised Nigerian, he has many friends across the country.

     

    Nda-Isaiah

     

    Nda-Isaiah is the publisher of the Leadership Newspaper. He is the only aspirant who has declared his ambition in the public.

  • PDP screens 17 aspirants

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised N186 million from 26 aspirants in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

    Twenty six aspirants paid N1 million for the expression of interest form, raising N26 million for the party.

    At the close of sale of nomination form on Monday, only 17 of the aspirants had paid the N10 million nomination form fee, totalling N170 million.

    Prominent among the aspirants are Senator Andy Uba, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Akachukwu Nwankpo, Sylvester Okonkwo, Obinna Uzor, Charles Odunukwe, Jerry Ugokwe, Senator Emmanuel Anosike and Mrs. Josephine Anenih, among others.

    Nine of the aspirants failed the first hurdle as they could not pay the N10 million nomination fee. Consequently, they have been excluded from the screening.

    Yesterday, the 17 aspirants were still undergoing screening at the party secretariat by a five- man committee, headed by Alhaji Aminu Wali.

    Zoning and consensus options are the two contentious issues that have pitted the party leadership against the aspirants.

  • Aspirants warm up for PDP national secretary

    Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains aspiring to the position of the national secretary have begun consultations ahead of the mini-national convention billed for Abuja on July 27.

    The intense lobby for the slot followed the declaration by Zonal Caretaker Committee led by Chief Ishola Filani that members were free to contest for the position. The slot is zoned to the Southwest.

    The former National Secretary, Brig-Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd) was shoved aside from the National Executive Council (NEC) last year. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not void his election, there are indications that he may not regain the seat, unless he re-contests at the proposed convention.

    PDP sources said that the former aspirants, including Chief Tunde Daramola (Lagos State), Prof. Tunde Adeniran (Ekiti), Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Chief Ebenezer Babatope (Osun), may revive their ambitions. Another source said that some party leaders may ask the political scientist, Prof. Femi Otubanjo, who has donated his expertise to the party on many occasions, to declare interest. However, party insiders said that these party elders are not desperate, adding that they may still step down for Oyinlola again at the convention.

    A party leader from Lagos said: “Those who opposed Oyinlola came majorly from Ogun State because they felt that, as a member of the Obasanjo camp, he was not favourable disposed to the authentic state executive committee led by Adebayo Dayo. Also, pro Ayo-Fayose forces opposed Segun Oni and faulted his emergence as the National Vice Chairman at the Osogbo zonal congress. Both may still return in the spirit of reconciliation”.

    At yesterday’s meeting of the PDP elders in Lagos hosted by Commodore Olabode George (rtd), it was decided that the contest for the postion should be thrown open. This option may have ruled out the prospects of consensus candidacy, the source added.

    At the meeting, where the elders asked the Board of Trustees (BoT) members from the zone to demand for more federal appointments, it was resolved that the zone should prepare for the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states so that PDP can bounce back into relevance.

    However, despite the tone of the communiqué, which hammered on unity and cohesion, it was clear the meeting fell short of expectation. A party elder from Lagos who shunned the meeting complained that it was convened to rubbish the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is said to be having some unresolved issues with the national leadership.