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  • Buhari, Atiku camps step up attacks over 2019 poll

    MORE attacks were launched yesterday by the camps of the two main contenders in next year’s presidential election.

    President Buhari and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar are in the race, which has a legion of other contestants.

    A vote for Atiku, said Information Minister Lai Mohammed, is a vote for corruption, which Nigerians had rejected.

    The Atiku camp returned the fire in addition to listing its candidate’s achievements as Vice-President in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency .

    The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) said Atiku’s election as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate will make the campaign for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari much easier.

    According to the group, for the PDP to have recycled a former leader from one of its past administrations that had been mirred in corruption allegation shows clearly that the opposition party is planning to wield the country back to the era of monumental corruption.

    Also yesterday Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said a vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate is a return to “a sordid corruption-laden past”

    The Minister spoke in Abuja when he paid an advocacy visit to the headquarters of Daar Communication Plc, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower Radio stations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister was at the media house to seek support for the National Campaign Against Fake News launched by the Federal Government on July 11.

    Fielding questions from members of Board and Management of the organisation and some reporters at the event, the minister expressed the confidence that Nigerians would make the right choice in President Muhammadu Buhari next year.

    “The stark choice for Nigerians in the 2019 election is either to go back to the past – a sordid corruption-laden past – or a brighter future, which beckons as represented by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “I am, however, very confident that Nigerians will make the right choice,” he said.

    In a statement by its Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the BCO said the PDP had nothing new to offer Nigerians, apart from trying to restore the old order in which corrupt politicians looted the nation’s coffers dry.

    Ibrahim recalled that the PDP under some of its past administrations had questioned Atiku’s credibilty, noting that it cast spell in the eyes of the ordinary man that the same party is presenting the same person it once maligned as a choice Nigerians should settle for in the forthcoming presidential poll.

    He said: “Everyone seems to be forgetting that we are not just voting the presidential candidate but the party and these same people are the ones that put us in this mess in the first place. Now, they have regrouped, recycled the same leaders who were in power when the country’s treasury was looted dry and still want Nigerians to give them power.

    “It is like a dog going back to eat its vomit. Are there no better people to challenge President Buhari in 2019? This set of people were in power one way or the other since 1999, and we have been moving backwards since then. Now, they want to take Nigerians back to Babylon after Presiddnt Buhari has painstakinly secured their freedom from bad governace, corruption and a battered economy that was tottering towards an eclipse.”

    Noting that Atiku’s emergence as PDP presidential candidate has made its campaign for Buhari’s second term easier, BCO insisted that the opposition party was planning to sell the presidency to the highest bidder.

    Ibrahim continued: “We said it and we will still make it clear to Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) they rejected in 2015 on account of debauchery, pervasive corruption and collapsing and decaying infrastructure are out to desecrate the coveted seat of President of this nation.

    “It has been the position of the Buhari Campaign Organization (BCO) that the PDP is not interested in choosing a person of clean past from its motley of contestants but more concerned about who donates what to the party.

    “The President Muhammadu Buhari administration will never allow their invidious plans against Nigerians. We urge Nigerians to join us in the campaign against those who have created a crowd of beggars among them, turned their states to mere ATM points, and are ready to mortgage the country at pittance for the sake of power.”

    But, the Atiku Abubakar campaign, in a statement yesterday, listed the “bold strides” taken by the former Vice President while in public office.

    It said as Vice President (1999 to 2007) and chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Atiku superintended over the GSM revolution that saw Nigeria go from 50,000 to 100 million GSM lines.

    The organisation said the GSM revolution added 500,000 direct jobs to the economy and attracted $27 billion to the GDP.

    The campaign group also credited Atiku with what it described as the successful privatisation of many public enterprises that hitherto consumed government resources without yielding profits.

    “A further achievement of the former Vice President is initiating, starting and completing several road projects all over Nigeria, including roads in President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state of Katsina.

    “In return, we challenge President Buhari and the APC to mention three projects that they have initiated, started and completed in the last three years.

    “We ask President Buhari how many loopholes in public expenditure he has plugged? The spectacular failure of the 419 Nigeria Air is still fresh in the memory of Nigerians.

    “Unlike Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar is an expert job creator who has founded many successful and thriving businesses, including the American University of Nigeria, Yola; a microfinance bank that has moved 45,000 families out of poverty; and Rica Gado, a livestock feed company that has significantly reduced instances of herdsmen/farmers clashes by providing a business-friendly solution instead of asking Nigerians to give up their land for cattle ranching or face death, as the Buhari government did.

    “Unlike President Buhari, Atiku Abubakar does not believe Nigerian youths are lazy. How could, when 25,000 out of his 50,000 employees are youths?

    The campaign organisation stated that it listed only a few of the “booming” commercial enterprises founded by Atiku, adding that no other candidate is as poised as Atiku to get Nigeria working again.

    “Nigerians want jobs and Atiku means jobs. It is no surprise that that is one thing the APC do not want to talk about, seeing that they have lost 11 million jobs in the last three years.”

    On the fake news phenomenon, the minister said it was assuming a dangerous dimension, especially as the nation approached the 2019 general elections.

    “There is no better time to intensify the campaign against fake news, especially as we approach the 2019 general elections.

    “The enemies of democracy will explore the phenomenon of fake news even more than before.

    As you witnessed in the last Osun governorship election, especially the rerun, about 16 PDP members were arrested by the Police for impersonating international observers to perpetrate violence.

    “But, within minutes, the whole story was turned as if it was APC stalwarts that were arrested. This is the power of fake news.

    The minister continued: “A few days ago also, news circulated in the social media that Sharibu Leah had been released.”

  • Emmanuel hails Atiku

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the transparent nature of the party’s National Convention at the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The convention was held last weekend.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Emmanuel described Atiku Abubakar as a consummate politician, a bridge-builder, a successful businessman and employer of labour; a man with pan-Nigerian bonafides who acutely understands how to create money. “In 2016, the American people turned to a successful businessman and billionaire, Donald Trump, and today, no matter the  opinion you may have of Donald Trump, he has run the American economy very well. Our Candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the Turaki Adamawa, will grow our economy, work to unify our country and create jobs for our teeming population.

    “I want to thank our former aspirants for the sense of unity they exhibited and for rallying behind our Candidate. Together, we will win for our people,” Udoh said.

  • 2019: Buhari, Atiku set for battle

    The emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general elections, to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elicited varied reactions from Nigerians. RAYMOND MORDI and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE sought the views of some politicians and other observers on the development.

    IF the reactions that have so far trailed the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s presidential election is anything to go by, the contest is likely to be an epic battle between him and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since Abubakar who is more popularly known as Atiku emerged as the PDP flag bearer, after defeating 11 other contestants in the party’s primary with 1,532 votes, the APC has tried to dampen the enthusiasm that greeted his triumph at the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the weekend, saying the development will make the President’s re-election easier. In a post she published on her Facebook page, the Special Adviser to the President on New Media, Lauretta Onochie, said: “Congratulations Alh. Atiku Abubakar. You have outspent the rest. You have a new toy. But believe it, it’s only a dream. You ran away from facing President Buhari in a primary, now you’ll meet him at the presidential elections. Ntor!”

    But, observers believe that next year’s presidential election is not going to be a stroll in the park for President Buhari, contrary to the impression Onochie is trying sell to the public. This, they say, is because the circumstances surrounding the election differ sharply from that of the election that brought Buhari into power three and half years ago. For one thing, the observers argue that the two major candidates are from the North and as a result the idea of a bloc vote from that part of the country as witnessed during the last election is ruled out. For another, they insist that the coalition that brought the President into power has virtually collapsed and that three and half years after, the ruling party has failed to deliver the change that Nigerians voted for.

    One of such respondents, Chief Chekwas Okorie, did a comprehensive analysis of the entrance of Atiku into the race to face incumbent President Buhari. The National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP) said:  “I expect an epic battle; an epic battle in which the whole country will be the battleground. There will be nothing like the North and South divide anymore. The sentiment of the youth does not arise also, because the two of them are in their ‘70s. The issue of ethnicity does not arise too, because the two of them are Fulanis.

    “Their acceptability or otherwise will now depend on the extent the candidates and their parties reach out to other blocs. Unfortunately, the Buhari campaign organisation does not appear to be proactive enough. This is unfortunate, because I have my soft spot for President Buhari; I have never hidden it. On the other hand, it appears Atiku is aware of this factor. The Atiku campaign has reached out to the extent that the President-General of Ohaneze has already congratulated the PDP candidate. This is wrong though, because Ohaneze ought not to show such partisan interest.

    “That move can be countered, if the other group is proactive enough. They need to understand the Igbo political dynamics.

    “Another factor that Atiku has going for him is the fact he has introduced restructuring into the campaign, even though restructuring is not in the PDP manifesto. There is also the fact that Atiku is married to an Igbo lady. So, all of these factors will gain ground, if the other party remains complacent and think it can handle things on its own.

    “From all indications, the campaign will be very robust, issue-based and will require strategic alliances and coalition. The so-called small parties may not secure much votes during the election, but they have their relative strengths. The recent election in Osun State, where the APC nearly suffered a narrow defeat, is a pointer to what is expected in 2019. To avoid being disgraced during the supplementary election in seven polling units, the APC had to negotiate away 25 per cent of the incoming government.

    “Besides, the recent statement of the President’s wife is also a danger signal for the APC to go back and do some soul-searching and put its house in order, to come up with something more political; rather than the current propaganda and rabble-rousing.”

    On whether corruption would be a big issue, given the allegation against the PDP flag bearer, Okorie said the Buhari campaign organisation is likely to sustain its rhetoric on the issue, because “the anti-corruption fight is one major thing that has attracted international attention and good testimony for President Buhari across the globe”.

    He said the corruption tag may or may not have the desired impact. His words: “The allegation of corruption being levelled against Atiku is within the helm of propaganda and speculation, because he has not been indicted by any court of law. To the best of my knowledge, he is not being prosecuted by the EFCC. But the fact that he was part of the 16 years of the PDP would also come into play.

    “But there are also other factors that would influence the outcome of the election, such as the current liberal attitude and spirit of accommodation one has noticed in the PDP. On the other hand, we have witnessed so many events that hurt the internal cohesion within the APC in recent times. So, how the party intends to heal these wounds within the short time remaining is something the party’s strategists must seriously think about. So, as I said earlier, the APC needs to come out of its cocoon and be proactive and more strategic in its approach. I believe the party needs to build coalitions, among other things, ahead of next year’s general elections, to stand a chance of winning. In other words, the irregularities that have characterized APC primaries in various states across the nation is a danger signal for the party.”

    The UPP National Chairman said he agrees with those that have described the 2019 presidential election as a referendum on the performance of the Buhari administration in the last three and half years. He said: “This is because the electorate would be looking at his achievements or otherwise during his tenure so far. So, it becomes a referendum in the sense that people who think he has done well would be voting yes, while those who believe that he has performed woefully would be voting no, by voting for another candidate. The alternative candidate may not necessarily be Atiku, but he remains a major contender.

    “To a lesser extent, it could also turn out as a referendum on Atiku, because he was part of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration for eight years and there are certain things that are associated with that government that he cannot easily wash his hands off.”

    On restructuring, the founding National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) believes it would become one of the major factors that would determine who wins the election. His words: “I know very well that restructuring and the agitation for autonomy by the federating units would be a major factor in the election. Political leaders, religious leaders, as well as cultural and traditional leaders would be interested in the way candidates would respond to these critical issues that affect the unity and economic development of this country.

    “Looking at the two major parties, the APC has a semblance of devolution of powers in its manifesto, but unfortunately President Buhari has not shown any interest in that regard. The PDP, on the other hand, has nothing like that in their manifesto, but its presidential candidate has turned it to his campaign mantra. So, Nigerians must be careful in deciding who can be trusted in that regard.”

    Okorie said any candidate that can arouse the political consciousness of the Igbo in 2019 can use it as a game changer. He said: “A game changer in the sense that there is no state in Nigeria that does not have the Igbo as the second largest ethnic group, after the indigenous ethnic group. That is an enormous potential. But what happened over the years is that they were somewhat political withdrawn or apathetic. But that is not the situation now. There is so much consciousness now and this reflected in their response to voter registration exercise.

    “How each party approaches it will depend on its strategic thinking and initiatives. The Igbos are republican in nature, so they are not the type that would vote wholeheartedly in one direction. A lot of things will influence their voting pattern, but basically they are very concerned about the structure of Nigeria, about citizen rights across the country, and devolution of powers.

    “On the issue of security, Igbo people believe that state and community policing would be a better arrangement in securing the nooks and crannies of the country, especially rural communities. So, how political parties present these issues to the electorate would matter a lot. The El-Rufai Committee of the APC did an extensive work on restructuring, but the President may have to change his attitude to the matter, if he wants to be taken seriously on it.”

    A member of the PDP, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, is of the view that the party’s chances of winning next year’s general elections are bright, with the emergence of Atiku as its flag bearer.  His words: “I want to say that with the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the chances of the PDP winning the election are very bright. We are going to defeat Buhari and the APC. But, I want to say that if Buhari and his group rig the election, that means they will be rigging Nigeria out of existence.

    “Atiku has practical experience of the task before him; he is a very articulate businessman who is always determined in whatever he does. Therefore I have no doubt in mind that he will win the 2019 election.”

    For the Publicity Secretary, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, the contest between Buhari and Atiku is going to be very interesting. He said: “They are both formidable candidates. Buhari has the power of incumbency, but Atiku is equally well prepared for the election. He is coming on his clear programme of restructuring Nigeria, which many regions of the country are currently agitating for. The two of them are also poles apart; given the fact that Atiku has proven that he is pro-business. He has done successful businesses, which the President cannot not boast of and where we are right now, we need a leader who can revive our business environment and put business life back to work; a leader that will encourage agro-business, as against condoning herdsmen and thereby not making the country conducive for farming activities to go on.

    “The President in the last three and half years has proven to be a leader who does not have a broad mind. But Atiku is detribalized and broad-minded. He has friends all over Nigeria and is known all over the country. Clearly, it is going to be an exciting contest.”

    Similarly, the founder of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Fredrick Faseun, said going by the current mood in the country, Atiku stands a better chance of winning. He said: “Judging from the wishes and expectations of Nigerians who have been commenting on the emergence of both candidates, Atiku has better chances of clinching the trophy.

    But, as far as Chief Ayo Afolabi, a chieftain of the APC, is concerned, Nigerians have made up their minds about what they want. He added: “That is making the country better for the people. We know that all that the PDP understands is how to distribute money to the electorate, but Nigerians have become wiser, if possible they will take their money and will not vote for them.

    “We do not see Atiku as a threat. I don’t know where Atiku will get the votes to win, not even his region, the Northeast.”

    In the same vein, the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, also believes the emergence of Atiku as the PDP flag bearer is a good development for his political party. His words: “To pick Atiku, the chairman of all corrupt entities in Nigeria as presidential candidate of the PDP at a time when corruption is being fought left and right, front and back is an affront. It is slap on our faces and we will give the PDP a run for their money in the fullness of time.

  • It’s Atiku vs. Buhari

    Palpable tension enveloped the nation’s political landscape over the weekend ahead of the deadline imposed for party primaries by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Aspirants across the political spectrum battled each other for precious tickets preparatory for the showdown in 2019. To get delegates on their side, the aspirants had to make do with foreign currency, particularly the US dollar. Bureau De Change operators in one particular state hosting a party convention were nearly cleaned out. The biggest news of the weekend emerged from the result of the contest for the most expensive ticket of all – the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidacy.

    After a long, and sometimes painful, sojourn through the maze of the Nigerian (two) party system, Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, finally laid his hands on the coveted party ticket that clears him to contest for the office of president in next year’s general elections. To say that it was a hard fought battle for him would be an understatement, as his fight has lasted many years, with many enemies turned friends and vice versa. His emergence as the PDP candidate now presents an interesting contest in 2019 against President Muhammadu Buhari, the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    There are also numerous fringe candidates in the presidential race for 2019. But majority of voters have come to recognise that the fight is really between the PDP and APC candidates. On a party level, the two top parties have been accused of being identical, and this view has been strengthened by the seamless movement of politicians across the two parties in the last few years. This particular reason is more likely to make the contest more about the individual candidates rather than the parties. On that individual level, apart from their similarity in being Fulani northerners, the two candidates couldn’t be farther apart in personality.

    Buhari’s often slow but methodical approach to issues, is a sharp contrast to the fast and sharp personality of Atiku, who has always been quick to switch lanes when things are not going his way. Buhari’s moniker of “Mr integrity” also does not match with the general perception of the former vice president whose alleged involvement in Obasanjo era corruption scandals still follow him around like the tail to a cow.

    Atiku may very well be a better and more active politician than Buhari is, but this precisely is one of his problems, as he may have become too much of a politician for the comfort of many. Buhari’s perceived lack of political savvy has done little to dent his massive following in the north over the years, and may have even been an appealing feature in 2015. However, the emergence of Atiku, from the same stock as the president, definitely makes things interesting in 2019.

    Like every aspiring president over the years, Atiku has made some lofty promises about his intentions if he becomes president. Specifically, he has ridden hard on restructuring, promising more measures than most other aspirants from the major political parties are comfortable making. What Atiku failed to disclose is that the kind of restructuring that Nigerians seem to want cannot come from a presidential order or declaration, but will involve a largely legislative action, coordinated between federal and state legislators. Perhaps, as someone who is known to throw money at his problems, Atiku may be well suited for the money grubbing legislators after all, who have joined issues with the presidency on many occasions in Buhari’s administration.

    They say that it is easier to criticise than it is to act and implement. Atiku and the PDP have had an easy job dogging the Buhari administration on every issue, including the herdsmen and Boko haram issues that have remained foremost on the list of problems that face the country. Still, Buhari’s administration has laid the foundation for many good policies that are now in danger of being scuttled should power change hands in 2019, because the fruits of many of these policies have not yet been seen by ordinary Nigerians. In this sense, there is a good case for continuity, but with a short-tempered electorate and a masterful money-bag politician on the other side, there are no guarantees.

    The subject of money also becomes an important factor at this point. Already, financial muscle has proved useful for Atiku in obtaining the PDP presidential ticket, as it is no secret that delegates were financially induced to vote one way or the other. The billionaire businessman is now entering into an electoral contest that looks to be more brazenly money-centric than other elections, if the allegations in Osun and Ekiti are anything to go by. His opponent is supposedly a simple cattle rearer with modest earnings and an ‘integrity complex’.

    The solace for the APC camp about Atiku’s money is that he has been spending it chasing his ambition for years and only just got a presidential ticket based on practical matters; as Tambuwal’s offer of the influence of the Sokoto caliphate and Saraki’s claim of youth were not enough to match Atiku’s money and experience. Buhari and APC can also rest easy remembering that the Jonathan PDP administration lost to APC despite the huge sums expended on the 2015 elections. The power of incumbency may yet edge out the opposition in the end, but that power has been diminished since the APC crushed it in 2015.

    Another big influence in 2019 may be the Igbo vote. While Buhari and APC rely on the increasingly waning power of Rochas Okorocha and the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu to deliver the southeast, Atiku is expected to field an Igbo running mate, who he was yet to announce as at Monday. Atiku has also promised to serve one term only, after which an Igbo candidate can emerge from the PDP.

    We all know that one-term ambition for presidents in Nigeria is a myth. This notwithstanding, an Igbo vice president will be an enticing prospect for the southeast. With the southwest likely to swing Buhari’s way because of APC dominance, the southeast possibly going Atiku’s way will make for a harder contest, especially if Atiku and Tambuwal are able to work together to wrest away some of Buhari’s northern base.  Kingsley Moghalu’s candidacy under the Young Progressives Party, YPP, may cause a mild ripple but is unlikely to be a big differential for the Igbo vote, as there are more practical options. This is another issue.

    There are about 68 registered political parties in the country, and a good number of those parties plan to contest the office of president in 2019. There is no joy in forecasting that the winner will most likely come from just two of them, but it is the truth. The other parties have failed to learn from APC to pull forces together to mount a credible challenge. If Donald Duke and others like Oby Ezekwesili and Moghalu’s short-lived PACT coalition could have pulled resources and banded together, maybe there could have been a third horse in the race. Nigerian politics is now about money and alliances.

    In the midst of money politics and trench digging in strongholds ahead of 2019, the job of INEC has been cut out for it. Despite the financial resources poured into the 2015 elections by former President Goodluck Jonathan, there was a perception of fairness and equity by INEC during that election. The former president still gets kudos for it, and it is important for the Buhari administration to ensure that this perception of INEC neutrality is protected in 2019. That perception of neutrality also extends to the police and other security agencies that will be involved.

    There is no gain in losing the legitimacy that the conduct of 2015 elections bestowed on the Buhari administration by over-exploiting the incumbency factor. Like Chief Chekwas Okorie of the United Progressives Party, UPP, has said, 2019 will not be an easy contest between the PDP and APC and the ball now falls on INEC to put the two sides on check. The president’s ambition is second in importance to the neutrality of INEC, and all political parties should respect this neutrality in their dealing with the body. INEC, again, should be the winner in 2019, not Buhari or Atiku.

     

  • Buhari, Atiku in battle of integrity over 2019 poll

    THE brickbats continued yesterday between  President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Congress (PDP) are gearing up for the February presidential election.

    Atiku beat 11 opponents to get the PDP ticket at the weekend. The APC ratified the direct primary election of President Buhari in Abuja.

    The APC said the choice before Nigerians in 2019 is that of light, which it said President Buhari represents, and darkness.

    In a statement, party spokesman Yekini Nabena said: ”Nigerians have had enough of corrupt, cash and carry politicians. That was why in 2015, they came out en masse and elected a clean and transparent man in Muhammadu Buhari to clean the Augean stable. The candidature of Atiku Abubakar will bring back the undesired lot and their practices which Nigerians have long rejected and forgotten.

    “The Nigerian electorate deserves to be given a choice of decency, integrity and honour and not dirt, corruption, and infamy. The choice between Buhari and Atiku is one between light and darkness; between positive change and business as usual; between transparency and under the table dealings.

    “As we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 elections, one thing is clear. If the choice is between a presidential candidate/change agent who is rebuilding the country and refocusing our national priorities and attitudes on one hand, and another candidate who along with his gang of co-looters stole the country’s commonwealth and brought the country to its knees, that choice has already been made by the Nigerian electorate.”

    The PDP said: “Nigerians have a choice of a man who will provide an efficient and business-friendly solution to the herdsmen crisis and a man whose government said ‘giving land for cattle ranching is better than death’.

    “It is very obvious that faced with such a choice that Nigerians would definitely vote for the man who will get Nigeria working again.”

    The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation said there was confusion in the Buhari Campaign Organisation over Atiku’s emergence as the PDP candidate.

    The APC accused Atiku of spending a large amount of money to buy delegates to get the ticket.

    The party said the nation’s presidency should be about the scorecard of the candidates, pointing out that “Atiku’s scorecard is abysmally low and he has proven to be an untrustworthy and unreliable character”.

    “In assessing candidates to be voted for during elections, Nigerians will normally consider the candidate’s background and antecedents. The pertinent question to ask about Atiku is what his scorecard in public office was?

    “A case in point is Atiku’s revealing altercation with his former boss President Olusegun Obasanjo which exposed the level of corruption Atiku was enmeshed in.

    “At the international level, Atiku has been reportedly place on the global watch list of the United States of America and has avoided travelling to the U.S. to avoid arrest and prosecution over a money-laundering and corruption case in that country.

    “Really, is this the character and antecedent of a candidate Nigerians will be proud to vote for as our President, come 2019?

    “Compared and contrasted with President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent and principled stance on party affiliations, since 1999, Atiku has moved around different political parties – PDP, ACN, PDP, APC and now PDP, all in his blind and desperate pursuit of his ambition – The presidency of Nigeria. It is therefore very clear that if Atiku loses the presidential election in 2019, he will again defect from the PDP to another political platform.

    “Atiku is known as a super rich Nigerian who entrenched the undemocratic practice of buying votes of delegates. During the APC National Convention in 2014, he spent several millions of dollars to buy delegates votes and emerged third, after Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    “On Sunday, he reportedly bought over virtually all the PDP delegates and was declared winner of the PDP presidential primaries. With these huge expenses expended to secure the PDP ticket, how will Atiku recoup his “investment” if not from the public treasury should he win the presidency?

    “Our dear President Muhammadu Buhari does not spend a kobo on delegates as he banks only on his proven personal integrity. In any case, how did a retired Customs officer acquire so much wealth to fund his several presidential bids? The source of his wealth is very questionable and his financial resources are definitely ill gotten.”

  • INEC bars Buhari, Atiku, others from campaigning till Nov. 18

    There should be no public campaigning by presidential candidates until November 18, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday.

    This is in line with the timelines given by the agency and the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said.

    He advised parties and their candidates to adhere to the electoral timetable during a workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region.

    Yakubu reminded political parties and candidates that the end of primaries did not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns.

    “Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day.

    “Therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18.

    “Campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections begins on Dec. 1.

    “I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to these dates,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that with the conclusion of primaries by political parties yesterday, the next activity was the nomination of candidates to the commission.

    He reminded political parties that the dates for the submission of lists of candidates (Form CFOO2) and their personal particulars (Forms C1001) for presidential and National Assembly elections are from Oct 10 to Oct.18.

    The date for the governorship and State Assembly elections is Oct. 22 and Nov. 2.

    “The commission will receive the submission from political parties at Aso Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 9.a.m to 4.p.m. daily.

    “Although we have communicated these dates to all political parties, let me reiterate that there will be no extension of time.

    “Similarly, in making submissions to the commission, the covering letters as well as the list of candidates must be duly signed by the National Chairmen and National Secretaries of political patties in line with the commission’s guidelines.’’

    Yakubu described the workshop and its theme, “Strengthening Electoral Democracy in the Commonwealth African Region” as topical and relevant.

    He said that all the countries of the Commonwealth, Africa region, needed to further consolidate on election process so that elections were not merely periodic but also peaceful and credible.

    “Bringing election managers together to share experiences and build capacities is a critical step to the consolidation of electoral democracy,” Yakubu said.

    Yakubu said that participants would be taken through five interrelated sub-themes, ranging from the promotion of sustainable electoral democracy, strategic planning, gender and elections, electoral technology to elections and new media.

  • Ayade, Tambuwal, Mark, Jang, Bafarawa congratulate Atiku

    CONGRATULATORY messages yesterday continued to trail Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, Sokoto State Governor and PDP presidential aspirant Aminu Tambuwal, former Senate President David Mark, former Plateau State Governor Senator Jonah Jang and ex-Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa were among those who congratulated Atiku on his victory.

    They promised to support the PDP candidate before and in the presidential election.

    Ayade, in his message, described former vice president’s victory at the just concluded PDP convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as well-deserved.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Christian Ita, Ayade said Atiku’s victory at the convention was a reflection of the wishes of PDP members.

    “On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, I want to heartily congratulate you on your victory at our party’s presidential primary. The trust placed in you to fly the flag of our great party in the 2019 elections is undoubtedly a springboard of great inspiration and motivation to bring your vast private and public experience in ensuring the well-being and unity of our great country and its people,” Ayade said.

    Mark, in his statement, said throughout his campaigns, he maintained that the PDP presidential aspirants, including Atiku Abubakar, were eminently qualified to provide excellent leadership for the nation and that as a faithful and steadfast party man, he would support anyone of them who emerged the flag bearer of the PDP.

    He restated his commitment and pledged support for Atiku  to bring victory to the party in 2019.

    In his statement, Tambuwal said: “On behalf of my humble self, my family, and millions of my supporters from across the length and breadth of the country, I heartily rejoice with and congratulate your excellency on your emergence as the standard flagbearer of our great political party, the PDP at the just concluded National Convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “The task at hand, going forward, is to ensure victory at the polls in order to save our fatherland from the current regime of annihilation bestriding it.

    “This calls for unity of purpose that admits of no division, no distractions and no internal wrangling. I commit myself to this task and urge all members of our great party to roll up their sleeves and set to work as members of one united family.”

    Jang said in spite of the outcome of the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, in which he lost, he would support Atiku.

  • Buhari campaign team confused, says Atiku’s camp

    The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation has said there is confusion in the Buhari Campaign Organisation over the emergence of Atiku as presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A statement on Monday by the campaign organisation said the Atiku camp was not surprised by the attack launched at Atiku by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, raising issues about vote buying at the just concluded the PDP convention.

    The statement said, “We are not surprised that there is confusion in the President Buhari camp. We expected that they would be thrown into a catatonic state, knowing that Atiku Abubabakr’s emergence automatically means the coming end of their ignominious reign.

    “That much was admitted by the President’s former running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare when he praised the emergence of Atiku as an ‘eagle’ and ‘a cosmopolitan wazobia’ politician.

    “Obviously, Pastor Tunde Bakare has foreseen that the era of 97% versus 5% has come to an end with the emergence of the pan Nigerian Atiku Abubakar.

    “We ask how can the Buhari Campaign Organisation disparage the PDP Primary that produced Atiku Abubakar, when even the President’s own wife, Aisha Buhari, has condemned the APC’s primary?

    “Not only did Mrs Buhari condemn APC’s primaries, she described them as ‘unfair’ and lacking in integrity. Who can know President Buhari better than his wife?

    “Eleven aspirants contested against Atiku Abubakar, during the presidential primary of the PDP. Every single one of them accepted his victory.

    “President Buhari was the only candidate cleared by the APC to contest its primary. Yet, a coalition of 5 aspirants are challenging his victory. That alone tells Nigerians his emergence is fraudulent”.

    The group described Atiku as the most investigated politician in Nigeria and that any smear campaign by the Buhari administration remains would have no effect.

    According to the campaign group, President Buahri would have arrested Atiku if he had been found wanting.

    “However, to set the record straight, we want to remind Nigerians that PDP’s primaries were genuine, free and fair. Atiku Abubakar got 1,532 votes in a contest televised live to millions of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Fayose threatens to leave PDP over Atiku’s emergence

    “The All Progressives Congress’ primary, on the other hand, was a study in dictatorship and corruption. The sole candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, scored almost 15 million votes. How could that occur without rigging or manufacturing of faceless voters?

    “No wonder Transparency International rated Nigeria as more corrupt today under Buhari, than just three years ago when the PDP was in power.

    “The scandals are too numerous, including the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process, the several padded budgets, the $41 million Ikoyi Apartment scandal, the recall, reinstatement and double promotion of pension thief and Buhari financier, Abdulrasheed Maina, the N200 million grass cutter scandal, and many others too numerous to mention.

    “The choice before Nigerians in 2019 is a simple one. Nigerians have a choice of electing a lively candidate with a record of providing 50,000 jobs to Nigerians in his private capacity versus the lifelessness (apologies to President Donald Trump) of a candidate under whom Nigeria lost 11 million jobs and became the world headquarters for extreme poverty.

    “Nigerians have a choice of a man who will provide an efficient and business-friendly solution to the herdsmen crisis and a man whose government said ‘giving land for cattle ranching is better than death’.

    “It is very obvious that faced with such a choice that Nigerians would definitely vote for the man who will get Nigeria working again”.

  • 2019: Why Atiku can’t be president – Group

    A group identified as Buhari National Votes Guards and Awareness on Monday reacted to the emergence of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), saying that, Atiku cannot rule Nigeria.

    The group said the former Vice President is no match for President Muhammadu Buhari, as they opined that, his political background has been marred with corruption allegations.

    The Coordinator of the group, Engineer Kailani Muhammad at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday however described Atiku’s emergence as a good omen for President Buhari.

    Kailani said “the main fact however, according to the majority of Nigerians is that for a certainty, Atiku Abubakar is no match for president Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election of 2019 because of his alleged political corrupt marred background and President Muhammadu Buhari’s antecedent as a man of impeccable pedigree that is focused towards building a socio-political and economic development.

    He explained that the former Vice President before securing his ticket under PDP has made four unsuccessful attempts to get a party ticket to contest for the presidency, but “he is not suitable to lead Nigeria at this moment,” as Nigerians have made their stand.

    Kailani explained that, “Politics in our country today is big-time business. The only impediment for actualization of aspirations in the space in our mother Nigeria is the financial capacity and muscle. It is in no doubt either that Atiku has both in abundance. Nigerians are aware that those with the financial muscle to procure the venture hope to reap a million fold.

    Read Also: Buhari, Oshiomhole others to grace book launch on Bénin Monarchy

    He said the Buhari’s government has achieved in 3 years, what previous administrations failed to achieve in 16 years, which includes rapid economic growth, transformation in power sector, education, empowerment of Nigerians and among others.

    While commending the president’s achievements so far in the fight against corruption and insecurity, Kailani also remarked that “Mr President has taken a giant stride to improve the image of the country at the global stage. This are the glaring evidences on ground that some politicians refused to acknowledge.” He said.

  • 2019 election: Atiku can’t stop Buhari’s victory–UK APC

    UK chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari easier.

    Mr Ade Omole, leader of APC UK made the assertion in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, President Buhari remains the best candidate for the 2019 presidential election among the array of presidential candidates being paraded by other political parties.

    He maintained that Atiku’s candidature would not stop the victory of the APC.

    “The task for 2019 election has just been made easier by the leading opposition party by electing a presidential candidate who was part of the country’s problem in the 16 years of PDP rule.

    “Nigerians should be wise enough to know, therefore, that he has nothing new to bring to the table.

    “While I want Nigerians to vote wisely in 2019, I assure that as we did in 2015, we will work hard again to ensure that President Buhari is re-elected.

    “On behalf of Nigerians and the progressives in the Diaspora, I congratulate President Buhari for accepting his nomination to be the APC presidential candidate for 2019 election.

    `His election by over 14 million registered members of the party during the APC presidential primaries held across the federation speaks volumes,”Omole said.

    He further said that Nigerians in the Diaspora were delighted at the enormous recovery tasks undertaken by the Buhari-led administration in securing the country, growing the economy and curbing corruption within the polity.

    The leader of the APC UK chapter commended Buhari and his cabinet for laying the foundation for a better Nigeria.

    He however urged APC members across the world not to be distracted, but continue to work hard to ensure the party’s victory at all levels of government in 2019.

    President Buhari scored a total of 14,842,072 votes at the party’s recent direct primaries held in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to pick the APC presidential ticket.

    His candidacy was affirmed by 7,000 delegates from 36 states of the federation and the FCT at the APC National Presidential Convention on Saturday.

    Aside the statutory delegates, three delegates were drawn from 774 Local Government Area of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, who got elected at the party’s Congresses held earlier.

    Atiku, a former Vice President beat 11 contestants to secure the PDP ticket with 1,532 votes during the party’s presidential primaries held in Port Harcourt.

    A total of 3,274 delegates participated in the election, with his closest challenger, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, having just 693 votes.

    Other presidential candidates seeking to upstage Buhari include, Mr Donald Duke of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Oby Ezekwesili of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria among others.

    The presidential election will hold on Feb. 14,2019.