The Nation Newspaper

Tag: campaign

  • 2019 poll: Buhari, APC NWC may meet over campaign, reconciliation

    President Muhammadu Buhari may meet All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) this week over the campaign for next year’s poll.

    The meeting may also review reconciliation efforts to pacify aggrieved members.

    The President has banned public officers and agencies from contributing to his campaign.

    There are indications, however, that most leaders prefer the beginning of marathon rallies from January.

    Other support groups can, however, engage in various campaigns nationwide.

    The NWC wrote President Buhari before his trip to Poland for an audience to firm up campaign modalities.

    A presidency source said: “Mr. President will soon kick off his campaign after consultations with the party. The NWC actually wrote to seek an audience with him on some issues.

    “These issues are campaign modalities, determining the kick-off date, outcome of the reconciliation efforts and how to ensure victory at the poll. Do not forget that the party gave the six reconciliation panels a two-week deadline to complete their assignment.

    “The President promised to meet with the NWC after his trip to Poland. So, the session may hold this week.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “ Buhari does not want public funds diverted to his campaign. He has warned public officers, ministries, departments and agencies against contributing to his campaign.

    “ The President is determined to end the practice of diverting funds meant for projects to campaign. Certainly,  the 2019 poll will be based on character and the achievements of this administration.

    “Government officers and heads of agencies who plan to fiddle with public funds for campaign will have themselves to blame.”

    Most APC leaders prefer January for campaign shuttles in order not to disrupt the Christmas session.

    Some leaders also advised the President to lay the 2019 Budget before embarking on campaign.

    The huge cost implications of campaign have made the APC to target January.

    A party source said: “We cannot disclose the kick-off date for our campaign until the NWC has met with the President.

    “Left to most of our leaders, they have opted for a marathon campaign strategy from January 2019. But some support groups have been organising rallies and shuttles ahead of the main campaign.

    “We are in government but APC does not have resources like the slush funds available to those in the opposition.

    “So, we are trying to accommodate our campaign within our constrained budget.”

  • 2019: Agbaje kicks off campaign, promises 4th Mainland Bridge

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, yesterday kicked off his campaign with promises to deliver the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Light Rail and a minimum of a thousand megawatts electricity in four years.

    Agbaje also promised quality and affordable healthcare, good education, blue economy with functional water transportation, as well as employment for the youths.

    He spoke at Ultima Studio in Lekki where he officially presented his running mate, Mrs. Haleemat Busari, a lawyer.

    According to him, the over 20 percent unemployment rate of Lagos was largely caused by lack of electricity, adding that the state needed 3,000 megawatts to drive small, medium and large scale industries.

    Agbaje, who said he had continued his quest to govern Lagos despite failing twice, claimed he was in the race to serve.

    He alleged that money that would have been used to develop the state over the years had ended in private pockets, adding that his mandate was to liberate Lagos and enthrone democracy.

    He said: “Our youths are emigrating daily to Canada and United States in search for employment. Under my government, I promise that there will be jobs for the youths.

    “As governor, I promise to provide a minimum of 1000 megawatts of power. I know that Lagos needs at least 3000 megawatts but I do not want to promise more and achieve less, that is why I said I will ensure Lagos produces at least 1000 megawatts.

    “I will ensure that our people have quality healthcare that is funded through insurance. We will revive public education in the state so that even the children of the poor can have good education.”

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said it has deployed riders to monitor and arrest anyone seen vandalising campaign posters.

    The deployment, according to police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), followed complaints by Agbaje that his campaign boards were removed by unknown persons.

    The PDP candidate had alleged that his campaign boards that were placed along the Third Mainland Bridge which he saw on his way to Unusual Praise programme were vandalised as of the time he was returning from the praise night.

    Upon the compliant, Oti said his boss, Imohimi Edgal, directed the deputy commissioner in charge of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti Yaba, to set up a monitoring team to daily monitor and arrest anybody seen vandalising or defacing campaign posters or boards.

    “In addition, the commissioner has directed that invitation letters be sent to chairmen of all political parties in the state, their flag bearers, the INEC and other stakeholders for a meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 5, at 11am, at Police Officers’ Mess, GRA, Ikeja.

    “This is to further drive home the fact that there is no alternative to peace and the need for all political parties, their candidates and supporters to shun acts capable of breaching the public peace.

    “Constrained by limited manpower, there is no way the command could post policemen to cover all  campaign posters in the state but the much it can do, is to adopt the Aberdeen System in protecting campaign adverts and solicit the cooperation of all and sundry in ensuring the maintenance of law and order.”

  • APC to roll out campaign plans in one week

    As the ban on Campaign is officially lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will roll out its campaign plans within the next one week.
    But President Buhari’s support groups such as the Buhari Media Organisation is set to kick off the campaign with what they called the Buhari Connect meant to showcase the achievements of the President in the last three and half years.
    National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu told The Nation that the lifting of the ban by the electoral management body does not make it mandatory that parties should commence Campaign immediately as they cannot determined foe the parties when to start their campaigns.
    He said “campaigns are not starting tomorrow (Sunday). What has happened is that the ban on Campaign is officially lifted and parties are now free to begin their campaigns. You know, INEC can tell you when not to Campaign, but they can not determine for you when to start.
    “They have lifted the ban and parties are now free to go out there and openly campaign for the elections. Within the next one week, we will roll out our campaign plans”.
    Director of Strategic Communication of the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN) could not be reached for his comment on plans for the President’s Campaign as calls to his phone and SMS sent to him were not answered as at the time of this report.
    The party and the Campaign Organisation were yet to constitute a formal campaign Organisation as at Saturday, November, 17 to carry on with the Campaign.
    But the Buhari Media Organisation(BMO), one of the President’s support groups said it has lined up an open-air event to kick start the campaign on Sunday 18th November 2018 at the Unity Fountain, Abuja where it intend to highlight and promote the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
    The show, with the theme, ‘BUHARICONNECT’ and the slogan ‘’THE PEOPLES PRESIDENT’’, it said will attract Ministers, Governors and other top echelon of the All Progressive Congress(APC).
    A statement signed by the Secretary on the Organisation Cassidy Madueke said the Variety  show will also be an opportunity to highlight the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari, with testimonials from the beneficiaries of the administration’s Social Investment Programmes, including poverty alleviation, school feeding, Tradermoni, women empowerment, Anchor Borrowers and cash transfer programme.
    The show will also feature appearances by political leaders and top government officials at the event which kicks up at 1pm on Sunday 18th November 2018.

  • Edo takes campaign against human trafficking to schools

    The Edo Government yesterday began campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration in secondary schools across the state.

    Mr Solomon Okoduwa, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor Godwin Obaseki, initiated the campaign at Edo National College, Iguobazuwa.

    The Governor’s aide, who expressed worry over the situation appealed to the students to adhere to what they are being told in the campaign against human trafficking and irregular migration.

    Okoduwa said the government would not fold its arms to allow the illegal activities to thrive in the state.

    He added that the government would focus especially on the rural areas where human traffickers harvest teenagers.

    According to him, Governor Obaseki-led administration is interested in ‘your future and he wants you to fulfil your dreams. Therefore don’t listen to those telling you about travelling abroad.

    “They could use your parents or even your pastors to convince you to embark on this perilous journey. The traffickers don’t care what you become in future but they want to use you to make money for themselves.

    “Many of those trafficked died on their way or those who were able to get to Libya or anywhere in Europe are being enslaved, sexually exploited by their sponsors,” he advised.

    He also urged the students to report anyone who encourage them to embark on such journey through the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert to Libya. (NAN)

     

  • For #NotTooYoungToRun campaign to work

    SIR: There was a time, when only at the age of 32, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, assumed the mantle of leadership and became Nigeria’s junta leader in 1967. A time it was, in the past, when the legendary Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, at the youthful age of 44, became Nigeria’s first ceremonial president. The memories of the iconic General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, who was murdered in a bloody coup, shall remain fond in our hearts. Needless to say, it was at the graceful age of 37 that providence foisted on his shoulders daunting presidential responsibilities.

    Fingers can ‘be pointed’ at Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, erstwhile civilian president, who first piloted the Nigerian ship as Head of State while still a youth. History has it that in 1976, when he succeeded the late General Murtala Muhammed, he was barely 39.

    President Muhammadu Buhari also belongs to the league of eminent personalities who became Nigeria’s leader in their youthful age. In 1983, the 41-year-old Daura-born Buhari became the Commander in-Chief after toppling the civilian government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

    Sadly, the narrative about Nigerian youths in politics or democratic governance—since 1999—is everything but gratifying. Our youths—who desire to be lucky as the Gowons, Murtalas, and Obasanjos of the 70s—wish they are (at the moment) privileged as other global youth leaders. At informal social gatherings, they dissipate their boundless energies discussing how the suave-looking and 39 years-old Emmanuel Macron (now 40), became French president in May 2017. They marvel at the reality of a then 31-years old Sebastian Kurz emerging as Austria’s Chancellor. It also baffled them, as to how Emil Dimitriev, born in March 1979, is presently the acting Prime Minister (PM) of Macedonia. It also beggars their belief that the punk hair-styled Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s supreme leader is still in his mid-thirties; while Justin Trudeau was only 43 when he was sworn-in as Canada’s Prime Minister three years ago.

    To address the political marginalization of Nigerian youths, the #NotTooYoungToRun campaign, a social movement by a group of youths, aimed at widening the political space for young, charismatic and visionary minds, was birthed last year. Though, an advocacy bill, but perhaps its principle resonated with the president’s reformative mantra of ‘Change’. Thereafter, the bill became a recipient of a deserving presidential assent from PMB at a colourful event in the Villa.

    It was so-much hoped that several young Nigerians will throw their hats in the political ring, with the eligibility age for presidential aspirants now lowered to 35 from 40; that of governorship hopefuls and aspiring federal lawmakers pegged at 30 and not 35 any longer; while that of state House of Assembly contestants cut down to 25, instead of 30 years.

    Indeed, the euphoria that greeted the historic assent was indescribable. But it will soon be shorty-lived. Now, the prospects of greater political fortunes hitherto envisaged for the youths has become a mirage. The commencement of Expression of Interests (EOI) and Nomination Forms’ sale by the dominant political parties (namely APC and PDP), were greeted with utter indignation. Nigerians of sincere goodwill, in their unison, lampooned the behemoth parties.

    The action of Nigeria Consolidation Ambassadors Network (NCAN)—a political group composed mainly of youths—who purchased the APC nomination form for President Buhari to seek re-election, is the most irritating. Indeed, nothing shows how unserious the youths are than their penchant for crowd funding the purchase of nomination forms for some senators, governors and presidential hopefuls. Meanwhile, civil society activists should rise and advocate for a legislation that will peg nomination forms at reasonable amounts, and within the reach of every intending aspirant.

    It is time the youths have a deeper introspection and genuine stocktaking about their role as agents of social change and societal rebirth. With their remarkable sense of rational thought and judgment, the youths must henceforth resist been turned into political Almajiris (beggars), campaign mobilizers and election-winning tools for clueless, desperate and over-recycled politicians. Like the French, Nigerian youths should see it not only as an obligation, but an article of faith to sponsor and massively support young aspiring politicians with clear vision, requisite expertise, impeccable integrity and intimidating leadership credentials.

    These are some salient ways the youths can show that they mean serious business in demanding a generational power shift. Otherwise, their unyielding quests for leadership positions and relevance in the scheme of things will forever remain a very, very tall order.

     

    • Abdulsalam Mahmud,

    Abuja.

  • How governorship campaigns enlivened Osun communities

    Since the campaigns for the Osun State governorship election began in August, the state, especially Osogbo, the state capital and other major towns have not remained the same. Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE gauges voters’ mood and highlights how the campaigns of the many political parties participating in the election have been enlivening the entire state

    All eyes are on Osun State as the electorate go to polls on Saturday to choose the next governor. The incumbent, Rauf Aregbesola, will hand over to his successor in November. Though the campaigns of political parties and their candidates have been stepped up in the last one month during which issues of development and people’s welfare are in the fore, the soft angles to the massive political activities are as interesting as the vote canvassing itself.

    As the electorate are bombarded with radio and television jingles, newspaper and billboard adverts among others, the mixed interests of residents in the contenders and their campaign machinery cannot be overlooked. Several factors combine to make the voters upbeat about the coming election.

    Signage

    All the cities, towns and communities in Osun State are alive as a result political activities. They bear glittering posters, banners, billboards and other signage of governorship candidates of the major political parties struggling to produce the successor of Governor Aregbesola. Their appearances brought colour and even as they practically beautify the towns.

    The aesthetic appeal of the signage contrasts with the general perception of the state as poor. No! Even if the state is said to be poor, certainly these candidates are not. Neither are their political parties.

    From Osogbo to Ilesa, Gbongan, Iwo, Ede to Ila, beautiful  signage show that the candidates are exposed and dynamic. If nothing else, these signage confirm that Osun people are well travelled, educated and sophisticated. The beauty and sophistication of the signage alone are points of attraction to participate in the polls.

    It is not all about beautiful signage alone, their campaigns largely have themes. They are Ilerioluwa: continuity (All Progressives Congress (APC), Imole Osun; West lo Kan (Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Soludero (African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atunse 2018 (Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Rescue 2018 for (African Democratic Party (ADP), among others. Because the major parties are more than four, no one is able to escape the signage everywhere one goes in Osun State. It enlivens the state in obvious ways.

    Free expression of supportor rejection

    In the last two weeks, talks about the election have dominated discussions in offices, commercial vehicles, recreation centres and public places. The discussion is accentuated by the increase in the pace of the campaigns of the parties and their candidates.

    For instance, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, launched his campaign in Ilesa two weeks ago. As a former Senator representing the area, crowds attended his campaign with the town feeling their presence.

    Early last week, the ancient town of Ile-Ife practically stood still when the APC candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, launched his. From the palace of the Ooni to Technical College, Ilode venue of the campaign, residents squeezed inbetween cars and crowds of supporters to get to their homes as they returned from work. It was a surging crowd that occupied the town from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    But just as it happened to Omisore in Ilesa when those who seemed not to like him watched without interest, and seeing the campaign as a mere jamboree, Oyetola also had a few people wishing they did not come to ‘disturb’ the town. But the enthusiasm of their supporters muffled such feelings and voices.  They waved the broom as they moved up and down the entire area.

    In commercial vehicles, offices and public places, residents freely ventilate their support or dislike for the candidates and their parties.

    Amazingly, no one attacked the other. Everyone just expressed his or her interest and jokes over areas of disagreements. Even when some tell campaigners to get off, they smile back, assuring them that victory is ahead! It’s really a peaceful environment. It shows the maturity of the people over the years in handling political differences, even when they are expressed with passion in public discussions and open places.

    No one even thinks of attacking others they dislike or resent.  The APC campaign train stormed Ede, the home town of the PDP candidate, Adeleke, on Friday. The entire town did not only look as if it was under the siege of Oyetola’s supporters, the party leaders addressing their supporters at the Adventist High School talked down on Adeleke, stressing that a candidate that could not pass the Ordinary Level examination is not worth electing as the state’s governor. None of them was attacked. They enjoyed a free day from morning till evening.

    Acknowledging this, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the peaceful environment during his visit to the state a fortnight ago. He said the peaceful nature of the state would not necessitate deployment of unusually high number of policemen to provide security for the election. Osun voters are, indeed, mature and peaceful!

    Hotels fully booked

    As at middle of August, virtually all good hotels in Osogbo, the state capital, have been fully booked by those planning to participate in the election. They include observers,  civil society organisations, security personnel, media practitioners, members of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), politicians and other stakeholders. It’s such a booming time for hotels and guest houses.

    Booming economy and surge in population 

    Since the state government announced payment of four months of workers’ salary arrears on Tuesday, last week, the mood of the people has changed positively. While civil servants and traders look forward to a time of plenty, the PDP criticised the APC government of deliberately doing that to win people’s votes. The decision has also joined the list of topics for discussion since then. While some openly hail the announcement, some deplored it without reservation.

    As the election draws closer; just four days away, the population of Osogbo is also increasing. While some people came to the city for business and political activities, some are there to tap the economic advantages of the moment. More commercial motorcyclists and taxi cabs come to work in the city daily.

    Consequently, vehicular movements have increased while traders and service providers, including operators of recreation centres, record great sales.

    The police authorities just announced that 40,000 policemen have been deployed to the state for the election. Other security agencies have done the same without announcing how many of their personnel would be deployed as at press time. All these will lead to more economic boom for the state.

    Since the campaigns began, traders, hoteliers and restauranteurs, among others have been having a swell time. As several thousands of personnel and other stakeholders joined at the weekend, economic activities are certain to reach the peak.

    Already, commercial motorcyclists, taxi and bus drivers are recording improved income. So are restaurants, recreation centres and filling stations.

    Free health 

    The Ilerioluwa Free Health Mission and that of the AD candidate have brought smiles to the faces of many families in Osun State. As at Friday, over 15,000 patients have benefitted from the APC candidate’s free health treatment. Over 400 of them enjoyed free surgery in major towns and cities, including Osogbo, Iwo, Ikire, Ede and Ila.

    The project also brought many more medical personnel to the state in the last 10 days. For the Ilerioluwa Free Health Mission, the two teams comprise 250 personnel. While a group offers general treatment with free drugs and eye glasses, the other carried out surgical operations. Three thousand people have been treated by medics in the AD candidate’s project.

    An Osogbo resident, Mr Biola Olowofela, described the current state of affairs as ‘interesting.’ He said the number of major players makes it difficult to predict the possible result of the election, pointing out that the terrain has been that of flexing muscles. He said the situation is really stretching the candidates and their parties. He also acknowledged that Osogbo has economically benefitted from the campaigns.

    Olowofela said he was not in a hurry to witness September 22 due to the interesting preparations.

    It is hoped that voters will sustain their maturity till September 22 and thereafter to serve as a good example to other Nigerians during the 2019 general elections.

  • Tumultuous crowd greets APC as campaign train hits Ede

    BEFORE a massive crowd of party supporters, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Adejare Bello yesterday in his Ede hometown formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was the highlight of the APC campaign in the town ahead of next weekend’s governorship election in the state. Bello said the decision to leave PDP for APC was taken in the interest of Ede and its people as the development of the town remains paramount. The APC flagbearer in the election, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, promised to prioritize the welfare of the people particularly Ede residents.

    The erstwhile Speaker announced his defection at the APC Mega Rally held at Adventist Government High School, Ede. Bello dismissed reports that he was financially induced to defect to the ruling party. “It is unfortunate that series of lies have been concocted to discredit my humble self as regards my decision to leave PDP for APC,” he said. “But to set the records straight, it is imperative to tell my people particularly Ede indigenes that all these lies were concocted to incite the public against me because I am known for development of Osun particularly Ede. “To my supporters in Ede and the entire Osun State, I want you all to see my defection as the beginning of total liberation from the shackles of retrogression and backwardness.

    “This is the time to fight and liberate our land from the hands of those who believe no one can do more than them. “This is a collective task, if we truly love our town no effort must be spared at giving due support to APC and its governorship candidate, Oyetola. “As a student of history, the Adeleke’s political dynasty in Ede has overstayed, it is long overdue and this is the right time for us as lovers and good ambassadors of Ede to take our future in our hands and reposition our town for greater development.

    “To my supporters, I can assure you that the new era has just begun, this is a new down in the political history of our town and our dear state as this will usher-in all round growth, development and transformation. “Nobody loves Ede than I do and I swear to God that I am defecting to APC to bring all round development to Ede �as you all know my avowed love, passion and commitment for the advancement of this town right from onset.”

    Addressing the crowd, Governor rauf Aregbesola said he has awarded contract for the construction of Akoda-Ede / Ejigbo road. He described Adejare Bello as a core Omoluabi and virtuous person who has distinguished himself in all strata of life. Aregbesola implored the people of the state to vote for continuity, saying Oyetola remains the only person that can consolidate on his good legacies. Earlier, the APC governorship candidate, Gboyega Oyetola promised to build on the template of good governance that Aregbesola’s administration had laid.

  • Lagos takes campaign against sexual harassment to workplace

    Lagos State Government has commenced campaign against sexual harassment in workplace.

    The exercise, organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), is intended to “proactively address sexual harassment in the workplace”.

    The campaign slogan, according to DSVRT Co-ordinator, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, is: Lagos says no to sexual harassment in the workplace.

    The team visited Unilever Nigeria Plc, where the staff were enlightened on steps to take to report incidents of sexual harassment.

    The management, Vivour-Adeniyi said, was exposed to the role of corporate organisations in ensuring safe spaces, and the impact of sexual harassment, some of which include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Urging corporate organisations to have structures in place for reporting, she reiterated that sexual harassment is a crime and that the state government reserves a right to intervene.

    Vivour-Adeniyi also disclosed that DSVRT engaged over 100 human resource professionals and psychologists from various corporate organisations at a workshop organised by Employee Assistance Professionals Association.

    According to her, the engagement was focussed on the impact of domestic violence on the workplace.

    She said the participants were informed of what domestic violence is, and the negative impact of domestic violence on survivors.

    She listed some of the negative impact of domestic violence to include inability of victims to fully participate in the workforce, reduced productivity, frequent absenteeism, loss of job, potential harm to employees, co-workers or customers when violent abusers enter the workplace.

    Vivour-Adeniyi said a survey was conducted on the impact of domestic violence on the workplace.

    “Majority of women sampled also said they recorded a number of mistakes, felt tired at work due to sleep deprivation and generally unable to work well,” she stated.

    The DSVRT chief said the Response Team can be reached on 0813-796-0048 or by dialling *6820#.

  • How Buhari’ll win in 2019, by Campaign

    Fears that last week’s defection by some senators and House of Representatives members will affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election were dispelled yesterday.

    Eleven senators defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Two joined the former President Obasanjo –driven African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Thirty Seven members of the House of Representatives also defected. But the ruling party keeps its majority in both lawmaking chambers.

    Also last week, Benue State Governor Samue Ortom defected to the PDP.

    The campaign body said the APC will in the coming days receive defectors from other parties into its fold, adding that the expected defection of two gvernors will also not affect Buhari’s chances in next year’s election, given his performance.

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Kwara State Governor Abdufatah Ahmed are expected to leave the ruling party for the PDP.

    Giving reasons why Buhari will not be ruffled by the defections, Director of Strategic Communication of the Buhari campaign, Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo said in elections before the 2015 polls , which he won, the President did creditably in most of the states where the PDP had governors and legislators.

    In a statement, Keyamo said: “The President won with large margins in the past in some states without the support of majority of the politicians from those states who moved recently to join the opposition party. Also, we are all witnessing the significant gains Mr. President is making in several places where he lost in the past, notably in the Southsouth and Southeast.

    “From the demographics we have now, the historic figures and the present realities that we know, these defections will have little or no impact on the chances of Mr. President’s re-election.”

    Keyamo said Buhari has consistently won in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe and Niger, with over 30 million, especially in 2011 and 2015, adding that this was achieved despite the fact that most of those states were being controlled by political parties other than his.

    He said “In 2011, when the President was in CPC, despite being states with sitting opposition Governors, National Assembly members, state Assembly members and local government chairmen, the President posted close to eleven million votes against all odds, defeating all his rivals in these 12 states mentioned above.

    “In 2015, despite the majority of these states being in opposition after the merger that formed the APC, the President posted close to 11 million votes again in these states with PDP not scoring up to 20 percent of the votes in most of these States.

    “It is instructive that in these election cycles there were presidential candidates of Northern extraction (e.g Shekarau and Ribadu in 2011). Besides, Kaduna had a sitting Vice President in both elections.

    “As we can see, any defection within these states would have little or no

    consequence on President Muhammadu Buhari’s chances as he had always won those states, irrespective of the party in power in those states.

    “For example in the much-touted  Kano, in the 2011 Presidential election, President Buhari scored one million, six hundred and twenty four thousand, five hundred and forty three (1,624,543) votes as CPC candidate, while in 2015, he had 1,903,999 one million, nine hundred and three thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine (1,903,999) votes as APC candidate.

    “The vote difference of about 280,000 votes may be attributed to elements of ANPP, negligible ACN and Senator Kwakwanso, then Governor of the state that came into APC. Today, the President’s popularity in these states has increased due to the fight against Boko Haram which has been largely successful. So, he should expect more votes from these strongholds.”

    He said even though he lost the elections in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Adamawa and Benue in 2011, he won the election in 2015, adding that the five south-western states have registered voters strength of more than 14 million out of the about 20 million voters in these nine states.

    “Today, those five states are being controlled by the APC. Ekiti will join before the 2019 election after Governor-elect Kayode Fayemi is sworn in for a second term in office. All the political gladiators in those south-western states that helped to tilt the election in favour of the President in 2015 are still solidly with him and more have joined.

    “The entire defunct ACN structures that moved into APC are solidly behind the President. In terms of defections in the western states, the Party has gained more than it has lost as the likes of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator (Mrs) Fatima Raji-Rasaki, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Kaka, former Governor Adebayo Akala, to mention but a few, are now with APC.

    “To underscore the rising profile of the party in these states, the people of Ondo State and Ekiti State decided to entrust their states in the hands of the APC by voting out the previous PDP governments.

    “Furthermore, these states are well represented in government with a sitting Vice President, important ministerial portfolios and prominent membership of the economic team. So, we can only expect more votes, not less, from the west.

    “Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi and Benue states, with over six million registered voters, all had governors from other parties in 2011 with Senator Bukola Saraki being the PDP governor of Kwara State.

    “In the four states, as the presidential candidate of CPC, the President posted six hundred and seventy thousand eighty (670,080) votes while CAN, the other legacy party of APC, posted three hundred and fourteen thousand seven hundred and forty one (314,741) votes, making a total of nine hundred and eighty four thousand seven hundred and forty one (984,741) votes when combined.

    “In 2015, with only one APC governor among the four states, the President posted one million three hundred and fifteen thousand six hundred and fifty nine (1,315,659) in the four states, gaining over three hundred and thirty thousand (330,000) votes.

    “Today, with APC in charge of three out of the four states, especially with Senator Gbemi Saraki and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, leading the efforts in Kwara State and the APC structure in Benue State still firmly in the hands of Senator George Akume (the same structure on which Governor Ortom rode to victory) the defection of the Senators from these States will have little or no effect on the difference gained

    “The President lost 15 states (comprising 11 States of the South East and South South and Plateau, Taraba, Nassarawa and Ekiti States) in the 2015 elections, despite his overall victory.”

     

     

  • Bejide flags off campaign

    People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN) governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, yesterday flagged off his governorship campaign with a promise to tackle poverty in Ekiti State.

    Bejide kicked off his campaign in his hometown, Ilawe-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti Southwest Local Government, where he was presented with the governorship flag by the PPN National Chairman, Mr. Rasaki Eyiowuawi.

    The PPN National Chairman said Bejide and his running mate, Prince Adekunle Adeyemo, are ready to turn around the fortunes of Ekiti with good policies that will change the life of the people in line with the party manifesto.

    Addressing the crowd that thronged the Ilawe Market Square, venue of the rally, Bejide promised to clear all salary and pension arrears within the first six months of his administration if elected in the July 14 poll.

    Bejide pledged to eliminate payment of all taxes, levies and other charges being paid in all primary and secondary schools in the state which he said has imposed hardship on the people.

    The former Secretary to the State Government said his administration will be transparent in the management of funds and shall not operate any secret bank account to shortchange the people.

    The PPN candidate said his government will make agriculture more attractive by investing massively in the sector, while young graduates shall be encouraged to show interest in farming.

    He added that the young farmers will also be encouraged to embrace simple, cheap and modern agricultural implements to enhance their productivity which shall focus on value added agricultural products.

    The PPN flag bearer promised to reduce poverty by promoting economic development through job creation and also create an enabling environment for the people of the state to contribute to its development.

    Bejide said he represents the third force Ekiti people have been waiting for to move the state forward, noting that he has the required experience, exposure and compassion to offer a new style of leadership.

    The Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, told the crowd that Bejide was his schoolmate who is trustworthy and dependable.

    The monarch attested to the character of the PPN candidate whom he said had served the state and the country in various capacities.