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Tag: ‘Ondo APC

  • Don’t tamper with Ondo APC

    Don’t tamper with Ondo APC

    Ahead of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, a group, Sunshine Movement for Change (SMC), yesterday joined others in clamouring for the retention of the current delegates to be used in picking the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group urged the party not to be led by the antics of some few elements, who are currently advocating for a fresh congress for the APC gubernatorial primaries scheduled for August.

    A statement jointly signed by the group’s coordinator, Nelson Mafo and the secretary, Omopariola Odusola, said any attempt to alter the present executives – both at local and state level, would bring acrimony that the party would not be able to manage till the election proper.

    The group also supported the on-line membership registration of the party in the state but with the condition that such registration should not be used as a basis to conduct its primary election.

    This, it opined might be dangerous to the mandate of the people, as those from the opposition PDP might infiltrate to scuttle its quest for an acceptable candidate for the party.

    It read “The dismantling of the present delegates should be reserved till the next congress, we condemn any attempt by this few elements that the current APC executives should be disallowed from partaking in the coming primary election.”

    Besides, the SMC appealed to APC leadership to shun imposition of candidate as was the case in the 2012 governorship election, to avoid disintegration of the party and possible protest votes by party members.

    It called for loyalty and integrity by the party top echelon for the candidate to emerge in the November poll who would be committed to the ideals of the party manifestoes as exemplified by President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

  • Group drums support for Ondo APC

    Group drums support for Ondo APC

    Coordinator of Ondo State Indigene Movement, Lagos (OSTAIMO) Olanrewaju Dada has urged the people to vote for a credible candidate that will bring development to the state.

    He said Ondo State has suffered under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with very little to show in terms of human and infrastructural development.

    Dada explained that the group would mobilise Ondo people to support the progressives in the coming election, noting that it was time for a paradigm shift in the state’s polity.

    He said: “The purpose of this movement is to create awareness for our people at home. It is not out of place to describe our movement as a catalyst towards defending the masses.

    “We are here to ensure that we do not repeat past mistakes; we are out to defend our rights, to ensure a paradigm shift from the old order. We don’t believe in pretence, because the PDP-led government has only been grandiloquent without anything to show for the tax payers’ money.

    “Governance is about development, not about deceit. OSTAIMO is a movement that is set to stand as a corrective mirror, whoever is going to emerge in the state as the governor must be ready to work for the people,”

    The coordinator called on the people to support the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the party espouses liberal ideas.

    He added: “We are in support of the APC, if the party emerges in Ondo, we are going to stand as a mirror to it, pointing out the way forward. Right now, things are not in proper perspective in Ondo.

    “The present Ondo government is just building markets, but in this case we are talking about development and not just building markets. We are talking about priorities like a good road network. A drive from Owoh to Ikare, which used to take just 15 minutes now takes about an hour.”

    Dada maintained that each member of OSTAIMO will deliver 10 voters, to ensure that the people vote massively for the progressives. “One person will ensure that he or she convinces 10 people to vote the APC. We have already started the movement; those of us who have vehicle will donate it toward the success of the mobilisation efforts.

    “The time has come for our people to be liberated. We have suffered a lot. We don’t want anybody to come out to deceive us again. Whoever emerges, we will tell it to his face that this is what Ondo people want. Our roads need development, housing scheme, education and agricultural development.

    “We are supporting the APC because it has not ruled Ondo before. When it emerges as the next government, we will tell them what to do. We don’t want the old order to continue, the people must feel the impact of governance.

    “The APC is a progressive and  not a one-man show. It came into existence as a result of the union of different political parties. Ondo people don’t like dictatorship, you cannot cow us.”

    to express our minds, the way we deem it fit.

     

     

    “The party is open and plain to everybody that is why we are supporting it. This is the reason we want to start early to mobilize the people toward a coming election in the state. We want the people to know that we need a change in the state.”

    He further said the Ondo last council election and its elected chairmen would not make any difference in the coming election, stressing the matter was in court.

    “When the right party, I mean the APC emerges, the local government executives will have to quit the when APC emerges.

    Again, my advice to the APC is to look inward and select the best candidate during its primary. They should produce a candidate that is saleable to all. And if that candidate emerges, we are going to support the person.

    “Let other aspirants support whoever emerges at the primaries. Politics is not a matter or do or die, if you don’t win today; there is another day to win.

    “People at home and Diaspora is that should keep their PVC safe and should not compromise their conscience because gift that will confine them to servitude. They should not be discouraged about the present situation in Ondo State.  The state will bounce back again despite the challenges,” he said.  

     

  • Primaries: Ondo APC cautioned against altering delegate list

    Primaries: Ondo APC cautioned against altering delegate list

    Ahead of November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, some All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in the state yesterday called on its leadership to ensure that the present list of delegates must not be tampered with before the party’s primary election holding soon.

    The aspirants noted that electoral victory of any political party is “embedded in the successful management of several variables” particularly ensuring that personal interest, aspirations and agenda are not allowed to defeat collective interests.

    Chief Olusola Oke, Prince Derin Adesida and Hon. Victor Olabimtan, in a joint statement made available to journalists, said the overall success of the APC should be prioritised in thoughts and actions by all stakeholders.

    The statement read in part: “Today more than ever before, the APC is being perceived by the people in Ondo State, including its arch-rival, the PDP, as the party with the brightest chance to form the next government in the state because of the maladministration of the present government.

    “We are aware of agitations in some quarters for the composition of fresh congresses purportedly to create a level-playing ground for both old and new APC members, especially the aspirants and their teeming supporters”.

    The aspirants who are mainly former PDP leaders said the present executives (delegates)have been elected before they joined the APC but pointed out that having a newly constituted executives cum delegates would put them at advantage during the governorship primaries.

    However,they maintained that it was not in their character to pursue personal interest to the detriment of party interest, saying, “we should rejoice in our collective victory and not individual interest.”

    “As loyal party men, we believe in the unity and oneness of the party. Therefore, we will prefer the party making use of the present executives (delegates) for the forth coming primary election.”

    According to them, “we are convinced that such a step portends greater danger than any good to the party. At the moment, all aspirants should work with the present executives (delegates) to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks for the party.”

  • Ondo APC aspirant calls for free, fair primary

    Ondo APC aspirant calls for free, fair primary

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State Foluso Adefemi has urged the leadership of the party  to conduct a credible primary.

    Adefemi, who spoke while inaugurating his campaign coordinators, said the large number of aspirants gunning for the APC ticket is an indication that it is the party to beat.

    Adefemi, who is from Akoko Division of the Northern Senatorial District, has inaugurated his campaign coordinators at the wards and local governments in the three senatorial districts. But, Ondo East, Ondo West and Owo local government coordinators have not been inaugurated.

    At the event were members of the steering committee of Foluso Adefemi for Governor, led by Prince Adeyefa Adejare.

    The aspirant urged the new coordinators to attend meetings regularly and mobilise support for him and the APC.

    He has promised to create wealth and employment, if he becomes governor.

    Besides, he pledged to provide infrastructure, security, good healthcare delivery system, and qualitative education.

    He assured the people of his avowed committment to good governance that would be a turning point in the history of the state.

    Adefemi lamented the poor economic situation and unemployment in the state,promising to bring rapid development to the people.

    The Director, Strategy and Mobilisation of the Campaign Organisation, Olorunnimbe Ameto, assured that the governorship aspirant would use his wealth of experience in business and administration to uplift the state,if given the chance to rule.

    He said the present economic depression in the state, in spite of its numerous resources, was prompted by bad leadership.

  • Ondo APC slams Wabba for comment on Mimiko

    Ondo APC slams Wabba for comment on Mimiko

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday criticised a comment credited to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba on the tenure and performance of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    The NLC President, in a letter of commendation, congratulated the governor on his seventh year anniversary and the state’s 40th anniversary for transforming Ondo to a modern and one of the leading states in the country.

    But the APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, said: “On completion of his uneventful eight years tenure, all indications have shown that Mimiko would be leaving the state worse than he met it.

    “The seven years is characterised by pains, anti-masses policies and suffering. Where are the six-lane roads the governor promised the Akure people? Where is the small London he promised to turn the state capital into?

    “Why did he abandon all the projects the Olusegun Agagu administration could not complete? Projects such as the Owena Water Dam which the Agagu administration spent billions of naira on; the Olokola Free-Trade Zone; the OK-LNG Plant; the uncompleted Akure Township Stadium at Araromi; the refinery he promised during his campaign for the second term, to mention but a few.”

  • Ondo APC council chairman suspended

    Ondo APC council chairman suspended

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the four local government areas of Akoko land of Ondo State have recommended the suspension of the party chairman in Akoko South West, Bolakale Daodu, for six months.

    His suspension was the fall-out of the meeting hosted by Board of Trustee (BOT) member Ali Olanusi, where Daodu was indicted over the role he played during the recent political violence in Oka-Akoko.

    In a communiqué jointly signed by Olanusi and two other party leaders, they recommended that the vice-chairman takes over the responsibility of the chairman during the suspension.

    The Akoko leaders re-affirmed the age long support of Akoko for progressive politics, which has been demonstrated over the years in consistent victory of the progressives, including the APC.

    They pledged their collective desire to work together for the progress and success of the party during the next governorship election.

    Besides, they charged all aspirants in Akoko land to continue to meet in unity for the progress of the party.

    The communiqué reads: “All aspirants, irrespective of where they come from, must be free to move to any area in Akoko land to canvass for support without molestation.

    “We appeal to Chief Segun Abraham and his community (Ikare) and the people of Akoko North East to see the attack as an incident that will not occur again in Akoko land.

    “A letter of apology will be written to Abraham and his local government by the political leaders in Akoko South West. We also warn all leaders who keep and fund thugs to refrain from such.”

  • Ondo APC chides Mimiko for ‘incompetence’

    Ondo APC chides Mimiko for ‘incompetence’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has said Governor Olusegun Mimiko lacks the economic knowledge to rule the state.

    In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the APC said: “We have been vindicated on our allegation of economic incompetence of the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko-led government, which is not paying attention to the declining status of the state’s economy.

    “The state has not recorded any single capital import into the state in the past four years of the administration.”

    The party recalled that a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics ranked the state as the least among states that have not imported capital.

    Otaloro said “among the oil producing states, Cross-River, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Edo and Rivers recorded significant amount of capital import to their various states.

    “One may be forced to ask what was the need for all the numerous foreign trips by the governor, particularly when he could not attract any major investment to the state.

    “It is evident that Governor Mimiko has been going on safaris all the while in all his foreign trips and in pursuit of his personal agenda at the expense of the state.”

  • ‘Ondo APC needs good candidate’

    ‘Ondo APC needs good candidate’

    The Elders Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has been advised to align with the state executive committee and the women wing to ensure that an experienced and credible party man emerge as the candidate for the governorship election.

    Besides, leaders and supporters of the party are urged to jettison ethnic bias and sentiments in choosing a dedicated and well focused individual to deliver the good in the interest of the masses.

    At a meeting in Iju, Akure North Local Government,the Chairman, APC Elders Forum, Senator Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, said: ”We must search for an indigene who is prepared to reposition the state by utilising its abundant resources to improve the poor economic situation and welfare of the citizenry.

    “We must seize the rare opportunity of the forth coming governorship election to vote a God-fearing person who will not disappoint the people”.

    The Second Republic senator from Ondo Central District recalled that people voted massively for President Muhammadu Buhari during last year’s election, adding that they have another opportunity to choose their governor.

    Farukanmi urged the people to vote massively for the APC candidate to bring the desired change.

    The seasoned politician who lamented the dwindling revenues from the Federation Account, urged the federal, state and local government to find alternative ways of generating funds for their developments.

    He noted that there were some states whose governments have borrowed huge amounts of money in the past which would now be difficult to defray,urging Ondo state people to pick experienced and versatile politician who can reposition the economy of the state.

    Over 100 members of the Elders Forum of the APC were in attendance at the meeting.

     

  • Ondo APC to Mimiko: present budget

    Ondo APC to Mimiko: present budget

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday took a swipe at Governor Olusegun Mimiko for failing to present the 2016 budget.

    The party in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said by now, the execution of the budget ought to have started, with revenue and expenditure monitored to guard against deficit.

    APC lamented that instead the governor and his lieutenants were developing the 2017 budget.

    It noted that the 2015 budget was being audited to ensure that monies were properly spent and accounted for.

    The statement observed that the delay in the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill by the governor might worsen the people’s standard of living.

    It said: “We feel strongly that with the delay, the level of corrupt practices in this government might increase owing to the late implementation of capital votes.

    “Surely, capital projects will suffer and when this happens, the standard of living will fall because capital projects are what impact on the standard of living of the people.

  • Ondo APC divided over council poll

    Ondo APC divided over council poll

    •Aspirants united

    Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders are divided over whether or not to participate in the April 23 local government election.

    According to some of them, it is a ploy by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deceive the citizens.

    They spoke at a Leaders’ Consultative meeting at the Akure City Hall, the state capital.

    The meeting also aligned most of the party leaders, including governorship aspirants.

    Present were the party’s Southwest Vice Chairman, Chief Ayo Akinyelure;  Minister of State for Niger Delta Cladius Daramola; former Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi;  State Vice Chairman Ade Adetimehin; Bola Ilori; Mrs. Oladunni Odu; Femi Agagu; Tunji Abayomi;  Rotimi Rahman and Abayomi Adesanya.

    Others include the lawmaker representing Akoko South East/Akoko South East, Kolawole Babatunde; Ademola Adegoroye; Gboyega Adedipe; Gboyega Adefarati; Adewale Omojuwa; Mrs Jumoke Anifowose; Diran Iyantan; Senator Ayo Akinyelure and Pius Osunyikanmi.

    Governorship aspirants include Senator Ajayi Boroffice; Tayo Alasoadura; Olusola Oke; Rotimi Akeredolu; Segun Abraham; Foluso Adefemi; Awodeyi Akinsehinde (Apata); Victor Olabimtan; Odunayo Akinrinsola; Niran Sule; Bode Ayorinde; Derin Adesida; Bukola Adetula and Paul Akintelure, among others.

    The State Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, described the election as “illegal” and a “sham” meant to trap the APC ahead of the governorship election.

    Kekemeke accused members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) of being chieftains of the Labour/Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The chairman said: “Our participation or otherwise has been thoroughly discussed at the Central Working Committee (CWC), the State Executive Committee (SEC) and the expanded executive.

    “The conclusion reached was that the election is a sham meant to trap our party. It is an illegal ‘election’ about to be conducted when there is a subsisting case on the matter at the Supreme Court.

    “Besides, Mimiko’s ODIEC is composed of LP/PDP membership card carrying members.

    “Worse still, this LP/PDP government is highly deficient in character, integrity and fairness that it cannot be trusted to midwife any free and fair process.”

    Kekemeke’s address was applauded by Babatunde, who said participating in the election would be a fruitless effort.

    Babatunde alleged that “Governor Olusegun Mimiko planned to write the results from his Alagbaka home and if APC participates or not, that does not change anything”.

    “So, I will advise party leaders not to allow our members to participate in the election.”

    But, Akeredolu, who was the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in 2012, urged party leaders to participate in the election.

    Akeredolu, a lawyer, said this would give the party locus standi to challenge the outcome of the election in future.

    A chieftain of the party from Okitipupa Local Government, Olayeye Ayeniyi, backed Akeredolu’s statement.

    Ayeniyi said: “If Mimiko knows that APC is going to participate in the election, he will postpone the election because he is aware that he has lost his political control in the state.

    “If we participate in the poll, we will give Mimiko a run for his money and also prepare our party for the governorship election later in the year.”

    Oke said the party cannot participate in the election because there is a case still pending in the Supreme Court, challenging the illegality of local government chairmen who were elected during the late Governor Olusegun Agagu’s tenure.

    “As counsel to the litigants, I will write a letter to ODIEC chairman in case he is ignorant of the court case.

    “One of the reliefs sought before the Supreme Court is the reinstatement of the councillors and chairmen sacked by Mimiko.”

    However, Akinyelure said he would officially inform the national leaders on the matter and report back to the party.

    Daramola urged aspirants and supporters to unite, adding that “our common enemies are PDP and Governor Mimiko”.