The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peoples Democratic Party

  • Restructuring will address IPOB agitation – Atiku

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has stated that true federalism and restructuring being clamored by different ethnic groups in the country would address secession threat by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

    Atiku stated this in a chat with journalists at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Finbarrs road, Umuahia, the state capital at the end of a closed door meeting with national delegates of the PDP during his visit in the state.

    Atiku while debunking insinuations that the Northerners were averse to restructuring further stated that devolution of power and creation of state said that the all that was needed is for all the sections of the country to come to a roundtable to redefine how best to move the country forward.

    Atiku who was earlier received at the Exco chamber of the State by Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the watch of President Buhari of destroying the achievements of the 16 years of PDP leadership in the country within three years of being in power.

    Read Also: Secondus, Atiku deplore ‘police attack’

    Former vice president and presidential hopeful of the PDP informed his host that he was in the state to woo support of the national delegates ahead of the party’s national convention and presidential primary coming up later this year.

    He used the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Ikpeazu’s led administration in the state which he (Atiku) noted has brought transformation and development to the state. This is even as he described Aba, the commercial nerve of the state as a city with great economic potential which any serious government cannot overlook.

    “I believe that when you restructure this country and you give more resources and powers to component units of this country, you will not have the problem of IPOB. IPOB is looking for self-determination and when you devolve more powers and resources that will take care of the agitation.

    “Our great party is at the cross road as well as the country. We have never been so divided in all my life in this country the way that we are divided today between the North south and east and Christians and Muslims. It is a very serious issue.

    “We have the issue of insecurity. You are not secure in any part of the country. Of course, we have one of the greatest economic declines in the history of this country. There has never been a time when we recorded more than 11million people out of their jobs in this country; this is the first time that we are witnessing that. In every aspect of the country, we have gone back while other countries are forging ahead, we are declining. There is no unity, no security and the economy is bad as well.

    “Therefore, it has become imperative that we put our heads together and unite and make sure that we elect a leader that can reverse all these negative growth this party (APC) has brought to this country. It is on record that 16years of PDP administration in this country has improved the standard of living of this country.

    “During the PDP, Nigeria was declared debt free country but within three years, all the 16 years achievements of the PDP have been reversed completely by the APC led administration, so there is need for us to elect a leadership that can reverse all these negative growths that we have achieved in the last three years.

    “I have been an advocate of either local or community policing to deal with local issues. I do not know of a federation that has a Centralized Policing.”

    In his response, Dr. Ikpeazu described Atiku as a man that has great administrative and leadership experience who has been able to make his marks in both public and private sector and expressed hope that he (Atiku) uses his experience to bring transformation to all sectors of the country.

    According to Ikpeazu, it is important that Nigerians should take the right decisions in choosing who leads them if the country must move forward from its precarious state.

  • Ekiti 2018: FG spending Abacha loot to win poll for Fayemi, says Olusola

    People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, has alleged that the Federal Government has set aside part of the $321 million loot of the late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha for Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

    He claimed that about $50m of the recovered loot was ferried from Abuja in a chartered flight through Akure Airport and conveyed to Ekiti State in two bullion vans to be spent in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The Director, Media and Publicity of Kolapo Olusola Campaign Organisation, Lere Olayinka, also alleged in a statement on Thursday that “preliminary findings” indicated that N2.5bn cash was transferred by the Kebbi State Government to an account in UBA, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

    He said, “We called you here to intimate the public through your various media organisations of the movement of huge cash by the federal government to Ekiti State for the Saturday election.

    “Last week Saturday, two bullion vehicles were moved to the Akure Airport to evacuate cash brought from Abuja by a chartered flight.

    “The flight landed when it was raining and all staff of the airport were barred from going near the aircraft while the cash was evacuated into the two bullion vehicles.

    “After offloading the huge cash, the bullion van first moved to the Ondo State Government House in Akure from where they left for Isan Ekiti, the hometown of the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    On the alleged cash from Kebbi State, he said: “It was withdrawn immediately and moved with a private jet to Akure.

    Read Also: Okada riders get free fuel from Fayemi

    “Also, apart from the N2.5 billion, another $50m (about N18bn) was taking from the $321m recovered from the late Abacha family.

    “Our question is, how can a government that claimed to be fighting corruption released billions of naira from the public coffers for the governorship election of a single State? Where is their fight against corruption?”

    Olusola called on Nigerians to note this wanton looting of public fund by the APC government to fund election of its members.

    “We must tell Fayemi and his APC that the conscience of the people of Ekiti cannot be purchased and we call on the people of Ekiti to resist the planned use of stolen fund to buy their votes of Saturday,” he added.

    Olusola also called the attention of the public to alleged intimidation and harassment of PDP members by men of the Department of State Services and policemen.

    “Already, Akin Fakorede, an officer of the Federal SARS has been posted to Ekiti State, ostensibly to play the same ignoble role that he played during the Rivers State election.

    “Let me say it clearly that no amount of intimidation will scare our people away from the polling units where they will vote for the PDP on Saturday.

    “We have the people behind us and they are more than ready to give our candidate their votes on Saturday.”

  • Nasarawa PDP protests attacks on Gov. Fayose

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa state on Thursday staged a peaceful protest against the attack on its members in Ekiti state including the state governor, Ayodele Fayose, by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives in the state.

    Addressing party supporters from the 13 local government areas at the state PDP secretariat, the state chairman of the party, Mr. Francis Orogwu, expressed worry over the ill treatment meted out on their members in Ekiti and described the development as undemocratic.

    Orogu, therefore, urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to remain neutral in the cause of providing security in Ekiti state election as well as the forthcoming general elections in the country.

    Hon. Orogu in a five paragraph protest letter submitted to the state commissioner of police, Nasarawa state command, Mr. Yahaya Bello, said: “Our appeal to the IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris is to remain neutral in the cause of providing security in Ekiti state election and in the forthcoming 2019 general elections across the country.”

    Read Also: Ekiti poll: Controversy as police disperse PDP’s rally

    He said the situation in Ekiti has scared other members of the party in Nasarawa state whether the security operatives will be neutral during the general elections, describing it as abnormal in the present political dispensation.

    According to him: “Our PDP members who were holding a peaceful rally were tear-gased and some political leaders manhandled”.

    “We are demanding for a fair play ground from all the political parties in the state,” he added.

    He, however, maintained that if the security operatives in the country continue to display act of favoritism in democratic activities, it would hinder electorates in the country from producing the best presidential candidate and candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general elections at all levels.

    He then assured all the party members in the state not to panic; declaring that PDP would clinch the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

  • PDP cautions NYSC over Adeosun’s alleged forgery

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) not to cover up the alleged forgery of its Exemption Certificate by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

    The Minister is presently embroiled in controversy over her NYSC Exemption Certificate, which she was alleged to have forged in 1999.

    In a statement on Wednesday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party reminded the NYSC that the matter was already in the public domain and that any attempt at cover up would hurt the Corps’ reputation.

    The statement said, “Moreover, Nigerians are closely monitoring this issue and the public is already aware of pressure on the NYSC leadership to announce a misplacement of relevant files and other excuses to achieve a dead end in the investigation.

    Read Also: Alleged forgery: PDP wants Adeosun sacked, prosecuted

    “The NYSC must therefore know that its reputation is highly at stake as Nigerians are already agitated over the questionable delay by the Corps in coming out with an answer on a direct issue that requires a simple computer or even manual file check at its headquarters.

    “Indeed, a simple process of matching the serial numbering, date and authorizing signature on Mrs. Adeosun’s certificate does not require a lengthy investigation or the current shenanigan going on at the NYSC headquarters.

    “NYSC is advised to have in mind that in this age of global Information Communication Technology (ICT), there is nothing anybody can do to suppress or distort facts, even in the public service.  Any attempt to cover up will invoke the wrath of Nigerians and irredeemably rubbish the integrity and respect the Corps has earned over the years.

    “The NYSC must therefore not allow its reputation to be dragged in the mud by the discredited All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration that has become notorious for concealment of fraud and sharp practices by its officials”.

  • Ekiti: PDP chair, Atiku deplore police attack on Fayose

    The national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have deplored Wednesday’s police attack on the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.

    The duo also deplored the invasion of the Ekiti State Government House by police and other security personnel, where Fayose was allegedly tear gassed.

    At a media briefing in Abuja, Secondus accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of making a self-succession cruise to turn the country into a fascist state.

    He recalled a recent statement by the national chairman of the APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, saying that the ruling party was going to crush the opposition.

    Secondus said the situation in Ekiti has reinforced the signpost of a manifest desire by the APC and its leaders to subdue the resilient spirit of Nigerians and set up a totalitarian regime in the country.

    The party said, “This morning, in its desperation to forcefully take over Ekiti State, the APC-led Federal Government deployed armed police personnel led by one Compol Mopol Echel Echel, who blocked the Ekiti State Government House, attacked and placed the democratically elected governor of Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose, under house arrest. At the moment, no one goes in or out of the government house.

    “The invading police squad sacked the official security at the Government House, fired sporadically into the premises during which Governor Fayose was beaten up by policemen and brought down by volleys of teargas while several others were injured.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    “This, we have been informed, is part of the ‘order from above’, in line with the earlier boast by the Buhari-led APC, to ‘cage’ Governor Fayose ahead of the July 14, 2018 Ekiti governorship election, so as to grant their agents a field day to rig the election.

    “In fact, we have been made aware that the invasion was a plot to assassinate Governor Fayose and blame it on accidental discharge by one of the policemen”

    The party chairman described the development as an assault on the governor and a siege to the government house, saying it constituted a recipe for violence.

    “It’s a complete attack on our democratic order and direct assault on the corporate existence of Ekiti and her people as a federating part of our nation.

    “We know that this is part of the desperate effort by the APC-led Federal Government to intimidate, subjugate, frighten and overawe the people and unleash a rigging mechanism for the election.

    “Information available to the PDP reveals that part of the rigging design includes the deploying of an APC state governor in each of the local government areas across the state to coordinate the plot.

    “We also know that the APC rally on Tuesday, which was boycotted by the people of Ekiti State, was a gimmick to import thugs from neighboring states.

    “Our supporters, who have been placed at red alert, have been monitoring all strange faces already milling around in various local government areas in the state.

    “Also our intelligence reveals that the 30,000 policemen as well as some compromised military personnel deployed to Ekiti state are being positioned to embark on mass arrest and harassment of Ekiti citizens with the view to frightening them and preventing them from participating in the election”, Secondus added.

    On his part, Atiku described the development in Ekiti as appealing. In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku said

    It was an uncivil assault on democracy and fell short of democratic best practices.

    The former Vice President the administration that it came into being because the past administration of the PDP ensured free and fair elections at all levels in 2015.

    The statement said, “Having been a beneficiary of such propriety, it is incumbent on the Federal Government not to deprive others of the ladder it was provided by its predecessors.

    “Free, fair and credible elections are not a privilege. They are a right! The peaceful congregating of the good people of Ekiti State, be they members of the All Progressive Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party or of any other party, must be allowed by the Federal Government”.

    Atiku observed that it’s not in the place of any government to harass, intimidate, hound and humiliate political opponents in an election.

    He urged the Federal Government to provide a level playing ground and guarantee the security of the electorate and the principal political actors in the election.

    “The immunity that a president enjoys under the constitution is the same immunity being enjoyed by a state governor.

    “Thus, it is an aberration to democratic norms and practices in a federal system of government that one layer of government should muscle out another government on account of political differences.

    “The democracy and fundamental human rights that Nigerians enjoy today were earned at a very high price”.

    “Instructions must be immediately given to all law enforcement bodies on the ground in Ekiti State to act in the best interest of Nigeria”, Atiku added.

    He called on the federal government to stop anything that could jeopardise the nation’s democracy and urged those in charge of the security agencies to be aware that the whole world is watching.

    “It is too late in the day for anyone to think they can put that genie back into the bottle”, he said.

    Atiku admonished the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to douse the tension being generated over the governorship election in Ekiti State.

  • 2019: APC suffering from pre-defeat trauma, says PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) is on the “throes of death” and that its “panic-stricken” leadership has resorted to fabrications and cheap blackmail against those leaving their sinking ship in droves.

    The opposition party said the APC has become intensely nervous and chaotic over the soaring popularity of the PDP as well as the surge of Nigerians, across board, into its fold as a “repositioned and rebranded party”.

    The party also said it was not surprised that the APC, out of frustration, has resorted to sponsoring of spurious publications filled with deceptions, fabrications and lies against the PDP.

    A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, added that the ruling party was particularly unsettled by the “huge successes” recorded by the Liyel Imoke-led PDP Contact and Integration Committee, in seamlessly galvanizing alliances among stakeholders across other parties, including those returning from the APC.

    Read Also: I’ll remain in APC- Marafa

    The statement said, “The APC is further disconcerted by the spirit of accommodation, agreement and oneness of purpose that pervade the alliances among old, new and returning members of the PDP in our key structure across all the states of the federation, particularly in Sokoto, Kogi, Kwara and Kano states, where all new and returning members have been accorded very warm reception.

    “We know that the APC will stop at nothing in its sneaky efforts to cause confusion among our members, including suggesting that there are disagreements where none exists.

    “What the APC, in its depravity and desperation, has failed to note is that the PDP had, since its repositioning, made adequate arrangements, ahead of time, to accommodate all interests and alignments in this collective quest to rescue our nation from the misrule of President Muhammadu Buhari, come 2019.

    “The APC should come to terms with the fact that as the name of our great party connotes, the rebranded and repositioned PDP remains a party of all Nigerians and will continue to provide equal opportunity for all Nigerians to freely aspire, even for the highest position in the land, irrespective of creed, tribe or even previous party affiliations.

    “We advise the APC leaders to further accept the fact that their party is now beleaguered with a demystified and unpopular presidential candidate and an unelected National Chairman who is overburdened by corruption allegations and as such can no longer produce a President that will be acceptable to majority of Nigerians.

    “We therefore charge Nigerians to continue in their rally with the PDP as the epicenter of a new broad-based political engagement to rescue the nation and return her to the path of peace, unity and economic prosperity, come 2019”.

  • My chances of becoming Osun governor bright – Ogunbiyi

    Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi is a frontline governorship aspirant of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State. In an interactive session with some journalists in Lagos, Ogunbiyi spoke on his aspiration, saying his chances of succeeding Governor Rauf Aregbesola are very bright. Excerpts

    SOME people believe you are not qualified to run for the PDP ticket ahead of the Osun election because, according to them, you just joined the party. In fact, they said there is a rule banning people like you from contesting for the PDP primary?

    I am not a new comer in the PDP. When you are in business, you have your own sentiments, friends and associations. I have associated with the PDP since 2003.  And as a major stakeholder in Osun State, I actually became very active because of what I saw as injustice and bad governance. I, consciously, in 2015, joined the PDP to become active and partisan. And it is on record. You can check. As far as the state is concerned, I became more involved during the battle for supremacy that almost grounded the party. And I did everything within my reach; used my resources, contact and goodwill to bring peace into the party and, today, we have peace.

    So what was the attraction in PDP? What made it the party of choice?

    I am happy to be on the side of the majority. PDP is a party of ideology. Until our great party came to power and gave democracy a meaning, military dictators constantly intercepted Nigeria’s democracy. It was our credible party of ideology that gave democracy in the true sense of it and brought stability, economic progress and lots more to the nation. I joined PDP because of my conviction that it is a credible platform for democratic governance.

    What has been the attitude of the Osun people to your aspiration?

    This time around, Osun people are getting it right. They are supporting my ambition.  Everywhere I have visited, as if it was more than a rally, people trooped out, showed love because they want true change that will bring positive development to Osun and give hope to the hopeless.  These are what I have brought, including quality leadership, service to my people and people-centred development.

    The challenge of leadership is the same everywhere. Politics is not dirtier than business. They are both about problem solving. I have been a successful businessman for years. I am not coming into politics because I am chanced. For the past 6-8 years, I have been preparing myself for this assignment of leading Osun. I retired from the corporate world to join politics. So I am ready to give quality deliverables that people can feel and touch.

    Let us talk about your chances of picking the PDP ticket for the Osun election

    Of course, any of the 11 of us cleared by the PDP for the race can lead. We are all qualified people who actually can lead given our respective profiles. But my chances are bright. If you conduct an opinion poll today, based on realistic and practical profiling of all the aspirants, you would know that Ogunbiyi comes first because people are looking with discerning eyes and are concerned about who has a practical demonstration of achievements.

    Now moving beyond party primary, how confident are you that you will emerge the next governor of Osun?

    By the grace of God, I am going to be the next governor of Osun. We are going to work with everybody. I am happy with the responses I am getting. Our party is blessed. I have reached out to every aspirant. We really need to work together, harness our skills and form a formidable team. We are going to optimise every available expertise within the party to give good governance, leadership and create value to make life better for the people of the state.

    How do you see the Osun situation today?

    The biggest challenge facing Osun is not debt. Of all the states in Nigeria, Osun is highly endowed and blessed with resources. So, having good leadership who can identify, create and deploy values is crucial. Osun needs the right leadership, which I represent, and, by the grace of God, we will put everything in proper perspectives and the state will rise again and become a model for other states.

    Recall my background, I am into insurance. So, I am going to ensure that pensioners get their entitlements when due. By the special grace of God, civil servants and others’ salaries will also be paid when due. We will look at the debt profile and whatever needs to be done, will be done. I am an administrator to the core. The people of Osun will know that they have a governor.

    Can you give us an insight into the background of Akin Ogunbiyi; how he rose to become what he is today?

    I am a true born and a major stakeholder in Osun. I am not a foreigner, not Lagos based. I am a true son of Ile Ogbo. I was born in Ile Ogbo in Ayedire Local Government Area. I attended Ansarudeen Primary School (1969  1974). I went to Kuta, Ile Ogbo Modern School (1974  1975), Luther King’s College, Ile Ogbo (1975  1980) and proceeded to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (1980  1986). I am a village boy to the core and I live in my community. I am not just living in the community. I built a mansion in the community. I donated boreholes, give scholarships to indigent people and organise talent hunt in my community and elsewhere to the tune of 50 million naira yearly. I even named the university I am promoting the University of Ile Ogbo. Newcastle and Oxford are small villages too but they became popular because of the universities located there. I have 2,000 hectares of farmland along Gbongan  Iwo Road that employs hundreds of indigenes. The little blessing God has blessed me with from my business exploits, I have brought it back to benefit my community.

    I built many churches and mosques. This is not something I did overnight. I have been doing it for the past fifteen years. My contributions to the community are there and I have lived in Ile Ogbo for the past ten years. More than 50 percent of what God has given me was invested in Osun. In fact, if you see me on my farm, you will not be able to distinguish between me and my workers.

  • PDP in final talks with APC breakaway group

    Talks between the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and members of the breakaway group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were intensified at the weekend.

    A large number of aggrieved prominent chieftains of the APC had, on Wednesday, announced the formation of the Reformed APC, signaling their exit from the mainstream APC.

    Membership of the Reformed APC, as announced by its chairman, Alhaji Buba Galadima, cut across the various defunct political parties that merged to form the APC in 2014.

    Prominent among the chieftains being targeted by the PDP include the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki who is the de facto leader of the Reformed APC.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara and a large number of members of the two chambers of the National Assembly are also members of the group.

    Friday’s judgment of the Supreme Court discharging and acquitting Saraki of 18-count asset declaration case brought against him by the Federal Government before the Code of Conduct Tribunal has strengthened the hands of members of the Reformed APC.

    Read Also: PDP feeling anti-graft heat, says Presidency

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed on Friday that Saraki’s acquittal by the apex court has rejuvenated members of the group, who had awaited the judgment with bated breath.

    None of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was willing to comment on the status of negotiations between the party and the Reformed APC members.

    However, a highly placed party source confided in our correspondent on Friday that talks between the PDP and the defecting members of the APC were being wrapped up.

    “You seem to be in a hurry to get information about how far we have gone. But I would advise you to wait till next week to get a clearer picture of developments in that regard.

    “All I can tell you for now is that almost all the members of the Reformed APC are coming back home (PDP) because majority of them had their roots in the PDP before they went to join the now deserted APC in 2014.

    “We are putting finishing touches to our discussions and there is mutual trust and understanding between us and our compatriots from the Reformed APC”, the source who pleaded for anonymity said.

    Asked whether change of name for the PDP was one of the issues on the cards, the source simply said discussions have gone far beyond name change.

    According to him, it was agreed at the last discussion that there may not be any need for the PDP to change name, considering the fact that the PDP is a brand that’s firmly entrenched in every nook and cranny of the country.

    “If you will agree with me, you can see that the PDP has rebranded and things are no longer done the old ways. Our national convention held on December 17, 2017 was a testimony to our rebranded status”, the source added.

    However, our correspondent independently gathered that there are still some knotty areas in the discussion, particularly as regards the control of existing party structures across many states that are not under the control of the PDP.

    For instance, the various state executive committees in such states are already apprehensive that the structures of the party might be taken away from them and handed over to some prominent chieftains among the incoming members.

    Some of the state executive committee members cited the case of the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who defected from the Labour Party to the PDP in 2013.

    They recalled that the existing PDP structure in the state was taken away from the executive committee and handed over to Mimiko by the then national leadership of the PDP.

    The development had created serious tension between old members and the new entrants led by the former Ondo governor.

    Some party leaders had attributed the crisis that engulfed the Ondo chapter of the PDP and the eventual loss of the governorship seat in 2017 to the leadership crisis created in the state chapter by Mimiko’s re-entry into the PDP.

    Similarly, it was also gathered that majority of intending defectors in the Reformed APC, particularly among members of the National Assembly, have insisted on having automatic 2019 return tickets to their seats as part of the bargain.

    This has created a dilemma for the leadership of the PDP because if the demand is acceded to, many of the party’s members may have to be sacrificed for the intending new comers.

    The party leaders are worried that this may create another crisis for the PDP that could lead to the exodus of a large number of party faithful who may want to pursue their aspiration on different political platforms.

    Our correspondent reliably gathered that the leadership of the PDP would be meeting with the leadership of the Reformed APC
    in the days ahead, with the view to resolving this and other knotty issues.

  • Ekiti 2018: Atiku, Makarfi, Secondus, others storm Ekiti for Olusola

    Say PDP on mission to rescue Nigeria

    Fayose alleges intimidation, ‘rigging’ plot

     

    National leaders, presidential aspirants and governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday declared readiness to displace the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Presidency.

    They sounded the 2019 general election battle cry at the mega rally in Ado-Ekiti where they rallied support for the party’s candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, in the July 14 governorship election.

    Olusola was officially presented with the party’s flag by the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, at a rally staged on the highway at the foot of the flyover in Ojumose area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Mammoth crowd of party members, workers’ unions, students, youths, artisans, ethnic nationalities and members of the public utilized the opportunity to attend the rally.

    Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said the PDP is on a mission to rescue Nigeria from insecurity and other challenges confronting it.

    Other national leaders who restated the readiness of the PDP to take over power at the centre are former national Caretaker Chairman and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi; former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin.

    Atiku, Makarfi, Lamido and Bafarawa addressed the rally in their capacity as presidential aspirants.

    Read Also: Ekiti people will resist rigging of guber poll – PDP

    Atiku urged the people of Ekiti to vote continuity as represented by Olusola, who is seeking to succeed his boss, Governor Ayo Fayose, in the July 14 election.

    He said: “The people of Ekiti, I have known you since 1992; all the projects completed and taken Ekiti to higher level have been done by PDP alone.

    “PDP guarantees you good hospital, road, infrastructure, education and many other dividends of democracy, it is time for you to ensure that this administration continues because that is the key to development.

    “What we are doing is a rescue mission, we will bring back peace, security and prosperity of this country. Make sure you vote and stay there till results are announced.”

    Secondus said: “The PDP is rebranded and repositioned; we are here to rescue Nigeria from insecurity, from collapse and from hardship Nigerians are presently going through under the APC government.

    “Many Nigerians are being killed in Taraba, Benue and Plateau States. How many of our people will you kill? APC and its people are not God.

    “We refuse to be intimidated, it is their style to intimidate. Thus country is experiencing civil war because of killing and Buhari is behind it, APC is behind it, PDP will take over.

    “They have the plan to arrest our people, our members but we will not be intimidated. The APC is broken already, the broom has scattered. We have the best candidate for this election and he will take over from Fayose to continue the development of this state.”

    Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel said Nigerians are tired of APC leadership and are ready to vote out the broom party.

    Emmanuel claimed that it is only PDP states that things are working urging Ekiti residents to vote continuity and give their votes to Olusola.

    He urged security agencies to allow the conduct of a free, fair and credible election and ensure that the votes of the Ekiti electorate count.

    Other PDP governors who canvassed for votes for Olusola include Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Mr. Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Mr. Daris Ishaku (Taraba), Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd).

    Other prominent party leaders who attended the rally include former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, members of the National Working Committee and members of the Zonal Working Committee.

    Host Governor Fayose accused the APC of planning to the rig the governorship poll but maintained that the people of the state are ready to resist any attempt to manipulate the poll.

    He alleged that the intimidation ahead of the election had started with the alleged closure of the Akure Airport to prevent governors and other party leaders from attending the rally.

    Fayose said: “INEC, we know your plan that you want to rig for APC, we will follow you bumper-to-bumper. We know your preloaded agenda, how you are planning to release ballot papers to APC.

    “We knew what you did in Kogi, we knew what you did in Ondo, we know your plan. Whether APC resort to violence or not, Kolapo Olusola will be declared governor-elect of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

    “I want to say that over ninety nine per cent of those who will conduct the election are not from Ekiti; youth corpers, police, INEC are not from here, leave our state alone.

    “Look at this crowd, look at this young people, if you are living in our state, this is not a hired crowd, we don’t hire crowd here, these are people living in the state.”

    Fayose added: “Since Monday, they have been arresting PDP people, they arrested three teachers. In this election, it will be 16-0, it will be 16-0 again, the 16-0 is loading.

    “I got a letter on Wednesday that that I should come and welcome the President but I said I am not receiving the President because he has not done anything for Ekiti.

    “I want to condemn the Federal Government for what they have done; why do you have to close the Akure Airport? That is shameful, that is not patriotic, that is shameful.”

    Speaking after receiving the flag, Olusola, who was flanked by his wife, Janet, expressed confidence that he will win the election and will be declared governor-elect.

    Olusola said: “By the grace of Almighty God, we assure our leaders and Ekiti that we will sustain the good legacies of Fayose, we will improve on it and sustain the legacies.

    “I assure you of adequate security, healthcare, excellent infrastructure, civil service, education enterprises, and exemplary leadership among others.

    “Ours is a divine agenda.  It is a divine mission with divine agenda it cannot be conquered by APC. Congratulations Ekiti, your governor elect is talking.

  • Ahead 2019: Group seeks unity of Igbos for Buhari, Ambode’s re-election

    A socio-political group, Igbo Vision in APC, says the only way forward for Igbos in Lagos state is to unite and support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode in 2019.

    The group made the declaration on Wednesday at its meeting in Lagos, organised to endorse President Buhari and Gov. Ambode for re-election in 2019 general elections.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that various Igbo groups in the state must unite in the interest of Igbos in Lagos.

    “It is not about money, it is about our interest that we are fighting for. We should unite and showcase our strength. Based on our strength, we will be recognised.

    “We need to make a statement with our votes. Gov. Ambode wants Igbos in one form, we must harmonise everybody.

    “We need to have a single forum that will bear APC, either Igbo in APC or Ndigbo in APC that will accommodate everybody.

    “We need to work with other Igbo groups and persons to get the strength we need to negotiate and change the equation.

    Read Also: APC convention: Court refuses to stop Lagos’ delegates

    “Igbo nation should know that if we need to be relevant in Nigeria politically, we need to join APC for us to have a President of Nigeria from Igbo extraction in shortest distance.

    “We should queue behind Buhari in 2019,” he said.

    He urged Igbos to play the politics by bringing everyone together across the country and stop hate speech and bigotry.

    The publicity secretary quoted Buhari as saying that,“there is no reason why Igbo should not produce President in 2023”  and admonished all Igbos to “play reasonable politics.“

    Igbokwe, who also admonished Igbos in Lagos not to approach 2019 general elections with a divided house, recalled that the Igbos were polarised during 2015 general elections.

    He said that the division in the house affected the group in the scheme of things in Lagos APC.

    According to him, the leadership of APC in the state, after 2015 election results, thought every Igbo man voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hence the distrust for Igbos thereafter.

    Igbokwe commended the Executives of Igbos across all local government areas in Lagos state for standing behind the party in spite of the hard times the group went through after 2015 elections.

    According to him, though there is no serious opposition in Lagos like it happened in 2015, the Igbos should not repeat the mistake they made in 2015 elections by voting against Ambode.

    He reminded the Igbos in the state that “things have changed.“

    “In Lagos, we need to showcase our strength by bringing everybody on board. The fight for supremacy is over.

    “We are looking beyond peanuts, but on things that will help us and our children. Our votes must be noticed in numbers, we have a lot of work to do to be recognised.

    ” The number of Ndigbos in Lagos can no longer be ignored. We need to organise ourselves. “We don’t have any other place go than to remain in APC.

    “We must play the politics. We need to be on the same page. We should not be spectators, it is a game of number, we have to go out and fight for votes.”

    Also speaking, Chief Uche Dimgba, the Eze Ndigbo, Ikeja, said that there was need to sensitise Igbos on the need to unify and mobilise for Buhari and Ambode, to actualise the vision and aspirations of Igbos.

    Dimgba, who said that the group still believed in APC, added that no effort would be spared to bring all aggrieved together to support Buhari and Ambode.

    Mr Leo Obasi, the Organising Secretary of the group, said that there was a need for stronger Igbo organisations in Lagos APC for the benefits of Ndigbos.

    Obasi, who noted that the Igbo leadership in Lagos were divided, urged them to consider the future of the Sout-East people in the state in all they did.

    The meeting brought together Igbo leaders across the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    NAN