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Tag: UPP

  • Chidoka dumps PDP for UPP

    Chidoka dumps PDP for UPP

    A chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Osita Chidoka, said he would defect to another political party to enable him to realise his governorship aspiration in Anambra.

    Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday and said that he would dump PDP for United Progressive Party (UPP) on Wednesday.

    The statement by the Director-General of his campaign organisation, Mr Bright Nebedum, said Chidoka would declare for the UPP in his hometown, Obosi.

    It explained that Chidoka’s decision to move to another political party was in furtherance of his political aspiration.

    It said that the declaration, the former minister would unveil his plans and vision “towards redirecting the fortunes of Anambra and restoring its lost political and economic glory’’.

    The statement added that Chidoka stood out with his reputation as a forthright administrator and manager of resources and had never failed in any assignment.

    It noted that before becoming minister in 2014, he showed his mettle as the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

    It said that the Chidoka already commanded overwhelming support from various segments of Anambra citizenry.

    “Chidoka already commands overwhelming support from various segments of Anambra citizenry on which we will leverage to run a robust, all-inclusive and broad-based governorship election campaign,” the statement said.

    The governorship in Anambra has been fixed for Nov. 18 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

     

     

  • ‘Southeast governors afraid of UPP’

    ‘Southeast governors afraid of UPP’

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has said Southeast governors are afraid of the rising influence of the party, ahead of  the governorship election in Anambra state.

    The reason, according to the party, is their sudden interest in the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi kanu after many months of nonchalant attitude by them.

    In a statement in Awka, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Uche Amaku, described the governors as rudderless.

    He said the governors were frightened by the romance between UPP, IPOB and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    Amaku said the party had a cordial relationship with the Biafran agitators, debunked the claim that the party was being sponsored by the groups.

    He said: “however, the governors’ belated interest in the unjust punishment being meted to Kanu stems more from concerns for their political future than genuine discomfort over the IPOB leader’s fundamental human rights”

    “As a political party we do not know how to tell the rudderless Southeast governors good morning in the evening of Kanu’s travails, because we do not know where the governors have been all these while even when one of them collaborated with security personnel to undermine the rights of IPOB members”

    ”It is on record that a member of UPP, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, was the first Igbo leader to bring the injustice against Kanu and IPOB to the public domain, especially at a time when none of the governors or political leaders could mention the word Biafra”

    Amaku added: “Based on the foregoing, we are inclined to believe that the latter-day concern of the erstwhile moribund Southeast Governors Forum stems from their apprehension over the growing influence and clout of the UPP in Southeast, particularly Anambra State where UPP has become the party to beat in the November 18, 2017 governorship poll”

    “It is an open secret that Ndigbo, including youths and women enamoured of Biafra, have identified UPP as their special purpose vehicle to ventilate their desire to assert their political identity and independence”

    “They are therefore, not deceived by the empty promises of Southeast governors most of whom got into office through a debatable electoral popularity, most especially when they show manifest disconnect with the aspirations of the masses” Amaku said.

  • UPP gears up for Anambra governorship poll

    THE Anambra State United Progressive Party (UPP) has inaugurated its Working Committee (SWC), ahead of the November 18, 2017 governorship election. Speaking during the inauguration, its Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Chris Uche, urged the newly-constituted SWC to work for the victory of the party in the election.

    He said the best way to address the growing agitations by the various ethnic nationalities is through fiscal responsibility and restructuring.

    Uche condemned the continued incarceration of those clamouring for self-determination, adding that they had the right to do so in a democratic society. He said the imbalance in the structure of the Nigerian federation was responsible for such movements.

    The oath was administered on the new SWC members by the National Legal Adviser, Prof Francis Dike (SAN).

    Dike urged them to uphold the ideology of the party, which he said was founded on the principle of fairness and equity for all, especially the oppressed.

    The Chairman, Dr Evans Igwilo, said the party represents the conscience of Ndigbo and that it will succeed in its bid to unseat the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) government, led by Governor Willie Obiano, because it has a superior manifesto.

    Other members of the SWC include: Chibunna Chidiebere (Vice Chairman); Fidelis Okafor (Secretary); Chidi Nwafor (Assistant Secretary); Godwin Onyemobi (Vice Chairman South); Celestine Ofuegbu (Vice Chairman North); and Anthony Agu (Vice Chairman Central).

  • Anambra UPP mobilizes for voter registration, adopts new slogan

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has urged people of voting age in Anambra to get registered and obtain their permanent voter cards in the ongoing voter registration across the country.
    The state Chairman of UPP, Dr Sylvester Igwilo, made the call in Awka on Friday at the end of its emergency state executive meeting.

    He said that the call had become imperative as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began fresh voter registration on April 10.

    Igwilo said that since registration was the crucial first step to obtaining the permanent voter card, those who have attained the voting age of 18 and those that lost their PVCs should make it a point of duty to go and register.

    “Anambra UPP believes that the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act by the senate months before the Nov.18 governorship election is a positive indication that the choice of the people expressed through their votes would be respected,” he said.

    Igwilo said that the party had adopted a new slogan which had been developed into a jingle, as part of strategies to raise awareness to mobilize the people for exercise.

    “This is to ensure that no qualified voter is left out in the election.
    “ The slogan says; “Inweta go PVC gi? Ejim ofo election” meaning have you got your PVC? I have my symbol for election,’’ he said.
    He said that the party had been at the forefront in the advocacy for full electronic voting as part of the electoral system to curb rigging, violence and all forms of electoral malfeasance.
    “Now that the senate has done the needful, we plead with every citizen in the state to register because for the first time, the people have been given the legal impetus to elect the next governor of Anambra.
    “This is a golden opportunity for us to make our voices heard about the goings on in our state and nation, because through the PVC and electronic voting, political power will return to the people, the real drivers in democracy.
    “It is expected that with the freedom and ease guaranteed by the new Electoral Act and electronic voting, Anambra people will come out en mass and obtain their PVCs,’’ Igwilo said.

  • UPP accuses APGA of not fighting for Ndigbo

    UPP accuses APGA of not fighting for Ndigbo

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has accused the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) of not fighting for the interest of Ndigbo. The party made the accusation while unfolding its plans for the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.
    Its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Uche Amaku, while speaking with reporters in Awka, the state capital, said UPP was ready to shove APGA aside in the election.
    He said: “UPP is sympathetic to Igbo cause, while APGA is not. And that is the difference between the two political parties, and we are set to take what belongs to us”
    “After 15 years of APGA’s existence and 11 years in power in Anambra State, it became obvious that the party has lost its bearing and focus and failed to serve as a platform for all marginalised persons in Nigeria, especially Ndigbo, to participate fully in the country’s democratic system”
    “APGA became the political instrument of a few individuals and failed to serve, as its intended purpose of mainstreaming the collective aspirations of Ndigbo”
    “The party became a tool of political oppression of youths and women, as it failed to provide the enabling environment for many people to gain political experience through participation in democratic governance”
    ”It was against the need to revert to the original vision of the founding fathers for Ndigbo and politically marginalised persons to have a space for participation and voice that the UPP was founded”
    Amaku debunked the allegation that UPP was working with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other Biafra agitators to take over Anambra during the election.
    He said the UPP would not give its governorship ticket to any aspirant that failed in another party, following his or her defection to the party.

  • Why I will not use police security, by UPP candidate

    Why I will not use police security, by UPP candidate

    The governorship candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Adviser Shedrack Nowamagbe, has stated that he would not use men of the Nigeria police Force as part his security details because of corruption if elected as governor.

    Nowamagbe, a social critic and musician, said part of his reasons were that police demanded money to provide security at the flagging off campaign rally of his party.

    His words: “You write a letter to them and they will ask you to bring money before they send policemen to you.”

    He spoke in Benin City after he was presented with the party’s flag by National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie.

    Nowamagbe promised to work with lawmakers to legalize activities of vigilantes in the state with a view to providing adequate security in the state.

    He urged the people not to vote for the PDP or the APC because ‘they are same fellows’.

    Nowamagbe noted Governor Adams Oshiomhole performed under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria did nothing since the party changed its name to APC.

    He alleged that Governor Oshiomhole rigorous campaigns for Obaseki was to provide cover for $200m loan recently secured by the Edo State government.

    On why the people should not vote for the PDP, Nowamagbe said the party consists of the ‘same old cargoes who frustrated Lucky Igbinedion’.

    According to him, “I am going to crush them to recover any state money with them because I am allergic to corruption. I will not compromise on that.”

    “There will be good road network that will open up rural areas in the state. We will make Edo a good place not live as there will be stable electricity from solar power.”

    On his part, Chief Okorie said the APC has cancelled every promises made to Nigerians.

    Okorie said the state will witnessed development when the people vote in a UPP government.

    Meanwhile, candidate of the People For Democratic Change (PDC), Bishop Akhalamhe has earlier raised alarmed for money demanded by officials of Nigeria Police before security would be provided at campaign rallies.

    Bishop said the Nigeria Police Force failed to provide security at the party primaries because he refused to pay N200,000 that was demanded

    Responding, State Commissioner of Police, Chriz Ezike, said he has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to investigate the allegations.

    Ezike said political parties were not supposed to pay for police to provide security.

  • UPP picks running mate

    UPP picks running mate

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has picked an international business woman, Roseline Davies Okosun, as its deputy governorship candidate.

    Okosun hails from Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area. Interestingly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to Ahmed Makarfi, picked John Yakubu, also from Uromi, as the deputy governorship candidate to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    Coordinator of Nowamagbe Campaign Organisation, Omorodion Oregbe, said the choice of a fe male deputy governor was to show that the party believes in women empowerment.

    Omorodion said the UPP had to tell the masses that women would be given priority when the party assumes power in November.

  • Artistes back UPP candidate

    Edo artistes, under the aegis of Edo Artistes Association of Nigeria (EAAN), have endorsed the United Progressive Party (UPP) flag bearer, Adviser Shedrack Nowamagbe, as the next governor of Edo State.

    Nowamagbe, a musician and social critic, was elected as the candidate during the party’s primary.

    Party memberrs hailed the exercise, saying that it was free, fair and credible. No fewer than  400 delegates participated at the primary.    The artistes gave their endorsement at a party organised to honour Nowamagbe.

    The President of the association, Mr. West Osasuyi, said members  endorsed Nowamagbe because the previous administrations in the state abandoned the entertainment industry.

    Osasuyi said the industry has played an important role in the political and democratic development of the state.

    He said if Nowamagbe, who is a member of the association, becomes the governor,  he would uplift the image of the industry.

    Nowamagbe expressed appreciation for the support and promised not to breach the confidence and trust reposed in him by the association.

    He said joined the race, not as a politician, but because he was called by God to effect a positive change.

    Nowamagbe promised to liaise with some Chinese firms to build an Independent Power Plant (IPP), with a view to boosting power supply in the state.

    He said he would build on the legacies of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

  • Two UPP aspirants step down

    •party holds primary today

    Two aspirants of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Godwin Osiramhe and Johnson Aigbodumhe, have stepped down from the governorship race.

    The stepping down of the aspirants have left popular musician, Adviser Shedrack Nowamagbe, as the only contender for the ticket.

    The party primary holds today.

    No fewer than 400 delegates will vote at the primary.

    The Chairman of the party, Omorodion Oregbe, who said only Adviser Nowamagbe bought the nomination form for N5m.

    Omorodion said that three national officers of the party led by Chief Ogbuefi Dike were expected to conduct the primary.

    Speaking on the 490,000 PVCs yet to be collected, Omorodion said the party has been educating the masses on the need to collect their PVCs.

  • Kogi: CNPP cautions Wada on litigation

    Kogi: CNPP cautions Wada on litigation

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) Kogi State chapter has urged the Governor Idris Wada to promptly rescind the proposed court litigation against the Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s election.

    This they said will enable the governor-elect enjoy a smooth take off with his administration, next year.

    This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman, Alhaji Abdanis Abubakar Ibrahim and the secretary, Ilyas Badanga, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Lokoja Tuesday.

    They stated that the call had become imperative, in order to have a pleasant transition period and for the benefit of an inclusive government that would be mutually beneficial to all and sundry.

    The CNPP also commended the measures taken so far by Wada administration towards smooth transition of governance.

    The Kogi CNPP which comprises of ADC, DPC, DPP, ID, KOWA, NCP, PDM, UPP and YDP, all of which contested the governorship election in the state appealed to Hon. James  Abiodun Faleke, the deputy governor-elect to shift ground and allow for a synergy that will put the name of both executive leaders in the sand of history among the patriots.

    It added: “CNPP hereby challenge Hon. James Faleke to hournor the people’s clarion call to him to offer his leadership services in compliance with the party’s interest.

    “Disputations and litigations will only deafen his sensibilities against the will of the people now that matters most. Please Honourable come and join hands with the peoples administration.”