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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Kogi Governorship Election: I’ve Overcome Four Assassination Attempts

    Kogi Governorship Election: I’ve Overcome Four Assassination Attempts

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming Kogi State gubernatorial election, disclosed that he has narrowly escaped four assassination attempts within the state. Melaye opened up about these incidents during an interview with Arise Television.

    In his account, he emphasized that Kogi has been marked by a climate of tension ever since the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power seven years ago. He stated, “I have survived four assassination attempts; I have had 12 court cases of FG vs. Dino Melaye, and I have been attacked severally. It is not new, as it is in the DNA of the APC to be violent.”

    Melaye described Kogi State as being in dire need of rapid redevelopment, likening it to an “evil forest” that requires immediate attention and a savior.

    He hopes to be a catalyst for change and to alleviate the hardships experienced by the people living in the state. He also noted that the current state of disunity and polarization in Kogi is unprecedented in its history, largely attributed to the actions of the APC since they came to power.

    As part of the PDP’s agenda, Melaye aims to reunite the state and has adopted the slogan “One Kogi, One Destiny” to emphasize the importance of unity in his campaign.

  • APC Chieftain Urges Nigerians to Let the Court Decide on Tinubu’s Certificate Issue

    APC Chieftain Urges Nigerians to Let the Court Decide on Tinubu’s Certificate Issue

    By Daniel Edu

    Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has appealed to Nigerians to await the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the status of President Bola Tinubu’s certificate.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the APC stalwart expressed concern over the proliferation of accusations and counter-accusations in the media.

    Mumuni, who was the 2011 governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) in Lagos State, urged Nigerians to allow the highest court in the land to determine the legal facts surrounding the issue.

    He emphasized the need for caution and advised against engaging in unnecessary debates and distractions. He stressed that the judges are responsible for establishing the true status of the certificate, and therefore, there is no need for additional controversies.

    Mumuni stated, “I have read multiple commentaries and listened to multiple broadcasts from different angles regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials. It is better we stay away from getting tangled with the charade.”

    He called for a calm and respectful dialogue between those involved, as the future holds the promise of a better resolution of the matter.

  • November 11: VP Shettima and 14 APC Governors Kick Off Imo Governor Campaign (In Pictures)

    November 11: VP Shettima and 14 APC Governors Kick Off Imo Governor Campaign (In Pictures)

    By Daniel Edu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with 14 other Governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), has touched down in Imo State to launch the gubernatorial election campaign for the party.

    These prominent figures have converged in Imo to extend their support and express solidarity for Governor Hope Uzodimma. The Vice President and the group of APC Governors, accompanied by other party dignitaries, are in the state to inaugurate the governorship campaign. The grand rally is set to take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

    Reports indicate that the gates of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the chosen venue for the rally, were opened as early as 8 a.m. to allow thousands of enthusiastic APC supporters from all 27 local government areas to join the event.

    For a glimpse of the occasion, take a look at the photos below.

  • Bayelsa APC to Challenge Court Decision Disqualifying Sylva from Gubernatorial Race

    Bayelsa APC to Challenge Court Decision Disqualifying Sylva from Gubernatorial Race

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the disqualification of its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, from the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The party has vowed to challenge the decision.

    Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had delivered a judgment on Monday disqualifying Sylva from contesting in the governorship election. The court held that Sylva, having served as Governor of Bayelsa for two terms totaling five years, would violate the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

    In response to the judgment, the Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Bayelsa Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Perry Tukuwei, issued a statement indicating that the party has instructed its lawyers to appeal the decision. Tukuwei expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the judgment of the Federal High Court.

    Tukuwei argued that the judgment appeared to favor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate and was filed by Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo, who is not a member of the APC and did not participate in the party’s governorship primaries. He also pointed out that the case was filed outside the constitutionally prescribed 14-day period for election matters.

    Additionally, Tukuwei criticized the decision to hear the case in Abuja instead of the state where the party primaries were held, contrary to a directive by the Supreme Court. He suggested that the case was part of a strategy by the PDP to thwart Sylva’s electoral prospects.

    Despite the legal challenges, the APC expressed confidence in Sylva’s candidacy and urged Bayelsa residents to remain resolute in their support for him. The gubernatorial election is scheduled for February 14, 2024.

  • Amaechi Dismisses Faction’s Attempts to Oust Him from APC

    Amaechi Dismisses Faction’s Attempts to Oust Him from APC

    By Daniel Edu

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a fresh crisis, as a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, seeks to sideline former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and his supporters.

    Tony Okocha, leading Wike’s faction, recently visited the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, where he called for Amaechi’s marginalization within the party. Okocha accused Amaechi of making a deal with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the February 25 election, urging APC members to campaign for and vote for Atiku.

    Furthermore, Okocha urged the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ganduje to route any party appointments or benefits for the Rivers APC through Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a PDP member.

    In response, Amaechi’s media aide, Chukwuemeka Eze, vehemently refuted Okocha’s claims, labeling them as baseless falsehoods. He asserted that neither Wike, Okocha, nor any other individual has the authority to expel Amaechi from the APC.

    Eze clarified, “That statement is not only a lie but a part of their tactics to tarnish Amaechi’s image before the APC leadership, to maintain their own interests. Tony Okocha and his associates abandoned the APC during the 2023 general elections by failing to revalidate their APC membership cards. Amaechi could not have directed a non-member of the APC to vote against the party.”

    Eze continued, “I urge Nigerians and journalists to disregard any statements concerning the Rivers State APC from Tony Okocha and his group. Amaechi remains a respected member of the APC and a prominent leader in the South-South region until such time as it becomes necessary for him to change parties.”

    He concluded firmly, “Wike, Okocha, or any of their associates cannot and will not have the power to remove Amaechi from the APC, either as the regional party leader or as a significant member, despite all their scheming.”

  • Ganduje and APC Leaders Converge in Imo to Inaugurate Campaign Council

    Ganduje and APC Leaders Converge in Imo to Inaugurate Campaign Council

    By Daniel Edu

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, is set to inaugurate the party’s national gubernatorial campaign council in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Saturday. This event is in preparation for the upcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for November 11, 2023. Other states holding elections on the same date include Bayelsa and Kogi.

    The inauguration of the campaign council will take place at the Landmark Event Centre, Owerri, at 11 a.m., as announced by the APC National Organizing Secretary, Alhajj Sulaiman Muhammad Arugungu. Later in the day, a post-inauguration dinner will be held for the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and campaign council members.

    The inauguration activities will conclude on Sunday with a Church service at the Government House Chapel in Owerri.

    Incumbent Governor Hope Uzordimma is seeking his second term mandate in the state’s governorship election, running on the APC platform.

    The 609-member campaign council will be led by Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, with co-chairpersons including Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of State for Labour Uche Nnaji, and Minister of Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    The council comprises members of the APC’s administrative organ, the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as notable figures like Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, former Imo and Abia State Governors Senator Rochas Okorocha and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Other members include Minister of Women Affairs Barr. Uju Kennedy, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Omorede Osifo-Marshal, Hon. Julie Okangbe, former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, Senator Joy Mordi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Hon. Paul Ikonne, among others.

  • **”Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal Reserves Judgment in Tonye Cole’s Petition”**

    **”Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal Reserves Judgment in Tonye Cole’s Petition”**

    The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal, seated in Abuja, has deferred its judgment in the petition submitted by Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Rivers State. Cole is challenging the victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Cletus Emifonye, postponed the matter for judgment after both sides presented their final written addresses and argued their positions regarding the petition.

    According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Fubara secured 302,614 votes to win the election, while Mr. Cole received 95,274 votes, and Beatrice Itubo of the Labour Party (LP) garnered 22,224 votes, securing the third position.

    In the aftermath of the tribunal’s sitting on Wednesday, Tuduru Ede, SAN, Mr. Cole’s lead counsel, disclosed that approximately 40 witnesses were called, and nearly 1,000 exhibits were presented. Ede highlighted their primary argument, which revolved around the contention that Fubara, as of the election date, was not qualified to run for office as he had not resigned from his positions as accountant-general and permanent secretary in Rivers State. He expressed their anticipation of the tribunal’s judgment.

    Tonye Cole, present at the tribunal, expressed his trust in both the tribunal and divine justice, stating his determination to reclaim the “stolen mandate.” He urged the people of Rivers State to remain patient and assured them that they would exhaust all avenues to seek justice.

    Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s predecessor and the current Minister of Federal Capital Territory, was also in attendance but declined to comment, directing reporters to speak with lawyers involved in the case.

    Efforts to obtain statements from INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Governor Fubara’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, were unsuccessful, while the PDP’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, was unavailable for comment.

    Notably, Tonye Cole is the petitioner in this case, while INEC, Governor Fubara, and the PDP are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, respectively. The tribunal had previously reserved judgment in the petition filed by the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate against Fubara’s victory on September 7.

  • Ganduje Urges Collaboration Between Kano Legislators and Governor Abba Yusuf

    Ganduje Urges Collaboration Between Kano Legislators and Governor Abba Yusuf

    By Daniel Edu

    Abdulahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called upon the Kano House of Assembly members affiliated with the APC to collaborate with the state governor, Abba Yusuf.

    Ganduje emphasized that, regardless of their political affiliations, the people of Kano deserve the benefits of democracy, and it is essential for them to work collectively with the governor to achieve these goals.

    Although in the 2023 general election, the APC lost the Kano governorship to the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Ganduje addressed this matter while receiving a delegation of 14 Kano State House of Assembly members who paid a courtesy visit to the party secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

    He acknowledged the lawmakers’ contributions to the democratic development of Kano State, stating that politics fundamentally revolves around the welfare of the people. Ganduje encouraged the legislators, regardless of their party differences, to cooperate with the state governor to foster the advancement of Kano State.

    Ganduje assured the lawmakers that maintaining their positions within the State Assembly is important and that their collaboration with the government would not hinder efforts to establish an APC-led government in Kano State. He emphasized the primary goal of ensuring that the people of Kano benefit from democratic dividends.

    He stated, “I urge you to work in harmony with the state government, and I assure you that we will offer every form of support to increase our membership within the State Assembly and eventually regain the governorship under our party.”

  • “Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Influencing EIU Report on Presidential Election”

    “Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Influencing EIU Report on Presidential Election”

    Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns about the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report on the 2023 polls, labeling it as an embarrassing episode. In a statement through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the EIU report to sow confusion among Nigerians.

    The statement further expressed disappointment that the EIU seemed to have been influenced by the APC to support the outcome of the “sham election” held on February 25, which merely retained the ruling party in power.

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    The PDP leader’s statement issued a stern warning to the EIU, urging the organization to show respect for Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of its judiciary. Atiku stressed that such biased and jaundiced reports should be handled with greater caution in the future.

  • Adamu Succumbs to Pressure and Resigns as Chairman of the APC.

    Adamu Succumbs to Pressure and Resigns as Chairman of the APC.

    LAGOS – The ongoing developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, may not come as a surprise to those closely following its internal affairs.

    It is well-known that there has been a growing rift between the APC’s national chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and President Bola Tinubu. This discord stems from the chairman’s controversial involvement in the party’s presidential primary election. Despite the party’s initial agreement to zone the position to the south, Adamu, against all odds, presented the former senate president as the consensus candidate.

    On Monday, the fate of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who had been facing numerous challenges as the National Chairman of the APC, was finally sealed. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) officially announced his resignation.
    The announcement came at the conclusion of today’s NWC meeting held in Abuja (Monday). Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari, confirmed Adamu’s resignation and also revealed that the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has stepped down.

    Kyari further stated that he has assumed the role of acting chairman, while Barrister Festus Fuanter, the Deputy National Secretary, will serve as the acting Secretary.

    It is worth noting Adamu’s previous reaction to the selection of principal officers in the National Assembly. During a meeting with party governors, Adamu expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the party had no involvement in the selection process of the lawmakers.
    He expressed, “The Senate President and Deputy Senate President have already conducted the election for the principal officers of the Senate. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have also been elected and their roles have been announced.”

    “The remaining positions are yet to be determined by the respective chambers. On Saturday, I had a courtesy visit from the Senate President and his Deputy, and on Sunday, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker paid me a Sallah visit.”

    “However, I have just learned through online media rumors that there have been certain announcements made in both the Senate and House of Representatives.””The party’s national headquarters and the NWC have not provided any such information or official communication regarding the selection of offices,” Adamu clarified. “We follow established norms and practices, which require us to resolve and communicate in writing. We have no intention of deviating from these traditions.”

    Adamu emphasized that any announcements made by the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, or Deputy Speaker are not endorsed by the secretariat of the party.

    Furthermore, apart from causing significant displeasure among some of Tinubu’s supporters, the national chairman went a step further by unilaterally rejecting the principal officers of the National Assembly. These officers were reported to have the full backing of the President.
    So, with the humongous power at his disposal as the President, Tinubu feels it is time to cut Adamu to size.

    The most important thing in his mind according to close watchers is to do away with Adamu as the national chairman of the party, so that he can position the party to suit him (Tinubu)

    To achieve that, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was said to be recruited for the job.

    According to reports Adamu’s resignation as APC National Chairman was done on the orders of President Tinubu.

    He was said to have written his resignation letter and handed the same to Governor Uzodimma who had the President’s mandate to ensure that happened.

    It was earlier reported that the embattled APC National Chairman resigned from his position on Sunday night following an ultimatum given him by President Bola Tinubu.

    But what is not yet in the public domain is the role played by Governor Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the umbrella body of governors of the ruling APC.

    A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who confirmed Adamu’s resignation story last night said President Tinubu gave Uzodimma the charge to secure the chairman’s resignation.

    He said, “It is true that Adamu has resigned as the national chairman of APC though he didn’t tell any of us, members of the NWC. What we heard was that the President gave Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, the charge to ensure that Abdullahi Adamu resigns,” the APC NWC member who spoke on condition of anonymity said. “The party’s national headquarters and the NWC have not provided any such information or official communication regarding the selection of offices,” Adamu clarified. “We follow established norms and practices, which require us to resolve and communicate in writing. We have no intention of deviating from these traditions.”

    Adamu emphasized that any announcements made by the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, or Deputy Speaker are not endorsed by the secretariat of the party.

    Furthermore, apart from causing significant displeasure among some of Tinubu’s supporters, the national chairman went a step further by unilaterally rejecting the principal officers of the National Assembly. These officers were reported to have the full backing of the President.