Category: Politics

As the 2023 election approaches, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Kwara State, has stated that he “will never” be a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, Baraje, a former National Acting Chairman of the PDP, said the APC leaders’ claim that the party is progressive is false.

Furthermore, he described the APC as a “sinking party” that he will not join.

“I am not and will never be a member of the APC,” Baraje stated.

“Last week, they announced that I was defecting to APC.
“And I told them that that is their wishes. It is this period that any sinking party will be looking for any good character to smear. And not me, Abubakar Kawu Baraje. That’s my stand.”

The Labour Party (LP) has revealed that about five state governors, as well as many Nigerian leaders, are currently supporting and working to realise the presidential ambitions of its candidate, Peter Obi.

The Labour Party has stated that more than five governors and other leaders are supporting its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 elections.

Bashiru Apapa, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, stated this in Ado Ekiti over the weekend during a sensitization programme for LP members.
Apapa, who could not however reveal the identity of the Governors and leaders, noted that Obi’s presidential bid was daily receiving maximum support across the nation, adding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),have developed cold feat and have become afraid of the recent popularity of the LP presidential candidate..

He said, “There are some people who you may not believe are coming up to support Obi; some leaders up to heads of state are in support of Obi.

“Many governors, more than five of them, are supporting the party underneath. We don’t want to mention their names for now.

“It is because of the popularity of the LP now that everybody is embracing the party; definitely, the APC and PDP are afraid.”

The Ohanaeze Council of Elders has stated that it is considering the establishment of a South-East University that will specialise in engineering, medicine, science and technology, and skill acquisition.

The apex Igbo body also stated that the Igbo will no longer be dependent on the government by ensuring that the region is industrialised.

This is according to a communique issued by the council at the conclusion of the inaugural meeting of the Ohanaeze Council of Business Leaders in Abuja.
Chairman of the Council, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, while reading the communique, said the meeting reflected on the past, examined the present circumstance and looked into the future of Nigerians of Igbo extraction.
“We have taken a decision today that we are not going to depend on the government again, we are going to take our destiny in our own palms by making sure that Igbo land is industrialised.
“We have carried out studies which revealed that in every field, if we work very hard without relying on the government since we know we have no one in power for now, we can develop our place.
“We have taken a decision to focus on education because it was actually the mainstay of our development,” Iwuanyanwu said.
He recalled that by 1960, the region had achieved great heights in education, industry and commerce.
This, he said, was made possible by education, adding that the Eastern region at that time, embarked on a functional education that helped in developing the area.

“And we think we are going to repeat that because education standards have gone down. We are determined today that we are going to change the narrative.

“We are setting up a committee on education that will look at education in Igbo land in the past, as it is today and what we want in the future.

“The committee will come out with suggestions within a month.

“It is likely that when the committee comes up with its report, we are going to build a South-East University which will specialise in medicine, engineering, science and technology and skill acquisition.

“Because skill acquisition is very important today so that our people can acquire entrepreneural skills,” Iwuanyanwu said.

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He noted that the past of Igbos reflected a history of a people who by the grace of God conquered many obstacles to occupy an exalted position in Nigeria by 1960 when the country got her independence.

He added that unfortunately, subsequent sad events which culminated into a civil war cost tremendous losses to Igbos where many lives and properties including opportunities were lost.

He said at the end of the war, Igbos emerged from the rubbles with almost nothing to climb to a point of relevance in the Nigerian society because of their industrious nature.

“We need to count our blessings, name them one by one and give thanks to God for his mercies,” he said.

He added that a combination of malice and hatred had however marred the quest of Igbos to occupy the highest political position in the country.

While noting that political power in third world countries like Nigeria played a major role in development and self actualisation, Iwuanyanwu said Igbos were the highest contributors to Nigeria’s economy.

He added that in spite of limitations, Igbos were exploring their industrious and resourceful nature to succeed in most states of the federation.

He added that besides establishing the university, the council would also focus on agriculture, industrial development which would include cement manufacturing, tiles, textile ceramics production.

He said special focus would also be given to electricity generation for the region, using coal which was in abundant in the area as a source of power supply.

He noted that though the projects were capital intensive, it was achievable with the commitment of every Ohanaeze member and other stakeholders.

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“We would have enough money to finances these projects with the financial and moral commitment of

all.

“People who are well disposed can pay more and their contributions will be acknowledged. Members of the Council of Business Leaders will agree on membership registration fee,” he said.

Iwuanyanwu specially thanked governors in the region for their contributions towards advancing the course of the Igbo race.

Nigerians have slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for discontinuing the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
According to reports, the Commission began nationwide voter registration in June 2021 to allow Nigerians who had just reached voting age and others to register.

INEC had announced its intention to end the exercise on June 30, 2022, but a civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), filed a suit in the Federal High Court on June 5 seeking an extension of the exercise beyond that date.

As a result, on June 20, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon issued an order of interim injunction prohibiting INEC from suspending the registration process.
In compliance with the order, the electoral body extended the exercise till July 31.

However, following the refusal of the Commission to extend the CVR exercise, some Nigerians have described it as a way to disenfranchise them from the 2023 polls.

It was reports that thousands of Nigerians in major cities could not participate in the exercise before it ended on Sunday.

In a chat with The Punch, a resident of Kano State, Kevin Nnadi, said he and others had been at the INEC centre for over 15 hours.

“What I observed here is that it depends on who you know and sorting (bribing) somebody. I’ve been here for 15 hours, while some others have been here for three days.”

When asked how the INEC officials have been treating them, he said, “They intermittently come out outside the gate where we have been waiting all day long and call one or two names. Also, from nowhere, they will call names and somebody would just be admitted into the premises while ignoring others who have been waiting for hours.”

Also in Enugu State, it was learned that over 200 individuals could not be registered at the Okpara Square centre on Sunday.

An applicant, Emeka Okongwu, appealed for an extension of time to enable eligible Nigerians to register for the exercise ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He said, “I have been coming to register four times but could not register because of the crowd. I don’t know why INEC did not provide machines for the exercise, especially here in the South East.

“In the North, the machines were provided but here the commission provided few machines and manpower. If I don’t register by the end of today and the exercise is not extended, I may go to court to seek redress.”

Another applicant in Niger State, Ibrahim Musa complained some of them have been at the INEC registration centre near the Eastern bypass in Minna since 5 am and could not register.
He said, “Some of us have been here since 5 am and they (officials) have been keeping us since then. They said they are working with numbers but we wrote our names on a list and no one is using the list. They said they will no longer go by the list but people with cars are coming and driving in and getting registered while we are left here outside the gate.”

INEC Reacts
Reacting, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Spokesman to the INEC Chairman, Profesor Mahmood Yakubu, said that the commission would not be able to extend the deadline because there is a lot that it still needs to do ahead of the election.

“The commission is pleased to see the renewed citizens’ interest in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. Unfortunately, the CVR would have to be suspended today July 31, because there is a lot that the commission is required to do under the electoral legal framework, about voter registration and the process of compiling the register requires ample time to accomplish,” he told The Punch.

He added that INEC would need to clean up the voter register to remove multiple registrants using the Automated Biometric Identification System.

Oyekanmi added that the electoral body would also need to consolidate the national register of existing voters and new registrants and display the same on a polling unit basis for each of the 8,809 wards across the 774 Local Government Areas nationwide for public scrutiny.

“The commission needs to print millions of permanent voter cards for all fresh registrants and applicants for transfer and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, and ensure that there is ample time for voters to collect their PVCs ahead of the 2023 general elections,” he stated.

The Coalition of the PDP National and Diaspora Certified Support Groups (COPAG) has urged the National Assembly to expedite legislation allowing Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in the general elections in 2023.

The coalition, also known as the International Coalition of Certified Atiku Groups (ICCAG), made the call during a meeting at the Atiku Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja, led by Vik-Morrow Ulo, Dr Kanayo Gbemudu, and Princess Falade.

Ulo expressed concern about the non-constitutional provision in Nigeria for diaspora voting.
He said that the group has began efforts towards to encourage strategic participation of Nigerians in the diaspora for the Presidential Elections in 2023.

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He said this would be done via a scheme called ‘Diaspora Supports for Grassroots Mobilisation and Sensitization in Nigeria’.

“With regards to the none constitutional provisions for Diaspora voting, COPAG also known as ICCAG took up the responsibility to build solid Diaspora Solidarity as means to encourage strategic participation of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the Presidential Elections in 2023.

“COPAG is the very first assemblage of Atiku’s officially recognised national and diaspora support groups leaders since 2018.”

Highlights of the meeting was the appointment of the current Youth Leader of the PDP in the U.S. Daniel Akeni as COPAG Director-General.

The appointment, according to Ulo is to promote Nigerian Diaspora Supports for Grassroots Mobilization and Sensitization Campaign for Actualization of Atiku/Okowa 2023 Presidency.

He explained that Akeni’s appointment was based on high recommendations.

“The newly appointed U.S. leader of the ICCAG, previously campaigned for Sen. Ademola Adeleke in the U.S. and Osun and he is today the Governor Elect of Osun.

“The Hollywood promoter in collaboration with Patrick Killpatrick, a Hollywood legendary actor from California and Michael Adegoke, another top Hollywood actor, are joint collaborators with the Atiku’s Coalition US Director General to make Atiku win the 2023”, Ulo said.

Ulo expressed the hope that Akeni with his new post, would greatly contribute the role of Diaspora in the elections via diaspora support and mobilisation.

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In his virtual acceptance remarks Akeni expressed great delight and promised maximum Support for Atiku Okowa Presidential Campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that March 2, the national assembly rejected the proposal for diaspora voting in Nigeria’s national elections.

Senators voted 62-29 against the proposed constitutional amendment,

Similarly, the House of Representatives further sealed the fate of the bill by voting 240-58 against the proposal.

Mohammad Abacha, the son of former military ruler General Sani Abacha, has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over the Peoples Democratic Party’s last gubernatorial primary (PDP).
Sadiq Aminu Wali, son of former Foreign Affairs Minister Aminu Wali, PDP, and Kano State PDP Chairman Shehu Sagagi, has also joined the suit.

Abacha asked the court to declare him the PDP’s governorship candidate in Kano, having won the party’s primary election on May 25, 2022.

The plaintiff also requested a mandatory injunction compelling INEC to recognise him as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election and publish his name as such.

He also requested that the court issue an injunction to prevent Sadiq Wali from running as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Kano.

The long-running controversy in Kano erupted a few days ago when INEC released the list of the political party’s candidates for next year’s general election.
Sadiq Wali’s name appeared as a PDP gubernatorial candidate in Kano on the list posted on the INEC website, causing consternation within the party.

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Abacha, who claimed that INEC had previously issued an original copy of the list of candidates who won the party primary in which his name appeared, questioned the sudden omission of his name from the list.

He was declared the winner of the PDP gubernatorial primary held in Kano in May 2022 by the party’s Shehu Sagagi-led Chairman. With legal votes, Abacha defeated his only opponent, Jafar Sani Bello.

However, the Wali-led faction of the PDP held a parallel gubernatorial primary in which Sadiq Wali emerged victorious over eight other candidates.

In the midst of the controversy, INEC told journalists that the commission only monitored the primary conducted by the Sagagi-led PDP chairman, which produced Mohammad Abacha as a gubernatorial candidate.

The date for the originating summons hearing has not been set.

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), visited Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday to seek the blessing of the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for the realisation of his presidential bid.

Kwankwaso was accompanied to the Emir’s palace by the NNPP’s gubernatorial candidate in the state, Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem, Alh Buba Galadima, and the party’s senatorial candidate in Kwara North, Dr Kolo Baba Jiya.
Kwakwanso stated at the Emir’s palace shortly after observing the Jumm’at service with the Emir that he was in Ilorin to seek royal blessing.

He added that he would take advantage of the visit to open some NNPP offices in Ilorin, the state capital, and other parts of the state.

“We’ve come to honour you as our traditional father.” We are grateful for your hospitality and the opportunity to participate in the Juma’at service with you. I also want to thank the people of the state for their hospitality. “We pray to Allah to continue to grant our Emir long life and good health,” Kwankwaso added.

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In response, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Kwankwaso as a “very experienced politician and administrator.”
He prayed for the Kwankwansiyya movement to flourish, saying, “God will continue to guide you.” I’m delighted to welcome you.”

Sulu-Gambari assured the NNPP presidential candidate that he is in the hands of a powerful figure in the state, Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem.

Prof AbdulRaheem, who thanked the Emir for the warm hospitality extended to the NNPP team, said Kwankwaso has all it takes to lead the country out of the hydra-headed security and socio-economic challenges it faces.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has downplayed the possibility of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the aftermath of the party’s presidential primaries.

Wike stated that he would soon inform Nigerians of the truth about the PDP’s situation.

He spoke to journalists on Friday at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State’s capital, shortly after returning from a foreign trip.

“I’ve decided to remain silent because I adore the PDP.”

“I’ve moved on to the conclusion of my social contract with the people of Rivers.” However, it is time to tell Nigerians the truth.

“I am not a slave and will not be a slave.” “I am a freeborn citizen of this country,” he declared.

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Wike is upset with the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for selecting Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

Atiku was accused of ignoring the recommendations of a committee he formed to select his running mate.

The committee, led by Governor Samuel Ortom, chose Wike, who finished second in the presidential primaries, to be Atiku’s running mate.

Olumide Aderinokun, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Ogun Central, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning the nation upside down.

Aderinokun claimed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC had left Nigeria in a pathetic state, claiming that the country now “finds itself in a state of emergency with fears that the worst may happen to the economy and security.”

Aderinokun bemoaned the country’s excess crude oil account, the dwindling value of the Naira, and a string of terrorist attacks in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country.

“Our economy is in jeopardy because the government has informed us that they are spending all of their revenue on debt servicing, which simply means we are on a cliff,” Aderinokun said in a chat.

The senatorial candidate expressed regret that “the same government is still saying the account for excess revenue from oil sales has shrunk from $35 million to $376,000 within a year.”

He said the country was at a point where the APC government was still trying to earn praise for “driving us to predictable debt crises with no economic achievement.”

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“They have turned everything upside down and are attempting to normalise the recession.”

“The world is suffering from inflation, but that does not stop the government from protecting Nigerians with internal mechanisms, and we should not have gotten to this point.”

Aderinokun also condemned the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which has kept students out of school since February.

The Akinruyiwa of Owu urged the Federal Government to respond to the lecturers’ demands and take the issue seriously.

“It should not have taken this long for the government to call ASUU for dialogue and find a solution to the lecturers’ demands,” he added.

“Every day, we see our youths at home while their peers in private universities are two levels ahead of them.” Some have yet to complete their admissions process from last year, and another batch took JAMB this year. This is not normal.”

The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formed a committee to reconcile disgruntled party members in the state ahead of the 2023 elections.

The reconciliation committee was tasked with reaching out to members who ran in primaries for the 2023 elections but lost.

Malam Musa Mada, APC Zonal Publicity Secretary for North West, made the announcement in an Abuja statement on Wednesday.

“The Kaduna State APC stakeholders, led by Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, comprising State Working Committee, Local Government Chairmen, elected representatives, Elders, and members of the State Executive Council, have ordered for the immediate formation of a high powered State’s steering reconciliation committee that will be saddled with the responsibility of reaching out to co-contestants of all the elective positions that did not win their primaries,” the statement said.

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The statement also quoted APC National Vice Chairman, North-West, Malam Salihu Lukman as saying that participants should be sincere in their contributions, and that the worst thing people could do in a time like this was to lie to themselves.

“As a result, stakeholders decided to form a committee of highly respected individuals among party men and women across senatorial districts of the State to form the Reconciliatory Committee at the State’s level,” the statement continued.

“Following that, the Local Government Reconciliation Committees will be formed.” Respected party members were nominated by the participants for the task, and the Governor assured the meeting that he was ready to provide the necessary support for the success of the Committee’s assignment before the campaign began.”

The Katsina State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party asked the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday to disqualify the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Bola Tinubu.

Sani Litti, the state Chairman of the NNPP, made the call at a press conference in Katsina on Monday, alleging that the two parties’ presidential primaries were marred by financial crimes.

He also requested that Tinubu and Atiku be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services.

Litti claimed that 50,000 Nigerians had died as a result of banditry since 2015.
As a result, he demanded the resignation of the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd. ), citing the country’s insecurity.

The chairman also charged members of the National Assembly with starting the impeachment process against the President if he refused to resign.

He also called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and Sokoto states due to security concerns.
Litti advised the Federal Government to hire mercenaries for six months to fight bandits, insurgents, and tribal militias, adding that the government should then recruit one million young Nigerians to be trained as special forces to secure the country after the mercenaries leave.

“We reinstate the call for President Muhammadu Buhari to resign immediately for his inability to secure Nigeria,” he said. Insecurity issues continue to rise, owing primarily to poor governance, poor economic policies, a drop in people’s standard of living, an increase in ethnic militias, an increase in corruption activities, crime and criminal activities, an increase in drug use, and other factors.

“If the President refuses to resign, we urge the National Assembly to use constitutional means to protect Nigerians’ lives and property.”

The Nigerian government should declare a state of emergency on security in the following states as soon as possible: Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and Sokoto.

“In this regard, we urge the Federal Government to immediately hire mercenaries for six months from whenever to combat rising banditry, insurgency, and tribal militias.” Similarly, the government should urgently recruit one million young Nigerians to be trained as Special Forces to protect and secure the country when the mercenaries leave in six months.”

The NNPP also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Atiku and Tinubu for what it claimed happened during the conventions where they were elected standard-bearers for their respective parties in the 2023 general elections.

The NNPP stated, “We call on INEC to disqualify Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the presidential election in 2023, as well as the EFCC, Police, and DSS to arrest them and all other actors who participated in the convention.” We believe that if either of these two candidates wins the election next year, the country will descend deeper into corruption and financial crimes because the process that produces them is corrupt.”

Dr Muttaqa Darma, one of the party’s chieftains at the press conference, justified the timing of the press conference, insisting that it was the appropriate time as the nation prepared for general elections.

Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu Campaign Organisation’s Director of Media and Communication

When contacted, Bayo Onanuga, the Director of Media and Communication for Tinubu Campaign Organisation, stated, “I have not seen any petition to that effect from the NNPP.” I also believe the APC publicity secretary is in a better position to address this issue.”

In addition, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated, “I have not read the NNPP’s call for the disqualification of our party’s candidate.” You may forward the statement or press release to me. I can’t react to something I haven’t seen.

“If I read the statement and decide it is important enough to respond to, I will issue a statement to address it.” Responding to you is not my only option; I can call a press conference tomorrow and deal with it if I believe it is that serious.”

When contacted, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba stated that he was not aware of the NNPP’s allegation and that he needed to see Litti’s statement before responding.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Transportation Minister and All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant, came under fire on Monday for claiming that delegates who voted in the APC primary were bribed to influence the outcome of the convention.

Amaechi also claimed that many of those who were bribed with money have since regretted their actions.

On Saturday, he made the contentious statement at an event commemorating the 60th birthday of the General Overseer of Abundant Life Evangelical Mission, Eugene Ogu, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State’s capital.

At the party’s national convention, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu defeated Amaechi, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and 12 others to win the presidential ticket.
In response to his scathing remarks, some APC supporters and party leaders chastised the former Rivers State governor, accusing him of displaying signs of frustration after losing to Tinubu.

A number of Amaechi supporters have also come to his defence, claiming that the ex-minister made no mention of any names while making the conjecture.

Adebayo Shittu, Director-General of the Asiwaju Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organization, said Amaechi’s statements were unbelievable.
“Who regrets what?” he asked. Can Amaechi distance himself from those he claims induced to vote? He, like the other APC primary candidates, cannot point fingers at others without implicating themselves.

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“What does he mean when he says delegates are regretting accepting bribes in exchange for votes?” Is he implying that the governors who brought them in took bribes and expressing regret? I’d like to have the opportunity to debate such issues with him.”

“Amaechi’s outburst, like a few others, was clearly motivated by frustration.” I understand that when one loses an election, one is bound to harbour resentment. You can’t rule it out. After all, we are human beings and Nigerians,” he added.

Gabriel Babalola, the Ekiti State Coordinator of Tinubu Support Organisation, also slammed Amaechi, questioning how a former minister thought he could win the APC presidential ticket without working hard for it.

“Before any of them could wake up, Asiwaju had gone from state to state, from one traditional ruler to another, seeking their support.”

“How many traditional rulers did Amaechi visit before the convention?” How many states did he visit? “He must have spoken out of frustration,” Babalola said.
The APC’s youngest presidential candidate, Nicholas Felix, called for restraint on both sides.
“Amaechi, like some other aspirants and party members, may not be pleased with the fact that Asiwaju won the elections, especially with the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket playing out,” he said.

“I’m sure the reaction would have been different if Tinubu hadn’t gone in that direction.” Perhaps everyone would have been fired up.”

Chief Chukwuemeka Eze, an ally of Amaechi’s and an APC chieftain, said it was unfortunate that Tinubu’s camp took the matter personally.

Eze, a former spokesman for the defunct new Peoples’ Democratic Party, noted that the former minister made no mention of Tinubu or any other politician, and wondered why he drew unnecessary criticism from his men.

“Did Amaechi mention anyone’s name when he made that statement?” So it is very unfortunate if Tinubu’s supporters believe they are to blame.

“Everyone saw what happened that day, and even the majority of the delegates confirmed that they were given money to vote,” he said.

Darlington Nwauju, the APC’s Deputy Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, also believed Amaechi was misunderstood.

“First and foremost, I was present at that ceremony or event where he spoke,” Nwauju explained. The problem is that he provided an example to which anyone can apply any interpretation. And I hope they heard him when he said, ‘Please vote for the APC.’ He stated it emphatically.

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“So, when people take the example out of context, he contextualised it because he is an APC member.” He could not have used the PDP as an example. Those who voted for Atiku Abubakar would have said, ‘Oh, because he wants to join the PDP,’ if he had said that. So he contextualised it.”

All attempts to reach the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for comment were futile.

He had not returned calls or SMS messages as of the time of filing this report.

However, a former Deputy Spokesman for the APC, Yekinni Nabena, hinted that if Amaechi truly desecrated the same process he used in the APC primary, he would be completely disappointed.

The Northern Patriotic Front (NPF) has condemned late night voting in Ede South and Ede North during the recently concluded Osun Governorship Election.

The NPF was one of the Independent National Electoral Commission-accredited Civil Society Organizations tasked with election monitoring.

The group urged the electoral umpire to look into the matter in order to prevent it from happening again.
It also stated that security had been relaxed in some areas of Ede, stating, “Between Sekona roundabout and Edunabon, there were no checking points nor patrol of any security personnel in that axis.”

An 18-page report signed by its administrative secretary, Rasheed Shuaib, and submitted to INEC, also found vote buying in some of the polling units its members visited.
It urged Nigerians to join the fight against vote buying rather than relying solely on CSOs and anti-graft agencies.
It also accused security personnel of colluding in some of the polling places visited by its members.

“Some of the political parties were seen to have compromised the security agents in some of the polling units visited by our members.”

“In some polling places, there are separate male and female lines.” “In some polling units visited with less than 800 registered voters, two BVAS were deployed, while in other polling units with the same number of registered voters, one BVAS was deployed,” the group noted.

The CSO stated, “According to the electoral guideline, the official close of voting at polling units is 2:30pm.”

Voting was completed at various polling units across the State by 2:30pm, as reported by NPF observers, in accordance with the electoral law as amended in 2022.

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“However, this was not followed in some polling units in the Ede axis, where voting continued until around 9:00 p.m.” This clearly violates a provision of the Electoral Act. This anomaly was also reported in the media by other observer groups’ analyses.

“The conduct of the election in Ede South and Ede North should be investigated to assist the Commission in preventing voters from being admitted to the queue after the stipulated time,” the group said.

The two local government areas where late-night voting took place were strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ademola Adeleke, who eventually won the election.

It will be remembered that Ismail Omipidan, the spokesperson for Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, decried late-night voting in the two local government areas in question during an interview on Channels Television a day after the election.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cannot cause an upset in next year’s presidential election.

Atiku, Nigeria’s former Vice President, stated this in an exclusive interview with Arise TV, which aired on Friday morning.

He stated that Obi, who was his former vice presidential candidate alongside LP during the 2019 presidential election, cannot perform a miracle during the 2023 elections.

Despite the social media sensation and acceptance of Obi’s candidacy, Atiku explained that the LP has no representatives in government or the National Assembly.

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“I really don’t expect the Labour Party to take as many votes from the PDP as people are suggesting,” he said. We could have seen it in the recent Osun State election. “How did the Labour Party fare?” This is a party that does not have a governor, members of the national assembly, or members of the state Houses of Assembly. And politics in this country is determined by the structures in place at the various levels: local, state, and national.

“A miracle is extremely unlikely simply because Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party.”

On Obi’s defection to the LP and whether Atiku misses him after he (Obi) left the PDP, the former vice president stated that while he misses the former Anambra State governor, Obi did not consult him before his defection.

“Unfortunately, Peter did not consult with me. We were going along when I heard the news of his defection. I believe he informed me three days after switching to the Labour Party. So he didn’t even consult me.”

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has insisted that he did not reject Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

Atiku said this in response to the controversy surrounding his choice of running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, and why he did not choose Wike.

In an interview with Arise TV on Friday morning, Atiku stated that he only chose nominees who he felt could deliver among those presented to him.

“I didn’t reject Wike; I chose who can deliver,” he said. Wike is brilliant and tenacious.

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“Based on past experience, I chose an Igbo as my running mate in 2007.” I still chose an Igbo as my running mate for 2023.

“The committee that presented the three nominees was chaired by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. They recommended three people, and I chose one. People should be fair to me and state the facts.”

On the possibility of resolving issues with Wike, Atiku stated that the party was in talks with the governor.

“We are reaching out to Wike and talking to him; very soon, we will resolve our internal crises.”

“I’ve run for president a couple of times, and I don’t try to blame anyone; I accept the outcome or go to court,” Atiku added.