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Tag: 2023 Polls

  • 2023 Elections: Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord

    2023 Elections: Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord

    Ahead of the February 25th presidential election in the country, Presidential candidates from 18 political parties signed the Peace Accord  on Wednesday.

    The Four leading presidential candidates ola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress, APC), Peter Obi (Labour Party, LP), Omoyele Sowore (African Action Congress, AAC), Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP) alongside 14 others were present to put pen to paper.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was present at the event along with members of the National Peace Committee.

    Unlike elections prior to 2015 when the the National Peace Committee came into existence, presidential candidates for the the 2023 polls are made to sign the Peace Accord twice.

    The first one was signed in September last year, prior to the commencement of Campaigns. That accord was signed to oblige the candidates to a peaceful Campaign.

    Members of the peace committee present include General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Dr John Momoh, CON.

    The aim of the peace Accord is to promote the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the elections.

  • 2023 polls: SDP Presidential Candidate defects to APC

    2023 polls: SDP Presidential Candidate defects to APC

    Mrs. Cesnabmihilo Nuhu-Aken’ova, a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    She announced her defection to the APC at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nuhu-Aken’ova said she was joining the APC to give support to the party and Sen. Bola Tinubu, its presidential flagbearer.

    Nuhu-Aken’ova also the National Co-ordinator, All-inclusive Movement for Ahmed Tinubu, said haven followed Tinubu’s antecedents, she believed he was the right man to be the country’s next president.

    She added that the group was therefore endorsing and giving its support to Tinubu and Sen. Kashim Shettima, his running mate, in the Feb. 25 presidential election.

    “I and my support group are calling on the electorate to endorse and vote for Tinubu to be elected as the county’s next president.

    “We are here because we have found someone who sees what we see and feels how we feel.This is evidenced in the way he reacted to the cash crunch we are currently experiencing.

    “He is no other person than Bola Tinubu, the Jagaban, APC presidential candidate and hopefully the incoming president of the country.

    “We endorse Tinubu because of his exceptional qualities and capabilities. I was a presidential hopeful of the SDP before I exited to join this moving and unstoppable train, the APC,” she said.

    Nuhu-Aken’ova added that Tinubu’s achievements when he served as Lagos State governor as well as his innate ability to build men and utilise resources was there for all to see, adding that Nigeria will be great age under his presidency.

    She said the love of Tinubu, a former two-term governor of Lagos state for the people, especially, the less previlaged, was evidenced in the way he reacted to the cash crunch being experienced by most Nigerians following the Naira re-design.

    According to her, Tinubu had always been on the side of the people and his antecedents as a former Lagos state governor remained unmatched.

    She expressed optimism that Nigerians would sleep in peace and tranquility with their two eyes closed with Tinubu as elected president under the APC.

    Nuhu-Aken’ova added that a Tinubu presidency would ensure the well-being of all and provide an enabling environment for the realisation of the dreams of every Nigerian.

    “The young people would enjoy uninterrupted school calendar, there will be job opportunities and career growth and development.

    “A Nigeria where access to quality and holistic healthcare is not a reserve of the rich and a select few will become a reality with Tinubu as president,” she assured.

    Nuhu-Aken’ova decried the current insecurity in the country, saying with Tinubu on the saddle of leadership, Nigerians would travel freely without fear of falling into the hands of insurgents, among others.

    She said her desire was to see a new Nigeria where mob violence becomes a thing of the past, where environmental protection was cherished and a level playing ground was made possible for all.

  • EFCC deploys officers to polling centers, releases number to report election malpractices

    EFCC deploys officers to polling centers, releases number to report election malpractices

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has explained that it would deployed its officers to all the states including the Federal Capital Territory, to monitor the polls on Saturday in the country.

    EFCC said the deployment of its operatives is a measure to ensure the integrity of the February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, charged the operatives to be conscious of the interest of the nation and to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of duties.

    According to Bawa, the EFCC operatives deployed to all the polling centers in the country are expected to accordingly in line with the commission’s values of professionalism, integrity and courage.

    The chairman noted that they have a responsibility to “ensure that the election is devoid of financial malpractices, especially inducement of voters”.

    The EFCC also released incidents reporting hotlines for the 36 states and Abuja, urging citizens to report vote buying, selling, or other evidence of financial malpractices.

    Members of the public can also report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye.

  • I’m still contesting the February 25th presidential election – Kachukwu

    I’m still contesting the February 25th presidential election – Kachukwu

    Dumebi Kachikwu, the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Congress, (ADC) has insisted that he will participate in the February 25th presidential election in the country regardless of the crisis bedeviling the party.

    Kachukwu made this known while addressing a gathering in Abuja.

    Giving a background of the crisis rocking the ADC, Kachikwu said that the erstwhile chairman refused to let go after the expiration of his tenure.

    “Justice Binta Nyanko of the Federal High Court had in December 2022 ruled that the tenure of the erstwhile chairman had lapsed.

    “He had been there close to 17 years and it is that kind of party where every four years they bring people like me to the party. And a few days before the election they will announce an alignment.

    “When it became clear to the people that I wanted to run an election, they started fighting me.

    “Unfortunately, while the man was fighting me, he forgot his tenure had lapsed.

    “I told him that his tenure had lapsed. I said to him I’m not running because I’m an Igbo man. I don’t believe in all of these things. I believe the only way Nigeria can work is if we look at Nigeria as a nation for everybody,” he said.

    Kachikwu added, “I stood by the party’s constitution. The chairman went to court, and the court ruled, they didn’t even have any defence in court because the constitution is very clear.

    “As of today, I have not one agent in an election that is held in a few days.

    “I’m still in the race, I will stay in the race till the very end because there are people who will come after me who must understand that doing the right thing is costly to you but it is the best thing to do.”

  • Kogi 2023: Senator Smart Adeyemi joins governorship race

    Kogi 2023: Senator Smart Adeyemi joins governorship race

    Senator Smart Adeyemi who’s  representing Kogi West, at the upper chamber of the National Assembly has shown interest in vying for the governorship position of Kogi state.

    Kogi state governorship election will hold later in 2023 as fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC)

    Meanwhile, Adeyemi’s party, the  All Progressives Congress (APC),  has fixed April 10, 2023, for the party’s governorship primaries in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states.

    Adeyemi, who is serving his third term in the Senate, representing Kogi West, is known for his imprint on the political landscape of the state since joining politics in 2007, after serving as a two-term President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He served two terms of eight years as Senator on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Although he had lost his initial bid for a third term to Senator Dino Melaye, then of the APC, in 2015, Adeyemi, however, bounced back to the Senate in 2019, reclaiming Kogi West Senate mandate from Melaye. But this only came to be after he and Melaye had swapped parties.

    Prior to 2019 polls, Adeyemi left PDP to pitch tent with APC, and to the embrace of Governor Yahaya Bello, who appointed him Chairman, Kogi Elders advisory Council.

    This became expedient when, in the search for legitimacy at the early stages of Bello’s reign, the administration had to contend with internal opposition in the ruling APC, arising from the controversial process leading to Bello’s emergence as governor.

    Recall that Abubakar Audu/James Faleke faction had challenged the choice of Bello ahead of Faleke, who was running mate to Audu, who died while cruising to victory at the 2015 polls.

    His running mate, Faleke, had been denied the right to claim the mandate by the courts, which transferred the votes to Yahaya Bello, who had come second in the August 2015 APC governorship primary.

    After protracted legal battles, the Supreme Court affirmed Bello as winner of the supplementary election that followed November governorship election earlier declared as inconclusive, upon Audu’s sudden death.

    For most of the past seven years APC has been holding sway in the state, Adeyemi was visibly marked as an outspoken, vociferous defender of Bello’s policies. He was the coordinator for Bello’s second term campaign in 2019.

  • 2023 Polls: ADC endorses Peter Obi for president

    2023 Polls: ADC endorses Peter Obi for president

    The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has endorsed the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, for the forthcoming elections in the country.

    This is coming following the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar by another set of political parties few days ago in the country.

    The development is  sequel to the formation of a grand coalition, which aims at propelling Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed for the nation’s top job.

    According to the post on the official Twitter handle of the party, the endorsement follows the formation of a coalition which aims to propel the duo to the highest office in the land.

    The endorsement was held at the River Plate Gardens in Abuja on Monday morning.

    The coalition, which is made up of several star alliance partners such as Nigeria Mothers for Good Governance, Fulani United, and League of Imams, among others, said they seek to create a formidable force for the Obi/Datti ticket.

    The event was attended by prominent figures such as the ADC National Chairman, Chief Raphael Nwosu, BoT Chairman,Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmed and Prof Pat Utomi.

    The ADC’s endorsement is expected to give a significant boost to the Obi/Datti campaign, as the party boasts a significant following in certain parts of the country.

    Baring any last minute change, the presidential election would hold on the 25th of February 2023 according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

  • 2023 Polls: Wole Soyinka speaks on endorsing Bola Tinubu

    2023 Polls: Wole Soyinka speaks on endorsing Bola Tinubu

    Literary icon and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has debunked the speculations making the rounds that he has endorsed the All Progressives Congress, (APC), presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

    Soyinka berated those peddling the rumours about him supporting Tinubu, saying it’s fake news.

    A statement by his media office said Nigerians should disregard reports that Soyinka issued a message denigrating political parties and politicians.

    “Soyinka did NOT at any time or on any occasion issue such a statement.

    “It is simply the work of peddlers of fake news and falsehood, who profit from misinformation to gain political advantages,” the statement reads.

     

  • 2023 Polls: Hundreds of APC members defect to PDP in Enugu

    2023 Polls: Hundreds of APC members defect to PDP in Enugu

    Hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Enugu West Senatorial Zone have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP to give support to its guber candidate, Barrister Peter Mbah.

    The defected APC members were seen setting their brooms on fire and embracing the PDP at the endorsement rally organized at the zone.

    The newly inaugurated PDP members describe the party as the only hope of the people as regards good governance.

    The five local government areas that make up Enugu West Senatorial Zone are Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji River and Udi.

    The defectors, who were led by a former acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Gilbert Chikwado-Chukwu, declared their rejection of the APC, calling their action historic and the triumph of light and hope.

    Chikwado-Chukwu, who spoke on behalf of others, said they decided to join the ruling party because of the good governance and massive infrastructure the state was enjoying under the party.

    Receiving the former APC members to the PDP and handing over the umbrella to them, the chairman of the party in the state, Augustine Nnamani lauded them for taking the right step and assured that the PDP would give them all the privileges being enjoyed by members.

  • Rivers ’ll be among most developed states in Nigeria soon – PDP

    Rivers ’ll be among most developed states in Nigeria soon – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Rivers has said that the state will soon be among the most developed places in the country going by the transformation it has already projected in the months ahead.
    According to the party, residents of Rivers will enjoy more dividends of democracy with rapid development along all spheres immediately its governorship candidate, Siminalayi Fubara, wins the March 11, 2023 election in the state.
    The PDP further stated that Fubara will continue the great works of incumbent governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, whose masses-oriented developmental projects had improved the quality of life of Rivers people.
    In a statement on Monday, Director of New Media, PDP Campaign Council for Rivers State Governorship Election, Ibim Semenitari, said that Fubara will investment in infrastructure to underpin a stronger economy, improve security and capacity development in the oil-rich state as soon as he mounts the saddle of leadership.
    The statement reads, “Fubara has a proven track record of public service having served meritoriously nearing two decades, rising to become Accountant-General of Rivers State.
    “He has a clear understanding of the issues facing Rivers State and a vision to create an even better future for its people. He has the experience and the dedication to ensure that the dividends of democracy are sustained and improved upon.
    “He is committed to creating a more prosperous future for the people of Rivers and achieving the goals of inclusive development and greater economic opportunities.
    “A professional to the core with an unwavering commitment to economic development that is driven by innovativeness and intellectual capacity,
    Fubara’s mission to revolutionise Rivers State is clear – to empower the youth, provide economic opportunities for women, and create a secure and prosperous future.
    “He plans to achieve this by investing in energy solutions to tackle electricity issues, installing CCTV cameras and drones to combat insecurity, reforming the public sector through industrialisation, creating more jobs, and improving social infrastructure and healthcare.
    “By implementing these measures, Fubara hopes to transform Rivers State into a modern, vibrant, and secure environment that enables its citizens to thrive.
    “His impeccable character, transparency, and discipline are remarkable, and having gone through the EFCC’s scrutiny of allegations of financial impropriety unscathed, he is truly integrity-personified.
    “His indication of interest to pilot the affairs of Rivers people for the next four years is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”
    Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the PDP had won every governorship election in Rivers State.
    In November 2013, ex-governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, decamped to the All Progressives Congress during his second term in office after political differences with leadership of the PDP.
  • 2023 Polls: Macaroni sues two APC supporters to court for alleging he collected 7million from LP

    2023 Polls: Macaroni sues two APC supporters to court for alleging he collected 7million from LP

    Skit maker, content creator and social & political  activist, Adebowale Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has  sued  two All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters to court over alleged libelous statements.

    Macaroni  said he had ordered his lawyers to file a lawsuit against one Sadiq and Qudus Akanbi, who accused him of collecting N7m from a diaspora group to support the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi.

    Recall that Akanbi, with Twitter username @Qdpaper 2, had in November 2022 tweeted: “Wow wow so Macaroni was giving 7m from diasporans supporters of Peter Obi to make an official statement that he will vote him. So this hungry Elete ponmo is so cheap and this hungry, hey God Dem no dey give shishi they say.” (sic)

    The skit maker described thie post as an attack on his reputation and decided to sue him, alongside Sadiq.

    Revealing the development in a post shared on his Twitter handle, Macaroni explained that the second respondent had already been served his writ of summons.

    After learning that Macaroni had taken the matter to court, Qudus tweeted: “Dear Macaroni, you have blocked me, and I have blocked you too. You don’t have to look for me. We both live in Lagos, just tell me your lawyer’s chamber and let me pick up my later.” (sic)

    However, the content creator asked Qudus to reveal his full name so that the letter could be properly addressed to him.

    Sharing the screenshots of old tweets in which he was falsely accused and attacked by Akanbi with other supporters of the ruling party, he said, “Dear Qudus, I have unblocked you.

    ”All I need is your full Government name and address so that the letter can be properly addressed to you. Please don’t stress yourself to pick it up. You can Dm me or send it to the mail in my bio. It will be delivered to you as a valentine’s gift.

    “Of all the people that attack me daily, I called out Qudus and one other Sadiq for false accusations. The reason I made this public is that we couldn’t get an address for Qudus. Sadiq has received his letter, and a suit will follow soon as we get a response.”