Tag: ADC

PDP, LP, ADC call for fresh election, ask Mahmood to resign as INEC Chairman

Three political parties (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and African Democratic Congress, ADC) have demanded a fresh election, saying the February 25 presidential election has been “irretrievably compromised”.

According to them, the refusal of the INEC chairman to respect the upload of results electronically as stipulated by Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022 is unacceptable.

LP National Chairman, Julius Abure; the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; as well as their ADC counterpart, Ralph Nwosu, made this known at a joint press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

They alleged that Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections were manipulated by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at polling units by their failure to upload results electronically on the commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

Abure, who spoke on behalf of the LP, PDP and the ADC, said, “This election is not free and far from being fair”, adding that there are “ongoing cancellation of results from areas of strength of the opposition parties”.

They declared a vote of no confidence on INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, and asked him to immediately step aside for an unbiased person to take over and conduct a fresh election.

Party chairmen address the media in Abuja on on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Photo: ChannelsTV/Sodiq Adelakun

The LP, PDP and ADC said the deliberate refusal of the INEC chairman to respect the upload of results electronically as stipulated by Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022 is unacceptable.

The three parties said the result so far by INEC showed “monumental disparities” between what the party agents signed and what INEC officials announced in Abuja.

They said the manual transmission of results compromised the integrity of the election process.

Also, Ayu said the INEC cannot turn himself to a “dictator” and demanded that he step aside for another person to take over.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had reported that agents of the PDP and the LP stormed out of the National Collation Centre for the presidential election results at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday.

A member of the 8th National Assembly from Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye; and a former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; an agent of the Labour Party, amongst others staged a walkout on the INEC chairman over dissatisfaction on the process of the collation of results from state collation officers for the presidential election (SCOPs).

The drama ensued around 4:30pm on Monday at the resumed collation exercise of the February 25 presidential election results for the second day.

Melaye, Ihedioha, as well as the agents of the Labour Party and others, had complained that the results presented by INEC SCOPs weren’t uploaded on IReV as repeatedly promised by the electoral umpire before the February 25 presidential poll.

Melaye argued strongly that without the upload of results electronically on IReV, this year’s election is not in any way different from the manual transmission of results done in 2015.

Melaye and others fiercely insisted that the INEC chairman must not accept the results of Ekiti, alleging that there were incidents of over-voting and electoral irregularities. They contended that the collation of results at the centre is at variance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and that they do not believe in the results presented by the SCOPs.

However, the INEC chairman maintained that there was no over-voting in Ekiti and that the results presented by the SCOPs stand. Yakubu also said the process must continue.

In reaction, Melaye, Ihedioha and others stormed out of the national collation centre.

Mahmood had on Monday cautioned Melaye not to be “disruptive” of the collation process at the insistence of the PDP chieftain that the results announced by the SCOPs should first have been uploaded on IReV for transparency and accountability.

The collation for Day 2 continued in their absence. The collation for Day 3 is scheduled for 2pm on Tuesday.

Already, results have been released for about 13 states with the top parties sharing the wins. PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, LP’s Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have won some of the states.

Many party leaders have bitterly complained that INEC officials at the polling units were unable to upload election results to the IReV. The IReV and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) are new technologies introduced by the electoral body for the accreditation and electronic transmission of votes for this year’s polls.

Elections for the office of the President, 360 House of Representatives and 109 Senatorial seats were held in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday and Nigerians expect the declaration of results by the electoral umpire.

February 28, 2023
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.”

February 22, 2023
ADC disowns alleged endorsement of other parties, candidates for 2023

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, dissociated itself from the purported endorsement of other political parties and their candidates for 2023 by a faction of the party.

This is contained in a statement by Sen. Patricia Akwashiki, the ADC Board of Trustees Chairman in Abuja.

Akwashiki described the alleged endorsements as fraudulent, void and of no effect, since they were being carried by a faction of the party not known to law for pecuniary gains.

She blamed a faction of the party, led by its immediate past National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu for the anti-party activity.

According to her, Nwosu’s faction has allegedly divided itself into three groups which are now illegally engaged in endorsing parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) for 2023 general elections all in a bid to make quick money.

Akwashiki warned those involved in the act to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

She insisted that its Presidential Candidate for 2023, Dumebi Kachikwu, had “long warned about criminals in ADC who sell the party to the bigger parties.

“They have divided themselves into three groups and collected money from APC, PDP and Labour. One party, three endorsements within the space of four days. Shameful.”

Akwashiki said that those who did the endorsements were “impostors”and “impersonators” who were no longer members of the party and therefore has nothing to do with the authentic ADC recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We are appalled that renegades who are no longer known to the ADC can constitute themselves into a criminal gang to perpetuate illegalities all in the name of making quick money.

“This condemnable action will not stop our party or its presidential candidate from running the race to the very end.

“We are determined to ensure that the bright chances of all ADC candidates in the forthcoming general elections are not sold or
mortgaged as was the practice in the past.

“The arm of the law will soon catch up with all those responsible for these criminal and shameful activities.”

February 20, 2023
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.

February 20, 2023
“Don’t vote with your conscience, vote wisely”- Tonto Dikeh advises electorates

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has advised Nigerians to vote wisely and not with their conscience.

The Nigerian election is gradually getting closer as many have been seen on social media campaigning for their favorite to win. In the wake of campaigning for their favorite, Tonto Dikeh has advised Nigerians to vote wisely for the best candidate.

According to the mother of one, most Nigerians do not have a conscience anymore so it would be better to vote for a better person who will lead the country well for the next 8 years for the growth of the country.

She wrote on her Instagram page: “Telling Nigerians to vote with their conscience is the worst thing to do because normally, we no get conscience. I would rather say vote wisely because the next 8 years of your life and the growth of this great country depends on your choice”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State, Mr. Tonte Ibraye, had announced Nollywood actress (Tonto Dikeh) as his running mate for the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement posted by Tonte Ibraye in June, on his verified Facebook page.

The statement reads: “After a series of consultations with leaders of our party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State and the national level, I’m glad to announce Ambassador Tonto Dikeh as my running mate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State.

“We are pleased to welcome her to the #RiversRescueMission2023 as we strive to improve the standard of living for everyone in our dear Rivers State.”

The actress had also taken to her official Instagram page to announce the news and thank the candidate for choosing her.

She said, “I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate.

“I’ve done like two films in 10 years, so you can’t tell me I’m still in the industry,” said the mother of one. I would always appreciate that it was the industry that my path started from, that my shine started from.

“It is something that I respect, but it’s not something that has been in my life for a while now. So even after the election, it is not something I plan on bringing back.”

February 20, 2023
New Naira: Kachikwu says scarcity is threat to national peace

Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate, said the insufficient circulation of the new Naira notes posed great threats to the country’s peace.

Kachikwu said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said it was disheartening to see Nigerians endure long queues under the scorching sun just to withdraw their hard-earned money.

According to him, Nigerians are groaning in agony and people are being dehumanised in a bid to obtain the new notes.

“If this is not bad enough, the most political Central Bank Governor in our nation’s history seeks to plunge our nation into further chaos.

“How else can one explain this ill-conceived Naira Redesign Policy that ought to strengthen the value of our currency but now threatens our very existence as a nation

“My heart broke as I watched the videos of those who stripped naked in banking halls all in a bid to collect their money.

“How do you speak of cashless banking in a country plagued by epileptic telecom networks and power blackouts?

“Who is deceiving who when many parts of Northern Nigeria don’t have bank branches and lack the infrastructure to support e-banking.

“Was this not factored into the CBN Governor’s plan?,”

Kachikwu said that Nigerians did not deserve hardships, especially at a time when fuel was also not available in many parts of the country.

He alleged that people queued for hours for fuel only to be told they could not buy.

This, he said, was because they did not have cash and the Point of Sale (POS) terminals were not in operation due to unavailability of both the old and the new Naira notes.

He lamented no money, no food, no power, no jobs, no security, adding that all these were ingredients of anarchy if not well managed.

“Our nation is plagued by a Covid-19 induced inflation and recession like most nations but in our own case the managers of our economy have run out of ideas.

“How do we deal with the corruption at our ports that is at the heart of inflation in an import dependent economy.

“How do we stem the brain drain and keep our middle class happy and content in a working Nigeria?

“How do we defend our borders, secure our highways and protect our farmlands and how do we bring the aggrieved Igbos back to an equitable table.

“How do we repay our loans and balance our budget; how do we recreate the value of our Naira and create good paying jobs for tens of millions of Nigerians who are in despair,” he said.

He said that for the country to move forward, it must rid itself of nepotism and mediocrity and enshrine meritocracy and excellence in service.

He urged the nation’s leaders to refocus and revive ailing sectors such as the education and healthcare.

He called for the rebuilding and growing of the country’s broadband networks and stemming of the rural-urban migration threatening the nation’s economy.

Kachikwu said that the Feb. 25 general election was another opportunity for Nigerians to restore, rebuild, revive and reclaim their country by voting wisely.

He urged Nigerians to demand for public debates by all the presidential candidates in order to carefully elect the best options.

“They say they will transform the country from consumption to production and you all clap.

“The question is produce what, where and when. It is your right to ask questions.

“How do we enter an election like this without debating or discussing the issues, what is wrong with us, we create problems and then bring in a spiritual dimension.

“We can’t continue to use Churches and Mosques to manipulate the emotions of the gullible.

“Our nation is in need of genuine leadership and not fake prophecies and predictions,” he said.

February 7, 2023
Presidential candidate down with COVID, suspends campaigns

Dumebi Kachikwu, Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on Nigerians to be vigilant as COVID-19 makes a comeback.

Kachikwu gave this warning in a statement to disclose that he had tested positive for the Corona virus.

He said that he was isolating and had cancelled all public events till he received a negative report.

He called on Nigerians not to take the Corona virus for granted as infection rates have risen rapidly all over the world in the last few weeks.

“Nigerians must not let their guard down even though the Government has relaxed COVID rules. Our public health system can’t cope with the fallout of huge infection rates with attendant symptoms especially at a time when our health care professionals are leaving the country in droves.

“We must increase testing and take all necessary precautions not to spread the virus. We must not allow political rallies to become COVID spreaders and reverse the gains made in combating the virus. We will survive the Corona Virus if we all remain vigilant.”

January 13, 2023
Yuletide: Presidential aspirant urges Christians to emulate the love of Christ

Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has urged Christians to emulate Christ in showing love to others while celebrating Christmas.

Kachikwu said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said that as Christians were celebrating the Christmas festivity it was important for them to extend the love of Christ to others by sending gifts to friend and loved ones, especially to those of different faiths.

“As over 2 billion people across the world celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of the reason for this season.

“His birth signified renewed hope for mankind in the possibility of a second chance.

“The birth of Christ was the beginning of a journey of love to redeem mankind.

“I urge all Christian faithful to remember and emulate the love of he who redeemed them because our nation is in dire need of love,” he said.

Kachikwu urged Nigerians to renew their hopes and faiths in project Nigeria,saying, ”because this is what our faith calls for.

“The task of nation building can only be done with a heart of love and with faith and hope in a better tomorrow.”

Kachikwu added that Nigeria would only come alive: ”If everyone learned to love each other and live peaceably with one another.”

December 26, 2022
ADC crisis ends as Nwosu-led executives lose

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court has removed the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The judge, in a judgment on Tuesday, also nullified all actions taken by executives from August 21, 2022 till date.

Justice Nyako also affirmed Patricia Akwashiki as the authentic National Chairman of the party.

Ms Akwashiki’s lawyer, Benson Igbanoi, said by the court order, the actions of the Nwosu-led executive between 21 August and 20 December had been voided.

He said those actions, including the sacking of the presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, had been invalidated.

According to him, the court, having perused the constitution of the ADC, held that the party was bound by its extant constitution and therefore, the actions taken by the defendants were unconstitutional, null and void, and of no legal effect whatsoever.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the matter was commenced by means of an originating summons filed on 30 August.

The suit asked and urged the court to determine: “Whether, having regards to Article 24 (a) of the Constitution of the ADC 2018 (as amended), the National Officers of the 1st defendant can be validly elected or their term of office extended other than by the National Convention of the 1st defendant.”

The suit also sought, among others: “A declaration that the tenure of the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the 1st defendant who were elected and sworn into office at the National Convention of the 1st defendant held on Aug 28, 2018, expired by effluxion of time upon the expiration of four years from the date of their being sworn in being midnight on Aug. 27.

“A declaration that only the National Convention of the 1st defendant can elect and or extend the tenure of the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the 1st defendant.

“A declaration that the purported emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the 1st defendant held on Aug. 25, is null, void and of no legal effect whatsoever.

“Not having been convened upon the giving of at least seven days’ notice to the plaintiffs and every other member of the 1st defendant eligible to attend the meeting as mandatorily stipulated in the Constitution of the 1st defendant.

“A declaration that the purported resolution passed at the purported emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the 1st defendant held on Aug. 25, extending the tenure of the 2nd defendant as the National Chairman of the 1st defendant and the tenures of the other members of the National Working Committee of the 1st defendant who were elected and sworn in at the National Convention of the 1st Defendant held on Aug. 28, 2018 is null, void and of no legal effect whatsoever.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant and the entire National Working Committee of the 1st defendant elected and sworn in on Aug. 28, 2018 from parading themselves or holding themselves out in any manner as the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the 1st defendant.”

December 21, 2022
Smaller parties will take the lead in 2023 – Kachikwu

Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, the Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), says smaller parties will take the lead in 2023 General Elections to project Nigerians political reawakening.

Kachikwu said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja while celebrating his victory over the court case involving the party and its former chairman, Mr Ralph Nwosu.

He said that the removal of the erstwhile chairman and his management by the Federal High Court in Abuja was an indication of the party’s tenacity towards ensuring a united and purpose driven party.

“I applaud the Federal High Court decision for removing the erstwhile Chairman of the African Democratic Congress and his management.

“Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling was a Christmas gift for the entire ADC family who can now focus on rebuilding their party and taking their campaign to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Kachikwu alleged that Nwosu did everything possible to destroy the party against the collective ambitions of other members.

He said that Nwosu’s management encouraged candidates to enter negotiations with other parties.

“Thus further strengthened the prevalent view that smaller parties are only in the race to negotiate payments with bigger parties. This will never be the story of ADC going forward.

”We will exterminate this anti-democratic cankerworm that almost destroyed our party and build a party that will be the pride of all Nigerians.

“Change must start from within and this change has started within the ADC.”

He added that “I am sending a strong warning to APC, PDP and the Labour Party; ADC will not trade or negotiate any mandate.

“If you paid any money to anybody go and collect your money back,” he said.

December 21, 2022