Tag: APC

  • Hon. Waive calls on APC to adopt Gov Oborevwori as 2027 candidate

    Hon. Waive calls on APC to adopt Gov Oborevwori as 2027 candidate

    The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Rev) Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has urged the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as its sole gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections.

    Speaking to journalists during the week, Hon. Waive emphasized that Governor Oborevwori’s strong rapport with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrates his deep understanding of governance. He also lauded the governor’s performance, stating that “Gov Sheriff has shocked every Deltan with his people-oriented programs and quality projects.”

    According to Hon. Waive, “It will be impossible for any other candidate to beat Gov Sheriff come 2027,” adding that his coming to APC is value addition and that this will bring an immediate end to the crisis engulfing the party in the State. “I can see Gov Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu coasting to victory on the APC ticket. This synergy is what APC Delta needs at this moment. Not only will this bring peace to the party, it will make victory very certain.

    The lawmaker further highlighted that the principle of governorship rotation among Delta’s three senatorial districts favors Oborevwori, who would be serving only one more term. He called on all Deltans to support this move, emphasizing that it would strengthen party unity and enhance the state’s development.

    “I want victory for my party and for President Tinubu. This is the way to go. Moreover the rotation of the Governorship between the three Senatorial Districts favors Governor Sheriff who has only one term left. I call on all Deltans to support this move as it will further unite us as a people,” he added.

  • Zamfara APC vows to deal with erratic members

    Zamfara APC vows to deal with erratic members

    The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will deal with any erratic member trying to create problem in the party leadership in the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

    He said, “The APC leadership, under Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, reiterate our support to President Bola Tinibu’s administration in the country.

    “Danfulani was elected under the supervision of INEC through a National Secretariat Congress Committee headed by a highly respected party man, Sen. Kabiru Masari who is the current Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.”

    Idris said that the Zamfara chapter of the APC read, with dismay, a concoction of lies attributed to one Mansur Khalifa, who had been suspended from the party since March 17, 2024.

    According to him, the suspension was over alleged disrespect to the party and other forms misconduct.”

    He said that the State APC leadership had observed the Jaji support group’s constant alleged romance with the opposition PDP and SDP.

    “They are inching towards their possible defection from the APC,” he added.

    On the Ramadan packages distributed by party leaders, he appreciated all the individuals who supported the members.

    “The party remains fully grateful to them; we will urge them to continue to do more for the benefit of our members and entire people of the state.

    “Our leaders including the former Governor, Sen.  Abdulaziz Yari and the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle, had supported thousands of beneficiaries from the nooks and crannies in the state with cash, grains and clothing materials.”

    Idris stated that Matawalle remained the APC leader in Zamfara, adding, “they have failed to understand what we have been telling them because of their envy for Matawalle.

    “The APC has a constitution that guides its politicking which whether they like it or not, He is the leader of Zamfara APC.

    “The constitution of our great party has clearly spelt out that if there is a sitting Governor in a state who is a member of APC, he is the leader.

    “If there is no Minister from the state, a past governor is the leader.

    So, Matawalle, both as the immediate past governor and the current Minister from Zamfara, is the APC leader.

    “Challenging Matawalle is misconduct and disrespect to the party’s constitutional guideline.”

  • APC explains Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers

    APC explains Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers to restore constitutional governance and protect lives and property.

    Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, gave the explanation in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He praised the National Assembly for swiftly approving Tinubu’s proclamation, in line with constitutional requirements.

    “Today, the 10th Assembly showed patriotism by prioritising peace, security, and national unity in the interest of Rivers and Nigeria,” Morka stated.

    He particularly commended the opposition caucus for setting aside partisanship to support the emergency declaration.

    Morka said Tinubu remains committed to peace, law and order, and the protection of critical national assets in Rivers.

    He added that the President aims to restore constitutional order where the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary function effectively for good governance.

    The APC spokesman urged Nigerians to disregard opposition figures trying to exploit the situation to stoke political unrest.

    He named Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai as among those politicising the crisis for personal gain.

    According to him, they did nothing to defuse the crisis, which posed a serious threat to peace and national infrastructure in Rivers.

    Morka described their recent press conference as a publicity stunt aimed at inciting tension and grabbing headlines.

    He urged Rivers residents and all Nigerians to support Tinubu’s efforts to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.

    Morka emphasised that the president’s ultimate goal is the return of effective constitutional governance in Rivers.

    NAN reports that Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, citing political instability and troubling security in Rivers.

    Tinubu said security reports revealed pipeline vandalism by militants, with no intervention from the state government.

    He has directed security agencies to protect lives, infrastructure, and especially oil pipelines throughout Rivers.

    The President has appointed Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to oversee Rivers’ affairs during the emergency.

    The state judiciary, however, remains unaffected and will continue its duties under constitutional provisions.

  • Rivers emergency rule: Good intervention to forestall ill-wind in state – APC Chieftain

    Rivers emergency rule: Good intervention to forestall ill-wind in state – APC Chieftain

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Enugu State, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, says declaration of emergency rule in Rivers is a good intervention to forestall ill-wind in the state.

    It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared an emergency rule on Rivers and suspended the state governor, his deputy and the state 30 lawmakers for a period of six months.

    Tinubu’s intervention comes after more than one year of political crisis in the state as well as recent heightened human and economic security threats.

    Ngwu, a former South-East Publicity Secretary of the APC, said that President Tinubu in his right wisdom must have considered the strategic and economic importance of Rivers before arriving at the decision.

    According to him, this Presidential timely and swift intervention deserves our standing ovation.

    ”Rivers is one of the strategic states economically in Nigeria. If the state is allowed to slide into full anarchy, it would have been an ill-wind for all Nigerians.

    ”This is a very good intervention. The state before the Presidential intervention was sliding into anarchy.

    ”The State House of Assembly complex was brazenly demolished and not rebuilt for several months. This is very unfortunate.

    ”The governor and the members of the House of Assembly who were all elected on the same day to provide good governance, secure lives and property of the residents of Rivers became alienated to their elective roles.”

    Ngwu noted that the political impasse was gradually entering the judicial arm of government before the “thoughtful intervention”.

    ”I thank President Tinubu for coming to restore sanity and respect for constituted authority in the state,” he added.

  • Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yusuf Buhari, and Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, have defected to the APC.

    Also defecting are the Kano State Working Committee, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 state assembly, and 6 House of Representatives candidates.

    The SDP chieftains’ defection was formalised at an event held in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

    Addressing the defectors, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said their move proves that plans to challenge the APC in 2027 via SDP are doomed.

    He noted this development as a blow to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had recently joined the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Barau said: “Those traversing the nation, trying to build the SDP into a viable platform to rival the APC in 2027, have failed utterly.

    “That mission is dead on arrival. Nigerians have rejected it. Even prominent figures like Sule Lamido have distanced themselves from the party.

    “Today, the Vice Presidential candidate, Kano’s governorship flag-bearer, and other SDP stalwarts have joined the APC. More are expected to follow suit in coming days.

    “If we delayed this meeting till tomorrow, nearly all SDP candidates nationwide would have joined us. We shall receive them officially in due course,” Barau added.

    He assured the new members of equal treatment, stating no one would be considered inferior regardless of when they joined the APC.

    “Everyone is equal. Joining today or being a long-time member does not diminish your importance. You are all valued equally,” Barau declared.

    He praised the defectors for acknowledging the achievements recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aligning with APC’s vision.

    APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, warmly welcomed the new entrants, promising them full rights and privileges within the party.

    Represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a move “from darkness to light.”

    He lauded the APC’s role as a model of transformative leadership under President Tinubu, promising continued progress and national development.

    Former Kano Governor, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, noted that the SDP was already depleted by the time El-Rufai joined, rendering it ineffective.

    “The SDP is dead. Its Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Kano candidate is here, all key stakeholders are now with APC.

    “I commend the Deputy Senate President for securing these heavyweight politicians for our party. It’s a great victory for APC,” he said.

  • Rivers Crisis: APC backs Tinubu on State of Emergency declaration

    Rivers Crisis: APC backs Tinubu on State of Emergency declaration

    Mr Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

    Recall Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared the emergency, citing political tension and troubling security reports in Rivers.

    Tinubu stated that recent security briefings revealed troubling acts of oil pipeline vandalism by militants, with no effort from the governor to address the situation.

    Reacting to the development, the APC scribe expressed hope that the emergency would help restore peace and order in the troubled oil-producing state.

    “It is a welcome and positive decision by President Tinubu to restore order to Rivers, which was fast becoming a failed state,” Basiru stated.

    Basiru lamented that both the executive and legislature in Rivers had failed in their constitutional duty to ensure the people’s welfare and security.

    He advised the Osun governor to take note and allow court-reinstated Local Government Councils to function, or risk a similar emergency declaration in Osun.

    Meanwhile, the President has directed security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and vital infrastructure, including oil pipelines, across Rivers.

    “By this declaration, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers are suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu said.

    The president nominated Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to oversee Rivers’ affairs in the interest of its citizens during the emergency.

    However, the state’s judiciary remains unaffected by the declaration and will continue to operate within its constitutional mandate.

  • El-Rufai is hurt after failing to land ministerial post – APC

    El-Rufai is hurt after failing to land ministerial post – APC

    The All Progressives Party (APC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its founding values and progressive ideals, refuting claims made by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State.

    In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, responded to El-Rufai’s recent comments.

    El-Rufai had accused the APC of straying from its original principles and transforming into a party driven by personal interests.

    Morka rejected these claims, asserting that the APC remained committed to its founding values and progressive ideals.

    He further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the party continued to attract new members who were aligned with its values and vision for Nigeria’s transformation.

    El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated in a recent interview that the APC had abandoned its progressive ideals, focusing instead on private interests rather than public welfare.

    Morka dismissed these claims, labeling El-Rufai as a self-serving politician, blinded by ego and driven by personal grievances.

    He emphasised that the former governor’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his failure to secure a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “His assertion that he left because the APC deviated from its founding values or progressive ideology is merely a cover for his personal frustrations.

    “El-Rufai appears to be acting out of hurt after failing to land a ministerial post, and his attacks on the APC are fuelled by a bruised ego,” Morka said.

    Morka further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the APC continued to attract millions of new members across the country, all of whom were drawn to the party’s values and its commitment to transforming Nigeria.

    The APC spokesman also dismissed El-Rufai’s claims about the failure of President Tinubu’s administration, calling them baseless and misleading.

    Morka argued that Nigerians were witnessing real progress under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in areas such as economic reform, good governance, and the delivery of key campaign promises.

    “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is better off today than when he took office.

    “From the removal of the fuel subsidy, which now saves the country an estimated N4 trillion annually, to the unification of exchange rates, tangible progress is being made,” Morka stated.

    He further added that the unification of exchange rates had led to a surge in foreign exchange inflows, contributing to the country’s ongoing economic improvements.

    He also highlighted the country’s growing foreign reserves, the increase in non-oil revenues, and the remarkable boost in oil exports, all of which demonstrated the success of Tinubu’s policies.

    Morka urged El-Rufai to move past his grievances and focus on offering constructive feedback, rather than resorting to negative rhetoric aimed at undermining the country’s progress.

    “El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation, but he should stop sulking and regain some respectability,” the APC spokesman said.

  • Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    The PDP in Lagos State says it will not miss the party’s 2023 governorship candidate,Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran better known as Jandor, who defected to the APC.

    The Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman (Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, made this remark in an interview with NAN while reacting to Adediran’s return to APC on Monday.

    Olalemi, who noted that the exit of Adediran from PDP was not a shock, said that the former party candidate came to spy and ruin the party in the state.

    “He (Adediran) is a human being and the Nigerian Constitution allows freedom of associations. He is free to resign from any group or party and join any group he wants.

    “We will miss his shenanigans, comedy and cunningness. So, we will not miss anything good about him in the party because he has done a huge havoc to our party in Lagos State.

    “He has come to our party to spy and he ruined the party.

    “We are assuring the public that we are going to pick up the party from where it is now and take it to its Eldorado come 2027 by the special grace of God,” Olalemi said.

    Wishing Adediran good luck in his new party, the PDP chairman described the exit of the former candidate as good radiance in Lagos PDP.

    The vice chairman, however blamed the party national leaders and some state leaders for offering Adediran PDP’s ticket on the platter of gold during the 2023 general elections.

    NAN reports that Adediran, who resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders, announced his return to APC on Monday.

    It would be recalled that Adediran, a leader of Lagos4Lagos Movement and former APC governorship aspirant, also defected from APC to PDP in 2021.

    In 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of the Lagos governorship election, defeating all contestants, including Adediran.

    Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his close challenger, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), who scored 312,329 votes.

    Adediran, the PDP’s flagbearer, came a distant third with 62,449 votes.

  • Lagos APC welcomes Jandor, says more to join party in weeks

    Lagos APC welcomes Jandor, says more to join party in weeks

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has welcomed the 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and his loyalists back to its fold.

    Adediran, who resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders, announced his return to APC on Monday.

    Recall that Adediran, a leader of Lagos4Lagos Movement and former APC governorship aspirant, defected from the party to PDP in 2021.

    The State APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, said that the party was excited to welcome Adediran back to its fold.

    “He (Adediran) is welcome home.

    “We are happy that he now appreciates the fact that Lagos State is still better and safer in the hands of the progressives, who have enjoyed uninterrupted trust and confidence of our people since the inception of this dispensation.

    “We believe there is sufficient opportunity for him to contribute his quota to the continuous success of our government and growth of our party.

    “We are expecting more defectors in the days ahead,” Oladejo said.

  • Former PDP guber candidate Jandor switches allegiance, joins APC

    Former PDP guber candidate Jandor switches allegiance, joins APC

    After contesting the 2023 Lagos State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, has made a notable political move by returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the state’s ruling party.

    This reversal of his previous defection marks a significant shift in the Lagos political landscape.

    Adediran announced his return to APC at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.

    Adediran, leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, announced his resignation from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its  leaders.

    He was previously a member of APC before joining PDP.

    Speaking at the news conference, Adediran ,who noted that the decision  to quit the PDP was not an easy one,  said  he returned to APC after due consultations.

    Adediran said: “We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons for which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage, ‘if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better’.”

    “In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.

    “But in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that, at every election cycle, works against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers.

    “We have chosen the better alternative. We believe that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on our promises of good governance for all Lagosians, even if I am not the one on the ballot.

    “Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly.

    “It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”

    Adediran expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for recognising his team’s modest contributions to democracy and nation building.

    He also recognised the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, “who has been on our case for over one year to return and join hands with Mr President.”

    He added that upon hearing the news of his resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, immediately called him on phone to welcome him to APC.

    According to him, the leadership of the APC, both at the state level and national level,  have welcomed him back to the party.

    “Let me assure Mr President of our readiness to contribute our experience, vision and energy to the ongoing work of making Nigeria a place of opportunities, growth, and inclusive development.

    “To all our teeming supporters across the state, we assure you that this step is taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart and we urge you all to join us in embracing this new chapter as we work together to build a Lagos that works for everyone.

    “We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.

    Adediran returned to APC with his supporters across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

    Recognizing the significance of his departure, PDP leaders acted quickly, visiting Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) at his Abuja office within 48 hours.

    They made a passionate plea for him to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the importance of his continued membership and the platform the party had offered him during the governorship election.