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Tag: APC

  • 2027: Otti has no plan to join APC – Labour Party

    2027: Otti has no plan to join APC – Labour Party

    The Labour Party leadership says Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has no plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Obiora Ifoh, stated this in an interview on Friday in Abuja.

    Rumours have been rife over plans by no fewer than five first term opposition governors to defect to APC, preparatory to the 2027 general elections.

    The governors, according to media reports, are Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mba, Enugu; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers and Umoh Eno, Akwa Ibom.

    While Mbah, Fubara, Eno, Oborevwori are PDP governors, Otti belongs to Labour Party, with both parties currently locked in post-2023 election crises.

    Ifoh, in the interview, however, said that the purported plan by Otti to dump LP for APC was farther from the truth.

    “It is a mere rumour and I hope it remains so. For us in Labour Party, we are in touch with our governor, Dr Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere, ahead of 2027.

    “We believe that he will stay with us, irrespective of some of the issues which we are working hard to resolve,” he said.

    The national publicity secretary, who said that defection from one political party to another was nothing new in any democratic setting, however, said that Otti was not thinking about teaming up with the ruling APC.

    “The courts have come up several times to make interpretation as regards Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution and many people who had defected at one time or the other had been challenged in court.

    “So, if five governors are planning to defect, it won’t be a new thing, as it had happened in the past,” he said.

    Ifoh attributed the rumoured defection to the fact that some governors in the opposition had been having some challenges in controlling their states.

    He insisted that the speculated rumour of the only Labour Party governor had no substance or validity.

    “We are good in Labour Party and our governor is with us, and we are hoping that by 2027, we will have more governors in our fold,” he said.

    Recall that a recent media report indicated that the body language of some governors, particularly from PDP was tilting toward moving to the ruling APC.

    The report further indicated that some of the governor have either been visiting President Bola Tinubu privately or have him inaugurating projects in their states.

    It was also reported that the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, had been wooing the opposition governors to join APC.

  • Onanuga’s death rude shock – Ogun APC mourns

    Onanuga’s death rude shock – Ogun APC mourns

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun has described the death of House of Representatives member, representing Ikene/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Adewunmi Onanuga, as a rude shock.

    The party, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday by its State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, expressed sadness over the death of the politician.

    Recall Onanuga, popularly known as “Ijaya”, died in a United Kingdom hospital following a brief illness at the age of 59.

    The death of the lawmaker, who was the Deputy Chief Whip of the house, was announced via a post on the official X account of the lower legislative chamber on Wednesday night.

    Oladunjoye commiserated with Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the leadership of the party, family and associates of late lawmaker, who, he said, remained a staunch and vibrant party loyalist till her death.

    “While alive, Onanuga popularly called “Ijaya”, exuded humility, loyalty and responsibility to the party and her constituents.

    “She was a commendable and recommendable politician that served as a beacon of hope not only to female party members but also, to the entirety of the party.

    “She was a good ambassador who represented not only her federal constituency, but indeed, Ogun state as a whole, while she served as the Deputy Chief Whip at the House of Representatives.

    “We pray that God will grant her family and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the publicity secretary said.

  • APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded blames on the shooting incident at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin, on Wednesday.

    A statement by the APC Chairman in Edo, Jarret Tenebe, described the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence that undermined the sanctity of the judicial process.”

    Tenebe accused supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of carrying out what he described as the distardly act.

    Some gunmen suspected to be political thugs disrupted proceeding of the tribunal shouting “give us our mandate” while shooting sporadically.

    The shooting caused panic with lawyers, members of the tribunal and others at the proceedings fleeing for safety.

    Tenebe, in the statement available to the NAN, described the tribunal as a sacred space where justice was meant to be administered impartially.

    “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

    “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

    “Violence has no place in a civilised society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception,” the chairman said.

    However, in a counter-statement, the PDP in the state disassociated itself from the shooting incident.

    The PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as yet another in the series of clandestine efforts by the APC to frustrate the legal process and tarnish the image of the opposition party.

    “The APC in Edo, who are clearly scared of justice, have continued their devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo in the last governorship election at the tribunal.

    “They have now resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process, while pointing accusing fingers at our party,” Aziegbemi said.

  • Poll: We didn’t ask LG chairmen seeking re-election to resign – Lagos APC

    Poll: We didn’t ask LG chairmen seeking re-election to resign – Lagos APC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has denied issuing any directive to incumbent local government chairmen, seeking reelection, to resign ahead of the 2025 council poll.

    The APC Spokesperson, Mr Seye Oladejo, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening, said that the purported directive was fake news to mislead the public and party members.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a false directive purportedly issued by the Lagos State Chairman of APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to incumbent Council Chairmen, who intend to seek re-election to resig from  their offices.

    “We want to make it abundantly clear that there is  no iota of truth in the publication, as it was twisted to suit the interest of the publisher,” Oladejo said.

    He said that on the contrary, the directive issued was to APC Local Government Party Chairmen seeking elective offices during the forth-coming elections to resign their positions, as they could not be umpires and contestants at the same time.

    “The local government party chairmen, who double as aspirants in the coming elections, for emphasis, will be required to resign their current positions when the guidelines are released.

    “We wish to enjoin party members and the general public to refrain from peddling misleading information that can heat up the polity,” Oladejo said.

    He said that the party was awaiting the electoral guidelines from the newly reconstituted Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

    The spokesperson said that the party members should all continue to promote activities that would engender party cohesion and understanding.

  • LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State says it will repeat the landslide victory in the forthcoming Local Government (LG) election on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the party won in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state during the Nov.16 governorship election.

    The state Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr Alex Kalejaye, who stated this on Monday in Akure at the party’s secretariat while speaking with newsmen on the party’s preparations ahead the Jan.18 LG election.

    Kalejaye, who assured that APC would win the election. expressed displeasure with the inauguration of caretaker committees at the third tiers of government.

    According to him, we are confident of repeating the victory recorded in the last Nov. 16 governorship election on Saturday.

    Kalejaye said that the people of the state would vote for APC on Saturday due to the level of performance of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

    The publicity secretary disclosed that in preparation for the election, the party had constituted a five-man committee, led by the party’s state Organising Secretary, Charles Fagbohunka.

    He said Fagbohunka would coordinate the campaign of all committee set up at the local government level, while the  committees would coordinate the campaign at ward and unit levels for mobilisation and sensitisation.

    Kalejaye said the party had also constituted a reconciliation committee led by the state Vice Chairman of the party, Mr Atili Agabra, to settle all misunderstanding among party members ahead of the Saturday poll.

    “APC has met all the conditions reeled out by ODIEC and all our candidates across the 18 local government areas are sellable.

    “The party is well prepared for the election and will round off its campaign on Thursday in line with the Electoral Act.

    “We have started the campaign by meeting with all stakeholders across all the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said. (

  • APC congratulates new Ohaneze president, Azuta-Mbata

    APC congratulates new Ohaneze president, Azuta-Mbata

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Sen. John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

    Mr Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja also congratulated the outgoing President-General of the organisation, Chief Fidelis  Chukwu.

    Chukwu completed the tenure of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who died on died on July 25 at the age of 82.

    Morka said the election of Azuta-Mbata, who hails from Rivers in South-South region, marked a milestone in the organisation’s history.

    “Sen. Azuta-Mbata has a stellar public service record, particularly as a two-term senator who championed the welfare and interest of his constituents and legislated for good and effective governance in the country.

    “We are confident that Sen. Azuta-Mbata will bring to bear his wealth of experience in providing a mature, purposeful and patriotic leadership for Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “We assure the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of our party’s readiness to explore areas of partnership towards advancing development, shared prosperity, unity, peace and progress of our great country,” Morka said.

    He wished Azuta-Mbata and the new executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo a successful and remarkable tenure in the fulfillment of the organisation’s mandates.

  • Delta APC suffering from chronic incontinence – By Ifeanyi Osuoza

    Delta APC suffering from chronic incontinence – By Ifeanyi Osuoza

    By Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

    When an institution that is expected to conduct itself on the basis of informed facts begins to act and react on the basis of speculation or rumour, we must see that something must have gone wrong with its medulla, its core.

    It is therefore no wonder that, acting through its State Publicity Secretary, Barr Valentine Onojeghuo, the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress allowed itself to issue a public statement, as recently reported, in reaction to what Onojeghuo himself clearly termed “speculations” that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is seeking to defect to the APC.

    It is even sadder that Onojeghuo describes himself as a lawyer who ordinarily should know the need to act on the basis of facts, but we can understand that the Delta APC is suffering from incontinence and cannot help itself.

    Incontinence in common parlance is “peeing in the pants.” In addition to adverse medical conditions, it occurs when someone is seriously stressed, stricken by deep fear, loses his brain control, becomes unable to control his vital organs, and thus drips involuntarily.

    That appears to be the condition that is currently afflicting the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, pitifully.

    Consumed by the psychological trauma, pathological grief, chronic sadness and irreversible depression over the massive rejection of its candidate by Deltans in the 2023 Governorship election, it has numbed itself into recurring nightmares and now suffers anxiety, self-suffocation and pervasive fear as Deltans look determined to re-elect Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027.

    Oborevwori being not a self-conceited person and not given to unnecessary showmanship, they had imagined that their candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, would defeat him in the elections, but Deltans made a rigorous character judgment of the two, and supported Oborevwori massively to hand Agege a crushing defeat.

    Feeling woefully disgraced, they instigated the institution of about 38 litigations to upturn the victory, but Oborevwori also defeated them in all.

    Deflated, they resigned with the hope of relaunching their bid in 2027, but the responsible, inclusive leadership style and sterling performance being delivered by Oborevwori is already assuring his return, at the same time showing them that they will suffer even more disgraceful defeat in 2027.

    All across the state, Deltans are pleased with the projects and programmes of the administration. They richly appreciate the pace of work on the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, the Warri and Effurun three flyover bridges, a cloverleaf and massive stormwater drainage channels projects, all going on simultaneously in the metropolis.

    They had thought that they have been disregarded and forgotten and did not ever anticipate the projects, talk less of the engagement of Julius Berger to handle them, but as they commute daily, they are pleasantly surprised to see the projects taking shape rapidly. This is in addition to the Trans Warri Ode-Itsekiri Road and hundreds of other internal roads and drainage projects in the area.

    It is the same for the people of Ndokwa East for whom the Beneku Bridge has been done while over 26 other road projects are on across Ndokwa and Ukwuani.

    It is the same for the Ijaw nation where the Bedeseigha Bridge has been done, while action is now on the Ayakoromo Bridge, the Ohoror-Bomadi road, Ogulagha-Odimodi road, with various other internal road projects completed and ongoing from Patani, Burutu to Bomadi LGAs.

    In Oshimili/Aniocha axis the people are happy with the completion of the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass, the Isheagu-Ewulu road and several internal road projects also completed or ongoing in Asaba, Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku and a number of other towns and villages.

    Deltans can see that Ughelli area is already wearing a new look, not only with the reconstruction of roads in Ughelli Township and other suburban centres, but especially with the speedy work on the Orere-Ewu bridge with spurs to connect over 26 communities.

    Such critical road projects have been delivered and more are ongoing in Isoko, Ika, Sapele, Udu and Okpe lands. In fact, as at the last count, there are over 500 road and drainage projects going on across the state.

    Other sectors, from education, transportation, agriculture and housing, are not left out. In health, about 260 Primary Health Care Centres and 64 General Hospitals are being renovated, upgraded and re-equipped.

    Perhaps, the more immediate results are the administration’s social investments, with D-CARES beneficiaries raised from 36,000 to over 250,000 under two years, besides the deliveries of the MORE Grant, the MORE Biz-Up programmes to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises, and the intensified output of the Job Creation Office.

    The same goes for the state work force, retired or in active service, who have had all their dues and more provided, and the youth and student communities who are enjoying the Delta “ukodo” like never before, with regular bursary and free medical services anywhere they are.

    Truly, any opposition is bound to “pee in the pants” seeing these remarkable performances and knowing that they effectively destroy any formidable chance or hope for them to come to the contest in the next election.

    Their condition is worsened by the acknowledgement of Oborevwori’s outstanding performance and rising profile in the national political sphere.

    Why would Delta APC not pee in the pants when President Bola Tinubu has come publicly to acknowledge, describe and commend Oborevwori as a Governor for all, Pan Deltan, a detribalised leader and bridge-builder, adding that if we have more of his type, this country will be better?

    Why would the Delta APC not pee in the pants when the Nigeria Governors Forum in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health conceded to Delta State the Bill and Melinda Gates Awards for Primary Health Care Development in a peer review with other states?

    Why will the Delta APC not pee in the pants when Oborevwori’s infrastructure building projects have been reported to the President as “unimaginable” by no less a person as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, a gentleman who says it as it is.

    In comparison, in the last election the Delta APC paraded a candidate whose best public reputation is about the brigandage of mace snatching, an image that President Tinubu would never associate with to trade off his long and hard earned reputation as a democrat.

    But perhaps, the most woeful betrayal of irresponsibility by the Delta APC is in their inability to understand why Governor Oborevwori has called for public support and hugely collaborating with the Tinubu administration to ensure the success of the ongoing socio-economic reforms.

    Need it be emphasized that the country is one nation and the success of the Federal Government has a corresponding success effect on all the states?

    For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP is basically driven by these establishing principles: the pursuit of the socio-economic development and growth of the nation, the prosperity of the people and the deepening of democracy for the sustenance of good governance, and they have remained the guiding values of the Delta State Governor.

    But like we have noted, the Delta APC is living in a crippling fear of him, so we can understand why they have become sleepless and incontinent.

    They are only hoping to survive through unintelligent propaganda as they are currently engaged in. Pitifully for them, “e no go work.”

  • Ondo LG election: APC unveils candidates for Okitipupa

    Ondo LG election: APC unveils candidates for Okitipupa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State has officially unveiled its candidates for the council elections in the area. The  LGA elections is scheduled for Jan. 18 across the 18 LGA’s in the state.

    Mr Bode Ikulala, APC Chairman in Okitipupa LGA, on Wednesday in Okitipupa, officially presented Mr Soga Ogunsakin and Mr James Orimisan Ogunyemi as the APC Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates for the election.

    Ikulala also presented to the party stakeholders and members the 13 councilorship candidates who would be vying for seats in the forthcoming LGA election.

    The chairman said that he had confidence in the ability of the APC candidates to deliver victory for the party in the forthcoming election.

    According to him, the party’s candidates have impressive credentials and track record of service to the community, assuring that they would bring value to the people of Okitipupa if elected.

    Ikulala also commended the party’s leadership for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

    He said that the presentation of its candidates officially flagged off the APC’s campaign for the Okitipupa LGA election.

    “The party is expected to engage in a series of campaign activities, including rallies, town hall meetings, and door-to-door canvassing, to mobilise support for its candidates,” Ikulala said.

    Meanwhile, Ogunsakin, who spoke on behalf of other candidates thanked the party leadership and stakeholders for the opportunity to serve.

    He promised to run an all inclusive and transparent administration if elected, pledging to prioritise the welfare and development of the people of Okitipupa LGA.

    “We express gratitude to the party leadership and promised to work tirelessly to ensure victory for the party in the election,” Ogunsakin said.

    In attendance at the event were Mr Segun Aiyerin, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Femi Agagu, a former Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology and Mr Igbekeke Akinrinwa, the incumbent Chairman,  Okitipupa LGA Transition Committee.

  • Heavy fight in Delta APC, as Ibori, Omo-Agege reportedly battle for control

    Heavy fight in Delta APC, as Ibori, Omo-Agege reportedly battle for control

    Ex-Delta Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and immediate past Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege are reportedly enmeshed in a Titanic battle for the control of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The battle, which has snowballed into a cold war, has reportedly polarized the APC into factions, with each of the two gladiators insisting that the leadership of the party belongs to each of them.

    Findings revealed that the state chairman of the party, Chief Omeni Sobotie, reportedly suffering from an unknown ailment, has been dragged into the tussle, with Ibori and Omo-Agege demanding loyalty from the chairman.

    Sources claim that the battle for the control of party became intense after Ibori’s daughter and member representing Ethiope federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ehriatake Ibori-Suenu decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently.

    Although Omo-Agege was in Oghara, headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government of Delta State, ostensibly as leader of the APC to welcome her to the party, insiders maintain that all is not well with the party.

    The former DSP, who was the governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 general election in Delta, has reportedly been trying to maintain control of the party, insisting that all structures must subordinate to his leadership.

    However, Ibori, who was responsible for Omo-Agege’s entry into politics, was said to be using his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure full control of the party, a development said to have unsettled the former DSP and his supporters.

    The former Governor, although still retaining his membership of the PDP, has reportedly leveraged on his relationship with the President to secure key appointments at the federal level for his allies, including his daughter, who was appointed chairman of the NDDC committee in the House of Representatives.

    By contrast, Ibori has allegedly blocked Ovie Omo-Agege and his associates from getting federal appointments, insisting that he, and not DSP, should be the clearing house for appointments for APC members in APC.

    A reliable source disclosed that the present crisis in Delta APC was caused by the rivalry between the two gladiators, but maintain that DSP may have lost out of the power game.

    “Everyone knows President Tinubu does not like Omo-Agege. None of his men have been given appointments by Abuja. But we all know Chief Ibori is a friend of Aso Rock. He is always with the President. That’s why we all want him as leader of our party.

    “Omo-Agege has virtually lost out. But, he is still fighting to control the party. It will not work because all the major stakeholders and appointees at the federal level are not with him. I can tell you that DSP is a drowning man”, disclosed the source.

    It is yet to be known how the crisis in the APC would be resolved as Ibori was also said to have started moves to make Olorogun David Edevwie, a trusted ally, the next governorship candidate of the APC in the 2027 election, a development said to have infuriates Omo-Agege.

  • APC, PDP bicker over attempt to assassinate Kaduna Senator

    APC, PDP bicker over attempt to assassinate Kaduna Senator

    The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to desist from tarnishing its reputation with unverified claims and unfounded propaganda.

    In a statement issued by the State Secretary, Mr Yahaya Pate on Saturday, APC advised the PDP to ‘’strive to fulfill; its role as a constructive opposition party.’’

    The party was reacting to the alleged assassination attempt of Sen. Lawal Usman (PDP  Kaduna-Central).

    The PDP had earlier accused APC of complicity in the alleged murder attempt, which the ruling party has condemned, describing it as an unfounded accusation, which was  both false and absurd.

    According to Pate, the State Police Command had  revealed that Usman has neither filed a formal complaint nor cooperated with the ongoing investigations.

    He said, ‘’In spite of repeated attempts by the Police to reach him, he remains unresponsive.

    ”It is, therefore, baffling how the PDP arrived at its baseless conclusion implicating the APC in this alleged incident.’’

    Pate further called on Usman and the PDP to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

    He added,‘’Failure to do so would lend credence to suspicions that the alleged assassination attempt is nothing more than a fabrication aimed at maligning the APC.

    ”It is aimed at creating unnecessary tension, derailing the peace and progress currently enjoyed in Kaduna State.

    “The APC strongly suspects that certain conflict entrepreneurs are using the PDP to disrupt the remarkable strides achieved under the peace initiatives of Gov. Uba Sani’s people-focused and inclusive administration.”

    The party said that the PDP inthe state has developed a troubling reputation for issuing ill-conceived and patently false statements, undermining the seriousness of public discourse.

    “This reckless behavior highlights the party’s deteriorating standards, with critical matters being handled without due diligence or proper scrutiny,’’ Pate maintained.

    While affirming that efforts to disrupt the government would not succeed, APC added,  ‘’Kaduna State remains on a path of growth and stability, and no amount of false narratives or orchestrated incidents will derail this progress.’’

    ”Sani’s administration remains firmly focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

    ‘’As our Governor, Sani has declared 2025 is our Year of Fulfillment. We will not be distracted by baseless allegations or needless provocations,’’ Pate added.