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Tag: APC

  • PDP condemns violence, irregularities in APC ward congresses

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned reported cases of violence and bloodletting which characterized Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses across the country.

    The party made the condemnation in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday in Abuja.

    It expressed worry that the nation’s electoral processes could still be affected by unnecessary resort to violence by contenders, even when there were available channels for resolution of disagreements.

    It, therefore, called on Nigerians, particularly political stakeholders, to combine efforts to make the country’s political and electioneering processes free of violence, especially as the 2019 general elections approached.

    “Our party values the life of every Nigerian and we implore all contenders, including political parties, to eschew desperation for power, especially in the face of loss of popularity and public support due to performance issues.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us and we seek a peaceful environment where the citizens are free to vote for candidates of their choice at all levels, particularly the presidency.

    “As it were, majority of Nigerians have made up their minds where to go in the 2019 general elections.

    “We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, contenders to offices and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the will of the people by playing by the rules and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere,” the party said.

    It sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the violence recorded in the congress and prayed for speedy recovery for the injured.

    It urged all Nigerians to continue in prayers and commitment to the unity and peace of the nation.

  • APC ward congress: Buhari meets Okorocha, Yari over irregularities, violence

    Sequel to the violence and irregularities recorded during the recently concluded ward congress of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday hosted the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.

    Recall that Buhari had on Friday travelled to Daura to enable him to take part in the ward congress of the ruling All Progressives Congress that took place nationwide on Saturday.

    The exercise, which was meant to elect new executives of the party at ward levels, was said to have been held amidst protests and violence across the country.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had posted photographs of the President and the Imo State governor on his Facebook page.

    Adesina however did not disclose the agenda of the meeting.

    “President Buhari receives in audience Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo State in Daura, Katsina State on 6th May, 2018,” the presidential spokesman simply wrote.

    But Okorocha confirmed to reporters that he intimated Buhari on the outcome of the ward congress which was said to have been marred with crisis and confusion in his state as some unidentified thugs attacked the state party secretariat located at the Imo State University junction in Owerri.

    Okorocha said, “We expect internal democracy and internal democracy is the way to go. Those kinds of funny politics that were played must stop. A situation where people went to carry ballot boxes, steal results looks so primitive. I intimated Mr. President and we will make sure that such things stop.”

    On what Buhari’s response was, the Imo governor said, “He spoke like the President and he will take the necessary steps to correct this in our party, the APC, not just in Imo State but across the whole nation, to make sure that there is respect for internal democracy in Imo State.”

    Yari on his part said the exercise went well in the North-East geopolitical zone.

    “You know in a democracy, you cannot expect everything to work 100 per cent. But in our zone from the information available to us, everything went well in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano, where people expected that there may be a problem, the exercise was successful.

    “But anybody that has complaint, there is a committee set up by the national executive of the party. They should take their complaints there so that they will be attended to,” he said.

    Apart from the fracas that marred the exercise in Imo State, there were also allegations of hijacking of electoral materials and other irregularities in most of the APC controlled states where the congress was held.

  • APC finally issues membership card to Adeosun

    APC finally issues membership card to Adeosun

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially issued Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun her party member card.

    TheNewsGuru reports Adeosun picked up the membership card of the APC on Saturday at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State where she partook in the ward congress.

    “I was pleased by the turnout and conduct of yesterday’s Ward Congress. Every now and then we have to take time out from Abuja to visit our wards and get involved in what’s going on at the grassroots,” she said.

    Explaining why she is just receiving her membership card, Adeosun said: “I’ve been a committed member of the APC since inception; so picking my membership card yesterday was a mere formality, for those who might be wondering.

    “Before then I was a member of the ACN; which I joined when I was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State in 2011”.

    Meanwhile, the finance minister had earlier said “There’s no doubt that the APC Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has the best interests of Nigeria at heart.

    “We’re working really hard to turn things around. The signs are there that Nigeria is going to make it, we just have to continue working hard,” she stated.

     

  • Delta PDP condemns killing during APC ward congress

    The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms the gruesome and deliberate murder of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta, a Chairmanship Candidate , from Ward 10, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, of Delta State.

    This is contained in a statement party’s state publicity secretary, Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, who said the report of Jeremiah’s death is uncalled for.

    “We read with great shock and a disturbing sense of alarm, the gruesome and deliberate murder of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta, a Chairmanship Candidate , from Ward 10, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, of Delta State.

    “The report of his death indicate that Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta met his untimely demise as a result of circumstances that were allegedly caused by the perpetratiom of electoral fraud and malpractice during the APC Ward Congress in his Local Government Area.

    “Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta and his loved ones who are now bereaved by this unexpected fatality. The death of one man diminishes us and the sudden cutting down of Mr. Oghoveta, a promising young Deltan with a bright political future and ready to serve his people and his State, in the prime of his life, diminishes us further and unveils to us once more, how fragile and temporal our existence truly is. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

    “While it will be uncharitable and un-African to even consider or seek any untoward political mileage out of the demise of a fellow Deltan, it behoves us as a responsible political party, to point out that this gory incident which took Mr. Jeremiah Aghoveta’s life raises the question once again, over the extent to which the APC and its supporters are ready to go to get what they want.

    “We recall vividly how only recently, a band of thugs, allegedly loyal to an APC Senator from Delta State, invaded the hallowed chambers of the Nigeria Senate in gung-ho style, brutalized the security personnel, disrupted the on-going plenary, intimidated the Senators in attendance, except one Senator who ostensibly led them into the chambers and, in what has been described as the most horrible and brazen assault on our freedom and democracy, took away the Mace, which is the sacred symbol of authority of our legislature, carried it all the way to the city gates of the Federal Capital Territory, only to discard it with malicious disdain and disregard under a foot bridge.

    “We shudder to imagine the level of violence and attendant blood-letting that would have happened in the event of a melee or scuffle, if any of the Senators present had attempted to intercept the hoodlums as they made away with the Mace, which would have promptly been deployed as a dangerous weapon, considering the way and manner the thugs had been wielding the heavy and sacred instrument in their escape movement.

    “Sadly, this weekend’s violence and fatality in an APC organized event did not only happen in Delta State, as reports reaching us also claim that Rivers State in particular and other States across the country, were equally embrolied in widespread violence over and during the conduct of the APC Ward congresses while violence consumed the APC Ekiti State governorship primaries, over allegations of electoral malpractices, fradulent activities by the actors and other sharp practices which are all hallmarks of rigging elections.

    “We will not dwell on the various accusations and allegations that the APC heaped and continues to pour on our party after every election, but the fact is becoming clearer now that pot of the APC impunity is even ‘blacker’ than the PDP democratic kettle and Deltans and Nigerians are becoming wiser by the day that nothing good will ever come out of APC.

    “We also want to use this medium to sound a note of warming and caution that what is happening in the APC, with all these violence and deaths, even in small elections and political activities like ward congresses, is not a good sign at all. What the APC has done is to send out a dangerous warning signal to all and sundry that they will do everything possible, including violence and taking of lives, to achieve their aim in 2019 and this message has been sent loud and clear with the dastardly murder of Mr. Jeremiah Aghoveta.

    “We use this medium to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to take note of our warnings and concern as we enter the electioneering period for the 20!9 general elections. To forewarned is to be forearmed

    “As we mourn with the bereaved family of Mr. Jermiah Aghoveta and indeed all Deltans, over this sad and unnecessary death, we pray the good Lord to give his immediate family and relatives the fortitude to bear the loss and the grace and divine provision to carry on without him in the months and years to come.

    “We must not allow APC to endanger the lives and property of Deltans again because of their wild and uncontrollable ambition to get power at all cost. Politics is not a do or die affair,” the statement read.

     

  • Ward Congresses: APC calls on aggrieved members to seek redress in Appeal Panels

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its members that may have been aggrieved following the conduct of its Saturday Ward Congress across the country to seek redress in its Appeal Panel.

    Malam Bolaji Abudulahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He, however, congratulated all members of the party, saying that the conduct of the congress was generally peaceful.

    “The party especially commends members who served in the congress committees for their dedication and impartiality.

    “We, however acknowledge that there are some issues arising from the conduct of the elections in some states.

    “With this in view, the party had set up various appeal committees which will begin sitting from Monday, May 7,” he said.

    Abudulahi, therefore, called on all party members across the federation to remain law abiding.

    He stressed that where there were issues, party members should seek redress through the appeal committees in their respective states.

     

  • I have no plan to dump APC – Ortom

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, has denied any plan to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The denial is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase issued to newsmen in Makurdi.

    It dismissed media report on the governor’s purported plan to leave the APC as false, misleading and handiwork of detractors playing politics with the blood of the people.

    ”We read a report in a national daily of today which named Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom as one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders planning to defect to another political party.

    ”The report which is obviously sponsored is not only false but also misleading. Governor Ortom has no intention to leave APC for another party and has not consulted anyone on the matter.”

    The statement stressed that Ortom enjoys cordial working relationship with other leaders of the party both at the local, state and national levels.

    It said that the main focus of the governor was to deliver greater benefits of democracy to his people including tackling the security challenges confronting them.

    “There is no cause to warrant his defection to another party,” the statement stated.

    It explained that Ortom’s stance of seeking justice over the invasion, killing and wanton destruction of property by suspected herdsmen was what any good leader ought to do.

    The statement said the governor was appreciative of the efforts being made by President Muhammadu Buhari in ending the conflicts in the state.

    According to the statement, the governor is fully aware that the killings in Benue began during the past PDP-led administrations in the state.

    ”It must be noted that the killings predate the APC as a party and the present administration. The governor’s focus is on solving the problem in collaboration with other stakeholders.”

    It added: Fortunately, President Buhari has responded positively by sending troops and other security operatives to chase away the armed militia from Benue communities.”

    The statement further dismissed insinuations that Ortom had fallen out of favour with other leaders of APC in Benue, including Sen. George Akume.

    “The report is aimed at creating acrimony between the Governor and the Senator.

    ”Governor Ortom was popularly elected to lead Benue State and he has demonstrated uncommon commitment and selflessness in justifying the confidence reposed in him.

    “He, will therefore, not be distracted by baseless reports and rumour of defection.

    ”What is of greater concern to the governor now is how to stop the killings in the state and also tackle the humanitarian crisis that displaced nearly 500,000 people.’’

    It stated the government was collaborating with the Federal Government on the rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons.

     

  • Oyo APC commends members as INEC monitors Ward Congress

    Oyo APC commends members as INEC monitors Ward Congress

    The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday commended the party delegates for their peaceful conduct during the Congress that was conducted in the 351 wards across the state.

    The party also described as a cache of lies the allegation by a faction of the party that some of the new ward executives did not pay nomination fees for forms collected and fake forms were also issued.

    The General Secretary of the Party, Mr. Mojeed Olaoya equally commended the 7-man ward congress committee led by Alhaji Musa Halilu for their steadfast and commitment to the tenets of the party as well as rule of law, noting that their conduct has concretised the firm belief of the party in due process and constitutionality.

    “The APC in Oyo State would like to commend the WARD CONGRESS Committee ably led by Alhaji Musa Halilu Ahmed for the wonderful job so far” the party scribe said.

    According to a Mr. Olaoya, “We commend our members across the 351 Wards of the state for their orderliness in the discharge of the onerous responsibility to elect new executives that would pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

    “It gladdens our heart that the Congress went smoothly and very successful across all the 351 Wards without any skirmish or violence as against the wishes of some dissidents of the Party. Such individuals make politicking interesting and their nuisances are inevitable”

    Olaoya disclosed that all the 351 Wards Congresses were monitored by INEC officials and all the Security agents to authenticate the exercise.

    He urged party members to exhibit the spirit of tolerance and accommodate all as always being preached by the leader of the party in the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, stressing that the peace in the state which the present administration is known for should not be sacrificed for any reason.

    Olaoya called on all delegates to repeat the same orderliness and peaceful conduct in the other forthcoming.

  • APC Congress: Nigeria has failed, Ali Baba weeps [Video]

    APC Congress: Nigeria has failed, Ali Baba weeps [Video]

    Stand-up comedian, brand influencer and motivational speaker, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba has wept for the fortune of the country after witnessing act of thuggery that occurred during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses.

    TheNewsGuru reports the APC congresses has been marred by shortcomings at different wards, leaving Ali Baba, who witnessed two unidentified young men captured interrupting the process at one of the APC congresses saying: “Nigeria is a failed country”.

    The popular comedian in his lamentation stressed the act of the two young men captured in the video can be likened to “what Orubebe did” and “what those guys did when they walked into the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly and carried the mace”.

    “Can you imagine how confident and arrogant the grey bearded guy was? Or the guy in the danshiki? Just imagine if he was a university student. Dead. That’s what he would be. Think about it.

    “This is what herdsmen [do] daily. This is what people who dip hands into government coffers and loot to their heart’s content do. This is what people who carry ballot boxes do.

    “This is what happens when law makers break each other’s head on the assembly floor. This is how a man can walk into a government house carry a sitting governor of a state, and constituted authority are negotiating with him to release “his excellency” and the kidnapper kept the governor for as long as he wanted. And nothing happened.

    “This is what police men do to harmless citizens. This is what military officers do and get away with. You know why? We are a lawless country. We don’t meet out commensurate punishments to these kinds of elements. So they do it again and again.

    “That’s the democracy we are practicing. And you are thinking things will change? Pardon me, do you think only these 2 exist? Naaaa. By these actions they have emboldened 2 million others. Who will now believe its doable.

    “If these 2 can do this, with all cameras rolling, can you imagine what they can do to anyone who crosses the path of their godfather off camera? Dead!!!!.

    “I cry my beloved country. Now I really want that dual citizenship. Failed country. Yes. Go call the police,” Ali Baba lamented.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BibcRnEhvoE/?taken-by=alibabagcfr

     

  • We are not thieves in APC – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Goverment has confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress because members are not thieves.

    Speaking Saturday at the APC ward congresses in Eti Osa Local Government of Lagos State where he observed the congress, Osinbajo said the present administration was different from the past ones because it would not steal.
    He assured all Nigerians that they would share in the benefits of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
    “We came to find out how things are going, to hear the good news that all our ward congresses are going on very peacefully without any rancour and problems.
    “We are confident in our party and the reason we are confident is that we are not thieves, we are different and we want to serve the people and the people know we want to serve them. And with everything we have, we would serve the people. We will make sure we provide everything necessary.
    “And I pray that everyone of us will all see and benefit in the goodness of this land. None of us would be left behind. We would all see the blessings together. Our party is a great party and it will become greater and greater still.
    “What we must achieve in Lagos and other parts of the country is that we must be the best, in everything we do we must be the best.
    In terms of progress, whatever we do must be the best, our schools, hospitals and roads must be the best. So we have to put in the resources. And we can do that, very very possible.
    “As I have been saying all over the country, the difference between us and any other govt is that we will not steal the money. We must be confident.
    “With the decline in the oil prices, we have been earning 60% less than the previous government, but God is helping us, we are getting more and more hopeful. With that, we would see the changes we hope for so that our children and ourselves will see the benefits.”
    Commending the party leaders in the area, Osinbajo stated: “ I have seen that we held this congresses peacefully. I am very happy to be here, to see that our party is making progress and is doing very well.
    “The Lord God Almighty will help us, He will help your children, we will see the goodness in this land, in our own lifetime we will enjoy, suffering must end, progress must continue.”

  • Inconclusive primaries: Expect more violence from APC come 2019 – Fayose

    Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has mocked the disruption of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries by thugs allegedly loyal to one of the aspirants.

    The voting exercise in the governorship primaries of the APC in Ekiti was disrupted on Saturday by some protesters at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, venue of the exercise.

    The protesters had alleged that attempts were being made by some party officials to compromise the process.

    Reacting, Fayose took to his Twitter handle to describe APC members as ”hypocrites and enemies of democracy” adding that the party is a house divided against itself.

    He wrote, ”The whole world can now see the so-called progressives. Ordinary primary election, the APC could not hold here in Ekiti. These people are hypocrites and enemies of democracy, masquerading as progressives.

    ”Their party is a house divided against itself, its center will never hold.

    ”If they could be this violent during their own primary election, won’t they do worse things during the election proper?

    ”INEC must be mindful of being used to manipulate the July 14 election in favour of APC. More so that they have by their conduct today, failed themselves.”