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Tag: Campaign

  • Elections: Ohanaeze denies plots to sabotage Buhari’s campaign in South East

    Apex Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has dispelled insinuations that it intentionally fixed its Ime Obi meeting for January 24 to clash with President Muhammad Buhari’s visit to the Southeast.

    The organisation said its attention was drawn to “a mendacious news item that Ohanaeze Ndigbo deliberately fixed their January 24 Ime Obi meeting to sabotage the campaign tour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate for the forthcoming election, President Buhari, to the Southeast.”

    A release by the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Emeka Attamah, frowned at such an “insidious allegation” which, he said, was outside the disposition and character of such a hallowed group.

    Attamah stated that the truth of the matter was that the National Executive Council (NEC) ofOhanaeze Ndigbo had chosen the date for the meeting oblivious of the APC campaign time-table.

    He explained that in deference to the Minister of Labour & Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige and the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, who both called his (Nwodo’s) attention to the clash, the group shifted the time for the meeting from 10am to 4pm on the same day at the instance of Dr Ngige.

    Ohanaeze stated that they were aware of the extra cost implications due to those that would have gone but would now be accommodated in hotels but said it was to give all Igbo sons and daughters scheduled for the meeting opportunity to be there.

    The statement added: “Although Ohanaeze Ndigbo is apolitical, it could aggregate the collective interest of Ndigbo for a candidate that answers to their wish and inclination but won’t but be dragged down to the level of vile politicking.”

    It called on the purveyors of such petty innuendos to desist forthwith as Ohanaeze Ndigbounder the leadership of Chief Nwodo would remain sterling and unimpeachable and wishes Mr. President a joyous visit to the Southeast.

     

     

  • One dead, several injured as platform collapses at Buhari’s Borno campaign

    There was pandemonium on Monday at President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign venue in Borno State as a platform collapsed killing least one person with over 50 others severely injured.

    President Buhari campaigned for his reelection in the state capital and the All Progressives Congress event at the Ramat Square was attended by thousands of people.

    The huge crowd almost overfilled the expansive square, with some of the spectators climbing on top of metal pavilion constructed to provide shade at the venue.

    According to eyewitness reports, midway into the event and shortly before Buhari delivered his speech, a section of the platform crumbled under the weight of people on top of its roof.

    The collapsed roof and the people on top of it crashed on those beneath, causing a commotion as many scampered for safety.

    Local officials and witnesses confirmed that at least one person died while 50 others sustained injuries.

    An official of Civillian-JTF who helped in evacuating victims said, “We had one case of death while many of them only sustained injuries, some not very serious.”

    The spokesman of the APC in Borno state, Makinta Zarami, said most of those affected were APC members from Marte Local Government Area.

    “I was aware that most of those affected were from Marte and they were about 50 in number,” he said.

    “Most of them were taken to Umaru Shehu General Hospital and Nursing Home where they were treated. As at this evening I was informed that most of them were discharged except for two that had a bit serious injury.

    “But I am not aware of any case of death. If I know I will honestly tell you.”

    One of the media aides of the governor, Usman Kumo, also denied knowledge of any case of death.

    Somehow, reports of the incident filtered out of Maiduguri late, only after President Buhari’s office released statements several hours after sympathising with the victims and their families.

    In an earlier statement, presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu quoted the president as condoling with families of the victims, suggesting there were deaths.

    “I am shocked to hear about the loss of lives following the tragic incident at the stadium this afternoon in Maiduguri. May Allah repose the souls of the deceased,” the president was quoted as saying.

    “I understand that the Borno State government, the Red Cross and other aid agencies are taking steps to help affected people.May Allah repose the souls of the deceased and heal the injured,” he said.

    An updated statement sent by Mr Shehu minutes later said there were only injuries.

    The president, according to Mr Shehu, expressed his deepest sympathies to all those who were injured “following an incident at the massively-attended campaign rally in Maiduguri, Borno State at which a pavilion came down crashing on party faithful”.

    “Several party men and women who wanted a vintage view of the speakers at the rally climbed the roofs of the pavilions, one of which came down crashing on other spectators.

    “May Allah heal those that were injured, I thank you all for the support,” the president said.

     

  • Banky W deepens political campaign

    Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Banky W has intensified his campaign to represent Eti Osa constituency at the Federal House of Representatives at the February 16, 2019 elections.

    Over the weekend, the musician who is seeking election under the platform of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP), was spotted engaging members of his constituents in a door to door campaign.

    In a video posted online, Banky W and his actress wife, Adesua Etomi, were seen campaigning to passers-by, motorists and residents.

    “We will go from Door to door, from street to street, from markets to mansions, from Ajah to Obalende, from Ado to Jakande.. engaging with every single member of our community. Nothing is impossible. Starting in Eti-Osa, we will fix Nigeria one community at a time” he wrote on Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bszw9uyHEyB/

     

  • I’m hungry like you, Amaechi tells Nigerians at Buhari’s campaign rally

    The Director General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, has told Nigerians complaining about hunger in the land that he himself is hungry.

    He said the opposition Peoples Democratic Party caused the hunger in the land by stealing money from the nation’s purse while in power.

    Amaechi said this at the APC presidential campaign rally which was held in Bauchi on Saturday.

    He urged Nigerians to demand that the PDP return the nation’s stolen money.

    The former Rivers State governor also claimed that the opposition was broke and hungry.

    He said that was why the party wanted to return to power by all means.

    Amaechi said, “I was speaking to my friend from the other divide and he said you are hungry, I said ‘yes, if they did not steal the money they stole, you would have had enough food.’

    “The money they stole is what is making me hungry. Tell them, to bring the money.

    “The PDP stole $2bn to prosecute 2015 elections but we still defeated them. They are broke, they are hungry and they want to come back to steal.

    “The PDP members know that they are broke and because of that, they are looking for cheap source of funds.

    “When they say there is no food, they want to steal money and they cannot do that because the President has said that public money is not for any individual.”

    The minister of transportation wondered what the PDP did with the money it got for 16 years when oil was $114 per barrel.

    He claimed that when the PDP was in power, he could not sleep with his two eyes closed even in the Rivers State Government House allegedly because of security challenges.

    He said the situation had changed under Buhari.

    The National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, said President Muhammadu Buhari knew how to catch thieves “and that is why the thieves have all gone to the PDP but even if they go to the PDP, they must be arrested.”

  • Buhari’s wife, Okorocha clash at Imo APC campaign over support for son-in-law

    The First Lady,Mrs Aisha Buhari on Saturday in Owerri canvassed votes for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Imo State ,Senator Hope Uzodinma to the chagrin of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Represented by the wife of the vice president, Mrs.Oludolapo Osinbajo, the first lady was confident that the SouthEast and Imo State in particular would vote all APC candidates in the coming elections.

    “A vote for Buhari is a vote for progress. APC has done well and we must all support all APC candidates,” she said at a rally in Owerri organized by APC women and youths in the South East.

    She added:”I am happy with the crowd we saw today.Iit shows that Imo is APC and I want to urge all our youths not to fight, avoid any form of crisis because President Buhari is a peaceful man. From what we have seen today President Buhari has won the South East the same way all our APC candidates have won.”

    At the rally was Uzodinma whose candidature is strongly opposed by Okorocha.

    The governor is rooting for his son in law,Uche Nwosu,who is contesting the March governorship election on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA).

    Nwosu was originally in the APC until the party gave its governorship to Uzodinma.

    An angry Okorocha said at yesterday’s rally that nothing would stop Nwosu from succeeding him as governor.

    He said: “Let me say this madam First Lady, this time around we are not here to ask you to campaign for Buhari.What my wife has done is to tell you that Buhari is on ground.

    “Imo victory for Buhari is designed, sealed. In Imo state, we have 47 political parties and one of the perfect alliances is Action Alliance led by Uche Nwosu.

    “Nwosu is APC in spirit. APC, owes Imo people an apology because of the injustice meted to Imo people. In Imo state, Nwosu will win Imo state. It is not anti- party. We refused imposition in Imo state.”

    At some point during the rally supporters of Uzodinma and those of Okorocha/Nwosu began to tear each other’s campaign posters,and eventually clashed.

    Security personnel had a tough time bringing the situation under control.

    No fewer than 15 persons sustained injuries and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

    Speaking to reporters on the situation, Uzodinma asked the APC leadership to “ look into the matter and take appropriate action.”

  • 2019: Provide evidences we are campaigning with state funds, APC tells PDP

    2019: Provide evidences we are campaigning with state funds, APC tells PDP

    The Federal Government on Friday challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prove its allegation that the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government was using state resources for electioneering campaign.

    Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed in a statement in Ilorin said that the allegation was made by a media aide to the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    According to Mohammed, Abubakar’s media aide’s allegation was provoked by the ministry’s widely circulated testimony series showcasing the achievements of President Buhari’s administration.

    He dismissed the allegation as “acute paranoia’’, stressing that those who made the comment should prove it.

    “It is up to those who made the accusation on the use of state resources for electioneering campaign to prove it, in line with the maxim that he who alleges must prove,’’ the minister said.

    He said that the Buhari administration’s massive achievements had rattled the PDP and its candidate, and their actions amounted to an acknowledgement of the administration’s impressive accomplishments.

    “In publicising the activities and achievements of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is only carrying out its statutory role.

    “Long before the elections, the ministry has used various platforms, including town hall meetings, to showcase the activities and achievements of the administration.

    “We understand that the PDP and the Atiku Campaign Organisation have been rattled by these successes as well as the effectiveness of the campaign to showcase them.

    “We are sorry we can’t help them,’’ the minister said.

    He expressed surprise that the PDP that had said earlier that the Buhari administration had not achieved anything had now changed its tune.

    Mohammed said the PDP had turned around to admit that the media was awash with video testimonies from Nigerians on the Buhari administration’s achievements.

  • 2019: CUPP doubts Buhari’s fitness, asks him to take over campaign from Tinubu

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to outsource his campaign to the All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola Tinubu, if he is fit for the nation’s top job.

    The CUPP also accused the APC of plotting to rig the 2019 elections and plunge the nation into avoidable crisis.

    Addressing journalists at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, CUPP chairman, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said Buhari would go down in history as the first President to hire a proxy in a presidential contest.

    The CUPP, which consisted of over 46 political parties, said Buhari must debate against its presidential candidate and account for his stewardship to Nigerians.

    Oyinlola said, “President Buhari has, indeed, said Senator Bola Tinubu would do the campaigns on his behalf. We hope he was misquoted. Otherwise, Nigerians should simply ask him to step back from the contest and let his party put Tinubu forward as its candidate.

    “Buhari would go down as the first candidate in history to hire a proxy in a presidential contest. He is the one contesting, he should not be afraid to be the one to interface directly with Nigerians.”

    Oyinlola added, “We urge Nigerians to insist that President Buhari must show that he is fit and able for the nation’s top job by leading his own campaign and by being at the presidential candidates’ debate.”

    The CUPP chairman stated that the refusal of the President to sign the Electoral Act Amendment bill into law was part of plans to manipulate the polls.

    He pointed out that the amendments were made in order to have better legal frameworks for delivery of free and fair elections, in accordance with Article 6 of the ECOWAS Protocol which states that “The preparation and conduct of elections and the announcement of results shall be done in a transparent manner.”

    Quoting Article 2(1) of the ECOWAS Protocol, the former military administrator argued that the the amendments to electoral laws could be done “but such amendments must be with the consent of a majority of political actors.

    “We, therefore, see the President’s decision not to sign the bill as a direct, open threat to the integrity of the elections and it is not funny.

    “We call on him, therefore, to have a rethink and sign the bill into law without any further delay.”

  • 2019: Buhari hands-over APC campaign to Tinubu, says government is suffering

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday disclosed that he will handing over leadership of the 2019 Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) to the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Buhari made the remark while inaugurating the Campaign Council, for which himself and Tinubu are co-chairmen.

    The President urged all the leadership of the campaign, including the field operations, the campaign trail and the Secretariat to consult with Asiwaju Tinubu whenever guidance is needed.

    He said: “Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to task us all because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country.

    “But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer.

    “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil.

    “That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and I, therefore, urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed.”

    The President implored the Council leaders to resist being provoked, remain focused and civil in the campaigns.

    “Let us engage our citizens on issues and ask for reflection on the comparative difference between 2015 and 2019 on security, economy and corruption and abuse by those entrusted with leadership in Nigeria.” he said

    Buhari also acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of all stakeholders who have endeavoured to keep the APC united and making the APC governance successful.

    “I urge members of this formidable team to always keep their eyes on the ball, which is the success of our party at the polls. I wish to appeal to all members to be guided by the enduring vision behind the formation and sustenance of our party, which is anchored, on sacrifice and imperative to salvage and stabilize our great and promising nation.”

    He appealed to all members, especially those who are in the campaign council, to unite and cooperate and ensure a smooth operation.

    He added: “Needless to add, Directorates could co-opt on full or part-time basic persons who could add value to our campaign and help us to attain success.

    “To my mind, the division of responsibility is clear enough. The Leadership that has formulated the campaign policy will supervise its execution; the Director-General will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations; while the Secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council.”

  • Why Gov Udom allowed Buhari, APC access A’Ibom facility for campaign – PDP

    Why Gov Udom allowed Buhari, APC access A’Ibom facility for campaign – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State said on Thursday that the state government’s decision to allow President Muhammadu Buhari use the Godswill Akpabio International stadium for the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off after some initial concerns was not a sign of weakness.

    PDP said the decision was glaring evidence of a sound and matured leadership exhibited by the state governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

    A statement by the Director General of Divine Mandate Campaign Organization, Idongesit Nkanga, said such humane disposition of the governor was a clear indication that, the leadership of the state has respect for constitutional offices, especially the office of the President.

    Nkanga, a former military governor of the state noted that, the way and manner the opposition interpreted the initial decision of the government over the use of the stadium not minding the huge cost to the state to refurbish the facility after the event, was an indication of “desperation anchored in selfish agenda”.

    He recalled a similar incident where the state government denied a former governor the use of Ibom hotel and Golf Resorts during the celebration of former Governor Victor Attah’s 70th birthday, but noted that history has offered the state the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past.

    He said,“We wish to state unequivocally that the PDP and indeed the good people of Akwa Ibom State are united in a common determination not to mortgage the soul of state for a pittance.

    “It is also worthy to note that the decision is a clear indication of the huge sense of maturity and exemplary statesmanship by the Governor. This action is more profane if you consider that some of the key protagonists of APC today while in power, had several times displayed a clear lack of tact and class.

    “One incident that most Akwa Ibomites would not forget in a hurry is the deliberate denial of Obong Victor Attah of the use of the facilities of the Ibom Hotels and Resort for events to celebrate his 70th birthday.

    “History offered the state an opportunity to right the wrong when the current government of Akwa Ibom state not only approved the use of the facility for the former Governor’s 80th Birthday but also bankrolled the events.

    “At the national level, we are all living witnesses to the blatant refusal by the management of the Eagle Square in Abuja, to grant a former PDP Presidential aspirant the use of the facility despite having made the requisite rental payments.

    “On the contrast, it is on record that the Akwa Ibom State Government has at several instances granted APC the use Uyo Township Stadium even when it wasn’t the most convenient thing to do.

    “In September 2018, the State Government approved for the APC to use the Uyo Township Stadium less than 24hours before and after events of the State’s 31st anniversary which took place at the same venue”, he said.

    The DG Divine Mandate said the people of the state would ever remain grateful for having a person like Mr. Emmanuel as governor of the state; because of his humane disposition.

    “The opposition can continue to sound the drumbeats of violence; the opposition can continue to dream of criminality but the people of Akwa Ibom State will remain united in one voice and one accord to maintain the peace and prosperity the state has enjoyed in the last three and half years.

     

  • 2019: Akwa Ibom makes U-turn, approves Akpabio Stadium for Buhari’s campaign

    2019: Akwa Ibom makes U-turn, approves Akpabio Stadium for Buhari’s campaign

    A day after it turned down a request by the local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the use Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the State government has reversed itself.

    It approved the use of the 30,000-capacity facility for the opposition party on Monday.

    The approval came barely hours after the APC rejected Uyo Township Stadium as alternative for the kick-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in the Southsouth on Friday.

    The APC insisted on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as venue for the kick-off of its presidential campaign.

    The government turned down the party’s request to use the stadium for the commencement of Buhari’s campaign, scheduled for December 28.

    APC state chairman Iniobong Okopido had applied to the government for the use of the facility for the campaign launch, but the state, through the Youths & Sports Commissioner, Monday Uko, turned the application down and instead offered the small capacity Uyo Township Stadium.

    According to Uko, the stadium managers, Messrs. Julius Berger, now on vacation in Germany, had locked the stadium and would resume on January 7, 2019.

    Besides, the commissioner explained that the decision became necessary to safeguard the pitch for the state team, Akwa United to play their home games as the National Professional Football League (NPFL) kicks-off on January 13.

    But the APC rejected the commissioners’ explanation insisting on access to the facility.

    Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang told a news conference that the reasons given by the government were untenable.

    Senator Enang, who doubles as the Director-General of Nsima Ekere Governorship Campaign Council, counselled the government against over-stretching it’s diplomacy in its continued plea for the use of facility.

    Enang said: “We will continue to use diplomacy for the request, but if the diplomacy fails, we will still use the stadium. When higher immunity meets the state immunity, it would succumb. We will not allow Udom to blackmail Akwa Ibom.”

    He said the government’s action was pre-meditated and political, recalling that “the governorship primary that Udom was declared the winner in 2014, was done in that same stadium”.

    Accusing the government of double standard, Enang said that the senator representing Akwa Ibom Northeast, Bassey Albert, did his empowerment and constituency briefing at the same stadium.

    He said: “Udom should know that it was his predecessor Godswill Akpabio that built the stadium with funds allocated to the state by the Federal Government led by President Buhari and denying Akwa Ibom people the use of that facility is a collective insult on the people of the state.”

    He explained that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the Southsouth campaign launch became necessary following widespread acceptability of the APC in the state and in the region.

    However, the government acceded to the opposition party’s request last night.

    In a statement issued by Youth and Sports Commissioner Monday Ebong Uko, the government gave conditional approval for the stadium to be used for the presidential campaign rally.

    The approval came barely few hours after the senior special adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang threatened that the APC may force its way into the 30,000-capacity stadium should the government refused to reconsider its request.