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Tag: Campaign

  • 2019: We’ll stop Amosun, Okorocha from using Buhari’s portrait to campaign for their candidates – Oshiomhole

    2019: We’ll stop Amosun, Okorocha from using Buhari’s portrait to campaign for their candidates – Oshiomhole

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, says the APC will take action against the parties using President Muhammadu Buhari’s photographs for their campaigns.

    Oshiomhole said this on ‘The Platform’, a programme on TVC on Saturday while reacting to the crisis in the party’s chapters in Ogun and Imo states.

    He said the APC would write a letter of complaint to the Independent National Electoral Commission on the matter.

    The governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, had said they would continue to support Buhari but would work against the governorship candidates of the APC in their states.

    Both governors were prevented from fielding their preferred candidates in the 2019 governorship elections in their states.

    Although Amosun has remained in the APC, his candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, is contesting on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement while Okorocha’s candidate and son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, is contesting on the platform of Action Alliance.

    Oshiomhole said, “If there is a person, including a governor, who wants to sell a distorted message, the party will stop him. That is the truth. We have also seen some situations which we are trying to draw the attention of INEC to as the regulator of political parties. You cannot have anyone putting the portrait of President Muhammadu Buhari as President and his own portrait as the governorship candidate on the platform of a political party that is not known to the people.”

    The APC chairman also expressed his disgust over the refusal of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, to step down despite defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He maintained that the APC remained the dominant party in the parliament, but not in control.

    Oshiomhole, however, said removing Saraki and Dogara was no longer the priority of the ruling party.

    Meanwhile, the newly constituted APC caretaker committee in Ogun State has said it will not take issue with Amosun.

    The APC National Working Committee had set up the caretaker committee headed by Chief Yemi Sanusi with Mr Ayobami Olubori the secretary and Mr Tunde Oladunjoye named its publicity secretary.

    The committee will report directly to the NWC led by Oshiomhole.

    The NWC had sacked the party executives in both Imo and Ogun states for alleged anti-party activities.

    Later on Friday, Amosun rejected the caretaker committee and insisted that the executive members of the party in the state would complete their four-year tenure.

    Oladunjoye in a statement, said both the electoral law and the party constitution recognised only one APC.

    According to him, the committee will breathe a new life into the party, promote peace and give its members.

    The statement said, “We are all members of the same house under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, we will renew, realign, and rebuild our party for total victory at the 2019 polls, by God’s grace”.

    Meanwhile, Okorocha has said he does not take the national chairman of the APC seriously again.

    Okorocha, who was reacting to the statements made against him by Oshiomhole during a rally in Owerri on Friday, said he would not be distracted by Oshiomhole from ensuring victory for Buhari in 2019.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, insisted that the governorship candidate of the APC in the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma, did not have the capacity to garner the kind of support that would make him win the governorship election next year.

  • 2019: APC postpones governorship campaign in Kwara, cites insecurity

    2019: APC postpones governorship campaign in Kwara, cites insecurity

    The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday postponed its plan to launch Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s governorship election campaign, citing insecurity as reasons.

    The campaign was scheduled to hold in Kosubosu, headquarters of Baruten Local Government Area, before the abrupt cancellation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kosubosu is a border community with the Republic of Benin, which is a journey of more than five hours from Ilorin.

    Journalists and party supporters had gathered on Thursday morning for the event when a member of the Media Committee, Kayode Oyin-Zubair, conveyed the decision of the party to the guests.

    NAN findings revealed that the party postponed the programme due to an alleged plan by some thugs to scuttle the event.

    However, a party supporter in Kosubosu, Mr. Kehinde Musa, expressed dismay over the postponement of the governorship campaign.

    Musa noted that supporters had gathered in Kosubosu to receive the APC governorship candidate before the information was relayed to them.

    He stated that the massive APC supporters in the area would file out again when next the party decides to meet the people.

    Meanwhile, Kwara APC chairman, Mr. Bashir Bolarinwa, who expressed regrets over the suspension in a statement on Thursday, blamed the postponement on “incontrovertible security reports.”

    “The manifesto presentation ceremony of the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, which was expected to witness a mammoth attendance today (Thursday) in Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area, was regrettably called off due to very strong and incontrovertible security reports.

    “As a responsible party, we put the protection of the lives of our teeming party members and, indeed, enthusiastic supporters who were waiting to line our routes above other considerations.

    “We, therefore, use this opportunity to appeal to our party faithful for the inconveniences caused them, as many had already gathered at various departure points,” Abdulrazaq said.

    He also announced that the party had taken full charge of the campaign structures, processes and activities for the purpose of delivering an effective mobilisation of all Kwarans for the victory of the party.

    He said that a new date for the campaign take-off would be announced soon.

  • How Obama campaigned against me to favour Buhari in 2015 – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the conduct of former President of the United States of America, Barrack Obama during the 2015 presidential elections in Nigeria.

    The former Nigerian leader described the former U.S. president as overbearing and ‘condescending’ in his message to Nigerians ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    Jonathan said Obama displayed an unusual level of bias during the 2015 elections, issuing a video appeal to Nigerians which all but advised them on which candidate to give their mandate.

    “On March 23, 2015, President Obama himself took the unusual step of releasing a video message directly to Nigerians all but telling them how to vote,” Jonathan said in his new book, ‘My Transition Hours’, which launches today (Tuesday).

    “In that video, Obama urged Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ by their votes. Those who understood subliminal language deciphered that he was prodding the electorate to vote for the opposition to form a new government.”

    Recall that Jonathan eventually lost the 2015 elections to now-President Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time an incumbent president would lose reelection. He assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, getting his own mandate of four years at the 2011 presidential election.

    The days leading to the 2015 election were crucial for both Jonathan and his cabinet officials. Only two weeks ahead, the election was postponed to March 28 from its initial date in February.

    The six-week postponement drew outrage from within and outside the country, and Jonathan’s opponents accused him of plots to perpetuate himself in office.

    But the former president said he was not the only one responsible for the polls shift, saying other former leaders were all part of the decision, which was informed by the security exigencies at the time.

    “The message was so condescending, it was as if Nigerians did not know what to do and needed an Obama to direct them,” Jonathan said of the video message.

    He lampooned Obama, who was American president from 2009 until 2017, for saying “all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear,” but was reluctant to allow the Nigerian security forces drive Boko Haram insurgents away from the Nigerian territories they had been occupying in order to free Nigerian citizens there ahead of elections.

    Jonathan also took a harsh aim at former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, saying the top diplomat was nonchalant in his attitude towards his government, despite all efforts to make him understand that the decision to postpone election was in the overall interest of Nigeria.

    “How can the U.S. Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government? How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North East and were killing and maiming Nigerians?

    “Not even the assurance of the sanctity of May 29, 2015 handover date could calm them down. In Nigeria, the Constitution is very clear: No President can extend his tenure by one day,” Jonathan said.

     

  • Atiku to kick-start campaign on Monday with ‘People’s Policy Launch’

    The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is to kick-start his campaign for 2019 general election through an address to Nigerians on Facebook on Monday.

    A statement issued by Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation, on Saturday in Abuja, said that Abubakar would use the address to launch his policy document.

    “In his address, the PDP presidential candidate will present his vision for Nigeria and his action plan to achieve it as encapsulated in his policy document ”

    The organisation said that the decision of Abubakar to kick-start his presidential campaign with the launch of his policy document is to reiterate his commitment to run an issue-based campaign.

    “The intention is to take our policy directly to Nigerians and to register the belief of Abubakar that it will take the collective efforts of every Nigerian to rebuild the country.

    “That is why we want Nigerians to access the policy directly and ultimately take ownership of it,”the statement said.

    It added that the campaign of the organisation would offer a simple message: “united, the people of Nigeria can begin anew, creating a prosperous and secure future and a better life for every Nigerian.”

    It stated that on the first working day of the campaign, the PDP and its candidate, Abubakar would put forward his plan to get Nigeria working again.

    “We have chosen to do this by having the PDP Presidential candidate speaking directly to the Nigerian people on Facebook.

    “This medium came about as part of the telecommunications revolution that he helped start as Vice President in 1999-2007.

    “We have also chosen to have our candidate speak online as it facilitates the ability for anyone to download a copy of his policy document at no cost, as we intend this to be the policy of every Nigerian.

    “Our policy document focuses on creating jobs, ensuring security, growing business, developing power and water infrastructure, agriculture and education and how we will empower women.

    “Our policies outline the goals and methods for developing and revitalising Nigeria as the foundation of our campaign.

    “This policy document is being launched to encourage a dialogue with the people of Nigeria, inviting everyone to join us in helping to get Nigeria working again.”

    It said that Abubakar looked forward to conducting vital discussions as he travels across the length and breadth of Nigeria, meeting and talking with stakeholders.

    The stakeholders according to the organisation, include famers, small business people, workers, students, mothers, and children.

    “We recognise that this will be a vigorous and hard fought election. We are completely confident that with peaceful, free and fair elections, we will be victorious.”

  • INEC lifts ban on 2019 presidential, NASS campaigns tomorrow

    INEC lifts ban on 2019 presidential, NASS campaigns tomorrow

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will tomorrow (Sunday) lift ban on campaign for 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections slated for February 16, 2019

    A statement by Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, INEC Director Of Voter Education and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja said that political parties who fielded candidates for both elections would commence campaigns across the country.

    Osaze-Uzzi said that the commencement of campaigns was in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the INEC.

    He added that it was also in accordance with Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which provides that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day”.

    “Political Parties are expected to conduct their activities in an organized and peaceful manner, devoid of rancour, hate and/or inflammatory speeches.”

    He reminded political parties and their candidates that campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly would commence on December 1.

  • 2019: Amaechi using state funds to campaign for Buhari – PDP

    2019: Amaechi using state funds to campaign for Buhari – PDP

    …demands immediate resignation as minister

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday accused the Minister of Transportation and the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi of using state funds to run President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term campaign.

    The party also the president to demonstrate his much-talked about integrity by demanding the immediate resignation of the minister.

    The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, alleged that the minister, as the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation is using government fund to campaign for the President.

    The PDP made the call barely 24 hours before the commencement of campaigns ahead of the elections.

    It claimed that Amaechi’s action demonstrated the height of corruption.

    “The party says Amaechi, as Minister of Transportation and Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation is using government funds to campaign for Buhari.

    “The PDP notes that this action of Amaechi demonstrates the height of corruption both in Buhari administration and the person of his campaign DG,” the statement read.

    The party further wondered how Amaechi would compare Buhari to the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who it claimed had been generally accepted as the next President of Nigeria.

    It alleged that Amaechi had lost touch with Nigerians.

    The PDP advised Amaechi to prepare to return to Rivers State instead of trying to promote what it called a failed candidate.

  • 2019: We’ll focus on issue based campaign against Buhari, APC – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said its campaign for the 2019 Presidential election will be focused on issues and solutions that have direct bearing on the welfare of Nigerians.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the pledge while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled November 18 for the commencement of campaign for 2019 presidential election.

    “The PDP and our presidential candidate will focus on ensuring security. We will focus on how to increase the purchasing power of Nigerians, as well as revamp our economy through strategic intervention in critical sectors, especially power, food security, road and railway infrastructure.

    “We will also focus on education, energy, health, water provision, and labour issues, among others.

    “The PDP will proffer direction to reduce cost of governance and release funds for development purposes; cut harsh tariff and tax regimes and eradicate corruption,” Mr Ologbondiyan said.

    He said the party’s campaign would be strategically centralised and streamlined to ensure effectiveness and responsibility “in our messages content, dissemination and general engagement with Nigerians at all levels”.

    He said the PDP was aware that since the emergence of Mr Abubakar as its presidential candidate, the party had continued to receive solidarity from across board.

    This, according to him, include hosts of professional bodies, labour unions, major socio-cultural groups, religious bodies, traditional institutions, student groups and international organisations.

     

  • 2019: Suspend campaigns for Buhari’s reelection now, presidency tells supporters

    2019: Suspend campaigns for Buhari’s reelection now, presidency tells supporters

    The Presidency has appealed to supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) to mindful of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for political campaigns to avoid possible violation of electoral law.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made the appeal in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said the call had become necessary in view of the fact that the activities of the president’s supporters in the mass media might be interpreted as political campaigns.

    ““It has been observed that some fervent supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari have begun what may be interpreted as political campaigns in their advocacies and advertisements in the mass media.

    ““We appreciate their enthusiasm, borne out of desire to garner support for an administration that is actuated by nothing else, other than service for motherland

    “”But, we hereby appeal for patience, so that the game can be played according to the rules.

    “”The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a timetable for political campaigns, and we urge committed supporters round the country (and beyond) to be mindful of such,’’ he said.

    According to the presidential aide, there will be ample time ahead to trumpet the good works of the Buhari administration, and solicit re-election, all for the good of the country and her people.

    He said: “”While a chronicle of the achievements of the administration is in order now, outright canvasing may amount to jumping the gun.

    “”We are an administration committed to due process and scrupulous respect for rules, law and order.

    ““We appreciate our massive supporters nationwide, and urge them to exercise restraint till the race commences officially as stipulated by law.’’

     

  • Kick against irregular migration: Group takes campaign to stadium

    Kick against irregular migration: Group takes campaign to stadium

    Hundreds of youths have participated in a series of friendly football matches organised to raise awareness and provide viable alternatives to the menace of irregular migration amongst Nigerian youths.

    The friendly matches which featured exceptional play-off between six teams was organised by The Migrant Project on Sunday at the Ejigbo mini-stadium in Ejigbo, Lagos.

    According to the organisers, the football matches were aimed at taking the messages on the risks and realities of irregular migration to youths at the grassroot, in the spirit of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Starting off the matches was the play-off between two junior teams, the Golden Star FC and the Diamond FC. The match ended in 2 – 0 in favour of the Diamond FC.

    The senior category featured fiercely contested matches between Success FC and the Golden Star FC. The match ended goalless and resulted in a penalty shootout which was won by Success FC.

    Similarly, the Invincible FC played against the Bright Star FC, another senior match which ended in penalty shootout in favour of the Invincible FC.

    Team Lead, Local Migration Experts for The Migrant Project in Lagos, Olusoji Ajao said that the matches in Ejigbo are a part of the project’s programme lineup to expand the campaign against irregular migration in Lagos and Nigeria.

    He said “This is part of our robust community outreach programmes against irregular migration in Lagos. In coming days, we shall visit other locations in Lagos for several matches for both male and female football players and lovers.”

    According to the facility manager of the Ejigbo mini-stadium, Gbenga Popoola, the matches and awareness campaign are a timely intervention to enlighten several youths who have been a victim or intend to embark on irregular migration on the dangers of such act.

    Media officer for the project, Tayo Elegbede noted that over 1,000 people drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in the first six months of the year while hundreds of thousands are dead in the desert and many experiencing grave inhuman treatments in Libya in their quest to travel to Europe through irregular routes.

    He said “The Migrant Project is a behavourial change campaign, which aims to fill existing information gaps and enable Nigerians make informed decisions knowing that irregular migration is never a good option.”

  • Bagudu leads 77-man Ekiti APC campaign council

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday inaugurated its 77-member National Campaign Council for the Ekiti State governorship election with a directive to members to avoid hate speech.

    The campaign council headed by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu has 13 other governors, seven ministers, serving and former senators. The former Deputy National Chairman and one of the aspirants who lost at the primary, Segun Oni, led some of the former aspirants on the council.

    Of the 14 governors named as members of the campaign council, only Ondo State’s Oluwarotimi Akeredolu attended the inauguration which was performed by the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the party, Senator Lawal Shuaibu on behalf of the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    The candidate for the election, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was not at the inauguration. Also absent were many others. But, National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Isunazo said they were absent because of “communication problem,” stressing that they had not been contacted about their, membership of the committee.

    The 77-member campaign council has governors of Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Zamfara, Jigawa, Plateau, Edo, Kogi, Borno and Adamawa as members. There are also one minister from each of the six geopolitical zones.

    Inaugurating the council, Shuaibu said the election was too important to the party to begin to engage in hate speech as a campaign weapon, stressing that “even if other parti3s will engage in hate speech, you should concentrate on winning the election”.

    He said the party will not relent in its efforts to win, adding that “to show you the the importance we place on the election, I want inform you that this election is just a little below the presidential election to us”.

    Responding on behalf of the chairman, Akeredolu said they took the task assigned to them as very important, stressing that “this is not the first time the importance of this election has been emphasised. When those of us from the Southwest met with the President, he stressed the importance of the election.

    “It’s importance is very great to us in the Southwest and it is a task that must be accomplished. We will map out strategies to win the election because we have faced many affront and so many challenges had been thrown at us by Fayose.

    “Ayo Fayose who is there has thrown a lot of challenges at us and we must be united to confront that challenge and if we fail in this task, it means that we a not serious as a party.”