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Tag: Ganduje

  • APC ‘ ll record overwhelming victory in Edo guber poll – Ganduje

    APC ‘ ll record overwhelming victory in Edo guber poll – Ganduje

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is almost certain that the party will win the Sept. 21 Edo governorship election, going by the qualities of its candidate Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

    Ganduje said this on Saturday in Abuja when he presented the certificate of return to Okpebholo, saying that there was a need for other aspirants to work with him to ensure the party’s victory in the state.

    He said that direct primaries were held in 192 wards in the state with records and video evidence, adding that Okpebholo was declared winner because he got the highest votes.

    “The full cooperation, harmony, and unity of all aspirants and members of our party is all we need now to win Edo in the coming election now that the primary is over.

    “The party has a product that is refined, well packaged, and sellable to the electorate in the person of Okpebholo and is therefore ready to win Edo,” Ganduje said.

    He said that other aspirants had since congratulated Okpebholo as the party’s candidate.

    Mr Nze Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary while presenting the committee’s report to Ganduje, said the primaries was adjudge nationally and internationally to the the most peaceful, fairest and transparent in the state.

    Okpebholo in his remarks, called on other aspirants who contested the party’s ticket with him to join forces with him to ensure that the APC win the Sept. 21 governorship election.

    Also speaking, Sen. Lucky Imasuen one of the aspirants who contested the party’s ticket with Okpebholo said the National Working Committee (NWC)was hard working, sincere, and fair in the handling of the Edo primarily election.

    He commended the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election Committee for a job well done, assuring that the other aspirants would work hand in hand with Okpebholo to ensure APC’s victory at the poll.

    Recall that Dennis Idahosa was initially declared the winner of the Edo Governorship Primary Election on Feb. 17, by the Gov. Hope Uzodinma-led Governorship Primary Election Committee.

    The APC NWC however, upturned Idahosa’s election and declared the election as inconclusive.

    The committee slated Feb.21 for a supplementary election and replaced Uzodinma with Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River as chairman.

    Otu while declaring Okpebholo as winner of the supplementary primaries, said he got 12,433 votes to defeat 11 other aspirants in the contest.

    Okpebholo currently represents Edo Central at the National Assembly.

    NAN

  • Ganduje tasks Uzodinma on free, fair credible Edo governorship primary

    Ganduje tasks Uzodinma on free, fair credible Edo governorship primary

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the party’s Edo Governorship Primary Election Committee to conduct a free, fair and credible primary.

    Ganduje made the call in Abuja while inaugurating the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election and Appeal Committees headed by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo.

    He said the composition of the two committees was a product of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in accordance with its Constitution.

    He said the 12 cleared governorship aspirants were free to appeal at the end of the primary should they have any observations, saying: “That is why we have an appeal committee which is like the Supreme Court”.

    Speaking on behalf of members of the committee, Uzodinma said the APC would come up with a candidate that would be appealing to Edo electorate.

    He thanked Ganduje and the party’s NWC for the confidence reposed on members of the committees.

    Uzodinma who is also the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) urged the APC leadership to pray to God Almighty to give members of the committee the wherewithal to carry out the assignment.

    “It is indeed an honor to call on all of us as members of these two important committees to go to Edo to midwife the process of selecting a gubernatorial candidate for the state’s forthcoming governorship election.

    “It is a thing of big trust, and we feel humbled, on behalf of myself and members of these committees, we want to thank you and the party’s NWC for this show of confidence.

    “And our prayers is that we work hard to justify this confidence imposed on us. Our party is a fantastic brand, very popular, and a good product.

    “It behooves on members of our committee to work in harmony with the party’s local leadership in Edo to bring up a product that will look like our party and is easily marketable in Edo,” he said.

    He assured the party’s leadership that members of the committees would do their best to ensure a free, fair and credible primary that would be acceptable to all.

    Earlier, the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu said the party had entrenched a system of equity where its stakeholders were assured of the fidelity of the process based on candidate’s emergence from a transparent exercise.

    Other members of the committees are Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, Mrs Titilayo Tomori, and Umar Hassan and Alhaji Lawal Garba among others.

    Alhaji Rabiu Sulaiman, a former Secretary to Kano State Government would serve as Secretary of the Edo Governorship Primary Election Committee.

    The APC earlier cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants jostling for its ticket to contest the Sept. 22, Edo governorship election.

    The 12 aspirants are: Prince Clem Agba, Sen. Monday Okpebholo,. Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine, retired Col. David Imuse  and retired Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.).

    Others are: Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.

    The schedule of activities for Edo governorship election, as released by the APC, showed that campaigns would start on April 24.

  • Reconciling with Kwankwaso is through divine intervention – Ganduje

    Reconciling with Kwankwaso is through divine intervention – Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said reconciling with, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the 2023 general election, Rabiu Kwankwaso could happen through divine intervention.

    Speaking with BBC Hausa, the APC national chairman said he was out to unify his Kano base because more people would join the party.

    On having a good working relationship with Kwankwaso, Ganduje said, “Certainly, we share roots and lineage. A division occurred, and now (there is) a potential for reunification through divine intervention. What could be better?”

    Ganduje and Kwankwaso have had a long-standing rivalry over who leads the political space in Kano State.

    But there are indications that President Bola Tinubu is working to reconcile both politicians, and bring Kwankwaso back to the APC.

    Confirming the reports, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bahir Ahmad, had said it would be “game over” for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should Tinubu reconcile Ganduje and Kwankwaso.

  • APC chair, Ganduje receives defectors from NNPP

    APC chair, Ganduje receives defectors from NNPP

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje on Tuesday received defectors from the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) assuring them of fair treatment by the party.

    He described the APC as a strong political institution made up of personalities of knowledge and wisdom that were conversant with problems and aspiration of Nigerians.

    Ganduje lauded the defectors for joining the APC, saying their decision was a well thought out one.

    He said that the APC was endowed with a strong structure capable of resolving conflicts among the ranks of its supporters across the country.

    He assured them that the APC remained a truly Nigerian party with members drawn from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

    “The APC is a party that is an expert in the management of diversity, you have returned home to where you rightfully belong.

    “The APC will take the people of Nigeria to the next level and I assure you that you are now full members of the party.

    “You are coming into the party at the right time when you can take an active role,here in the APC, we practice internal democracy and you can aspire for any position,” Ganduje said.

    He assured them that he would make a formal arrangements to receive them in their domains where they would be fully integrated into the party’s fold in due course.

    Earlier, Prof. Rufa’i Alkali, former NNPP National Chairman who led the defectors congratulated Ganduje on his emergence as APC National Chairman.

    He said that Ganduje assumed the party’s leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history when Nigeria was going through challenging political transition period.

    “But we have no doubt, given your wealth of experience in politics and governance.

    “You are more than equal to the task, and you are therefore destined to succeed and make your mark in the party administration,” he said.

    He also congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima on their election and their subsequent victory at the Presidential Election Tribunal and at the Supreme Court.

    This, he said, had finally put to rest all contending issues relating to the 2023 presidential elections.

    Alkali said they joined the APC because they believed it had a better vision for the country, adding that there was no reason for the oppositions to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory in courts.

    “People who went to court would have congratulated the President instead of going to court.Today, we have all decided to move forward with the APC.

    “The good news we are bringing to you and to the APC today is that we are here as representatives of the multitude of hundreds of thousands of our supporters.

    “Friends, associates and well wishers within the NNPP and PDP nationwide who were earnestly waiting for this historic day.

    “As the events of today come to an end, we shall all go back to our respective States, Local Government Areas and our Wards to commence the mop up operations,” he said.

    This, he said, was to ensure that no one was left behind in the journey of salvaging the country.

    He said that given the numerous challenges confronting the country at this point of its political history, all Nigerians deserved peace and tranquility to go about their normal life.

    He added that to achieve this, there was need to preserve the country, saying that democratic principles  must be protected and the government must be supported.

  • Bayelsa: Judgment on Sylva, a little distraction – Ganduje

    Bayelsa: Judgment on Sylva, a little distraction – Ganduje

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje has said the Court judgment against its Bayelsa Governorship candidate, Mr Timipreye Sylva is a mere distraction and the party will overcome it.

    He disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents on Tuesday in Abuja and stating that his party will appeal the Court judgment against Sylva.

    ‘’Well, it’s unfortunate that judgment, but we can say that it is democracy in action.

    “But, we learned that the person who took the issue to the court is not even qualified, because he did not contest with Sylva.

    ‘’Therefore, he’s not even qualified for him to take the issue to the court. However, we are appealing. We’re waiting for the judgment and then we appeal for calm on that issue,’’ Ganduje said.

    Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja disqualified former Bayelsa Governor, Mr Timipre Sylva, from contesting the election coming up in November.

    The Judge, Justice Donaltus Okorowo, ruled on Monday that Sylva would violate the 1999 constitution by running after having taken the Oath of Office twice and ruled for five years as governor of Bayelsa.

    Sylva was governor of Bayelsa between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ganduje, however, said that the judgment would not deter the party from its arrangement for the election coming up next month.

    He said, ‘’Last two weeks, I was in Bayelsa for two good days and I think they were ready and they’re still ready to win the election.

    ‘’Therefore, this is a little distraction anyway, but we will overcome it.

    “We believe the appeal court will give us positive judgment but that will not stop us from making arrangements for the forthcoming election.”

  • Ondo: APC moves to reconcile Gov Akeredolu, deputy

    Ondo: APC moves to reconcile Gov Akeredolu, deputy

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to address the crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter, leading to the impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman performed the ceremony on Friday in Abuja.

    “Since the return of democracy in 1979, we have documented a number of disagreements between principals, governors, and their deputies, leading to impeachment or resignation and to very uncomplimentary relationship.

    “We are interested in ensuring a peaceful coexistence and a good working relationship between the state governor and his deputy,” Ganduje said.

    He said that this was the essence of the committee which he said comprised people with vast experience and cognitive knowledge on the issues in the state.

    “This is a solid team that is well qualified to look into this issue and give appropriate recommendations to the party’s leadership,” the APC national chairman said.

    He said the committee was expected to interface with all contending people in the state.

    This, he added was with a view to gathering facts and circumstances surrounding the lingering impeachment process of the Ondo deputy governor.

    Ganduje said the committee was also to advise the party on the most amicable ways of handling the lingering issues leading to the impeachment process of the deputy governor.

    He said the committee also had the mandate to make necessary recommendations on resolution of issues and any other matter that may come up in the course of its assignment.

    “The committee has one week after its inauguration to submit its recommendation. We already sent a message that all further actions and processes should stop on this issue,” Ganduje said.

    Responding, Alhaji Aminu Masari, the chairman of the committee, assured that the committee would do its best to come up with lastings on Ondo APC problems.

    “I had a privilege of working harmoniously with Ondo State deputy governor, we had no rancour or disagreement, our relationship is still up to this moment.

    “Our committee will look at issues disspationately. We will put in the very best in working for the party and its members. We will work with it to achieve the objectives set for us.

    Other members of the committee included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, Sen. Tanko Almakura, Mr. Martins Elechi, Malam Mohammed

  • Why Kwankwaso will remain presidential elections serial loser – Ganduje

    Why Kwankwaso will remain presidential elections serial loser – Ganduje

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abduallahi Ganduje has predicted that the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso would remain a serial loser at presidential elections.

    He made this prediction while hosting the Bauchi state NNPP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Haliru Dauda Jika, who formally returned back the APC at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja

    Ganduje said that the pursuit of selfish interest as against national interest would continue to hinder the realisation of Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition.

    He also blamed Kwankwaso’s inability to maintain a principled stand in party politics over the years as another factor that made the former minister of defence a perpetual loser.

    The APC chairman, who hailed and described the decision of Jika to return back to the ruling party as a step in the right direction, noted that the former NNPP flag bearer in Bauchi state by now must have realised that the ‘Kwankwasiyya backed’ NNPP as “deceitful and exploitative.”

    Receiving Jika with the entire NNPP structure in Bauchi state, Ganduje said: “When I got the news that you were coming to see me in my house to discuss the way forward, I knew I was meeting a very formidable politician in the person of Senator Jika who is a household name in Bauchi state.

    “He is returning to a party that is very progressive and focused when we look at where he was coming from. He is coming from a party that used to be a decent party and highly respected but was later hijacked and polluted by the kwankwasiya group.

    “We are happy that the original NNPP is taking back its proper position and leaving the kwankwasiya group deserted and thrown out completely.

    “The Kwankwasiyya group headed by the former kano state governor was forced to go into a sabbatical leave for eight years before it found its way back to Government House in Kano.

    “The Kwankwasiya head who wears a red cap is the person who prefers to be a king in hell than be a servant in paradise. He specializes in decieving people. He was first in PDP, came back to APC when it was formed. That was when the nPDP merged with the legacy parties to form the APC.

    “Instead of staying in APC because of his ambition, he decided to leave APC after failing to pick the presidential ticket to go back to the PDP. He could not stay there again when he failed to pick the ticket.

    “He still went on his own to contest the presidential poll and was defeated twice. He is a professional contestant for presidential elections and would remain a professional failure. He loves himself so much. I am happy you have dumped the red cap . It is a very sensible action that you have taken.”

    The chairman then promised the returnees of inclusiveness in the running of the party in the state as part of ongoing effort to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 poll, stressing that the party regretted its performance at the just concluded general elections in the state.

    The national chairman then carried out a symbolic change by removing the red cap, usual worn by the Kwankwasiya group and replaced it with the unbroken chain insignia cap of President Bola Tinubu to receive Jika and his group to APC fold.

    Addressing newsmen after the ceremony, the former NNPP candidate said his decision to return to APC was informed by the wishes of his teeming supporters in Bauchi state.

    He said: “My dumping NNPP for APC has nothing to do with the presidential candidate of NNPP. I have no issue with Kwankwaso. The interest of Bauchi State informed my returning back to APC.”

     

  • PHOTOS: SEE Ganduje, other APC top wigs sleep at PEPC ruling

    PHOTOS: SEE Ganduje, other APC top wigs sleep at PEPC ruling

    Nature cannot be cheated as National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, was caught on camera sleeping during the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday.

    Almost four hours into the proceedings, many chieftains of the APC who were in the courtroom in solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, fought hard with sleep.

    TNG reports the tribunal is currently delivering its ruling on the petitions filed against the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and Allied Peoples Movement(APM).

    The parties and their candidates, Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (Labour Party), had approached the tribunal in separate petitions to challenge the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February election.

    However, as nature could not be cheated, many APC chieftains and even members of the opposition parties, dozed off during the proceedings.

    APC chieftains seen sleeping at the Tribunal as of reporting time include Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Hope Uzodinma (Imo), and Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.

    Meanwhile, the likes of Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, and other lawyers, were also spotted taking a nap.

    See photos below:

  • Ganduje, Basiru are the final piece in jigsaw puzzle, says Omo-Agege

    Ganduje, Basiru are the final piece in jigsaw puzzle, says Omo-Agege

    Ganduje, Basiru are the final piece in jigsaw puzzle, says Omo-Agege

    Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said the newly elected national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru who also emerged national secretary are to key to the success of the bold reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the buy-in of the National Assembly.

    Being a democratic dispensation, Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, said Ganduje and Basiru have the task of ensuring that federal lawmakers and indeed all party faithful endorse and support President Tinubu in his bid to chart a fresh course for the economy.

    “Just as Nigerians rightly put their faith in President Tinubu to right the ship of state, the emergence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru as national chairman and secretary respectively of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle on a productive and progressive team Nigeria needs to return to the path of growth”, the former Deputy Senate President said in congratulating the two new national officers.

    “Dr. Ganduje’s broad national outlook and dispassionate perception of issues made him have the remarkable record of being the first and only governor to win a second term in Kano State. He is an achiever.

    “As for Senator Basiru, I worked closely with him in the 9th session of the National Assembly where he was the Senate spokesman. He is very diligent and straightforward.

    “With both of them running the APC, the path to a stable polity is now assured. When the party is in trusted hands and there is a robust and cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive branch, the reform agenda of President Tinubu will be successful”, Omo-Agege said in his congratulatory message signed by Sunny Areh, his media adviser.

    Dr. Ganduje, a two-term former governor of Kano, on Thursday emerged national chairman of APC alongside Sen. Basiru who was elected the new national secretary. Basiru was the spokesman of the Senate in the 9th session of the National Assembly.
    They were officially ratified to replace the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, at the National Executive Council meeting attended by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    *Sunny Areh*
    Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

  • Ganduje reels out plans to reposition APC

    Ganduje reels out plans to reposition APC

    The former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has reeled out his plans to reposition the ruling All Progressives Congress APC as he taked over reigns as the National Chairman of the party.

    Ganduje was inaugurated as the party’s National Chairman at the NEC meeting currently going on at the Transcorp Hotel today in Abuja.

    This was sequel to the resignation letter tendered by the former National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu following some perceived party internal crisis.

    Speaking after his inauguration, Ganduje said his main focus is to promote party unity, “and defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold.

    “Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year.

    “More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape

    “We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.

    “The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

    “I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years. I belief the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President when his administration fully takes shape, will surely turn around things for the better.

    “Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.

    “It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

    “We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.

    “Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.

    “Finally, while accepting this responsibility, I count on your support to help me deliver it the best way I can” he stated.