TheNewsGuru

Tag: National Convention

  • APC Convention: Delegates express mixed feelings over organisation

    APC Convention: Delegates express mixed feelings over organisation

    Some delegates to the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2022 National Convention have expressed mixed feelings over the organisation of the exercise.

    Some of them said the Convention Planning Sub-Committee should have done more to ensure orderliness in accessing the convention venue.

    Mr Tony Ndanenu, a chieftain of the party and delegate from Delta, while commending the committee, said a proper security arrangement would have saved a lot of situation.

    This, he said, was especially with regard to party members struggling with and pushing aspirants to gain access to the convention venue.

    He added that the development led to some delegates losing their valuables including phones, while some others got injured as police officers tried to disperse the crowd with teargas.

    However, Mr Jude Azimadu, Secretary APC, Ndokwa East in Delta, said in spite of the situation, he was looking forward to a successful convention.

    Azimadu commended the Gov. Mai Mala Buni-APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee for managing the party’s affairs since it came on board.

    He, however, said there was more work to be done by the party’s incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to take it to the next level.

    As of the time of filling this report, delegates were seen seated at their state’s stands as they await the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and the party’s critical stakeholders.

    The 46 NWC positions are expected to be contested, including 21 NWC and 45 non NWC positions.

    The Eagle Square, venue of the convention, located in the Central Business District, is already wearing a new look with colourful decorations.

    Petty traders are also taking advantage of the large number of party faithful, both at the party secretariat and around Eagle Square, to carry out brisk businesses as they hawk branded T-shirts, wrappers, hats, key holders, wristbands and other souvenirs.

    Heavy security presence was also noticed at the Eagle Square as well as around the entrance to the venue.

    Hotels in Abuja city centre, and in the satellite towns, have been fully booked as early as a week before the convention.

  • APC Convention: Why we are yet to commence proceedings – Gbajabiamila

    APC Convention: Why we are yet to commence proceedings – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has alluded to reasons why the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to officially commence.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports, according to the programme of activities released for the APC national convention, proceedings were supposed to officially commence at 10 am.

    However, at the time of filing this report, the APC national convention was yet to commence, but Gbajabiamila has said a convention of this magnitude needs a lot of organization to do.

    “Something this size; I did not even expected it would be like this; you can see the atmosphere; everywhere is agog; something like this necessarily would need a lot of organization.

    “This is in terms of accreditation, in terms of people agreeing to consensus, and people trying to have dialogue so that everything would go smoothly. We are getting somewhere.

    “We started late though but it better that we get it right,” Gbajabiamila said in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye and Maupe Ogun of Channels TV.

    TNG reports President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo are being awaited at the time of filing this report.

  • APC National Convention: Skeptics will be proven wrong – Gbenga Daniel

    APC National Convention: Skeptics will be proven wrong – Gbenga Daniel

    A former Ogun Governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel, says skeptics will be proven wrong at the end of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention.

    Daniel told NAN on Saturday at Eagles Square, Abuja, venue of the convention, that APC was a great party.

    ”APC is a very big party. We are going to have a safe convention at the end of the day,” he said.

    The APC chieftain said that the exercise would be successful, while the outcome would be acceptable to all.

    The former governor said, ” Where there is consensus, it is okay, and where there is none, election will peacefully hold.”

    According to him, all the ‘big names’ in Ogun are in APC.

    ”’We are one family,” he added.

  • APC Convention: Bottle water sells for N300 as delegates arrive venue amidst tight security

    APC Convention: Bottle water sells for N300 as delegates arrive venue amidst tight security

    Accreditation of delegates to the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2022 National Convention has begun as delegates from across the federation thronged Eagle Square, the venue of the convention amidst tight security.

    The New National Working Committee (NWC) members are expected to be elected at the convention to manage the party’s affairs for the next four years.

    The party is currently being managed by a Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), headed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.

    The Eagle Square, venue of the convention, located in the Central Business District, is already wearing a new look with different shades of decorations.

    Petty traders are taking advantage of the large number of party faithful, both at the party secretariat and Eagle Square, to carry out brisk businesses as they hawk branded T-shirts, wrappers, hats, key holders, wristbands and other souvenirs.

    Heavy security presence has also been noticed not just at the Eagle Square, but around the entrance to the venue.

    Most hotels in Abuja city centre, and even in the satellite towns, have been fully booked as early as a week before the convention.

    APC Convention: Bottle water goes for N300

    Meanwhile, the price of bottled water has risen from N100 to N300 due to high demand at the Eagle Square, Abuja, where the APC National Convention is holding.

    A bottle of water, which was sold at between N100 and N200 in the morning, rose to N300 in the afternoon. Some sellers interviewed blamed the increase in price on scarcity.

    “I came here with a truckload of water in the morning, but it has all been sold, I tried to get another truck but the road is already blocked by security agents for security reasons, that is why the price is high,” Mrs Gladys Idahor, a seller said.

    Mr John Dyegh, another seller corrected the claim, alleging that he had to tip some policemen before he could get another supply.

    “Naturally, we have to build in the additional cost, so that is why the price is higher,” Dyegh said.

    He said he had recorded high sales at the convention.

    Some local musicians and praise singers were taking advantage of the convention to make money.

    The musicians and praise singers in groups were seen moving from one state pavilion to another entertaining guests.

    APC Convention: Security agents arrest 3 pickpockets

    Meanwhile, security agents have arrested three suspected pickpockets within the premises of the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention in Abuja, after they were caught snatching handsets at the gate.

    A security agency who spoke on anonymous condition told NAN on Saturday in Abuja, that the suspects took advantage of the commotion at the Eagle Square gate to snatch the mobile phones from their victims.

    “The three of them are operating in a syndicate, snatching people’s mobile phones and money.

    “They took advantage of the mad rush by delegates at the gate to snatch phones and money.

    “What happened was that they didn’t know that we have stationed eagle-eyed policemen at the gate watching as delegates entered the venue.

    “So that was exactly what happened, our officer caught them in action after they had snatched individuals’ mobile phones, ” he said.

    The officer said that the suspects would be taken to the police headquarters for further investigation.

    APC National Convention: Skeptics will be proven wrong – Gbenga Daniel

    A former Ogun Governor, Chief Gbnega Daniel, says skeptics will be proven wrong at the end of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention.

    Daniel told NAN on Saturday at Eagles Square, Abuja, venue of the convention, that APC was a great party.

    ”APC is a very big party. We are going to have a safe convention at the end of the day,” he said.

    The APC chieftain said that the exercise would be successful, while the outcome would be acceptable to all.

    The former governor said, ” Where there is consensus, it is okay, and where there is none, election will peacefully hold.”

    According to him, all the ‘big names’ in Ogun are in APC.

    ”’We are one family,” he added.

  • APC Convention: Why I stepped down for Adamu – Al-Makura

    APC Convention: Why I stepped down for Adamu – Al-Makura

    Senator Tanko Al-Makura has finally opened up on why he stepped down for Abdullahi Adamu, President Muhammadu Buhari’s anointed Chairmanship aspirant.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the original gambit was to allow Adamu to go ahead then suddenly five other contestants would step down for Al-Makura to squarely face Buhari’s anointed candidate.

    But this could not fly because at the last minute scheming, Al-Makura being a very close political acolyte of Buhari decided to step down out of respect for Buhari.

    According to sources, if the group had gone ahead there’s no way Abdullahi would have defeated Al-Makura rather the president’s candidate would have lost.

    Al-Makura simply said he can’t go against Buhari’s candidate because of closeness to the president.

    TNG recalls that the former Nasarawa gov had remained the most reliable political associate of Buhari from the CPC days.

  • BREAKING: Six APC national chairmanship aspirants withdraw from race

    BREAKING: Six APC national chairmanship aspirants withdraw from race

    Six aspirants contesting for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have withdrawn from the race.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the six chairmanship aspirants are Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, Sen. George Akume, Abdulaziz Yari, Sen. Sani Musa Muhammed, Comm. Etsu Muhammed and Turaki Salifu Mustapha.

    Their withdrawal was contained in a letter Akume addressed to the Chairman of the APC Election Sub-Committee.

    According to Akume, withdrawal of the aspirants was prompted by the appeal of President Muhammadu Buhari for aspirants to agree to a consensus arrangement.

    The letter reads: “May I kindly refer to the appeal by Mr. President for the Chairmanship aspirants of our great party to agree to a consensus arrangement wherein our colleague H.E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu is made our consensus candidate for the chairmanship position and forward letters of withdrawal from the under listed aspirants to wit:

    “H.E. Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, H.E. Sen. George Akume, H.E. Abdulaziz Yari, Sen. Sani Musa Muhammed, Comm. Etsu Muhammed, Turaki Salifu Mustapha”.

  • Convention: Unity in APC greater than individual ambitions – Sen. Musa

    Convention: Unity in APC greater than individual ambitions – Sen. Musa

    The Senator representing Niger East at the National Assembly Mohammed Sanu Musa, who was one of the aspirants for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC), has explained that the decision of six contenders to withdraw from the race was taken in the interest of the unity of the party.

    TNG had reported that six aspirants withdrew from the contest on Saturday to pave way for the former governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Adamu to emerge as the consensus candidate for the chairmanship position of the party.

    Speaking during an interview on Arise Tv, Musa insisted no one was forced to accept a consensus.

    “I pursued for the office of the National Chairman with the interest of the party at heart and I believe that my decision today, is also taken at heart because I believe that the unity of the party is greater than anything.

    “We decided collectively that for the unity of the party, we must come together and rally round Senator Abdullahi Adamu and make sure that APC come out stronger.

    “Nobody is coerced to agree to the issue of consensus without his willingness…in our case as that of the office of National Chairman, Mr. President has spoken and he also rallied round ourselves and decided that we are doing this in the interest of the party.

    “I believe that all other political office of the party will also reach consensus and where a consensus becomes very difficult, the party is a democratic party and I believe they will go to election. I believe consensus is a very good thing and one of the ways we can promote cohesion and unity among party members,” the senator said.

  • Convention: Adamu stands to emerge unopposed as APC National Chairman

    Convention: Adamu stands to emerge unopposed as APC National Chairman

    From all indications, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, would emerge as the next chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 26 national convention, following the withdrawal of the six other aspirants.

    Recall that Adamu was the choice of President Muhammadu Buhari to emerge as the party’s chairman.

    The letter signed by the Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume on behalf of the other aspirants, was dated March 25th.

    The letter signed by the Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume on behalf of the other aspirants, was dated March 25th.

    It read: “May I kindly refer to the appeal by Mr. President for the Chairmanship aspirants of our great party to agree to a consensus arrangement wherein our colleague, H.E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu is made our consensus candidate for the chairmanship position and forward letters of withdrawal from the under listed aspirants to wit:”

    The aspirants are: Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, Sen. George Akume, Abdulaziz Yari, Sen. Sani Musa Muhammed, Etsu Muhammed and Salihu Mustapha.

  • Six APC chairmanship aspirants withdraw interest to pave way for Abdullahi Adamu

    Six APC chairmanship aspirants withdraw interest to pave way for Abdullahi Adamu

    A former governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Adamu is emerging as the consensus candidate for the chairmanship position of the All Progressives Party (APC), as all the remaining six aspirants contesting the position have been pressured to withdraw from the race, TNG has learnt.

    The other six aspirants for the position of national chairman are ex-Nasarawa governor Tanko Al-Makura, ex-Benue governor George Akume, ex-Zamfara governor Abdul’aziz Yari, Kwara politician Saliu Mustapha, Nasarawa senator Sani Musa, and Muhammed Etsu.

    Several meetings were held till the early hours of Saturday, ahead of the party’s National Convention holding at the Eagle’s Square in Abuja and although an official announcement is yet to be made, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu has confirmed this position.

    Sources says it took the intervention of the Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai and his Lagos and Ekiti counterparts, Babajide Sanwoolu and Kayode Fayemi, to persuade the six other aspirants to withdraw from the race.

    “The pressure was too much, you know what it means when the president has taken a stand,” one of the sources said.

    It was gathered that each of the aspirants who had earlier paid N20 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms, were asked to put their withdrawal in writing.

     

  • Electoral Act: Ngige, Fashola, Amaechi cleared to vote at APC national convention

    Electoral Act: Ngige, Fashola, Amaechi cleared to vote at APC national convention

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi have been cleared to vote in the ongoing national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The APC made special concessions for the serving political appointees, who have previously served as Governors in their respective States in other for them to be able to vote at the national convention.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Amaechi has served as the governor of Rivers State, Ngige served as governor of Anambra State, and Fashola served as governor of Lagos State.

    According to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, who is the Chairman of the publicity sub-committee for the APC national convention, the former governors would be given concessions because the party’s constitution makes them statutory delegates.

    “Our delegates’ lists are statutory delegates. So if you have a former president as a political appointee, if you have a former senator as a political appointee, these are already automatic delegates.

    “Let’s not confuse the two just because being an appointee doesn’t necessarily take you out of being a delegate, because our delegates are classified clearly. Former presidents from our party, former elected personalities, party officials and the rest are delegates.

    “So if you are talking of the ones we have submitted now, we don’t have commissioners, we don’t have advisers, we don’t have all those unless somebody particularly who was a former this or former that. In that case, just being an appointee doesn’t completely exclude such a person from being a delegate,” Governor Sule emphasized.