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Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole plotting soldiers’ deployment to rig Bayelsa poll — PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa has condemned what it termed as ‘miserable fabrication’ by National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, alleging that the PDP-led government in the state is stockpiling arms to execute the November 16 governorship election.

    State Chairman of the party Mr Moses Cleopas, said in a statement on Sunday that Oshiomhole and other leaders of APC were making the wild allegations as a decoy to justify a plot to deploy soldiers to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

    Cleopas said Bayelsans would resist any attempt by the APC to deploy soldiers to rig the gubernatorial election as they did in the last National Assembly election in the state where, it said soldiers killed and maimed innocent people.

    The party also called on Nigerians to ignore the APC allegations which, according to them, were inspired by the desperation of the party to cause mischief.

    Cleopas said: “It was absurd and ridiculous for the National Chairman of the ruling party, Oshiomhole and his Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, to make wild allegations about arms stockpile against the PDP when the Bayelsa APC has a sordid reputation that reeks of violence.

    “Oshiomhole who is making these wild allegations should remember how he hurried ran out of Bayelsa State to avoid being kidnapped by the leaders of APC during their primaries in 2015. “Bayelsans and Nigerians are aware of the fact that the APC is a party of militants and cultists in Bayelsa State with a sickening penchant for violence.

    The botched attempt to kidnap and behead the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Mr. Kola Okunola, by APC militia in Brass for refusing to rig election in February 2019 showed clearly that the APC’s politics in Bayelsa is anchored on violence.

    “They colluded with compromised soldiers to kill government house photographer, Mr. Reginald Dei and a PDP Ward leader at Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during the presidential and National Assembly elections last February, without any arrest or prosecution because of the pitiable politicization of security in Bayelsa State.

    “We challenge Oshiomhole to disclose to the well-meaning Nigerian public where the said arms were imported from, who imported them and where they are being kept.

    “Making wild allegations has been the refrain of APC which is built on lies and propaganda as the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Nabena Yekini made a similar allegation in February 2019 during the general elections,” he said.

  • The Obaseki-Oshiomhole unending feud, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    The Obaseki-Oshiomhole unending feud, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    By Ehichioya Ezomon
    Just as he dismissed the alleged attack on the home of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has also waved off his reported plan to ditch the APC.
    Rather, he reaffirmed, last Thursday, October 17, his commitment to the platform that brought him into office in 2016, stressing that, “If a handful of individuals start misbehaving, and feel we will leave the party for them, they will be the ones to leave.”
    A few days earlier, he had denied “any knowledge” of the attack Oshiomhole said he (Obaseki) “directed.” But the Commissioner of Police, Dan Mallam Mohammed, said the assault claim was “cooked-up” by the former Edo governor.
    Still, CP Mohammed admitted that some persons, who camped outside the home, were “planning a protest,” and had to be dispersed. That shows something was, indeed, amiss!
    These two issues, and Friday, October 18 suspension of the state secretary of the APC, Lawrence Okah, signal how far Obaseki and Oshiomhole have parted ways since their spat got into the public space in 2018.
    Before their quarrel, they could fit into any of these descriptions: allies, buddies, colleagues, companions, consorts, cronies, friends, pals, partners, playmates, well-wishers.
    So, as associates, Oshiomhole, as governor between 2008 and 2016, brought in Obaseki as Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team (EST). Sources indicate that he’s a “major” financial mobiliser for Oshiomhole’s ambition, and election.
    In that capacity, Obaseki was the arrowhead of the various developmental programmes of the Oshiomhole administration. And he revelled as being so identified!
    Thus, it’s comfortable for Oshiomhole, against all entreaties, and threats from “core” members of the APC, to “pick and stand” by a technocratic Obaseki as his successor in 2016.
    During the electioneering, Oshiomhole, as the crusader of “One man, one vote” in contemporary Nigerian politics, brought to mind the yeoman’s job that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did to elect the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007.
    With his oratorial prowess, acerbic tongue, and combative persona, Oshiomhole vigorously campaigned for Obaseki, as if he’s the one on the ballot. And Obaseki won eventually.
    That’s why it’s a surprise to many how they fell apart so soon, and couldn’t reconcile their “differences” despite series of intervention by notable and respected individuals and groups.
    Well, that’s the nature of politics, in which there’re no permanent friends or enemies, but permanent interests. Isn’t this true of the “perceived” intimacy between Obaseki and Oshiomhole?
    As the relationship nosedived, the first to weigh in was His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Nedo, Ukuakpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II of Benin. To the natives and residents of the famous Benin Kingdom, and Edo State in general, the revered Oba’s word is law.
    If he intervenes in a dispute between his subjects, the matter is settled, dead and buried, and the subjects savour the royal engagement, and go home happily, and quarrel no more.
    But this isn’t the case with Obaseki and Oshiomhole, prompting the Omo N’Oba to “report” them to President Muhammadu Buhari, as the leader of the APC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    They honoured the “summons” by the president, who asked them to reconcile, if for nothing else, but for the interest of the APC, due to the 2020 poll: the source of the current intrigues in Edo State.
    There’s also a reported “peace mission” by the governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who doubles as the Chair of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), and an apolitical personality and renowned industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
    Both “common friends” to the quarrelsome duo were recent “peacemakers” who, perhaps, thought that their closeness and camaraderie could do the magic. But no way!
    Another reconciliation committee is assertedly being considered by the APC governors and other stakeholders. Will it succeed where the urging of Oba Ewuare II, and the Commander-in-Chief failed to sway Obaseki and Oshiomhole?
    Recall there’s a ray of hope in August 2019, when Governor Obaseki paid a “surprise” visit to Comrade Oshiomhole at his country-home in Etsako, Edo State.
    Coming out of a closed-door parley, accompanied by a retinue of applauding aides, they back-slapped each other, and debunked their alleged feud, blaming it on “mischief makers.”
    But from the latest fissure, it appears the touted Obaseki-Oshiomhole “rapprochement” was for the cameras, as events prior to, and after that visit, portrayed a hardening of positions.
    So far in the “power struggle,” Obaseki has the upper hand over Oshiomhole, as shown in these outcomes:
    * He has refused to re-proclaim the Edo State House of Assembly (ESHA), as “ordered” by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, and the two Chambers of the National Assembly.
    * Rejigged his administration, weeding from the cabinet, and the 18 local government council areas, political appointees regarded as “loyal” to Oshiomhole.
    * Received the supports of APC state and council chapters, political groups and high-profile individuals, and Edo teachers; and a stream of declarations, and solidarity rallies across the state.
    And as he looks set to remove all vestiges of Oshiomhole’s in his administration, and, maybe in the APC, as he assuredly vowed, the governor attempts to label the regime he headed its “Think Tank,” as a failure in the delivery of dividend of democracy.
    Which beggars the question: Was Obaseki “actually” part of the Oshiomhole government that he’s credited to have drawn huge investments, and numerous projects to?
    Did he close his eyes to the alleged “rot” in the administration, while projecting himself as Oshiomhole’s right-hand man, and biding his time to be anointed successor in 2016?
    Lest we forget! Oshiomhole, no matter how battered politically in Edo State, is still the sure bet for an Obaseki encore in 2020.
    Those hailing the governor are fair-weather friends; members of Any Government in Power (AGIP), who “fought” Oshiomhole when he “anointed” Obaseki for governor. They deserted the APC, only to return, to destabilise the party, for their interests.
    With Oshiomhole beside him, the powers against Obaseki’s re-election would fail. That’s why the governor should remember “where the rain beat him, and where the sun dried him.”
    No matter the provocation, he shouldn’t humiliate Oshiomhole, but continue to extend all courtesies to him when he visits Edo State. But it would be unstatesmanlike for the APC Chair to “sneak” in, and holds meetings with his allies, without putting Governor Obaseki on notice.
    It’s time to cut the antics, and locate the “real enemies” in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which, sensing a blowout in the “fight-to-finish” in the Edo chapter of the APC, is having a ball, as it savours its “chances” at the poll next year.
    * Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Edo 2020: Obaseki tackles Oshiomhole over claims of dumping APC

    Edo 2020: Obaseki tackles Oshiomhole over claims of dumping APC

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that he has no plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another political party.

    The governor spoke when he received members of the Godwin Obaseki Support Group (GOSG), during a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin City on Wednesday.

    Recall that the national chairman of the APC and Obaseki’s predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole had on Wednesday said the governor was secretly nursing plans to dump the party.

    “If a handful of individuals start misbehaving and feel we will leave the party for them; they will be the ones to leave,” he said.

    Obaseki described the APC as a party for the youths and the next generation, adding that his administration is focused on infrastructural and institutional reforms that would stand the test of time.

    “This is a government of real change, which is concerned about youths and the future. This government has performed beyond people’s expectations and we are proud of the things we have done so far.”

    Obaseki commended the GOSG for supporting his administration, urging members of the group to intensify their activities in the state and collaborate with other groups with the same ideology.

    The governor urged the group to collaborate with the state government in the campaign to kick out thuggery in the state.

    Earlier, the Director-General of the group, Mr Henry Idogun, said the group was formed during the 2016 governorship election to bridge the information gap, which existed on the governor’s profile.

    He said: “The group was happy with the developmental strides of the Obaseki led-administration which include massive and sustained infrastructural development and deep-rooted institutional reforms, noting that the award presented to the governor by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was well-deserved as the governor has made Edo State a reference point in transforming education in the country.”

    Idogun said GOSG exists to add value to governance and leverages the party machinery and other relevant stakeholders in the areas of voters’ education and mobilisation, creation of more polling units and election monitoring.

    He added that members of the group, numbering over 18,000, are in support of the second term bid of the governor.

  • Police speak on alleged attacks on Oshiomhole’s residence

    Police speak on alleged attacks on Oshiomhole’s residence

    The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. DanMallam Muhammed, has denied reports of attack on the residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor, Simon Ebegbulem, had raised the alarm that unknown hoodlums attacked the Benin residence of Oshiomhole located in the Okoroutun area of GRA Saturday evening.

    Ebegbulem alleged that the attackers were sent by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in his desperation to secure a second term as Governor.

    He, however, said that the attackers were repelled by APC youths loyal to Oshiomhole who mobilised to his residence.

    But the State Commissioner of Police, DanMallam Mohammed​, in his reaction, said there was no attack on Oshiomhole’s​ residence.

    Mohammed, who spoke in a telephone interview, said: “the one that happened was on [Friday], and there was no attack on Oshiomhole’s residence.

    “He (Oshiomhole) visited the Oba of Benin and we escorted him to the airport and he thanked us for the security of the State.

    “You know, when his Excellency (Obaseki) visited him (Oshiomhole) during Sallah, he said people are capitaling on the issues to make money and create problems​ when there are none​. Nobody attacked Oshiomhole’s​ house, we should have seen​ physical evidence,” he said.

    On his part, the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki​ on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, described the allegation against Obaseki as false.

    Osagie said he was not “aware of any such attack” and there was no information to them “that Oshiomhole was even in town.”

    Meanhwile, the Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, has alleged that he was attacked by a loyalist of Adams Oshiomhole, chieftain of the APC in Benin, Tony Adun (otherwise known as Tony Kabaka).

    Akerele also alleged that unknown persons boggled into his country home in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State.

    He said the hoodlums entered his room through the ceiling and that their mission still remained known to him.

    He told journalists in Benin that Adun attacked him in Protrea Hotel on Friday while meeting with some foreign investors.

    He said he arrived at the hotel at about 7pm for a meeting with some foreign investors and that while the meeting was on, Adun came and first attacked him verbally and was matching towards him, but was restrained by people around.

    “I just came from Igarra where I met that unknown persons entered my room through the ceiling. I have reported to the police in Igarra.

    “When I came to Benin, I went straight to Protrea [Hotel] where I had a meeting with some foreign investors and I experienced the attack,” Akerele said.

    But when contacted, Adun denied the allegation. He said they “went to Protrea to see how Oshiomhole was faring after the attack on his house.”

     

  • Obaseki sent thugs to attack Oshiomhole’s residence -Aide

    Obaseki sent thugs to attack Oshiomhole’s residence -Aide

    There was tension in Edo State on Sunday following reported attack the residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    It was gathered that some youths had gathered at Oshiomhole’s residence chanting songs, ‘Oshiomhole Ole Oshiomhole Ole’ but were dispersed by anti-riot policemen.

    Chief Press Secretary to Oshiomhole, Mr. Simon Ebegbulem, insisted that there was an attack by thugs sent by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    He said the attack was part of the resolution reached at the last State Executive Council meeting that all anti-Obaseki third term bid be attacked.

    Ebegbulem stated that it was desperate bid to get a second term but that the attack was neutralised by some APC youths who were mobilised to Oshiomhole’s residence.

    Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar, who denied any attack on the residence of Oshiomhole, said some persons planning protest were dispersed.

    “It is a lie. There was no attack. Nothing happened in the area where Oshiomhole lives.”

    On his part, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the allegation against his boss was false.

    According to him: “The Edo State Government has said it has absolutely no knowledge of the purported attack on the person or the residence of former Governor of the state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    “We have no knowledge of the attack. We have also reached out to the Police, and they affirmed that they do not know about such an attack.”

    Meanwhile, Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, has petitioned the Nigeria Police over attack on him by a supporter of the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM) Mr. Tony Adun popularly known as Kabaka at the Protea Hotel.

    Akerele said the attack occured while he was meeting with some foreign investors.

    He said he went to the hotel at about 7pm for a meeting with some foreign investors and during the meeting Kabaka came and attacked him verbally.

    Akerele said Kabaka was walking towards him when some persons restrained him.

    “And I just came from Igarra where I met that unknown persons entered my room through the ceiling. I have reported to the police in Igarra and when I came to Benin, I went straight to Protea where I had a meeting with some foreign investors and I experienced the attack”.

    Kabaka denied the allegation and said he went to the hotel to see how Oshiomhole was faring after the attack in his house.

    “Thank God Protea is a world class hotel and they cannot say that they don’t have CCTV. They should go and play it and see what transpired between us. If there is an attack and attempt of assassination as being alleged, Tony Kabaka will go in for it but there is no such attempt, I will sue them”.

  • Oshiomhole dissociates self, APC from 2023 campaign posters, fingers PDP

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole yesterday dissociated the party from the recent trending 2023 campaigns advertisement.

    Oshiomhole, who addressed reporters at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, blamed the campaign posters and billboards on the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The APC national chairman said the PDP was bent on creating disaffection and suspicion among APC members.

    According to him, the preoccupation of the ruling party, its leaders and members is good governance and delivering on all the promises they made to Nigerians and supporting President Muhammadu Buhari to successfully lead the country.

    Oshimhole said the period for politicking and electioneering had ended, adding that the courts were doing their part to sort out other matters that came up after the polls by gradually settling the cases before them.

    The national chairman urged Nigerians to task politicians to justify the mandates given to them during the last elections.

    “I want to completely disassociate myself and members of our party from all those posters. We believe that these are the handwork of the PDP people, who think that they can create suspicion within the rank of APC by nominating for our party who they think or purporting or attempting to print for some elements in our party to create complete diversion.

    “So, I stand here as the National Chairman of APC, not only to deny those posters as they affect me but to deny those posters as they affect any leader of our party because it is not yet time. Even people who may have ambitions are aware that this is not the time.

    “At this point, all hands must be on deck to support President Muhammadu Buhari and all our governors in their states to work together harmoniously to deliver deliverables for the good of our people in the states and at the Federal level. This is not the time to talk politics. Politics cannot be an all-round season; the season for politics is over.

    “The Judiciary is also clearing the governorship, the National Assembly and even the presidential elections. Once these are done and left out behind us, I expect all Nigerians to insist that those elected should go back to work and deliver and justify the mandates they have been given.

    “This is not the time for electioneering. We cannot have electioneering for four years and thereafter you have people elected and continue for another four years. There is time for politicking; there is time for governance. This is the time for governance. All of us in the APC are committed to backing the President to deliver for the Nigerian people. We will not distract him,” he said.

  • We will defeat Atiku, PDP at Supreme Court – Oshiomhole boasts

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole says the party is ready for the next round of legal battle with Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Oshiohmole made this known when he responded to questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday.

    The PDP had on Wednesday vowed to appeal the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    However, the APC Chairman maintained that the same facts that gave President Buhari victory at the election tribunal would suffice at the Supreme Court.

    He said: “We as a party, we are confident, if it is within the Nigerian law, for PDP to go even to the World Court, we will meet them there. The Supreme Court is Supreme Court of Nigeria not Supreme Court of APC or PDP.

    “We are ready to meet them, President Buhari is ready to meet defeated Atiku Abubakar at the Supreme Court and the All Progressives Congress is ready to meet PDP at that court.”

    The APC chairman urged Atiku Abubakar and the entire members of the opposition party to forget about what happened at the polls and support Buhari to move Nigeria forward.

    According to him, the matter has been resolved and that it was time to queue behind the winner and move on.

    “After all, our winner is the best example that losing one election is not tantamount to the end of your political life. He lost three and today he is president,’’ he added.

    The APC chairman thanked the judiciary for doing its job diligently, within the confines of the nation’s electoral act and the laws of the land.

    Oshiomhole allegedly accused the opposition PDP of blackmailing every institution in the country in its bid to take over power.

  • Tribunal judgement: Buhari ‘ll still defeat Atiku, PDP at Supreme, World Courts – Oshiomhole boasts

    Tribunal judgement: Buhari ‘ll still defeat Atiku, PDP at Supreme, World Courts – Oshiomhole boasts

    The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday declared that President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, if they decide to go to the world court or Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the tribunal on the last Presidential election.

    The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal had on Wednesday delivered judgment in favour of President Buhari as winner of February 2019 election.

    Oshiomhole spoke with State House correspondents when he accompanied APC women leaders from the national, zonal and 36 states of the federation to meet with President Buhari.

    The women leaders were led to the State House by women leader, Hajia Salamatu Umar-Eluma, to congratulate the President on his victory at Wednesday’s election tribunal.

    They were also in the villa to thank President Buhari for appointing seven women among the 43 ministers recently sworn in.

    Oshiomhole was optimistic that no surprise will come out from the Supreme Court as they are most likely to relying on the Appeal court’s ruling.

    He said “We as a party we are confident that if it is within the Nigerian law for PDP to go even to the world court, we will meet them there. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is not that of PDP or the APC, the Supreme Court is governed by law and is to interpret the evidence before the court of Appeal.

    ‘They are not at liberty to introduce new issues neither can they bring in new witnesses.

    “So, if it is what I heard yesterday which I believe you also heard, thanks to the media, most Nigerians were detained for eight hours listening to arguments of the judges one after the other. Even though we thought it was getting longer and longer but we realised that they tried to deal with the issues raised, even the ones you and I as a layman will consider it consequential, they dealt with each of them, trashed them and arrived at a conclusion.

    “So, I don’t want to sound arrogant. Yesterday (Wednesday), I said that I hope this whole contestation is about Nigeria who actually won the election and both parties are committed to building Nigeria and is not about who should be given the key.

    “Now, this has been resolved and it is time to queue behind the winner and move on. Our winner is the best example that losing election is not tantamount to the end of your political life. He lost three and today he is the president.

    “But, when I see the arrogance with which they pronounce and they bring what I call television lawyers, who pronounced with some managerial finality as if they are judges even without any evidence before them, let me now say authoritatively, we are now ready to meet them.

    “President Buhari is now ready to meet defeated Atiku Abubakar at the Supreme Court and the APC is ready to meet the PDP at the Supreme Court and Adams Oshiomhole is ready to meet my brother Secondus at the Supreme Court and he will take second and I will take first, Isha Allah.”

    He insisted that they were not in doubts that victory will be theirs.

    According to him, the PDP just seems to blackmail every institution so that their candidate can become the president even if it is not the will of the Nigerian people.

    He said both the PDP and its presidential candidate reduced the election to social media speculations and bringing sources that are laughable even at beer parlour conversations.

  • Obaseki orders aides not to respond to Oshiomhole’s ‘very hostile’ comments against him

    Obaseki orders aides not to respond to Oshiomhole’s ‘very hostile’ comments against him

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered his aides not to reply what he described as “very hostile statements credited to our revered National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”

    A statement signed by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Barr. Paul Ohonbamu said the statement was an onslaught against the governor and government of Edo State and has been trailed by enquiries about the state government’s response to the attacks, from various stakeholders, both within and outside the country.

    Barr. Ohonbamu stated that Governor Obaseki instructed that no state actor, within the Edo State Government, should make any comment whatsoever or join issues on the ensuing hostile comments and discussions.

    He said, “Obaseki said he has chosen to pursue the path of peace and reconciliation in dealing with these issues in the interest of the good people of Edo State and our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

  • You can’t get refund, Oshiomhole tells Kogi APC aspirants who lost to Gov Bello

    You can’t get refund, Oshiomhole tells Kogi APC aspirants who lost to Gov Bello

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Thursday dashed the hope of a possible refund of money to aspirants who lost the party’s governorship ticket in the just-concluded Kogi primary.

    Oshiomhole, who was addressing newsmen after meeting with the 16 aspirants, said the party has a tradition which has to be maintained.

    Out of the 16 aspirants that bought the nomination and expression of interest form at the cost of N22.5 million, seven of them were not cleared to participate in the exercise for various reasons.

    But nine others, including Governor Yahaya Bello, who won the ticket, were cleared.

    Oshiomhole said: “Our party is guided by rules. If there are issues that we need to discuss, those are APC issues and not meant for the Press.

    “We are not doing election for the first time. We have traditions and we don’t have any application before us.”

    He added: “This afternoon, we had extensive conversation as APC family to talk through issues arising from the Kogi state governorship primary which was conducted last week.

    “I am sure that you know some of those who participated or attempted to participate in the process. They are men and women who, by any criteria can be said to be fit and proper persons to govern a state.

    “But as you know, in democracy, if you have 16 angels as we had seeking the mandate of the people to produce just one person as governor, it means that 15 angels will not get it.

    “So, winning or losing a primary is not a statement of your integrity, you capacity, your capability or your intellect. It is simply a fact that once you have more than one candidate and you have only one vacancy, only one person will win.

    “As you already know, Governor Badaru of Jigawa state led the team that conducted the primary in Kogi state and have declared Governor Yahaya Bello as the winner of that exercise.

    “We therefore decided to invite all those who participated in the process or wanted to participate and for one reason or the other, were not able to do so to have a conversation on the need to put the conduct of that process behind us.

    “Usually in every campaign, aspirants tends to bad mouth each other, while trying to project themselves and people could fee injured, people could get angry over statements made. In our own part of the country, there can also be issues of how the exercise was conducted, whether it was free or not free.

    “I want to thank all those who participated in the process and to thank our party members in Kogi state and going forward, to thank the good people of Kogi state who do not belong to any political party and whose future, our party is committed to improving by using the instrument of state in a way that will add value to the lives of the people of Kogi state.”

    The APC chairman announced that all those who lost out in the process have assured the party that will not challenge the outcome of the exercise in court, but will work for the success of the party during the election.