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Tag: Presidential Candidates

  • 2023 opposition presidential candidates beg Tinubu for appointment

    2023 opposition presidential candidates beg Tinubu for appointment

    Presidential candidates of some opposition political parties in the February 2023 general election asked the  national chairman of the  ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, to lead them to President Bola Tinubu.

    The presidential candidates who met with Ganduje at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja include that of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Action Peoples Party (APP) among others.

    Speaking behalf of his counterparts under the auspices of Forum of Concerned Presidential Candidates Forum, NRM standard bearer, Ambassador Felix Johnson Osakwe sought their inclusion in the administration of President Tinubu so they can contribute their quota to national development.

    “We are here, sir, not only to see Mr President; number one is to be identified with you and to thank God for your appointment. Then number two: we see you as a father, sir, who has been a commander in chief of the state and here you are today to be the pilot that will lead the presidential candidate, especially those who are ready and those who love this country and the interest of this country first before politics, before parties.

    “That you will be the right person to lead us to meet with Mr President so he can hear our own views in person and also let him know that it is not all the presidential candidates that are against him. We chose not to go to court, because this is Nigeria and we have no other country to go.

    “So we are here to thank you and to thank God and everyone seated here and to say, as presidential candidates, there is something we can offer this country, and I believe a government of inclusion will be necessary in times like this,” he stated.

    Meanwhile Ganduje assured them that  their requests would be conveyed to President Tinubu and that he would ensure that they meet him in person, adding that they would be included to work for the party in the November 11  Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo governorship polls.

     

  • 2023 Elections: Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord

    2023 Elections: Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord

    Ahead of the February 25th presidential election in the country, Presidential candidates from 18 political parties signed the Peace Accord  on Wednesday.

    The Four leading presidential candidates ola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress, APC), Peter Obi (Labour Party, LP), Omoyele Sowore (African Action Congress, AAC), Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP) alongside 14 others were present to put pen to paper.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was present at the event along with members of the National Peace Committee.

    Unlike elections prior to 2015 when the the National Peace Committee came into existence, presidential candidates for the the 2023 polls are made to sign the Peace Accord twice.

    The first one was signed in September last year, prior to the commencement of Campaigns. That accord was signed to oblige the candidates to a peaceful Campaign.

    Members of the peace committee present include General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Dr John Momoh, CON.

    The aim of the peace Accord is to promote the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the elections.

  • 2023: Nigerians in US to engage presidential candidates Nov. 26

    2023: Nigerians in US to engage presidential candidates Nov. 26

    The Nigerians in the U.S. intend to hold a debate for all the presidential candidates that are contesting the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

    The presidential debate, tagged “The Diaspora Listens”, is scheduled to hold on November 26, 2022 virtually, according to a statement signed by Mr Olayinka DanSalami, on behalf of the organising committee.

    The debate is being organised by the ‘Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN, Inc.)’, in collaboration with 15 other Nigerian partner organisations in the United States.

    The statement was made available to newsmen in New York on Sunday.

    DanSalami said that letters of invitations had been sent to the presidential candidates.

    “The United States hosts one of the largest numbers of Nigerian citizens and associations worldwide.

    ”They are critical to the political and socio-economic development of our dear country, in spite of the differences in , cultures and languages.

    “We are also continuing to fly the Nigerian flag high as we excelled in our various endeavors.

    ”Thus, we believe that to actualise the Nigeria of our dream, everyone must contribute his or her own quota.

    “We believe that the 2023 presidential election is a critical and consequential election that has generated so much enthusiasm, interest, and support among the Nigerian compatriots in the diaspora,’’ he stated.

    DanSalami said that the election had brought about ”a patriotic clamour by Nigerians in the diaspora to have the presidential candidates talk to us.”

    He added that the debate would also give the opportunity to put forward questions, suggestions and support to the candidates.

    “Therefore, it has become pertinent to keep the Nigerians in the diaspora abreast of the candidates manifestos and what would be the policy thrusts of their administrations.

    “Also, to keep them abreast of how their government would maximise the various opportunities that abound in Nigeria.

    ”And the key role that Nigerians in the diaspora would have to play towards national development in these administrations.

    “The debate will provide the candidates with the opportunity to share their ideas in a moderated Question and Answer format,’’ DanSalami said.

    He further stated that the event would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to have an opportunity to hear first-hand from the presidential candidates, their intentions and aspirations through an equal opportunity platform.

    The ‘Diaspora Listens’ event would also provide candidates the opportunity to hear directly from the diaspora constituents about their concerns, priorities, and what they would like from the president, when elected in 2023.

    “The organisers encourage all our Nigerians in the diaspora to ‘save the date’ for this crucial and important event.

    “We would apprise you of the format of the debates as we confirm participation from the presidential candidates,’’ he stated.

  • 2023: You must hear from Presidential Candidates, not proxies, Obi advises Nigerians

    2023: You must hear from Presidential Candidates, not proxies, Obi advises Nigerians

    The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi has advised the electorate to insist on a direct contact/address by the presidential candidates, and to ignore messages of those speaking through proxies.

    Obi gave this hint while addressing Nigerian citizens in Frankfurt, Germany who came out in large numbers to welcome him, at the weekend.

    Mr Obi said that every candidate should come before Nigerians with their agenda to make Nigeria work.

    Apparently disturbed
    by unfulfilled bogus and phantom promises of the All Progressives Congress(APC) of 2015 and 2019 asked electorates to do background checks on all presidential candidates this time, before listening to whatever promises they make.

    He said, “When you listen to us, go and check our background, this is not a time for somebody to show us his qualifications, I live in Nigeria and I know Nigeria and what Nigerians need. I am not a stranger to Nigeria’s problems.

    He said, “I am a trader but I have a privilege to go to some of the best of schools like Oxford, Cambridge, and other Ivy League institutions, but I always say to people that educational qualification is not the same as integrity.

    “Listen to all the presidential candidates not through proxy. Let anyone who wants to be your President come forward himself and speak to you directly, because he is the one you will hold responsible for whatever happens to Nigeria under his care.

    “This campaign is not a campagin you are going to speak through somebody, that person needs to come and directly tell us what he is going to do for our country and we must take note of whatever he says and hold him by his words.”

    “We also don’t want one that would be carried to this place in a wheel chair, but must consider his capacity, competence, integrity and commitment.”

    Talking about racism, Peter Obi said, “I don’t see any country as racist. If you think your host country is racist you can go back to your country. The reason why you are here is because your place is not working.

    “So, it is our duty to turn things around in Nigeria for the good of our country.

    “Somebody asked me a question about going to look for foregin investors , I said Nigerians outside are going to do what China and India did.

    “It is good for us to go back and fix our place, we need to secure it and it is important for our place to have proper leadership that is visionary, there is nothing happening in other countries that is rocket science, a country is measured by its productive capacity.

    “Somebody asked me what are we going to do to stabilize the naira and I said it is very simple; production, because the more you produce goods and export , the more your currency becomes stronger, if you are looking for dollars and Euro, just go and sell something to somebody that has euro and dollar and your currency will become strong.

    “We will ensure security of lives and bring stability to governance .

    “Our human capital today is low, we have 200 million people with barely ten percent productive capacity. You also need to reduce the cost of Governance and have zero tolerance for corruptio. People cannot continue to do what they are doing with government resources.”

    He promised to provide opportunity for diaspora Nigerians to vote in the 2027 elections if elected president next year.

    The Labour Party’s Presidential candidate also assured that Africa will remain the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy as it will improve diplomatic sphere of influence via peacekeeping, trade, and investment initiatives.

  • Presidential candidates must undergo serious capacity, ability tests – Onitiri

    Emerged presidential candidates must undergo serious capacity, health, and ability tests before the 2023 general elections, to avoid future disaster, calamity, and health challenges.

    This suggestion was contained in a press statement issued in Lagos yesterday, by renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri.

    He warned: “If we must salvage our country from total collapse and looming disaster, Nigeria needs a world-class administrator and visionary leader now, more than before.

    “We earnestly need a good, agile, and heathy president that can rescue us from imminent calamity.

    “Therefore our next prospective leader to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari next year should first and foremost undergo DRUG TEST to be conducted by our NDLEA to ascertain he is mentally fit and capable to manage the bad affairs we already found ourselves,” Onitiri emphasised.

    He also recommended that Nigeria’s next president should undergo medical fitness to ascertain his ability, physical capable to withstand the rigours, mental alertness, and enormous stress the job entails.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should conduct a diligent integrity test on our incoming President, governors, national and states legislators to ensure we do not vote in fantastically corrupt individuals, so as not to worsen our already deplorable economic situation, Onitiri stated.

    Nigeria eagerly needs a selfless, de-tribalised, non-nepotic, non-religious fanatic, and not a greedy undertaker and looter as president, he pleaded.

    According to Onitiri, our incoming leaders should address us in their manifestos and how they intend to salvage our country from imminent calamity. Above all, they must sign indemnity with the people of Nigeria to be loyal and to protect the lives and property of citizens within a year of ascension to power,  failing which a referendum should be conducted to remove them from power.

    Other suggestions by Onitiri include: signing a pact with Nigerians by the incoming president to discard within two years, what he alleged the “obnoxious 1999 constitution”, and inaugurate the 2014 constitutional review reports. Alternatively, he should take us back to the 1964 regional structure.

    Onitiri called for restructuring of the  country, in view of the “lopsidedness of the present warped constitution that could not guarantee justice, equity, and fairplay to the various tribes that make up Nigeria, causing the loud agitations and clamour for self-determination.

    “We desperately need a proper,  urgent RESTRUCTURING of the country where every member will have a sense of belonging to develop at their own pace.

    “With the above conditions and others, our incoming president and governors must sign a pact with Nigerians. Its no longer business as usual where politicians feel politics is about self-enrichment and money-making venture.

    “The year 2023 elections must be absolutely for service to the nation. We must get it right this time around, as we cannot afford to fail our heroes past and our children yet unborn. We have no country we can call our own.

    “No more politics of stomach infrastructure.  We urge all Nigerians to carefully select their leaders in 2023. No more  money politics. Our mumu don do. O to o ge! We must eradicate poverty in our land”, Onitiri counselled.

    He appealed to all Nigerians not to sell their votes for whatever reason. He also urged them to procure their PVCs to enable them participate in the incoming elections.

    “You cannot afford to stay aloof in 2023; we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. This country, Nigeria belongs to us all”, he added.

  • Buhari to Candidates: Treat your opponents with dignity

    Buhari to Candidates: Treat your opponents with dignity

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged political parties candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity, saying politics should never be seen as ”do-or-die” affair.

    The president made the appeal in his 2022 Democracy Day broadcast to the nation on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Nigerian leader commended the leaderships of the nation’s political parties for the smooth conduct of their parties’ primary elections.

    ”I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity.

    ”As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance.

    ”The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers,” he said.

    The president particularly noted with delight the significant increase in women and youth participation in the primaries, saying this trend should be sustained and improved upon in forthcoming electoral exercises, inluding the 2023 general elections.

    ”Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth, particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development.

    ”This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years.

    ”As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a ‘do-or-die’ affair.

    ”We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers,” he maintained.

    The Nigerian leader reassured voters that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard their votes during the forthcoming elections in the country.

    He said his administration had made significant investments to reform and enhance nation’s electoral laws, systems and processes to safeguard their votes.

    The president, therefore, expressed the commitment of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary to ensure the successful implementation of the ongoing reforms of the electoral laws.

    ”For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, has made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems and processes to safeguard your votes.

    ”The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary were and still remain united and committed to ensure these reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections.

    ”Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected.”

  • Of bullion vans, Dubai and presidential candidates for sale

    Of bullion vans, Dubai and presidential candidates for sale

    By Dan Abubakar

    In many places politicians are subjects of scorn and derision. And for good reason. They lie to the public as a matter of course and the compliment is sometimes returned with particularly aggrieved persons throwing rotten eggs, tomatoes or shoes at politicians engaged in a walkabout in England, France and elsewhere.
    Here in Nigeria people sometimes show their displeasure by shouting “yehoo!”, “barrow!” or “ole!”.
    The degeneration in the Nigerian specie of politicians is alarming, a factor of the abysmal lack of accountability of public officers over the years. Finagling with public funds which should earn culprits years in the slammer or public execution, as in China become a means to run for higher office.
    Some politicians now think it is all a game – one with no rules, no honour and no integrity needed. For them all is fair in politics as in war. Compromise has become the only governing principle of their existence.. Belonging to a political party means nothing other than as a vehicle to ride unto power. Parties are not grounded on ideas, programmes or ideology. There is no belief in principle or commitment to civic responsibility. Which is why politicians are acrobats jumping from one party to the other and back again, as Stella Oduah has just done most cynically. The story is told of one fellow who made the rounds with five political parties until he found one nondescript party that agreed to endorse his candidacy.
    Today who can with any certainty tell the difference between the APC and the PDP for instance or who is in which party at any point in time?
    The price the country is paying for this indulgence has become a very grave one indeed such that no one is addressing the serious issues that confront its very existence. And politics which is a time-honoured process for a society to choose its leaders is being discredited.
    Many of our politicians seem not to apprehend the danger here and are plunging further and farther into the murk.
    Let us begin with the number of those who say they want to be president. Surely, majority of those who have announced themselves cannot be serious. Other than media announcements and adding to the garbage on our streets from their falling posters how is one to take the announcements by Mohammed Hayatudeen, Ibikunle Amosun, Adams Oshiomhole, or the Cross River state entrant, Ben Ayade seriously?
    Much comic relief is provided by such pretenders to the throne as Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and ….this other fellow. Pardon me I forget his name.
    Yet the state of Nigeria is no laughing matter. Neither should the contest to succeed President Mohammed Buhari be an opportunity for the usual horse-trading or massive financial inducements as has become the manner with many. The rule of thumb should be that anyone who bribes to achieve a position such as the presidency is not qualified for it quite apart from being a criminal.
    Our present political predicament bears restating.The process for candidates to emerge for the 2023 presidential election is being confounded by the impression that the presidency is for all-comers. Or is there a certain method to the present madness?
    Some ‘candidates’ may be doing it to seek attention, not wanting to be left in the shadows of others who have already declared. Others may be seeking to use their professed ambition as a bargaining chip for a future demand. Politicians everywhere do this and cash their chips when the opportunity arises.
    But there may be something more sinister afoot. There is now strong suspicion that a lot of the declared ambitions are by phantom candidates, individuals who are not at all serious and who for the right consideration will step down for their benefactors thus presenting the impression of a bandwagon. This stratagem, it is said, is by certain candidates in both parties who are known to be flush with funds. That is why in political circles there is now so much talk about bullion vans, opening of Dubai-based financial spigots and impending shortage of dollars in the market.
    It is reassuring that money has never been the determinant of who rules Nigeria even if the process had in the past been rigged against the best emerging. But this time Nigerians must make their voices loud and clear to the political parties that the sun must be allowed to shine on the one or two roses in their midst that seek to bloom for everyone’s sake..

  • 2019: Smaller parties soliciting money to endorse popular presidential candidates – Oshiomhole

    2019: Smaller parties soliciting money to endorse popular presidential candidates – Oshiomhole

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday knocked smaller parties for soliciting money to endorse presidential candidates of their bigger counterparts.

    He accused them of bastardising the Supreme Court judgement which states the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should register as many political parties as possible.

    Oshiomhole stated many of the existing political parties have been busy making brisk business from the so- called bigger parties, demanding money to endorse presidential candidates instead of producing their own.

    Speaking when a delegation of the National Democratic Institute and the International Republic Institute visited the APC headquarters in Abuja, Oshiomhole also lashed out at civil society groups.

    He alleged many of them are being sponsored by political parties as election observers.

    He recalled as Edo governor, some of the civil society groups solicited for money from him to write favorable reports.

    He said many political parties, which he described as democratic merchants, have approached him demanding for money to endorse the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The former Labour leader lamented the entire political process is being turned into a platform for trading.

    He said: “I can tell you how many requests I have from these so called political parties that if you pay me this we will announce that we are supporting your presidential candidate.

    “So people have formed political parties as platform for trading. We must be careful so that in the name of freedom, we do not create democratic merchants, creating more confusion, generating more heat.”

    The APC helmsman added: “I was President of NLC for eight years and we were not foreign funded but were and still remain membership driven, membership based and membership controlled.

    “So, I am at home with using the tools that are legitimate in a democratic process namely persuasion, convincing people and putting your message across and communicating vertically and horizontally so that the people can decide why they should choose this person rather than that person.

    “That is the gift that I have and as chairman of this party. That is what we are trying to do.”

     

  • 2019: Anxiety as APC, PDP hold conventions in Abuja, Rivers to elect presidential candidates

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are currently holding their national conventions to elect candidates to represent them at the presidential election scheduled for February 2019.
    While the ruling party is holding theirs at Eagles Square in Abuja, the opposition party is holding theirs at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
    About 7,000 delegates from across the country are expected to endorse the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari at the ongoing special national convention of the party.
    The convention is a culmination of series of events which began with the special congresses to select delegates for the the convention which will be presided over by the National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and members of the National Working Committee of the party.
    Initially, the convention was expected to also deliberate on the way forward for the party, but the convention committee headed by Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi said it will be a one-agenda event.
    Addressing a news conference at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, Deputy Chairman of the convention committee and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, said the confirmation and rectification of the candidacy of the President is a commitment to steady progressive and positive change.
    Shettima, who stood in for Chairman of the Convention Committee, said: “Let me assure you that the nomination and ratification of the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari is a commitment to service, progressive and quality change.
    “Despite some of the problems we have encountered during the primaries in our various states, the National Working Committee of the party is working assiduously to resolve all the issues. It is a family quarrel and we are going to sort things out amicably.
    “The party is doing and will continue to do all it can to resolve all the issues amicably so that everyone can be carried along and we can all unite as one in order to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari is returned to the poll come February 2019.
    “The current APC administration, led by our dear President, is making sure and steady progress and we cannot afford to drop the ball and return our great country to those dark days, especially the 16 wasted years preceding this administration.
    “About 7,000 delegates from across the length and breadth of our great country, and all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure security.
    For the PDP, over 4,000 delegates have being accredited to participate in the voting exercise to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer.
    Despite parading over twelve other candidates, TNG had reported how one of the popular candidates, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar dramatically swung back into reckoning, and is now in the lead, in the line up of aspirants vying for the presidential ticket of the party.
     
    Northern Generals rally last minute support for Atiku
     

    The seemingly unbelievable turn around in fortunes for the Waziri Adamawa is being propelled by Northern Generals led by General Aliyu Gusau who have invaded Port Harcourt and are heavily canvassing his candidacy.
    This development, TNG (TheNewsGuru.com) gathered is coming on the heels of the successful prevailing of the Northern Generals on General Olusegun Obasanjo to back down from his avowed threat never to support Atiku Abubakar for the presidency. It is also gathered that Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and TY Danjuma having gotten Obasanjo’s nod, dispatched the Aliyu Gusau led northern Generals and leaders to go and persuade the leaders and delegates of the PDP to vote for Atiku Abubakar.
    The quest to have the Waziri Adamawa as the candidate of the main opposition party, came against the back drop of Western countries, who are said to have given a tacit nod to back moves to compel President Buhari to vacate office, should he lose the presidential elections, next February. The fear in political circles has been that unlike President Goodluck Jonathan, President Buhari might not be magnanimous in defeat to concede and vacate office.
    Leaders of the opposition are worried that Buhari, who is popular with the militant Muslim youths, who are his die hard loyalists, could propel them to foment trouble of unimaginable proportions should he lose.
    That, TNG discovered, was the major reason most of the leaders backing a Rabiu Kwankwaso candidacy wanted him as a counterpoise to the perceived militancy of the hardcore Buhari supporters. Kwankwaso, it is believed, also has a large following among the militant muslim youths.
    General Aliyu Gusau and his group are currently scouring the Rivers State capital meeting Governors and leaders and asking for their backing for Atiku. They are also meeting with the aspirants and pleading with them to back down and support the initiative to have what they call the best candidate to confront President Buhari at the poll.
    It is understood that their meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike was fruitful and his tacit agreement was reached to soft pedal on his backing for Governor Aminu Tambuwal who has also being approached by the northern Generals and leaders to bid his time and wait. They are said to have also promised to back his candidacy in future.
    it is understood that Generals Obasanjo, IBB, Abdulsalami, Danjuma, Gusau and a host of other leaders, who control the system in Nigeria, want President Buhari out at all cost. Atiku Abubakar appears to be their best joker so far.
    As it stands, the tables are gradually turning, with Atiku Abubakar in the lead, followed by Rabiu Kwankwaso, Tambuwal and Sule Lamido.

    PDP governors in crucial meeting

    The 14 Governors under the Peoples Democratic Party have gone into a crucial meeting to further chart the way forward and ensure that the party’s primary holding today at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, is not only seen to be fair but also transparent and credible.
    Meeting under the chairmanship of the outgoing governor of Ekiti, Oyo Fayose, the governors will also try to see if they can reach a consensus on who to back for the presidential ticket of the party as a way of avoiding a rancorous outcome.
    It is widely known that unless the party manages its presidential primary very transparently, the outcome could lead to the implosion of the party.
    One of the major reasons which made the governors meeting urgent is the pressure being piled on them by the various aspirants and groups, especially that led by General Aliyu Gusau, on the prompting of the retired Generals and some northern elders.
    The retired Generals which include the likes of Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim BAdamasi Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and TY Danjuma are said to be canvassing for a candidate who can beat the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election next year.
    Late last night, into this morning, the representative of the generals and elders, headed by General Gusau, have been going round all the aspirants, leaders and delegates trying to impress it on them why the Waziri Adamawa, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, should be given the nod to fly the party’s flag.
    The PDP Governors Forum, among whom are two presidential aspirants: Aminu Tambuwal and Ibrahim Dankwambo, has the herculean task of deciding whether to back one of their own, or acquiesce to the demand of the Generals and the northern elders.
     
    Both conventions are in progress as at the time of filing this report. TNG will bring you regular updates as events unfolds from both camps.

  • 2019: No restructuring, no vote – Ohanaeze Ndigbo tells presidential candidates

    2019: No restructuring, no vote – Ohanaeze Ndigbo tells presidential candidates

    The Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said that it would only support presidential candidates who make restructuring of the country paramount on the manifestoes.

    A member of the group, Chuks Ibegbu in a release issued to the media also warned that the political future of Ndigbo lies on God and not on any man. This is even as he warned that nobody should play god over the political fate of Ndigbo.

    Ibegbu who was reacting to the insinuation that Igbo political future in 2023 lies on the level of support they give to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 said that the group has nothing against Buhari and his wish to re-contest for the office of the president of the country in 2019. But was however quick to add that they would restructure the country and exhibit equity in the polity.

    “We have nothing against President Buhari re-contesting, but nobody should threaten or cajole us.The actions, utterances and activities of any Presidential candidate for 2019 will determine if Ndigbo would identify with his or her aspiration in 2019.

    “It is obvious that all sections of the country except Ndigbo have produced Executive President of Nigeria, and nobody on moral, political and equitable ground should deny them the position at the nick of time, he emphasized,

    He restated the urgent need to create an additional state in the South East, re-visiting of the abandoned property issue and the engagement of the pro-Biafran groups in a dialogue.