TheNewsGuru

Tag: Progressives Governors Forum

  • Buhari hosts APC governors at Villa

    Buhari hosts APC governors at Villa

    As the 25 February 2023 date for the general elections in Nigeria draws near and electorates are to elect the President and Vice President and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, is currently meeting with members of the Progressives Governors Forum at the council chamber of the State House, Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the meeting started few minutes past 10:00am after some of the governors were spotted entering the chamber.

    Present are governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Zamfara State, Bello Matawale; Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Yobe State, Mai Bala-Buni; Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; Niger State, Sani Bello and Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

    Buhari hosts APC governors at Villa

    Meet the 2023 presidential candidates

    Kola Abiola (PRP)
    Kola Abiola is the son of the late Nigerian business tycoon and politician Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 elections which were cancelled by the country’s military rulers.

    A businessman like his father, his vice-presidential candidate is Zego Haruna, running for the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

    Atiku Abubakar (PDP)
    A former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar is running for the presidency for the sixth time.

    He served for two-terms as deputy to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of the southern Delta state, is his vice-presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Adebayo Adewole (SDP)
    Adebayo Adewole is a lawyer, politician and businessman from western Ondo state. He is representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP), with his running mate Buhari Yusuf.

    Malik Ado-Ibrahim (YPP)
    Malik Ado-Ibrahim is a prince from the central state of Kogi state and the owner of energy company Bicenergy. He is also the founder of Formula One team Arrows A20.

    In 2020, he was in the news for his marriage to Indimi Adama, daughter of billionaire oil businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Indimi.

    He is representing the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and his vice-presidential candidate is Enyinna Kasarachi.

    Okwudili Anyajike (NRM)
    Okwudili Anyadike won the ticket of the National Rescue Mission (NRM), defeating closest rival Bendicta Egbo to clinch the party’s ticket.

    He is contesting with Kyabo Muhammad as his vice-presidential candidate.

    Ojei Chichi (APM)
    Ojei Chichi is the only female presidential candidate in this year’s election and will represent the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

    An administrator and politician from the southern state of Delta, her running mate is Ibrahim Mohammed.

    Christopher Imumolen (AP)
    Christopher Imumolen is a professor of engineering.

    At 39, he is the youngest candidate on the ballot. He holds a PhD in engineering research and educational management. He is standing for the Accord Party (AP), with Bello Maru as his running mate.

    Dumebi Kachikwu (ADC)
    Dumebi Kachikwu is a businessman who owns local Roots Television.

    He is running on behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Buhari Ahmed as his vice-presidential candidate.

    Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP)
    Rabiu Kwankwaso is the former governor of the north-western Kano state. A two-term governor, he was a senator between 2015-2019.

    Under Nigeria’s first democratically elected president, he served as minister of defence.

    This is the third time he is seeking the country’s highest office. His first two attempts failed in the party primaries.

    Alongside him on the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ticket is Odiri Idahosa as vice-presidential candidate.

    Hamza al-Mustapha (AA)
    Hamza al-Mustapha is a former chief security officer to former military leader General Sani Abacha.

    After Abacha’s death, he was jailed for more than 10 years over the killing of Moshood Abiola’s wife, Kudirat.

    He defeated one other candidate to emerge as flag-bearer for the Action Alliance (AA).

    His vice-presidential candidate is Johnson Chukwuka.

    Daniel Nwanyanwu (ZLP)
    Daniel Nwanyanwu is both presidential flag-bearer and national chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    He is contesting with Abubakar Ramalan as his vice-presidential candidate.

    Peter Obi (LP)
    A former governor of south-eastern Anambra state, Peter Obi became the flag-bearer of the Labour Party (LP), requiring former aspirant and professor of political economy and management Pat Utomi to step down in order to make way for him.

    He is on the presidential ticket for the second time. His first attempt was as deputy for PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar in 2019.

    Adenuga Oluwafemi (BP)
    Adenuga Oluwafemi is running on behalf of the Boot Party (BP), alongside Mustapha Turaki as his vice-presidential candidate.

    Nnadi Osita (APP)
    Nnadi Osita is contesting with Hamisu Isah for vice-president on behalf of the Action Peoples Party (APP).

    Omoyele Sowore (AAC)
    Omoyele Sowore is the founder and publisher of US-based news site, Sahara Reporters.

    He is running for a second time after his previous attempt in 2019.

    The publisher was arrested years ago for his “Revolution Now” protest which he intended to take across the country.

    He shares the African Action Congress (AAC) ticket with Magashi Garba as the vice-presidential candidate.

    Bola Tinubu (APC)
    Bola Tinubu is former two-term governor of the south-western Lagos state.

    Briefly a senator in the early 1990s, he is contesting the presidential election for the first time on the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Kashim Shettima, former governor of the north-eastern state of Borno, is his running mate.

    Peter Umeadi (APGA)
    Former chief judge of Anambra state, Peter Umeadi is also a professor of law.

    Hi is representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), with Mohammed Koli as his running mate.

    Sani Yusuf (ADP)
    A politician and businessman from the north-western Kano state, Sani Yusuf plans to end “systemic corruption” in Nigeria.

    He is standing for the Action Democratic Party (ADP), alongside his vice-presidential candidate Udo Okoro.

  • APC Governors make moves for party’s National Convention

    APC Governors make moves for party’s National Convention

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have agreed to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, to discuss the way forward for the party’s upcoming national convention.

    The governors under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) reached the agreement at the end of their meeting on Sunday night in Abuja.

    Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi and Chairman of the PGF, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the end of the closed door meeting.

    Bagudu, however, said he did not know when the party’s national convention would hold.

    “We agreed as a forum to seek an appointment to meet with President Buhari and discuss the on-coming national convention of the party.

    “Mind you, we are just one organ of the party, and since we are making suggestions to both the party and our leaders, I think it is not fair to preempt or disclose it before the meeting holds.

    “We hope to secure that appointment as quickly as possible.

    “We are seeking the appointment as soon as possible, maybe in the next few days,’’ the PGF chairman said.

    Bagudu said the forum would keep the public informed on its decision on zoning of elective offices after its meeting with President Buhari.

    He, however, said that insinuations in some quarters that the governors’ planned meeting with Buhari was to discourage him from assenting to the amended electoral bill should be disregarded.

    “That is not correct. I just told you what we are meeting the president for, it is to discuss the on-coming national convention of the party,’’ he stressed.

    Bagudu said that the forum also discussed issues of good governance, development in the polity and other issues that were pertinent to the progress of the party and the country.

    He said the forum passed a vote of confidence on the party’s Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee.

    “We passed a vote of confidence on the caretaker committee that has done a wonderful job, chaired by Gov. Buni of Yobe and two other governors who are members of the committee,’’ he said.

    Bagudu lauded the committee for successfully organising congresses for the party at the ward, local government and state levels.

    He noted that the committee had been making efforts to carry every party member along, including those that were aggrieved or felt dissatisfied by the outcome of the congresses.

    The governor said that such individuals were invited and persuaded to support the party in the interest of all.

    “Sometimes, electoral processes are not without annoyance, but we are happy with the conduct of the caretaker committee,’’ he said.

    The PGF chairman assured that the APC would not implode anytime soon as was being speculated in some quarters, adding that those expressing such fears were not representing reality.

    Bagudu said the APC had brought into its fold three outstanding governors, the Deputy Governor of Anambra, members of the National Assembly and distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life.

    “We are seeking for Nigerians to join us so that we can unify and serve Nigerians.

    “While other parties are sending people away, we are, in spite of our strength, inviting them to join us so that together we can reposition and keep the progressive agenda going,’’ he said.

    On the outcome of the Nov. 6 Anambra governorship election, Bagudu said Nigeria had won and President Buhari had made a statement about that.

    He said the forum was proud of the conduct of the country’s security agencies before, during and after the election.

    “The party candidates in all elections have the pride of place to determine their views about the outcome.

    “But we are proud that under the APC that an election that hitherto people thought will be impossible had taken place,’’ he said.

  • APC governors in closed door meeting

    APC governors in closed door meeting

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held a closed door meeting on Sunday night in Abuja.

    Meeting under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) were the host governor and chairman of the group, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, his counterparts from Kwara, Imo, Borno, Ebonyi, Lagos and Zamfara.

    Others were governors of Niger, Ogun, Cross River, Kogi, Nasarawa, Katsina, Plateau, Ekiti, Jigawa and Kano States.

    As at 10:00 p.m., their counterparts from Osun, Yobe, Gombe and Kaduna States were still being expected.

    The meeting was expected to, among other things, discuss the party’s forthcoming National Convention, its zoning arrangement, direct primary and others issues.

    The PGF at its meeting of. Nov. 9 had said that adopting direct primaries by political parties would overstretch the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The National Assembly adopted Section 87 of the amended electoral bill currently awaiting the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    That section stipulates mandatory direct primaries for all political parties.

    However, at PGF last meeting, the Chair, Bagudu said that INEC’s decision to make it mandatory for political parties to elect their candidates for elective positions through direct primaries was undemocratic.

    According to him, it will limit the parties ability to choose their desired options.

    Direct primaries involve the participation of all party members in the selection of candidates, while indirect primaries involves the use of delegates who are mostly leaders and executives at the ward, local government and state levels to elect the party’s candidates at congress or convention.

  • Why Fani-Kayode’s ‘defection’ to APC was rejected – Progressive Governors DG

    Why Fani-Kayode’s ‘defection’ to APC was rejected – Progressive Governors DG

    The Director General of the Progressive Governor’s Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman has said the rejection of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from defecting to the party despite meeting with the party leadership is an attestation of the strong internal democratic culture of the party.

    In a statement titled “APC, and the Question of Values” on Friday in Abuja on Friday, Lukman said the fact that members were able to reject Fani-Kayode’s attempt to join the party meant the APC has values.

    Lukman who is a Chieftain of the ruling party commended the internal democratic credentials of the ruling party, which he said is lacking in the opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Again, we are as a party debating the issue of who should join our party or not represent the qualitative difference between the APC and PDP. If it were PDP, once the National Chairman of the party act on a matter and backed by a serving governor, members can only grumble.

    “I am proud to have my voice guaranteed and affirmed by my leaders in APC. As an employee of Governors, it has been a privileged opportunity to speak out openly on matters within the purview of leadership initiative. Rather than my leaders, including our Governors, relating to me as a subordinate who should only take instructions, they recognise and respect my views as a loyal member of the party.”

    He further said, “The issue of Mr Fani-Kayode’s drifted attempt to join the APC is a clear instance of attempts to manipulate some of our leaders into accepting membership of someone who ought not to have been considered a member of our party. If that was the case in the past, it is better late than never to correct such a mistake.

    “As party members, we were able to rise up to the challenge of engaging our leaders. Fortunately, we are able to gain the respect of our leaders and surely, moving forward, issues of who qualifies to be a member of our party will be clarified unambiguously. Maybe this could challenge the PDP and other parties in Nigeria to begin to address issues related to their failings.”

  • Edo Poll: Oshiomhole attacks Progressives Governors DG, calls him pig, empty brain

    Edo Poll: Oshiomhole attacks Progressives Governors DG, calls him pig, empty brain

    Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole on Monday fired back at the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Lukman, likening him to a pig and an empty brain.

    Recall that Lukman had recently told Oshiomhole to take the back seat while the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu markets himself to the electorates. The DG said the Edo campaign was appearing more like a contest between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Oshiomhole.

    Responding, Oshiomhole said: “lt takes an empty brain to suggest that I only want to stage a come back to become the national chairman. For what? To go and do a reset?

    He added that his central role in the ongoing campaign for the election of APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had nothing to do with such interest.

    “So my attitude is not to reply the noise and it is coming from somebody who says he is an employee and appointee of Progressives Governors Forum.

    “He is just like the cowards that are using him that are not able to come out.

    “Otherwise, you should ask this guy, who is now an election expert. He contested for Senate against Makarfi, he lost.

    “He even contested against governor El-Rufai during the primaries and he lost, before Bagudu unilaterally appointed him the DG.

    “So, if he is now the spokesman abusing me and all of that, you want to drag me to his level? No!

    “A gentleman does not wrestle with a pig, if you do you will always be stained and I don’t want to get into that.

    “You want me to engage in a fight with a pig? If you engage in a fight with a pig, the pig already is stained by its nature and you will wear your white garment, and in my own case, khaki to go and wrestle with a pig? I will not.”

    “You see, what I want the media to interrogate is: When I was removed as national chairman, Edo was APC. So do I have to win Edo to become the chairman?

    “Do I look so unemployed? I’m 68.

    “So, what they don’t understand is that, it is not the office of chairman that made me who I am.

    “It is my pedigree from my days as labourer in the textile industry to be the general secretary of textile workers all over Nigeria and becoming the president of NLC.”