Politics

Nigeria lost best presidential candidate in Osinbajo — Girei

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Senator Abubakar Girei,a member  of the Election Management Committee of the just concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) Special National Convention, has said that although the primary that produced  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Presidential candidate was very fair, free and credible, but Nigeria has lost the best presidential candidate that would have been produced.

” But I can tell you that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (PYO),won the special convention without fear of contradiction. As the Vice President, he is an heir to the throne, a crown prince who should have been given the right of first refusal in the contest in which he offered himself to serve the nation in which he had a national acceptability,” he averred. 

Girei who spoke in an interview, said the Vice President “had the best speech and his manifestoe at the convention was the best, he identified problems and proferred solutions to them more than all other aspirants. For someone who has never contested any election before and with no politicking knowledge to emerge third at the convention, I consider him the greatest winner of the convention. I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria has lost the best presidential candidate that would have been produced “

Senator Girei regretted that those who stood for truth and what is good for the masses of this country were not appreciated, adding that “in politics of today, it is very clear that the highest bidders always have their way and election goes to not necessarily the best but those who could buy their way in a cash and carry manner.”

He however, expressed joy that flag bearers of political parties have emerged, congratulated the flag bearer of his party the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu and other flag bearers, and promised to work committedly for the overall victory of the APC flag bearers from bottom to top.

” As a loyal member of the APC. I will work for the total victory of my party flagbearers from bottom to top and I’m confident that our party will emerge victorious in the general election”.

He frowned at the way and manner money had taken over the political space which he said characterized the various party primaries including the small political parties, and called on Nigerians to vote for  competence and not those who could buy their way through.

Speaking on Osinbajo, he said, “his teaming supporters are those of us who are  committed to his ideals out of conviction that he has the knowledge, experience, capacity, capability, mental and physical fitnes and all that is required to transform our dear nation to greatness.” 

“It may also interest Nigerians to know that PYO is totally opposed to monetisation of our democracy and politics and has refused to encourage  delegates/votes buying. Even his friends and associates who tried to help him could only do so without his knowledge or consent.”

Commenting on the rumoured Muslim/Muslim ticket, the APC chieftain said, ” it is an issue that is being championed by propagandists  for selfish political interest, apparently by those who are neither good Muslims of Christians.”

“Politics however is all about winning strategy, so in my opinion whatever strategy can be used to win elections that is within the confine of the Constitution to me is okay” he said.

Senator Girei ,a chieftain of the ruling party had contested for the position of the National Deputy Chairman (North) but had to step down to respect the consensus arrangement of the party that brought in Senator Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman of the party and other National Working Committee (NWC).

Politics, World News

APC stalwart wants Tinubu-Dogara ticket for 2023.

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Mr Ukkasha Rahama, a chieftain of the All the Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to consider the former Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.


Rahama, also National Chairman, Youth Progressives Forum of APC said this at a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday.

He said that Tinubu and Dogara would make a perfect combination for the 2023 poll.

“In a secular and multicultural country like Nigeria, broad considerations should be made to accommodate all interest groups in leadership for equity and fairness.

“The emergence of Asiwaju as our party candidate has opened another political discussion and to strike the balance, Tinubu and the leadership of the party should consider the choice of Dogara as the Vice-President.

“This forms the basis of our decision to address this conference to calm the nerves and draw the attention of our great party to ensure justice, fairness and equity to guide their selection of the Vice-Presidential candidate.

“The subject of our consideration of Dogara as a good material for Tinubu is not ceded along his tribe nor his religion, but his political wealth of experience as one of the outspoken legislature.

“Though, religion has forced itself into the affairs of Governance in Nigeria instead of credibility, competency and delivery hence the urgent need to take it out of the business of the government,” he said.

The stalwart also said that the choice of Dogara as Vice-President would send the a message across that the APC was a party for all Nigerians as it was sensitive to the demand for equity by all sections of the country.

“The APC has people that can be paired with Tinubu which can add value to the presidential ticket and the foremost so far is Dogara,” Rahama said.



Politics

APC inviting nationwide crisis with Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, groups warn

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Several groups, yesterday, warned the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially its presidential flag bearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against flaunting a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 general elections.

The Nigerian Youths Coalition (NYC) said the move would amount to the APC beating the drums of religious war.

At a world press conference in Abuja, NYC President Aare Oladotun Hassan wondered why APC would consider a Muslim-Muslim ticket at a time when terrorism, unguarded comments on ethnic bigotry, and cries over alleged Islamisation were increasing.

Also, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) urged APC to drop the idea of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, vowing it would mobilise votes against any political party that toes the path.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, President of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, said: “This is an insult. It devalues and dehumanises millions of Christians. Any political party that fields a Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket should know it is about to fail because Nigeria is a secular state.

“Muslim-Muslim ticket will divide Nigeria. Any party, whether APC, Peoples Democratic Party or All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) that fields a same-religion ticket is bound to fail.

“Does it imply that northern Christians are not regarded as northerners again? If we claim that we are together, then there should be no reason not to accept a northern Christian.

“If you begin to advocate that you want a same-religion ticket, you are bound to fail, and we will do everything, as Christian youths, within our power, including mobilisation, to ensure it does not fly. We are not giving a threat. But I can say that anyone who tries it is bound to fail.”

A GROUP, under the umbrella of Coalition of Arewa Forum For Good Governance (CAFGG), said any attempt by APC to consider a Muslim-Muslim ticket would create a crisis across the country.

It said the current tension stirred by rumours of a possible Muslim-Muslim ticket is uncalled for and should be jettisoned in the interest of equity, justice and fairness.

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator, Garba Yunusa, the group said: “Nigerians are not unaware that Tinubu is a Muslim from the southwest geopolitical zone. Thus, we feel it would be rational for a northern Christian, especially from the marginalised north-central zone, to be his running mate.

“We strongly believe that once a Christian is picked, the warnings and threats by the Christian Association of Nigeria would have been taken care of.”

Meanwhile, a section of APC stakeholders, led by Mr. Aliyu Audu, addressed a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, saying: “Nigeria is in dire need of good governance, and this can come from either a Muslim leader or a Christian leader.

“But in the spirit of nationalism, justice and fairness, which the northern governors demonstrated a few days ago, the leaders of the north, on whose shoulder the emergence of the vice-presidential candidate rests, must also demonstrate this spirit by ensuring that the candidate comes from the Christian faith.”

Politics

Don’t be deceived by Umahi, Ebonyi is PDP State – PDP tells Tinubu

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The leadership of the main opposition Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ebonyi State chapter has urged the Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu not to be deceived by Governor David Umahi’s assurance on getting bulk votes from Ebonyi in the 2023 general election.

The PDP made this known in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Chika Nwoba and made available to DAILY POST in Abakaliki, insisting that Ebonyi State remained a stronghold of the PDP in the country.

The Party was responding to a statement credited to the State Governor, Chief David Umahi, wherein he called on the citizens of the State not to vote for Labour Party, LP, and the PDP in the forthcoming general election.

Umahi, who swore in five commissioners, Head of Service, HOS, and some co-ordinators of development centers, at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, had tasked stakeholders not to support mushroom political Parties, especially LP wherein Mr Peter Obi emerged a Presidential candidate.

According to Nwoba: “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State has been drawn to a statement credited to the Governor, Engr David Umahi wherein he said that Ebonyi people wouldn’t vote for the PDP presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, but would vote for the APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It should be known to the general public that David Umahi is not the spokesperson of the generality of the people of Ebonyi State and as such, doesn’t have the locus standi to say whom and whom not Ebonyi citizens are going to vote for.

“As a political party, we wish to charge Mr Umahi to put his house, APC, in Ebonyi State in order, so that the party can have a gubernatorial candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“A man whose house is on fire doesn’t run after rodents. Ebonyi citizens of voting age are very wise and know where to lay their hands in the time of rain. Without mincing words, Ebonyi is a PDP State and this status will be upheld beyond 2023.”

Nwoba further urged Nigerians to discard Umahi’s assurances of giving bulk votes to Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the governor is speaking with the mind of failing the presidential primary election.

“We wish to inform Nigerians to discard that statement from Umahi, as he spoke in the emotion of a politician who failed woefully in the just concluded presidential primary election of the APC.

“We urge Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to reckon on the assurances of the defeated political general, whose booths are a modicum of manure in the soil of the Eagles Square,” the Party said.

Politics

National grid collapse: Nigeria in darkness because of APC – Atiku

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has bemoaned the recurring national grid collapse.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) put the blame at the door step of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement Monday night, Atiku lamented the darkness that has enveloped Nigeria in recent times.

The political leader described it as a metaphor for the collapsing state of the nation.

He said the country has been enduring collapsing unity, security, economy, education, well-being and value of human life and dignity.

Atiku urged Nigerians to likewise collapse the ruling APC via the ballot in the 2023 general elections.

The PDP standard bearer urged citizens to “enthrone a viable pathway for the New Nigeria that will be united and stable, prosperous and awash with opportunities; secured and inclusive.”

Politics

Presidential running mate: Don’t divide Nigeria – Dikwa warns El-Rufai, others

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As presidential candidates of the dominant political parties narrow down their search for running mates, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, the Director-General, Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria has warned against dividing the country with religion.

Speaking to DAILY POST in an exclusive interview, Dikwa lamented the utterances of some Nigerians over who becomes the running mate to the presidential candidates of political parties for the 2023 general elections.

He said, “These days, I have been reading about who will be the running mate to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections. I also observed that all the prominent Muslim politicians, northern Muslim governors, Muslim traditional rulers, with their Islamic scholars, saying that if a Muslim from the north is not picked as running mate, they’re not going to vote for him.”

He noted that it meant that it was planned a long time ago by the core northern Muslims to cause confusion in the country if Muslims do not rule the country as President and Vice President.

According to Rev. Dikwa, Nigerians have come to a time where they would unite themselves irrespective of religion or tribe by carrying every part of the country along towards ensuring a formidable nation.

He said that a Christian/Christian or Muslim/Muslim ticket does not speak well on the sincerity of Nigerians in ensuring fairness to all for the progress and development of the country.

He said that it was counter-productive for a country like Nigeria to still believe that it is only a particular religion that has those that can direct the affairs of the country.

According to him, “It is very unfortunate that some preachers are inciting and brainwashing their followers that they have the capacity in the country to produce a President and Vice President.

“Both the PDP and the APC have their presidential candidates as Muslims. Is it not enough to also see the sportsmanship of Christians to vote without thinking of the two being Muslims?

“We have the VCDs of the preachers and now they’re trying to test the ground to implement the agenda.”

He asked, “Does it mean in the entire North there is no capable Christian that has the ability and technical know-how to effectively be a running mate to any of the presidential candidates except Muslims? I strongly expect the Muslim clerics and politicians from the North to see it as their duty to preach unity of both Christians and Muslims to their fellow brothers and sisters for a unified country.”

He further explained, “Christians must stop being afraid but be bold and take their position in this country politically, financially materially and spiritually.

“Christians also have the capacity of producing a Christian President at any time. We have an evidence book of that in our hands. Comparative religious statistics of the West African Region gives a good indication of the numerical strength of Islam vis-a-vis other religious. A country by country profile of Islam, Christianity and Traditional religion is presented in items of percentages by American-based organization, Patrick Johntone’s Operation World 2001: Muslims 41.00%, Christians 52.61%.”

He added, “Another book written by the Nigerian government agency in 2009, with 27 committee members, entitled “Nigeria Ethnic Value”, gives religious statistics between Muslims, Christians and Traditional Religion: Muslims 41.3%, Christians 43.55%, Traditionalists 5.23%. We have written 2 letters concerning this matter to the National Population Commission to give us the truth about these figures but they didn’t respond to our letters till date.

“I have watched governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai’s interview with Channels TV, and he said during the 2019 elections in Kaduna State, he picked his running mate Muslim/Muslim and won. But Governor El-Rufai is not telling Nigerians the strategy he used on Southern Kaduna people, that he stopped the people of the area from coming out to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice.”

He asked: “Is Governor El-Rufai telling us that the same strategy he used on Southern Kaduna people, they are going to use it during the forthcoming 2023 general elections? To use Fulani terrorists, ISWAP and Ansaru’s Jihadists to destabilize other parts of the country in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, especially in the Christian communities or what? Nigerians must caution governor El-Rufai. Is the Owo Church attack in Ondo State a sign of the plan to send terrorists on Nigerians?”

Politics

Nigeria’s economy ruined under Buhari, says Dino Melaye

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A former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, said Nigeria’s economy had been ruined under the administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

According to him, Nigeria has been turned into an unenviable poverty capital of the world.

In a press statement made available to our correspondent, Melaye said over 82.9 million once-thriving Nigerians could no longer afford their daily meals and other necessities of life.

Melaye also faulted the president’s Democracy Day Speech.

“From the speech, it is even glaring that the dividends of democracy are yet to be felt by Nigerians under this administration. From the speech, I sincerely expected Mr. President to succinctly enumerates the dividends the citizens had gained under his administration. But unfortunately, the speech was full of promises to get things right. Mr. President, after how many years in the office? Are you not tired of these promises? Well, be informed that Nigerians are tired and fed up with your promises.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for the umpteenth time Mr. President, the dividends of democracy Nigerians are yet to reap and are clamouring for under your administration include but not limited to good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights and social justice, fight against corruption, economic empowerment and a better standard of living. But is disheartening that this administration has failed on all fronts more specifically on these three- insecurity, corruption and economy you promised to tackle in 2015.”

The former lawmaker said Buhari has failed Nigerians as the countrymen now live with perpetual fear.

“People killed or kidnapped on daily basis and having their carcasses littered on the street. We can no longer travel to any part of this country with the hope of arriving safely

“As I stated sometime last week, the corruption scandals oozing out of his government have never been witnessed before in the history of Nigeria. Transparency International revealed that Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was in 2015. The United States’ 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices released by the US Department of State has described the scale of corruption in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as massive, widespread, and pervasive.

“My fellow Nigerian, as we celebrate our democracy day today, let it be our resolution not to continue this way. Let it be a wake-up call. We cannot afford to get it wrong come 2023. We must vote this government out and remind them that supreme power is vested in the people. The year 2023 will be a year we decide whether to continue wallowing in the valley of the shadow of death by allowing APC to continue or we want to be taken to the promise land by a Nigerian who can unify this country and transform the economy.

“I, therefore, encourage Nigerians to get their Permeant Voters Card, make sure we vote come 2023, protect our votes and save this country from these economic cankerworms and scavengers and have the economic transformation we all longed for,” he said.

Politics

Days after losing presidential bid, Moghalu resigns from ADC

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“I have resigned because the process and conduct of the party’s presidential primary on June 8, 2022 at Abeokuta revealed a fundamental clash of values between me and your leadership of the party.”

A former Deputy Governor of the CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has resigned his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) days after losing his bid for the party’s presidential ticket.

Mr Moghalu lost in a primary held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Wednesday, to the founder of Roots Television, Dumebi Kachikwu.

He polled 589 votes to come second behind Mr Kachikwu who scored 977 votes.

In his resignation letter addressed to the ADC National Chairman, Okey Nwosu, on Monday, the former CBN boss faulted the party leadership and the manner in which they handled the electoral process that produced Mr Kachikwu as the winner.

He said the exercise conducted by the ADC leadership was flawed with inconsistencies, similar to that noted within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He added that the “process and conduct” of the exercise contradicts his values.

“I have resigned because the process and conduct of the party’s presidential primary on June 8, 2022, at Abeokuta revealed a fundamental clash of values between me and your leadership of the party,” he said.

Mr Moghalu accused the leadership of the ADC of reneging on its promise to provide a level playing field for all aspirants during the primary election.

“Despite the circular you issued a few days to the primary committing the party to provide transportation and accommodation for delegates to and in Abeokuta, and which as we agreed would provide a level playing for all the presidential aspirants, the party under your leadership failed to do so.

“Some aspirants, including myself, made donations to the ADC party account as requested by the party for this purpose. This failure, which appeared intentional, created room for massive abuses of the electoral process including delegate capture and financial inducement of delegates. This is only one of the numerous inconsistencies and the absence of transparency and predictability in the management of the party that I had progressively complained about.

“As you are well aware, I have consistently resisted pressures to join the APC or the PDP precisely to avoid “cash-and-carry” politics. For me to remain a member of the ADC therefore, after what thousands of party members participated in at Abeokuta, would be to endorse political corruption of a most obscene order,” Mr Moghalu disclosed in the letter.

Mr Nwosu could not be reached for comments.

Also, the National Secretary of the ADC, Said Abdullah, did not answer calls or text messages sent to his mobile telephone.

Having vowed to send the presidential candidates of the APC and PDP on political retirement if he emerged as the flagbearer of the ADC, Mr Moghalu’s dream of leading Nigeria has again suffered an early setback.

He lost his first presidential bid as the Young Progressive Party (YPP) candidate in 2019, the same party he dumped a couple of months after the last election.

Mr Moghalu, in his comment after joining the ADC in October 2021, said his then new party aligned with his political ideology.

Entertainment, Politics, World News

Filmmaker Edgard Leroy dies weeks after AMVCA win.

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Fast rising filmmaker, Edgard Leroy, has died in a fatal auto crash, which happened at the Sagamu area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday.

The death of the Cameroonian-born movie director comes barely four weeks after he won an award for the Best Indigenous Movie (Yoruba) Category at the last African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

The 26-year-old was heading to a movie location at Ibadan when he was involved in the fatal accident that cut his life short.

His colleague, David Akande, announced the filmmaker’s death on his Instagram page on Monday.

Politics, World News

We are in talks – Spokesperson of National Consultative Forum, Dr. Yinusa Tanko speaks on possible merger between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

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Spokesperson of National Consultative Forum, Dr. Yinusa Tanko has commented on a possible merger between Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and  New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, ENGR. Rabiu Kwankwaso.

 

In an interview on Arise TV, Tanko stated that there is need for Obi and Kwankwaso who are well rooted in the Southern and Northern region of the country respectively to work together. 

 

He further revealed that if their talks pull through, Nigerians should expect more from them.

Politics, World News

2023 Elections : Presidential aspirants of PDP and APC respectively, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unveil their running mates on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Barring any last-minute changes, APC Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and his PDP counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, will on Wednesday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 14, unveil their running mates for the 2023 Presidential election.
According to reports, Tinubu will conclude his consultations with APC Governors on Tuesday, June 14, and will unveil his running mate Wednesday.

Sources in the party say the governors and other stakeholders have also agreed that the NorthEast should produce the Vice Presidential candidate of the party. Tinubu might settle for a Muslim as his running mate.

Atiku and Tinubu


Atiku on the other hand is expected to unveil his running mate on Tuesday. It is however not clear what section of the religious divide he will pick his running mate from.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC had earlier set June 17 as the deadline for all political parties to submit their presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections.


Politics, World News

Let’s close ranks to secure Ebonyi’s future, PDP gov aspirant urges leaders.

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A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in the 2023 general election in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has said it is more imperative for leaders and stakeholders of the party to close ranks and secure the future of Ebonyi people than engage in frivolous lies capable of scuttling its chances ahead of the polls.

Odii, who pointed out that the common enemy of the PDP in the state was the ruling All Progressives Congress, maintained that he was the authentic governorship ‘candidate’ of the party.

The PUNCH had reported that the National Working Committee of the PDP cancelled the May 28 and 29, 2022 primary election, that elected Odii as ‘candidate’, claiming it was held against its directive and ordered a rescheduled primary election on June 5 and 6, 2022.

The rescheduled primary election brought the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Zone in the Red Chamber, Senator Obinna Ogba, as the ‘candidate’ of the PDP in the state. But a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, the state capital, declared Ogba’s ‘candidature’ null and void, and upheld Odii’s.

Politics, World News

‘No One Can Give You Power, It’s Yours, Take it’ —The June 12 Speech That Got MKO Abiola Arrested, Led To His Death

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In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day as opposed to May 29 which was recognised in the past.

The move was considered as a posthumous National Honour to the foremost politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who is widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

At the time, the presidential election was being held for the first time since the 1983 military coup. Many observers described the election as the most significant in Nigeria’s post-independence political history. 

It is still viewed as the freest, fairest and most peaceful election ever held in Nigeria.

The election recorded an estimated 14 million Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, class, and regional affiliations, (in a period when religious acrimony and tension had reached its zenith), who defied bad weather to elect their president with the hope of ending eight years of military dictatorships.

However, the election was annulled by the government of former military ruler, Ibrahim Babamosi Babangida.

The cancellation led to nationwide protests which led to the death, injury and incarceration of hundreds of Nigerians.

About a year later, MKO Abiola, after waiting endlessly for the announcement of his victory, declared himself president.

Below is the full speech, delivered on June 11, 1994, and dubbed the ‘Epetedo Proclamation’. This was because the speech was made in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island.

“People of Nigeria, exactly one year ago, you turned out in your millions to vote for me, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But politicians in uniform, who call themselves soldiers but are more devious than any civilian would want to be, deprived you of your God-given right to be ruled by the President you had yourselves elected.

“These soldier-politicians introduced into our body politic, a concept hitherto unknown to our political lexicography, something strangely called the “annulment” of an election perceived by all to have been the fairest, cleanest and most peaceful ever held in our nation.

”Since that abominable act of naked political armed robbery occurred, I have been constantly urged by people of goodwill, both in Nigeria and abroad, to put the matter back into the people’s hands and get them to actualise the mandate they gave me at the polls. But mindful of the need to ensure that peace continues to reign in our fragile federation, I have so far tried to pursue sweet reason and negotiation.

“My hope has always been to arouse whatever remnants of patriotism are left in the hearts of these thieves of your mandate and to persuade them that they should not allow their personal desire to rule to usher our beloved country into an era of political instability and economic ruin.

“All I have sought to do, in seeking dialogue with them, has been to try and get them to realise that only real democracy can move our nation forward towards progress, and earn her the respect she deserves from the international community.

”However, although this peaceful approach has exposed me to severe censure by some who have mistaken it for weakness on my part, those with whom I have sought to dialogue have remained like stones, neither stirred to show loyalty to the collective decision of the people of their own country, nor to observe Allah’s injunction that they should exhibit justice and fair-play in all their dealings with their fellowmen.

”Appeals to their honour as officers and gentlemen of the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces, have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda. 

“They arrest everyone who disagrees with them. Even the 71-year-old hero of our nation, Chief Anthony Enahoro, was not spared. How much longer can we tolerate all this? People of Nigeria, you are all witnesses that I have tried to climb the highest mountain, cross the deepest river and walk the longest mile, in order to get these men to obey the will of our people.

”There is no humiliation I have not endured, no snare that has not been put in my path, no ’setup’ that has not been designed for me in my endeavour to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that you bestowed on me one year ago. It has been a long night. But the dawn is here.

”Today, people of Nigeria, I join you all in saying, ‘Enough is Enough!’ We have endured 24 years of military rule in our 34 years of independence.

“Military rule has led to our nation fighting a civil war with itself. Military rule has destabilised our nation today as not before in its history. Military rule has impoverished our people and introduced a dreadful trade in drugs which has made our country’s name an anathema in many parts of the world. 

”Even soccer fans going to watch the Green Eagles display in America are being made to suffer there needlessly because Nigeria’s name is linked with a credit card and fraud and “419.” Politically, military rule has torn to shreds the prestige due to our country because of its size and population.

”The permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council that should be rightfully ours, is all but lost. For who will vote for Nigeria to get the seat if Nigerian military rulers do not respect the votes of their own people?

“Enough of military rule. We are sickened to see people who have shown little or no personal achievement, either in building up private businesses or making a success of any tangible thing, being placed in charge of the management of our nation’s economy, by rulers who are not accountable to anyone.

“Enough of square pegs in round holes. We are tired of the military’s repetitive tendency to experiment with our economy: Today, they say ‘no controls.’ Tomorrow; they say ‘Full controls’. The day after, they say ‘Fine tuning’.

“The next day, they say ‘Devaluation’. A few days later, they say ‘Revalue the same naira upwards again Abi?’ All we can see are the consequences of this permanent game of military ‘about turns’ high inflation, a huge budget deficit and an enormous foreign debt repayment burden, dying industries, high unemployment and a demoralised populace.

“Our youths, in particular, can see no hope on the horizon, and many can only dream of escaping from our shores to join the brain drain. Is this the Nigeria we want? We are plagued also by periodic balance of payments crises, which have led to a perennial shortage of essential drugs that has turned our hospitals and clinics into mortuaries.

“A scarcity of books and equipment has rendered our schools into desolate deserts of ignorance. Our factories are crying for machinery, spare parts and raw materials. But each day that passes, instead of these economic diseases being cured, they are rather strengthened as an irrational allocation of foreign exchange based on favouritism and corruption becomes the order of the day.

“Enough is enough of economic mismanagement! People of Nigeria, during the election campaign last year, I presented you with a programme entitled HOPE ’93. This programme was aimed precisely at solving these economic (problems) that have demoralised us all. I toured every part of Nigeria to present this programme to the electorate. I was questioned on it at public rallies and press conferences and I had the privilege of incorporating much of the feedback that I obtained from the people.

“Because you knew I would not only listen to you but deliver superb results from the programme, you voted for me in your millions and gave me an overwhelming majority over my opponent. To be precise, you gave me 58.4 per cent of the popular vote and a majority in 20 out of 30 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Not only that, but you also enabled me to fulfil the constitutional requirement that the winner should obtain one-third of the votes in two-thirds of the states.

”I am sure that when you cast an eye on the moribund state of Nigeria today, you ask yourselves: ‘What have we done to deserve this when we have a president-elect who can lead a government that can change things for the better?’ Our patience has come to an end.

”As of now, from this moment, a new Government of National Unity is in power throughout the length and breadth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led by me, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, as President and Commander-in-Chief. The National Assembly is hereby reconvened. All dismissed governors are reinstated.

“The State Assemblies are reconstituted, as are all local government councils. I urge them to adopt a bi-partisan approach to all the issues that come before them. At the national level, a bi-partisan approach will be our guiding principle. I call upon the usurper, General Sani Abacha, to announce his resignation forthwith, together with the rest of his illegal ruling council. We are prepared to enter into negotiations with them to work out the mechanics for a smooth transfer of power.

”I pledge that if they hand over quietly, they will be retired with all their entitlements, and their positions will be accorded all the respect due to them. For our objective is neither recrimination nor witch-hunting, but an enforcement of the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed in free elections conducted by the duly constituted authority of the time.

“I hereby invoke the mandate bestowed upon me by my victory in the said election, to call on all members of the Armed Forces and the Police, the Civil and Public Services throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to obey only the Government of National Unity that is headed by me, your only elected President.

“My Government of National Unity is the only legitimate, constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as of now. People of Nigeria, these are challenging times in the history of our continent, Africa, and we in Nigeria must not allow ourselves to be left behind. Our struggle is the same as that waged by the people of South Africa, which has been successfully concluded, with the inauguration of Mr. Nelson Mandela as the first African President of that country.

“Nelson Mandela fought to replace MINORITY rule with MAJORITY rule. We in Nigeria are also fighting to replace MINORITY rule, for we are ruled by only a tiny section of our armed forces. Like the South Africans, we want MAJORITY rule today, that is rule only by those chosen by all the people of Nigeria as a whole in free and fair elections.

“The only difference between South Africa and Nigeria is that those who imposed minority rule on the majority rule whether it is by black or white remains minority rule, and must be booted out. I call on you, the heroic people of Nigeria, to emulate the actions of your brothers and sisters in South Africa and stand up as one person to throw away the yoke of minority rule forever.

“The antics of every minority that oppresses the majority are always the same. They will try to intimidate you with threats of police action. But do not let us fear arrest. In South Africa, so many people were arrested, during the campaign against the Pass Laws, for instance, that the jails could not hold all of them. Today, apartheid is gone forever.

“So, let it be with Nigeria. Let us say goodbye forever to minority rule by the military. They talk of treason. But haven’t they heard of the Rivonia treason trial in South Africa? Did those treason trials halt the march of history? People of Nigeria, our time is now. You are the repository of power in the land.

“No one can give you power. It is yours. Take it! From this day, show to the world that anyone who takes the people of Nigeria for fools is deceiving himself and will have the people to answer to. God bless you all. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Government of National Unity.” 

Politics, World News

I’ve resigned from APC, says Benue Labour Party gov candidate.

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The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Benue State, Herma Hembe, on Saturday called on the leadership of the All Progressive Congress in the state to stop mentioning his name in their activities.
Hembe stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Makurdi that he did not participate in the governorship and rerun primary of the APC held on May 29 and June 9, 2022, respectively.
The national secretariat of the party had ordered a rerun of the governorship primary following a protest by some defeated aspirants in the May 29 primary, which was won by the suspended Catholic priest, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, who also won the rerun.
Hembe, a serving member of the House of Representatives, said having withdrawn from the governorship race and resigned his membership of the APC, he did not participate in the primary and stressed that at the time the rerun was conducted, he had emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party.

He described as mischief the continuous mentioning of his name as a participant in the APC governorship primary.
He stated, “I gave notice to the party through my counsel of my withdrawal from the gubernatorial primary of the APC. The notice was served on the party on the morning of May 26, 2022, several hours before the party purportedly changed the mode of election from indirect to direct primary.

“I followed up my notice of withdrawal from the race with a notice of resignation of the APC membership, which was served on the APC Chairman of the Mbake Ward, Konshisha Local Government Area.

Politics, World News

Declare your assets, shun vote-buying, SERAP urges Atiku, Tinubu, others.

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has sent an open letter to presidential candidates ahead of the February 2023 presidential election, urging them to urgently publish details of their assets and liabilities and to publicly commit to rejecting vote-buying and electoral bribery before and during the elections.
SERAP said, “While there is no constitutional requirement for presidential candidates to publish their assets and liabilities before elections, doing so would show that you can stand up for transparency in assets declaration by public officers if elected.”
In the open letter dated June 11, 2022, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The public office is a public trust. As such, the voters deserve to hear from presidential candidates regarding what they will do about issues of public interest, particularly with respect to integrity, selflessness, openness, accountability, human rights, and the rule of law if elected.”
SERAP said, “As you and your parties prepare for presidential election campaigns, we hope that you will seize the opportunity to show your commitment to addressing these fundamental issues of public interest by immediately publishing details of your assets and rejecting vote-buying, intimidation and harassment.”

The letter read in part, “Publicly committing to these issues will also show the voters that if elected, you would act solely to protect the public interest; and avoid placing yourself under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence you in the discharge of your constitutional duties.”
“It would also show that you would be accountable to the public for your actions and submit yourself to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.”
“Your public commitment to these issues will also demonstrate to the voters that if elected you would act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner, and that you would not withhold information from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.”

“Now is the time to show the voters that it will be no business as usual, and to make a public commitment on issues that if addressed would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption and human rights records, and improve access of Nigerians to public goods and services.”
“SERAP also urges you to publicly commit to probing the spending of security votes since the return of democracy in 1999, and widely publishing details of spending of security votes; finding the missing N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply for Nigerians; as well as obeying court orders and the rule of law if elected.”
“Widely publishing your assets before the elections would also show your principled stand on transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s resources.”
“Making asset declarations open would ensure that leaders do not abuse their powers for personal gain and allow civil society to hold leaders to account. If leaders are seen to live beyond their means, an asset declaration can be a starting point for investigations.”
“The practice of vote-buying and electoral bribery by politicians have characterised elections in the country for many years, preventing political equality and fair electoral competition. Yet, no body politic worthy of being called a democracy entrusts the selection of leaders to a process of auction or barter.”

“Vote-buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence. When politicians buy votes, they reinforce social subjugation and do long-term damage to poor voters.”
“Public officials rarely publish their asset declarations submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability, and other international standards.”

“Impunity for corruption and grave human rights violations is widely prevalent in Nigeria, as perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. Successive governments, including the government of President Muhammadu Buhari have persistently failed to obey court orders and the rule of law, thereby eroding the citizens’ trust in the judiciary, and violating Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
“N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply has been allegedly squandered by governments since 1999. Many unimplemented reports of corruption in the electricity sector continue to gather dust on the shelves while suspected perpetrators continue to profit from their crimes. Socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector.”
“Successive governments and state governors have persistently failed to explain to Nigerians how they spend security votes meant to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians. In fact, the misuse and embezzlement of public funds in the name of security votes is widely recognised as a major cause of the ongoing security challenges in several parts of the country.”
“Please, let us know if you and your political party are willing to commit to some or all of the issues outlined in this letter.”
Presidential candidates for Nigeria’s general elections in 2023 include: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party; Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress; Omoyele Sowore of the Africa Action Congress; Mr Rabiu Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party; and Professor Peter Umeadi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Others include: Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of Young Progressive Party; Prince Adewole Adebayo of Social Democratic Party; Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party; Mr Kola Abiola of Peoples Redemption Party; Professor Christopher Imumulen of Accord Party; Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress; and Yusuf Talle of Allied Peoples Movement.

Politics, World News

2023: Ebonyi not banana republic, PDP gov aspirant tells opponent.

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The senator representing Ebonyi Central Zone in the Red Chamber and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obinna Ogba, has said the state is not a banana republic, where politicians feel irregularities work.
This was as he said that he was the authentic governorship candidate of the PDP for the 2023 general election in Ebonyi State.
Ogba spoke in Abakaliki on Saturday night, shortly after he returned from Abuja, and urged his supporters and party faithful to disregard as infinitesimal the purported court judgement, which allegedly quashed the primary election that elected him.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki had on June 8, 2022, declared null and void, the rescheduled PDP primaries in Ebonyi State, which were conducted on June 4 and 5, 2022, in which Ogba and other candidates emerged.

The court presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, upheld the primaries of May 28 and 29, 2022, which were cancelled by the National Working Committee of the party and restrained the party from refusing to receive and transmit the name of Mr Ifeanyi Ọdịi, who won the cancelled governorship primary, to the Independent National Electoral Commission as the candidate of the party for Ebonyi 2023 governorship election.
But Ogba, while displaying the Certificate of Return issued to him by the national leadership of PDP before journalists, said there was no cause for alarm.
He, however, noted that he was not even aware of the court matter in which judgement was purportedly entered against him.

He said, “Court does not belong to one person, it belongs to all of us: the rich, the poor, the young and the old. I’m happy the matter is already in court. The court will look at it and I’m sure, judgement will be served.
“But, I think there is a need for people to respect constituted authorities, and I want to tell my opponent and his boys that Ebonyi is not banana republic.
“But one thing I know is that nobody, no matter the circumstance, can intimidate me or take away the mandate given to me, from the backyard, no matter the gang-up.”

Politics, World News

DNC cuts multiple states from consideration for early primaries: reports.

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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced Saturday that it has removed New York and Nebraska from consideration for early primaries in the 2024 presidential nomination process, multiple outlets reported, citing a letter sent by co-chairs of the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee.
The DNC also said it has cut Democrats Abroad, the party’s official organization for American expatriates, from consideration, according to Politico and The Washington Post.

Sixteen states and Puerto Rico remain in the running for the earliest spots in a new primary order.
The letter said that New York’s application was cut because of concerns over “size, the cost of campaigning there, its profile as a ‘solid blue state,’ and concerns that it would be impossible to counterbalance the disproportionate number of urban voters it would introduce into the pre-window period,” according to Politico.
It added that Nebraska’s proposal to sidestep its GOP-led legislature and state-run nominating contest by holding a separate primary run by the party would “create confusion by rendering the state-run process meaningless despite Democrats being on the ballot,” per the outlet.
The DNC committee co-chairs said they had rejected Democrats Abroad because of logistical complications, according to the outlets.
The states remaining in consideration, in addition to the territory of Puerto Rico, include: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.
The 17 applicants will present pitches explaining why their state or territory should hold an early primary to the Rules and Bylaws Committee, which will recommend states for a vote by the DNC as a whole.

This comes after the DNC opened up the application process for early spots in a potentially reshaped nominating calendar in April.
State parties’ bids are being judged based on diversity, competitiveness and feasibility. The DNC is specifically examining states’ ability to boost the party in the general election and to run a transparent race while dealing with the cost and logistical requirements of hosting a contest early in the primary order.
The decision to potentially change the party’s primary order came following years of frustration particularly over early primary states Iowa and New Hampshire, which are both overwhelmingly white and rural. A very public technology failure at the 2020 Iowa caucuses also served as a tipping point in the choice to reexamine the order.

Politics, World News

Running mate: Atiku, PDP panel decide Tuesday, Tinubu may pick Muslim.

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Ahead of Friday’s deadline for political parties to submit the names of their presidential candidates and running mates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, most of the political parties are making hurried moves to beat the deadline.
The commission had said it would not extend the deadline for the submission of the names of the candidates and their running mates.
In the Peoples Democratic Party, the committee set up by the party to advise it on the most suitable running mate for Atiku Abubakar will hold its final meeting on Tuesday, Sunday PUNCH reliably learnt on Saturday.
The panel, which comprised governors, National Working Committee members, former governors and Board of Trustees members, was given the mandate of recommending to the party the best candidate that would be acceptable to many Nigerians and help the party win the February 25, 2023 election.

In the ruling All Progressives Congress, it was also learnt that the party and its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, might settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, given the party’s difficulty in finding a Christian from the North, who would boost the party’s chances in the election.
A top source in the party told one of our correspondents on Saturday that even though consultation was still ongoing, the idea of picking either Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who are both northern Christians, was no longer topical due to their limited clout in the region.
The source noted that North-West and North-East had the bloc votes in the region and that if the party could not find a stronger Christian from the two sub-regions, it might settle for a Muslim.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday’s meeting of the PDP panel, a reliable source, who is also a member of the panel, told one of our correspondents that the committee adjourned its previous meeting to enable members to broaden their consultation.
“The deadline for submission is June 17, so the meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, June 14, to give room for more consultation and unification efforts. They will take a final decision on Tuesday,” The source said.
It was gathered from other sources in the party that Atiku, who is a BoT member, would also be part of the meeting, and that the party might take a final decision on the issue.
“Our presidential candidate will be part of the meeting on Tuesday and the major organs of the party are represented as well, so the decision there is as good as final. The announcement may be delayed to ratify the choice and of course we will watch what the other parties will come up with,” one of the sources stated.
Okowa favoured, Wike, Udom make PDP final list
There are strong indications that the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, is favoured to emerge as Atiku’s running mate as the candidate is said to be favourably disposed to the choice of Okowa, a medical doctor serving his second term as the governor of the oil-bearing state.
Other persons being considered and who are interested in the slot are governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Wike was the first runner-up during the party’s presidential primary held on May 29, 2022.

A top source in the party, who is also close to the candidate, said, “Atiku will consult very well. He has met with the governors on the platform of the party; he has met with members of the national caucus, the PDP Governors’ Forum, members of the National Executive Committee, and even former presidents and heads of state.
“The leadership of the party asked him to bring three names that he thinks he could work with and he did, which are the names people have been mentioning everywhere; Wike, Okowa and Udom Emmanuel. But I think he prefers Okowa. He (Okowa) is believed to have the support of the majority of the governors, including those from the South-East and South-South, where he hails from.
“The preference for him is also strategic. Following the need to carry along the South-East people, Okowa is Igbo from the Igbo part of Delta State. He is calm, a medical doctor and does not insult or fight people, including his colleagues. Even during campaigns, he’s not the type to speak ill of fellow aspirants or candidates.
“Therefore, it’s not likely that there will be any major opposition to his choice. Like I said, he is Igbo and he will create that needed balance between the South-South and the South-East. The Igbo will support him and people in the South-South will also support him.”
There are also insinuations that some PDP governors were against the choice of Wike as Atiku’s running mate.
On why Wike, who was a major contender for the presidential ticket, was not considered, the source, who was privy to some of the meetings held over the issue, told Sunday PUNCH, “Some governors frustrated the move to make him the running mate. They feel he is too powerful. But in all honesty, you need someone like Wike to win the election.
“He can fight dirty and can pull the crowd. But some of the governors, who form a powerful and influential bloc in the party, feel otherwise and you cannot dismiss their views.”

The source said a new twist to the search was the view of some stakeholders that the running mate should come from the South-West.
He added, “As it is now, it is very likely for Tinubu to pick his running mate from North-West. We must not forget that the majority of the votes are from the North-West and South-West. That is where the bloc votes are.
“What some stakeholders are saying is that if he does, it will be dangerous for the PDP to totally ignore the South-West, because North-West, which has the highest votes, may give Tinubu that advantage.
“Now, people are saying if a Christian from the South-West is Atiku’s running mate, it will affect Tinubu’s votes in the region, because running with a Muslim/Muslim ticket will spark outrage from Pentecostal Christians and that will affect his votes among even the northern Christians. It will also affect him in the South-South. That is the argument. So, the PDP cannot also ignore the South-West.”
To deepen his consultation, Atiku met with former PDP governors on Friday after he had met with former ministers. He wrote on his Facebook page that the responses from all the stakeholders that he had met reinforced his belief that the party would win if the unity was sustained.
APC considers Bagudu, Shettima, Ganduje, El-Rufai
Fresh information emerged on Saturday that the Tinubu camp had ruled out Lalong and Mustapha, who is from Adamawa State, and might settle for a core Muslim northerner, regardless of their advantage of being Christians.

Politics

Tinubu pays surprise visit to Osinbajo

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PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Tinubu defeated Mr Osinbajo and 12 others at the just concluded presidential primary of the APC.

The presidential candidate of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Thursday evening paid an unscheduled visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the latter’s Aguda House residence, Abuja.

The APC flag bearer also visited President Muhammadu Buhari before proceeding to Aguda House.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Tinubu defeated Mr Osinbajo and 12 others at the just concluded presidential primary of the APC.

Mr Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to emerge victorious while Mr Osinbajo polled 235 votes to come third behind Mr Tinubu and ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi who polled 316 votes.

The visit occured a few hours after Mr Osinbajo congratulated Mr Tinubu for the victory and pledged to work with him to emerge victorious in the general election.

A source who was at the residence of Mr Osinbajo when Mr Tinubu arrived said, “We were just sitting around when the vice president was informed that Asiwaju has arrived.”

The source, who declined to be named as he has no permission to talk to journalists, said the former Lagos governor was jovial throughout the visit and shared the story of Mr Osinbajo’s contributions not just to him as a person but to his political sojourn.

“He particularly recalled the efforts of the vice president in securing court victories for the defunct ACN especially with the court case in Osun State,” he said.

The source said Tinubu narrated how Mr Osinbajo went to the UK at a time of extreme weather to get fingerprint technology that was used to help the court cases.

“Asiwaju said he is surprised that people assume the presidential contest will create a wedge between him and the vice president. He told us that they have come a long way and they are like blood brothers now.

“He said what happened was just democracy in action and there was nothing wrong with it,” the source said.

Mr Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and some other politicians.

Mr Tinubu will now challenge Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the PDP, and those of other opposition parties in next year’s presidential election.

Politics, World News

Buhari writes APC governors, seeks support for Tinubu

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“Our candidate, His Excellency, Sen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is no stranger to you. So now is the time for all of us to come together and march forward, as we did in 2015, to a convincing APC victory.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and other party members to work together and ensure victory for Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the party.

Mr Buhari, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PGF, Atiku Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi State, said Mr Tinubu is no stranger to the governors.

The excerpts of the letter was released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, on Thursday.

In the letter, Mr Buhari commended the Kebbi State governor, who served as the chairman of the election committee of the just-concluded convention, for his professional and efficient conduct of the primary election.

“I was pleased to see how you were very professional and efficient in handling the sensitive political position of Chairman Progressives Governors Forum.

‘‘Your commitment in pursuit of equity and fairness speaks volumes in the cooperation displayed by APC Governors. This indeed demonstrates the camaraderie that brought us together over 8 years ago.

‘‘The party primaries were peacefully conducted and the delegates have selected the candidate to carry the APC flag in the 2023 Presidential Primaries,” he said.

The president said he looks forward to working with the governors to ensure Mr Tinubu wins the 2023 election.

‘‘Today, as a patriotic APC member and stakeholder, I trust that you will come together to work with our candidate to win the 2023 elections.

‘‘In the past 7 years in government, we have achieved a lot. However, we have a lot more to do. The APC project is far from over and we need all of you to come together to ensure our progressive journey to peace and prosperity is sustained.

‘‘Our candidate, His Excellency, Sen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is no stranger to you. He is our friend and brother. We know his commitment, his track record, and his capacity to lead our party to success. So now is the time for all of us to come together and march forward, as we did in 2015, to a convincing APC victory.

‘‘I look forward to working closely with APC Governors to support Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all our APC candidates to success in 2023.

‘‘While I wish our great part success in the 2023 elections, please accept, the assurances of my consideration and personal regards,” Mr Buhari said.

Mr Tinubu emerged as the flagbearer of the APC after defeating 13 other aspirants, including Mr Buhari’s deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

The vice president got a paltry 235 votes to come third behind Mr Tinubu, who amassed 1,271 votes and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who got 316 votes.

Eight persons also stepped down from the presidential race at the convention ground with seven of them endorsing the former Lagos State governor and one supporting Mr Osinbajo.

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