The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and other PDP leaders, on Wednesday, arrived in Ibadan for the South-West stakeholders meeting.
Atiku, PDP Leaders Meet In Ibadan
Atiku and Wike meet in London
PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Governor Nyesom Wike met in London last night, Thursday August 25.
Both men have been at loggerheads after Gov Wike lost out in the May 28/29 Presidential primary of the party and also lost out in becoming the Vice Presidential candidate of the party. Efforts to resolve their issues had failed until recently.
PDP social media handles shared the photos of their meeting with some other PDP governors and stakeholders with the caption “A United Family, Stronger Together”
The meeting was held a few hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, met Gov Wike and some other PDP governors and stakeholders.
APC exploits PDP crisis, Atiku’s absence, woos Wike
As preparations for the 2023 general elections hot up, the ruling All Progressives Congress is making frantic moves to win more influential politicians into its fold. Three governors on the platform of the party on Friday visited the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to woo him to join the party.
Wike is said to be dissatisfied with the outcome of the presidential primary of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which produced Atiku Abubakar as the candidate, while he emerged as the first runner-up. The governor is also said to be aggrieved by the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as Atiku’s running mate despite the recommendations of a committee that favoured him.
The aftermath of the primary led to a deep crack in the party with some members, believed to be loyal to Wike, calling for the resignation of the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu and substitution of Okowa’s name with Wike as the running mate.
The absence of Atiku, who has been on vacation abroad, is also said to be exacerbating the crisis, as many believe he should have met Wike in person and play a critical role in uniting the party before the crisis escalates.
The APC is therefore believed to be taking advantage of the festering crisis in the opposition party and Atiku’s absence to woo the governor, who is seen by many as influential and a mobiliser.
On Friday, three APC governors: Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, who is a PDP member, visited Wike in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
As soon as they alighted from their vehicle, they exchanged banters, hugs and handshakes with Wike. However, a top government official in the state who did not want his name mentioned noted that as soon as they arrived, they went into a closed-door meeting with Wike and that the meeting lasted for about an hour and thirty minutes.
Though it could not be ascertained what their discussion was about, it is believed that the visit was about the 2023 elections and attempt by the ruling party to woo the governor to join the APC.
When asked by reporters what their visit was about, Fayemi reportedly said “it was a Sallah visit”.
While trading banters before the meeting, Fayemi who was the first to speak while in a handshake with Wike said, “Why did you come here with a camera?” Wike replied, “Am I hiding?”
Then, Akeredolu while shaking the governor, said, “Wike, Wike,” which elicited another response from him, saying, “They said I went to London. Which day did I go to London? Is this place (his residence) London?” But Fayemi interjected, “London via Turkey.”
Teasing their host, Akeredolu kept hailing Wike and told him that the cap he (Wike) wore was now in vogue but Wike replied, saying “I don’t want to wear it”, as they all burst into laughter and walked towards the governor’s residence.
They continued their banter as they walked towards Wike’s residence.
‘Come join us’
Meanwhile, a source at the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the APC governors told Wike to join them in their quest to win the 2023 presidential election.
The source said, “The plan is to woo him to our side since his party seems to be ignoring him. We asked him to work with us.”
Asked what Wike’s response was, the source said “Well, you don’t expect him to jump at the offer. This is because his party already had a candidate for all the elective positions, especially in his state. But we want him to work with our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But he gave us no commitment.”
Their visit came a few weeks after Governor Dave Umahi, also of the APC, visited the governor and held a closed-door meeting with him. The details of the meeting were not known but it is believed it’s also about the 2023 elections. Umahi and Wike had previously had open disagreements prior to the party primaries.
Apart from Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party who also visited the governor, some PDP leaders, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Senate Minority Leader, Phillip Aduda; his deputy, Shuaibu Lau; and deputy Minority Whip, Danjuma La’ah, had paid similar visits to Wike recently. The visits also included closed-door meetings.
There has been widespread speculation that Wike may be contemplating dumping the PDP, but the governor who had always said he remained in the PDP, had yet to make any statement to that effect.
Governor Samuel Ortom had in a recent interview expressed displeasure over the way the party handled the aftermath of the primary, especially as it concerned Wike. Fayose, who contested the presidential primary, said about a week ago that it was either southern presidency or nothing.
PDP kicks
Meanwhile, the PDP has said it is not threatened by the visit of the APC governors to Wike. It also said the visit was expected since the 36 governors would have common issues to deliberate upon.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, told one of our correspondents in an interview that the visit by the three APC governors was normal.
He added, “The (APC) governors are free to visit any of their colleagues. Wike, who is our performing governor, couldn’t have rejected the offer by his colleagues to visit him. Also, the visit is not meant to threaten us. We are not threatened at all because the APC were probably in Rivers State to learn from Wike.
“Let me also add that the governors have a club known as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and its members are free to socialise and visit one another. There is nothing wrong with that. It is good for governance because beyond politics, the governors need to come together for the good of the country.”
Asked when Atiku would return to the country, Ologunagba said, “Anytime from now.”
However, sources within the party said its leadership was worried about Atiku’s trips.
Atiku was said to have travelled to the United States some days ago, from where he moved to Dubai. However, a source close to him told one of our correspondents that the former vice president is now in France.
Rivers APC speaks
The spokesperson for the APC in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, has said he wouldn’t be the one to decide whether or not Wike would be welcomed to the APC if he decides to defect.
He said in an interview with one of our correspondents, “I won’t be the one to decide whether the door will be open or closed but if you ask me for my personal opinion, Wike will not go to the APC.
“Wike may work out something with those who are visiting him and might not necessarily go to the APC. There are a thousand and-one things he can arrange with those visiting him without pronouncing his movement to APC; that is my personal view.
“I think it is taking speculations too far that those three governors came with an ex-governor Fayose, it may be a sign of working together but it may also not mean out rightly decamping to join the party.”
Ex-VP in France
Meanwhile, Atiku is said to be in France after his trips to the United States and Dubai. A top source in the party told one of our correspondents that the former vice-president was on vacation, adding that he needed to rest given that once he returned he would be busy with campaigns that would last till the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
When reminded that Atiku’s absence was not good for the party, the source said, “Atiku Abubakar is on vacation. The man is taking a break. This race will be a marathon by the time he gets back, so he deserves the vacation now.
“Genuine stakeholders, members of the party and leaders recognise that everything needs to be done to resolve all the issues and the reconciliation process has started and is ongoing. It’s not only about Atiku Abubakar; the party has taken ownership of it. He’s the candidate of the party and the party is trying to find a solution to these issues, and I think people should give them the opportunity.”
When asked if Atiku’s camp had fears about the APC governors to Wike, the source said, “People need to have some respect for Governor Nyesom Wike. He is a governor and those who visited him are also governors, and they have a right to interact and if they do, why should people interpret it wrongly. That amounts to a disservice and they are not being fair to him.
“In all of these, we must take cognisance of what Governor Wike has said; that PDP is in his DNA and that whatever was the outcome of that primary, he would work for the PDP in 2023. That was his last say on that matter and I think we should respect that.
Tinubu returns
The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, returned to the country on Friday, 11 days after he travelled to France.
Tinubu’s Spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, confirmed this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Friday.
Also, Tinubu, via his official Twitter handle, Friday evening, shared a tweet, “Heading home,” with a link to his Instagram page showing him inside an aircraft.
Tinubu had travelled to France on June 27 for “important meetings.”
Tinubu departed Nigeria shortly after he held a closed-door meeting with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on June 27.
While announcing his trip to France via a statement, Rahman said, “He is off to Paris, France to hold some important meetings. The APC standard-bearer is expected back in the country shortly.”
Some of his supporters expressed hope that the matter of his running mate would now be settled in a matter of days.
Although his media team averred that the candidate travelled to the French country ‘to hold important meetings,’ his critics believed that it was a mission to perfect his plans ahead of the 2023 general elections while some believed he travelled for medical attention.
Ayu back home
On Friday, Ayu also returned to the country from the United Kingdom after a brief vacation. He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Ayu travelled to the UK on June 21 for a brief vacation after the party’s primaries and nomination processes.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and Strategy to the Chairman, Simon Imobo-Tswam, stated that before the vacation, Ayu the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Damagum, to act for him.
Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari, Tinubu, Atiku task Nigerians on sacrifice
As Muslims celebrate Eid-el Kabir, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) arrived in Daura, Katsina State to celebrate the Sallah holiday. Meanwhile, the President; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other Federal Government dignitaries have congratulated Nigerians on the Sallah celebrations.
In a similar vein, presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, felicitated Nigerians, urging Muslims and Nigerians to live exemplary and peaceful lives with one another according to the dictates of Islam.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State also called on Nigerians to use the opportunity to imbibe and demonstrate the values of peace, love and sacrifice that the celebration embodies.
The leaders also prayed for peace, unity and prosperity of the country during the festivities, while lamenting the spate of violence perpetrated in recent times.
They also prayed for the safety of security agencies who are fighting against bandits and non-state actors to preserve the sovereignty of the nation.
Lawan said the ninth National Assembly would continue to work assiduously and collaborate with the other arms of government towards stabilising the security and economy of the country to the relief of all Nigerians.
He said, “Since the inauguration of the ninth Assembly in 2019, we have enacted a good number of quality legislations to improve the security situation and boost the economy.
“We know that more needs to be done to overcome the challenges. The government is not relenting in addressing the challenges and we are confident they will soon become history.
“As we approach another election year, I earnestly urge Nigerians to look to the future with hope. We will continue to play our roles as a government and count on the prayers and support of the people.”
In a similar vein, Gbajabiamila; the deputy speaker, Idris Wase; and the minority caucus also rejoiced with Muslims, while calling for prayers, unity and patriotism.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi said, “At times like this, the speaker said it is incumbent on the people to be united as one people to face the challenges confronting the country. The speaker is optimistic that with prayers, Nigeria will overcome her challenges, while calling for special prayers for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.”
Wase, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, called on Muslims to use the holiday to offer prayers for the unity and progress of the country in the face of the current economic and security challenges.
Similarly, Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi, in separate statements urged Muslims faithful to embrace peace, unity, tolerance and justice as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
Tinubu in his statement on Friday stated that the significance of the holiday should not be neglected.
The former Lagos State governor further described the increase in violent attacks as “most troubling” stating that the perpetrators of “such inhumanity do so in opposition to Islam and all that it means.”
His wife urged Nigerians not to give up on the unity of the country. She stated, “As we collectively confront our challenges as a nation and build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, by acknowledging God’s supremacy, genuine love and respect for one another, I enjoin us to remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”
Atiku also urged the current regime to show love to the people, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir by prioritising the needs of the citizens and discharging its responsibilities. While praying for the peace of the nation, he urged Nigerians to work hard for the “unity of all peoples, tribes, and faiths in the country.
He said in a statement, “I wish to also task the government at all levels to play its constitutional role, by being upright and dutiful and prioritise the needs of the people they have taken an oath to serve. The unity, security and development of our country are sacrosanct.
“The expression of love and sacrifice symbolised by the Eid-el-Kabir celebration has a strong effect on the relationship between the government and the governed. It is incumbent on the government to optimally discharge its responsibilities to the people. It is only when this is done that there can be love between the government and the governed.
“As stakeholders, the citizens too should take a lesson from the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir by being up and doing in their civic responsibilities.
“As we inch towards the deadline on the ongoing voter registration exercise, the people must ensure that they play their roles by not just getting their permanent voter cards, but casting their votes for the best candidates in the elections next year.
“Above all, I pray for peace during and after the Eid celebration even as I task Nigerians to work even harder in ensuring unity of all peoples, tribes and faiths in the country.”
Meanwhile, a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, congratulated Muslims and other faithful on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. While urging them to remember those whose movement had been restricted by the activities of non-state actors when they converge on different grounds to worship Allah, he urged Nigerians and Muslim clergies to pray for peace, security, unity and prosperity of the country.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged Muslims to demonstrate in their daily activities the values of the celebration which are “obedience to Allah, genuine sacrifice to and faith in their creator.” He also urged Nigerians to pray for God’s guidance in the choice of visionary leaders in the forthcoming elections.
The statement read in part, “As we get ready to go to the polls next year to elect new leaders, we should pray for the guidance of Allah in doing what is right and working honestly for the elections to produce leaders whose policies, programmes, and projects will restore unity, peace, stability, prosperity, inclusivity, justice, equity and patriotism in our country.”
The governor of Lagos State also felicitated Muslims as he urged Nigerians to make sacrifices for the development of the country.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, the governor called on Lagos residents to draw lessons from the Prophet’s examples by avoiding any action that could disturb the peace, unity, and stability of the country.
The statement read in part, “This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our beliefs. It also reminds us of the sacrifice we are expected to make not only for spiritual fulfillment but also for the progress of mankind and development of our society.”
Also, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, pledged that the Assembly would continue to come up with bills to protect the lives and property of residents of the state.
The speaker, in a statement, said, “Concerning the safety of lives and property, Lagos remains a shining light; a good example of a government that works for its people. With all the arms of the government working together, we have achieved greater feats in the area of security.
“Your representatives at the Assembly have never shied away from the task of making our dear state attractive and better for its residents. We have made laws and passed resolutions that have helped in this regard,” he said.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has also felicitated Muslim faithful in the state over the celebration, with the call on them to celebrate with moderation.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, he stated, “As we know that the country is being confronted with challenges, particularly security, I want to enjoin our Muslim brothers to celebrate with moderation. As Islam preaches, they should also remember the poor and share the merry with them.
“Similarly, the festival must be used to invoke Allah’s mercy on our country, state and homes, especially at this period our nation is faced with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency.”
Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, also urged Muslims to use the occasion to offer prayers for sustained development, peace and unity, as the state prepares for its governorship election.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said, “Therefore, as Muslims, we must always exhibit the act of genuine sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah which are the major lessons of this festival. We must endeavour to make sacrifices for ourselves, our families, our neighbours, our state, and our country.
“As a government, we have done everything possible to ensure a credible and peaceful exercise come July 16, 2022. I reassure you that I will continue to work for the socio-economic development and prosperity of our dear State.”
The Kwara State governor, who congratulated the Muslim community on the dawn of Arafah Day as well as the Eid-el-Adha, said the two occasions offered the faithful another rare opportunity to seek God’s bounties as well as bond with one another in an atmosphere of love and unity.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor specifically congratulated the pilgrims from Kwara State and Nigeria as they reached an important milestone of the spiritual journey to Mecca, tasking them and citizens back home to take advantage of the moment to beseech Allah for His continuous mercies on the state, Nigeria, and humanity as a whole.
“Similarly, I appeal to our compatriots to imbibe the lessons of Eid-el-Adha as exemplified by Prophets Abraham and Muhammad, which are patience, sacrifice, faith in God, resilience in good causes, and selfless service to God and humanity. In this wise, nothing is too big to give for collective security, peace and progress of our state and Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Obaseki in a statement said, “I felicitate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir. As we join our Muslim faithful to mark this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice that it symbolises. Beyond personal convictions, we all have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and humanity.
“Eid-el-Kabir offers us another opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our beneficent creator, and reinforces the virtues of patience, tolerance, and love.”
“These times demand that in our struggle to build a better nation, we are united and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations to work for our collective progress.”
Also, Wike has sued for peace, saying it is key to enhancing stability and the growth of the country.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, he congratulated Muslims and prayed for peace and wisdom in solving the challenges facing the nation, especially insecurity.
The governor promised that the State will continue to protect the rights of every citizen in the state and guarantee the freedom of worship and association as enshrined in the constitution.
Operatives deploy officers
State police commands have assured citizens to go about the Eid-el Kabir celebrations without fear. While it felicitate residents, it said it had deployed adequate operatives, tactical squads, and DPOs to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including vulnerable and crime-prone areas, to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, in a statement on Friday, by the command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, directed all Area Commanders, DPOs, Tactical Commanders and Intelligence Officers to ensure that all areas were well covered.
Similarly, the Edo State Police Command has deployed 3,426 personnel to provide security and maintain traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the command said, “In the light of the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, has deployed 3,426 Police and traffic personnel in an effort targeted at decimating crimes and criminality as well as improving the security of lives and property during and after the celebration.”
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed, has warned ‘mischief makers’ to steer clear of the state, noting that they would be decisively dealt with during the Eid el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Edafe Bright, Muhammed said, “The CP warns cultists and mischief makers to steer clear as the command will deal decisively with anybody who is found wanting.”
Meanwhile, the Commander, Ekiti Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe (retd.), said on Friday that operatives of the security agency had stepped up patrol of roads in the state. He said they had also put in place necessary security arrangements ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
Komolafe said, “Nobody should entertain fear; we will be on the highways and patrol the Eid grounds to see that we are close to the places and after the exercise, everybody can go home and enjoy the celebration. We are networking, we are having 24 hours patrol to ensure that Ekiti is safe,” he said.
In a similar vein, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Babaji Sunday, has directed worshippers to park their vehicles 200 metres away from the Eid prayer ground located on Airport Road in Abuja.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, on Friday in Abuja, said, “No vehicle will be permitted to park 200 meters close to praying grounds in all praying ground within the FCT.”
While assuring the residents that tactical and intelligence assets had been strategically deployed, he said, “Worshipers and residents are, therefore, advised to cooperate with Police officers, deployed strictly for enforcement.”
The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, has promised a hitch-free celebration in the state.
He said the state command would continue to sustain ongoing efforts in the fight against crime and criminality before, during and after the festivities.
Tinubu, Atiku, Obi: Rough is the road ahead
Tuesday, a band of terrorists laid an ambush for President Muhammadu Buhari on his way to Daura for holiday. The President’s advanced convoy was corralled. Before the smokes from that gunbattle simmered, another terrorist attack was reported Wednesday morning. Hoodlums raided a huge prison hold in Kuje, freeing hundreds of criminals serving time. The mean men had a field day reuniting with their killer-partners slammed in the calaboose. That is the terrorised life Nigerians live today. When bandits strike on a nation’s presidential convoy anywhere around the world; it’s proof that terrorists hold sway in the country. With all of Buhari’s mouthing about keeping Nigerians safe, and his rambling rhetoric and empty threats hauled at those making Nigeria unlivable, it is certain that this retired Army General has lost grip of Nigeria’s security. Horror stories of terrorism have engulfed our nation. Nigerians are living in misery without food, money, and hopes for tomorrow. Many think the country can implode any minute. God forbid.
Political permutations about who becomes the next carrier of Nigeria’s nagging migraine headaches are running feverishly rackety. Who will that be? I leave the brawls and battles to the frenetic adherents of major candidates who have already turned the social media space into an Armageddon of brutal brabble and quibbles. Except God pulls a shocking one from His breath of the miraculous, one of these men-Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar Atiku, or Peter Obi, will become President. I begin with the ruling party’s standard bearer.
APC remaining in power at the centre in this election cycle may be a tall order. How does Tinubu pull it off without distancing himself from Buhari and his tales of woes? How does he disabuse the minds of Nigerians who believe that he is wealth-amassing, money-mongering, and uncannily-controlling of human beings in states his appointed men reign as governors? How does Jagaban shake off the health debate that his limbs are too weak, his heart too fluttering, and his grips are unsteady even when drinking a pint-size bottled water? These are concerns for Nigerians. As of today, however, Tinubu is the front-runner in this marathon dash for power. He has the money, the men, the mind, and strategies to get what he wants. Don’t joke with a man who believes that he is ordained by God to strap on the presidential crown this time. Tinubu told Nigerians that this is his time and turn. “E gbe kinni yi wa; EMI LO KAN”. Unfortunately, in a democracy, victory is not turn-by-turn. It is an all-out, tough-and-rough fight convincing people you are their help in times of trouble. Who dares say Tinubu has not paid his dues in political fight arenas? He has fought many power bases, over many issues, and over many decades on Nigeria’s tough political terrain. Tinubu can fight. The battle line is now drawn between him and human machineries set in dark places trying to ensure that he does not become President. But in this cycle, Tinubu is one of the favorites to become President. But how does he pull it off with his party’s dismal and terrible rule where Nigerians aren’t safe in their own home and Nigerians dying of hunger?
I also don’t know how PDP can return to the centre with its horrible testimonies that have not faded in Nigerians memories. Many believe that the foundation of the agony Nigerians suffer today was laid by the corrupt hands of PDP men and women. In 2013, Nigeria’s external reserves dipped from $47 billion to $29 billion in 2015 straight through the conduits of corruption. Savings depleted from $21 billion in 2010 to $2 billion in 2015. PDP’s Federal Government borrowed $2 billion to pay salaries in that season of Nigeria’s life. In May 2011, Nigeria’s debt was N2.5trn and oil price was $110 per barrel; and by May 2015 debt had risen to N12trn even with more revenue. Under the PDP watch, the American Government found out that about $9bn was stolen by fifty people. Abubakar Atiku, the party’s chaperon in next year’s election has a baggage load of malfeasances and infractions that I don’t have the writing privilege to rerun in a thirteen-hundred-word treatise. Like Tinubu, the Waziri of Adamawa is one of the favourites to win next year’s election. But how does he pull it off?
Peter Obi once sat in Anambra State Governor’s office. He too wants to be President. Surprisingly to many, Obi’s profile is rising in charms and chimes. His followership is increasing. New converts drawn to his gospel are swelling in size. His tub-thumpers are from everywhere. They are Yorubas, Igbos, and all. And they are young. Obi is making forays into unexpected cohorts. A lot of adherents of VP Yemi Osinbajo who lost in the APC primaries seem to have found a home in Obi’s tent. He is younger than all the major candidates. He talks populist economic sense. What he talks about appeals to ordinary Nigerians. He, too, is a favourite in this run. But if Obi will shock the system, he needs to rejigger in a few areas.
One, he must not listen to those who tell him he doesn’t need a structure. He does. Structure is a requisite process to success in business and life. It is like a drawn plan before you build a house. Obi will need a structure made of steel to war against an Atiku or Tinubu. Both men can boast of octopuses of long-standing structures.
Two, Obi must also quit hyperboles. He is preaching to a hungry and angry choir of Nigerians. Just like Tinubu and Atiku, Obi is an accomplished fella. He doesn’t need to exaggerate his testaments.
Three, Obi should also find a way not to allow his loyalists brand his run an Igbo project, but a Nigerian business. He has to win in other regions to become President. Between now and February 2023, he’s got to convince a lot more educated young and middle-aged Nigerians. He must make inroads into Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Jigawa, and at least two-thirds of the Northern voting space. He must figure out how to do this in seven months.
Four, Obi should educate his supporters that verbal abuses and diatribes on opposing voices don’t make good friends. They turn people off. You may hear some of those vile voices after reading this article. There are very many people who are open to listening to Obi. Millions of Nigerians are sick-and-tired of status quo politics and politicians. Millions don’t care where their pPesident comes from or what God he worships. Irate and rabid supporters many times shut the valves of support and friendship. It may be a long shot, but Obi has a chance. I’m watching how he will pull it off.
We all know that nothing else is presently in Nigerian politicians’ fervid focus but 2023. Nine months away, the regime of the President, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will end. Candidates are butting heads to succeed him. A roiling jostle for the control of Aso-Rock is ongoing. The unrelenting hankering for power among political groupies is loud. Movements have morphed into coalition of political assemblages. Talks to seize power and control of the central government continue behind closed doors as Nigeria treads a rough road ahead into the future. Who wins? Prognosticators may not be accurate. Political prophets will lie as usual. Consult your Ouija board. Consult your oracle. Let them speak in their tenebrific voices. What becomes of Nigeria is uncertain. Are you already dreaming that your man will be sworn-in as President? Quit dreaming! The road ahead will be rough. Who becomes President no one knows except God in heaven who alone rules in the affairs of men and nations.
2023: Sowore picks running mate, vows to defeat Kwankwaso, Atiku, Obi in Kano
Mr Sowore says his running mate does not have any certificate problem like some presidential hopefuls in the country.
The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Friday, said his party currently stands a better chance at victory in Kano State compared to other contenders in the 2023 general elections.
He disclosed this in Abuja during the official announcement of Haruna Magashi as his running mate in the coming election.
Mr Sowore, flanked by some members of the AAC, said both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, PDP, will gallantly lose to his party given the performance of the former and the internal crisis in the latter.
“We hope to defeat APC (All Progressives Congress) over there (Kano) because the governor has messed up; we know that we will defeat PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), that’s the party that’s imploding as we speak,” the Sahara Reporters publisher boasted in an almost three minutes video shared across his social media account.
Despite the recent acceptance enjoyed by Rabiu Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, both the ruling APC and PDP still command the largest percentage of supporters in the state.
Not ruling the former Kano governor out of his major contenders in the state, Mr Sowore said the influence of his running mate, Mr Magashi, is enough to deliver Kano for AAC while Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) stands no chance at all in the state.
“We don’t need to talk about the Labour Party in Kano because the party doesn’t exist.
“We believe that we will defeat Alhaji Kwankwaso and his party, the NNPP (New Nigeria Peoples Party) in Kano because we have got someone who is from there,” the AAC presidential candidate boasted.
With veiled reference to the alleged missing credentials of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu and his placeholder running mate, Kabir Masari, Mr Sowore assured that the documents of his running mate were duly submitted to INEC.
While the primary and secondary certificates of Mr Tinubu were not accounted for in the personal credentials published last week by the INEC for scrutiny, similar controversies have continued to trail that of his running mate.
Mr Masari, in a court affidavit attached to his personal credentials published, claimed to have misplaced his Grade II certificate from Katsina Teachers College, his primary school certificate among other vital documents years back.
Mr Sowore vouched for his running mate, saying Nigerians would not have to worry because “our Vice-president candidate has his certificates intact.”
“His certificates have not been eaten by goats or snakes and they are not missing. We will make it public as soon as possible,” he mockingly said.
ANALYSIS: Atiku under storms as Fayose, Ortom, Obasanjo fire salvos
Atiku Abubakar faces a major hurdle. Since the commencement of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, no president has been elected to succeed another from the same region of Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar
is entangled in a web of controversies, roughly one month after clinching the ticket of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the second consecutive presidential election.
The complex crises ricocheting on the front burner of national discourse concern moral standing, zonal propriety and the democratic style of the PDP candidate.
The Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Wednesday landed uppercuts on Mr Abubakar’s presidential quest. While Mr Ortom criticised him for not choosing Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, the candidate overwhelmingly recommended by a 17-member advisory committee of which the Benue governor was a member, as his running mate, Mr Fayose emphatically reaffirmed his commitment to power shift to the southern half of Nigeria in 2023.
Governor Samuel Ortom, governor of Benua state.
Mr Ortom accused the candidate of failing to honour the democratic choice in the selection of his running mate. He also berated him for failing to reach out to Mr Wike and other aggrieved members of the party after picking Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for the slot.
Mr Ortom, who spoke in an interview on Arise TV, said he was waiting for God’s direction on whether to campaign for his party’s presidential candidate or not.
On his own part, Mr Fayose, through his verified Twitter handle, stated that it was important for power to return to the South after the eight-year rule of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from Katsina State in the North-west geopolitical zone.
Atiku, PDP, Fayose and the North-South power rotation
Since his emergence as the PDP candidate against the grain of the rotational understanding, Mr Abubakar has been carrying the moral hunch of running away with a ticket that ought to have been held by someone from the southern part of the country. As the incumbent president, the opposition candidate is a Fulani-Muslim from the defunct Northern Region.
Nigeria, as a single entity, was formed through the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates of the British colonial empire on January 1, 1914. Based on a common understanding anchored on the need to foster unity and inclusiveness among the citizenry, the PDP enshrined rotation in its constitution.
Former Ekiti State governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose.
Mr Fayose in his tweet harped on that provision when he contended that: “The PDP Constitution provides for a rotational Presidency. Section 3(c) provides that the party shall pursue its aims and objectives by ‘adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness.”
He added: “The current President of Nigeria is a 2-term Northern Presidency, thus implying that it MUST be a Southern Presidency in 2023 or NOTHING. Awa ‘South’ lo kan’. Nigerians should await details soon.”
Since the commencement of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, no democratically elected president from either north or south has taken over power from an outgoing president from his own section or region of the country. Similarly, no president from one ethnic group has handed over to another president from his own ethnic group.
In a complex country like Nigeria, with more than 250 ethnic groups, this scenario may weigh against Mr Abubakar when all the variables and analytics are put on the table in the approach to the 2023 general elections.
However, the zoning brouhaha is by no means the only moral burden resting on Mr Abubakar’s shoulders. There is an overhang of corruption allegations and counter-allegations.
FILE: Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), Walid Jibrin.
Obasanjo’s salvo and Jibrin’s ultimatum
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of PDP, Walid Jibrin, on Monday called out former President Olusegun Obasanjo and gave him 48 hours to clarify his statement that his choice of Mr Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election was a mistake. Mr Jibrin, a northern Fulani-Muslim like Mr Abubakar, threatened to expose Mr Obasanjo unless the former president withdraws the statement.
Mr Jibrin said he would be left with no option but to expose the former president and tell Nigerians and the whole world who Mr Obasanjo is in reality if he failed to explain his statement about Mr Abubakar.
Mr Jibrin, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna, said despite the high regard the PDP has for the former president, it would be very disappointing if he indeed made the statement credited to him (Obasanjo) and carried by virtually all the nation’s news platforms.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
He said the statement, among others, that he made a mistake in picking Mr Abubakar as his running mate in 1999 was worrisome.
Mr Walid’s 48 hours ultimatum expired Wednesday without a response from Mr Obasanjo or Mr Jibrin as to his next line of action.
Mr Obasanjo, while reflecting on his political experience, during an interaction with some students, on Saturday, remarked that one of the costly mistakes he made in life was his choice of Mr Abubakar as his running mate in 1999.
Mr Obasanjo, who was fielding questions from selected secondary school students that participated in the final of the National Exhibition and Awards organised by Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, said his mistake in choosing Mr Abubakar psychologically impacted him.
The former president said, in response to a question by one of the students, “One of the mistakes I made was picking my number two when I wanted to become the president. But because it was a genuine mistake, God saved me…I will say there are many things that could have been a mistake but God saved me from them all.”
Mr Obasanjo was President of Nigeria between May 29, 1999, and May 29, 2007 with Mr Abubakar as the Vice President. After serving their first four-year term from 1999 to 2003, he re-nominated Mr Abubakar as his running mate in the 2003 election which they won despite their fractured relationship.
Atiku in Obasanjo’s lens
Preparatory to the unveiling of his memoir titled ‘My Watch’, Mr Obasanjo in December 2014 called his former deputy a ‘shameless liar’ amid other accusations.
“Those who can be regarded as influential and who have publicly accused me of allegedly manipulating a third term were Atiku Abubakar, who is a blatant and shameless liar, who was behind the whole episode of turning wholesome constitutional amendment efforts of the National Assembly to a futile exercise and as a means of riding on its ashes to be Nigerian President.
“Third term was not my agenda or intention although I would not say I didn’t know about it. I didn’t mastermind third term. Those who were telling me to go on were the governors that were going to benefit from it.
“If I did not want tenure elongation when I was military Head of State and had need to, I see no reason why I should be falsely accused of coup planning by Abacha and tenure elongation by Atiku.”
On pages 31 and 32 of the book, MY WATCH proper, Mr Obasanjo wrote about the former Vice President: “What I did not know, which came out glaringly later, was his parental background which was somewhat shadowy, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to say and stick to the truth all the time, a propensity for poor judgment, his belief and reliance on marabouts, his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety truth and
national interest for self and selfish interest.”
The former vice president on his part had fought his former boss over the third term plot to remain in office beyond eight years.
In an interview with a Hausa newspaper, RARIYA, which was translated to English and published by PREMIUM TIMES in 2013, Mr Abubakar claimed that Mr Obasanjo nursed the ambition of tenure elongation. The former vice president said one of the instances he had altercations with President Obasanjo was about the third term ambition.
Mr Abubakar quoted Mr Obasanjo as stating as follows while craving his support for a controversial third term in office as against the maximum of two terms enshrined in the constitution: “I left power 20 years ago, I left Mubarak in office, I left Mugabe in office, I left Eyadema in office, I left Omar Bongo, and even Paul Biya and I came back and they are still in power; and I just did eight years and you are asking me to go; why?”
Mr Abubakar said he responded by telling him that Nigeria is not Libya, not Egypt, not Cameroon, not Zimbabwe and not Togo. “I said (to Obasanjo) you must leave; even if it means both of us lose out, but you cannot stay.”
Messrs Fayose and Obasanjo’s missiles have again brought into public focus, the moral issues surrounding Mr Abubakar’s perennial presidential aspiration.
With Mr Fayose’s usurpation clanger added to the familiar Obasanjo salvos, the former vice president’s incubus in the coming election is now two-pronged – the odium of corruption painted by Mr Obasanjo and the Southern tenure grabbing red flag raised by Mr Fayose.
The array of accusations, true or false, is certain to negatively affect Mr Abubakar by making many people distrust him.
However, Mr Abubakar and his political foot soldiers are not resting on their oars as they have continued to respond to the allegations, dismissing some of them as baseless products of bilious politics.
PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu
PDP’s negative perception
Shrugging off the charges is a task not just for the presidential candidate but also for his party leadership under its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. The main opposition party, which ruled Nigeria for 16 years between 1999 and
2015, is still seen by many critics as a platform that willingly lent itself as an organ for the perpetration of sleaze and sundry opaque deals in governance.
The presidential primary of the party in Abuja which produced Mr Abubakar as the candidate was also suspected to have been egregiously dollarized. On the eve of the PDP presidential primary, one of the aspirants, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, withdrew, alleging that the contest had been ‘obscenely monetized’.
Mr Hayatu-Deen’s withdrawal came a few days after another contender, Peter Obi, withdrew from the race and resigned entirely from the PDP. Mr Obi cited ‘recent developments within the PDP’ which were incongruent with his moral conscience and made it impossible for him to continue participating and making constructive contributions.
A few days after, Mr Obi joined the Labour Party and emerged as its presidential candidate. His message, which centres on low consumption, productivity and frugality, has been making impact especially among the youthful segments of the population.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
PDP and the Wike dilemma
Mr Wike may be the proverbial last straw that will break the camel’s back as far as Mr Abubakar’s controversial presidential bid is concerned. He is believed to be incensed over Mr Abubakar’s ambition and alleged shifty stance. Judging by Mr Wike’s well-known stance on power rotation and the manner he was elbowed out at the presidential primary in May, will PDP be able to pacify and rekindle his faith in the party?
Mr Fayose exclusively told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that he could wager that Mr Wike would never support the current presidential bid of Mr Abubakar. The former Ekiti State governor insisted that power must shift to the southern part of Nigeria in 2023 after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.
Mr Fayose exclusively told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that he could wager that Mr Wike would never support the current presidential bid of Mr Abubakar. The former Ekiti State governor insisted that power must shift to the southern part of Nigeria in 2023 after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.
So far, Mr Okowa’s choice has not excited many PDP apparatchiks in the South, including some incumbent and former governors like Mr Fayose, and Mr Okowa’s two predecessors as governor of Delta State – James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan.
“Wike never said he wanted to be VP, but when Atiku visited him, he was the one who said, ‘I want you to be my VP’. He said that to Wike. If that then changes, is Wike not supposed to be told? Is he not supposed to know?” Mr Fayose told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Fayose berated Mr Abubakar for ignoring the recommendation of a committee set up by the PDP leadership to shortlist his running mate. “PDP set up a committee to recommend a running mate for the candidate and the committee voted and picked Wike, but they didn’t comply with the recommendation of the committee,” Mr Fayose fumed.
“If the party is now a one-man show, we will show them that we can resist it. We are with Wike 100 per cent. When they need Wike’s money and Wike’s support, they will say, ‘Wike is good enough’. Wike has been injured, but we will remain with him. Whatever he does is what we would do; wherever he asks us to go is where we will go,” the former Ekiti governor declared.
Obi and Tinubu: who benefits?
In the evolving context, either the Labour Party’s (LP) Mr Obi or Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who are the leading candidates from the South, may profit handsomely from the widening rift in the PDP, with the former being the likely beneficiary.
The ruling party is already a crowded platform by bigwigs who may not easily yield space for big rivals like Messrs Wike, Fayose and other aggrieved PDP chieftains.
On the other hand, the LP, apart from the cult following of its presidential candidate by the youth, is still literally a tabula rasa waiting to be annexed by gladiators. That position makes the party an attractive platform for aggrieved secret backers from the two leading parties – PDP and APC. Such covert backers can only come to the fore if their gambit succeeds in pulling an upset victory for the supported candidate.
Mr Fayose was non-committal when asked whether they would support either Obi or Tinubu. “This is not about Bola Tinubu or Obi, but this is about our belief that power must come to the South and it is a struggle we must actualise.
“This time, it is the turn of the South because Buhari has spent eight years. Why will PDP be insisting that it must again be the turn of the north?”
Mr Fayose also stated that he does not care if his actions are perceived as anti-party activity.
“What I am saying is, it is the turn of the South? And if they want to expel me, to hell with them. I am not taking money from anyone to belong to this party.
“If they want to rock this boat, we will help them to rock it,” the outspoken former Ekiti governor declared.
With these signals, accentuated by Mr Obasanjo’s darts, the PDP presidential candidate certainly has enough political, psychological and moral burdens to bear.
As things presently stand, all the commanding positions in the PDP are held by members from one region – the presidential flag bearer, National Chairman and the BoT Chairman.
Indeed, Mr Abubakar and the PDP leadership have a gargantuan task to stem the worsening tide and restore the confidence of all the stakeholders in the party.
Mr Abubakar, on Thursday, acknowledged that many leaders of his party were uncomfortable with his emergence and his choices. He promised to listen to their complaints.
“The @OfficialPDPNig will remain united. Focus on our actions. We are taking action to address the feelings of all party members. The unity in our community is my priority. Our resolve to unify Nigeria starts in our party and moves to the community, then on to society,” he wrote on Twitter.
What Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso told INEC about their education, NYSC, occupations
The publication of the personal particulars of candidates for the 2023 elections has been followed by animated discussions among Nigerians on social media
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, published the particulars of candidates for the 2023 general elections.
The publication has been followed by animated discussions among Nigerians on social media on the academic credentials of some of the presidential candidates.
In the front burner of the discussions are questions around why the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, provided no information on his primary and secondary education.
Stating his occupation as “POLITICIAN,” the 70 years old APC National Leader claimed he obtained a B.Sc degree in Business and Administration from Chicago State University on June 22, 1979 before participating in the compulsory national youth service from November 12, 1982.
Although not seen by PREMIUM TIMES among Mr Tinubu’s published particulars at the INEC office, he swore to an affidavit that his certificates are missing.
“I went on self-exile from October 1994 to October 1998. When I returned I discovered that all my property, including all the documents relating to my qualifications and my certificates in respect of paragraph three above, were looted by unknown persons.
“My house was a target of series of searches by various security agents from the time the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to adjourn following the military takeover of government of 17th November 1993,” the two-term former governor of Lagos State claimed in the court affidavit.
Some Nigerians want to know more about Mr Tinubu’s past than what he revealed to INEC.
Similar concerns were raised over his background when he contested for governor in 1999 and 2003. The late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi filed a suit asking the courts to compel the police to prosecute Mr Tinubu for perjury and forgery after a petition accused him of those offences in his filings with INEC in 1999.
After the Supreme Court dismissed the suit on the ground that Mr Tinubu had immunity as governor against being prosecuted in court, the Lagos State House of Assembly investigated the matter and absolved Mr Tinubu of the charge of gross misconduct.
Mr Tinubu is considered by many political commentators as the candidate to beat in the 2023 presidential race, the reason for the intense public attention on his candidature.
The former Lagos governor’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, did not respond to calls to his phone lines at the time of filing this report when this reporter tried to seek further clarifications on the issue.
Atiku not exempted
PREMIUM TIMES scrutiny of the published documents by INEC picked up a similar thing about two or more candidates.
Despite not being a novice in the contest for president, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also has a few questions raised about his academic credentials.
Mr Abubakar, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007, will be hoisting the PDP presidential ticket for the second time in 2023. He had lost to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election.
Mr Abubakar also did not provide information on his primary education. The
1965 West Africa School Certificate (WASC) result presented by the 75 years old candidate identified the student as Siddiq Abubakar. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom.
Before joining politics, Mr Abubakar worked with the Nigeria Custom Service until he retired from the agency in 1989 at the rank of Deputy Director.
Mr Abubakar’s records show that he attended Jada Primary School, Adamawa State, but that information is missing in his published biodata by the INEC.
“Well, I think it is INEC that you should be making those enquiries to. Whatever it is that they published was not in my hands,” Paul Ibe, a spokesperson to Mr Abubakar told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday.
“I don’t know what was submitted to INEC and what was not. So INEC is in the best position to know what it received and what it did not receive,” he said when asked about lack of information on the candidate’s early education.
His running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, also did not state his primary education in the published documents.
Kwankwaso, Obi
The two candidates are being tipped to give the APC and PDP candidates a run for their money. Unlike Messrs Tinubu and Atiku, Mr Kwankwaso provided full information on his academic credentials.
He bagged his first leaving certificate in 1968 and his secondary school certificate in 1975.
Mr Kwankwaso, 66, has Craft Training Certificate, ND, HND, Post Graduate Diploma, M.Sc and Ph.D, which he recently concluded.
He attached a copy of his provisional Ph.D certificate with his thesis on Design and Construction of Irrigation System in Northern Nigeria.
Before resigning in 1991 to join politics, Mr Kwankwaso had worked at Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA) for over 15 years.
Among the four top contenders in the race, he is the only candidate who has served as governor, lawmaker and minister.
Much celebrated in his huge social media fan base, Peter Obi is the candidate of Labour Party (LP) which he joined last month after quitting the PDP.
With a knack for quoting figures/statistics at every given opportunity in any public discourse, the two term governor of Anambra, identified himself as a politician and business executive.
Mr Obi attended primary, secondary and tertiary schools between 1973 and 1984.
Before joining politics, he had worked at Fidelity Bank in Lagos, but he did not stay the years in the INEC published documents.
Mr Obi, 61, is the youngest among the top four presidential candidates.
Why Atiku rejected Wike as running mate
Atiku on Thursday presented Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his vice presidential pick, 18 days after winning the PDP presidential primary
More facts have emerged on why the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, rejected the recommendation of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate for the 2023 election.
Mr Atiku on Thursday presented Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his vice presidential pick, 18 days after the former vice president won the presidential primary of the party in Abuja, for the second consecutive time.
Mr Wike, who came second in the primary, was one of three governors recommended by an ad hoc committee of the PDP to Mr Atiku for his consideration as his running mate. The others were Mr Okowa and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
However, Mr Atiku told senior party leaders that he could not work with Mr Wike. Aside from describing him as a direct opponent, the candidate said Mr Wike does not like him, citing how he almost thwarted his nomination in 2018 at the party’s National Convention in Port Harcourt.
Mr Wike at that time had supported Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who eventually returned second at the primary on that occasion.
Ironically, Mr Tambuwal’s withdrawal and endorsement of Mr Atiku just before voting started at the Abuja convention of the party on May 29 were pivotal to Mr Atiku defeating Mr Wike with 371 to 237.
After the convention, Mr Atiku paid a visit to Mr Wike in his residence in Abuja, during which the governor promised the candidate and the PDP his full support for the general elections.
According to a party insider, “Atiku was horrified after Wike returned to Port Harcourt and was publicly attacking his colleague governors for supporting Atiku at the primary.”
Mr Atiku also believes that Mr Wike’s fallout with the former National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, who was subsequently removed from the position last year, was due to the governor’s perception that Mr Secondus had become close to him (Atiku).
According to the source, many party elders and leaders feared that picking Mr Wike would tear the party apart instead of unifying it, saying many of his colleague governors in the South-south and South-east do not like his ways.
“Our leaders acknowledge the role Wike played in ensuring the survival of the party during its trying moments, but they do not like his boastful ways and the way he always threatened the party and party leaders to have his way every time.
“They believe that such a combative and garrulous person cannot be suitable for the role of vice president and that is the reason many party leaders were against Wike,” the source said.
Following the strong run of Mr Wike in the primary in which he drew the support of delegates from across the country, his supporters and many party leaders urged Mr Atiku to pick him as his running mate to unify the party for the February 25, 202,3 presidential election.
Mr Atiku was said to have promised to consider Mr Okowa for nomination as his running mate to get the votes of Delta State’s delegates in the primary.
However, after the campaign for Mr Wike to be included on the ticket began to grow in the party, Mr Atiku offered the Rivers governor or his nominee the petroleum ministry portfolio if he wins the election, but the governor rejected the offer.
To avert a repeat of the accusation that he unilaterally picked Peter Obi as his running mate for the 2019 election, Mr Atiku decided to involve the party’s leadership in the nomination.
After consultations between the candidate and the party’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees and state governors, the party set up a 17-member committee to recommend candidates for the slot.
Although there were reports between Tuesday and Wednesday that the committee overwhelmingly voted to recommend Mr Wike, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that it only recommended the three governors for the slot.
Mr Atiku had arranged to meet Mr Wike Thursday morning to personally inform him of his decision, but apparently, on realising that Mr Okowa was the choice, the Rivers governor flew out of Abuja on the eve of the meeting.
It is not known whether Atiku and Mr Wike have spoken with each other since then but the governor has not made a public statement on the nomination of the running mate by his party’s presidential candidate.
Muslim-Muslim ticket: CAN, others warn parties as Buhari meets govs, PDP names Atiku’s VP Thursday
• Muslim-Muslim ticket dangerous, declaration of war, CAN warns parties, vows stiff resistance
Groups including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Catholic Society of Nigeria have warned political parties against fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election.
They gave the warning as the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the All Progressives Congress governors and the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday intensified moves to pick Tinubu’s running mate ahead of Friday’s deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Groups campaigning for Tinubu told The PUNCH that what mattered was a responsive and responsible government, not religion.
Since the emergence of Tinubu, a southern Muslim, there has been controversy over his running mate for the 2023 presidential election with CAN insisting that a Muslim-Muslim ticket was a recipe for crisis.
But the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said competence not religion should be considered when picking a running mate.
CAN, in an open letter addressed to all political parties on Tuesday said it would take a Muslim-Muslim ticket as a declaration of war and would mobilise against political parties that adopted it.
The religious body in the letter advised politicians not to sow seeds of religious conflicts among Nigerians.
The letter which was signed by the national secretary of the association, Joseph Daramola was addressed to the chairmen of all political parties in Nigeria.
He stated that although there were reports of corruption at presidential primaries, it was a big relief that generally the activities were largely peaceful.
According to him, although it is the responsibility of political parties to pick their candidates, there is the need to strike a balance,” to guarantee that the nation enjoys peace and security after elections.
“As the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, we call on all the presidential candidates to choose men or women of alternative religion as their running mates. For avoidance of doubt, the CAN will not accept any presidential ticket that is Christian-Christian or Muslim- Muslim.
“This simply means that where the presidential candidate of the party is a Christian, the deputy should be a Muslim; and where the presidential candidate is a Muslim, the deputy should be a Christian.
“There should not situation where the presidential ticket of a political party in Nigeria, whether a major or minor party, will be two Christians as presidential candidate and running mate, or two Muslims as presidential candidate and running mate. All within us as Nigerians must be done to douse religious and ethnic tensions in the land.
“This minimum requirement for a valid presidential ticket in the Nigeria of today is that it is religiously diverse. With the crisis of religious fundamentalism and its mainstreaming into policymaking and administrative actions in Nigeria today, anything short of a Christian-Muslim or Muslim-Christian ticket is an undisguised effort to nurture religious conflicts and destabilize the country.”
Daramola added that in view of growing religiously motivated terrorism, including the recent attack in a church in Owo, Ondo State, “any plot to have both the President and Vice President come from the same religion is a deliberate effort to ignite the fire of religious warfare in Nigeria.
“The weaponisation of religious difference in the recent past as never before is a cause for concern and a sufficient reason for those of us who do not want this nation to go into avoidable crisis to cry out now. It will be plain disrespect for diverse religious communities in Nigeria for any party to go against common sense to foist a single religious ticket in a religious plural country with serious problems of religious extremism and violence on Nigerians. No party in Nigeria can deny the existence of credible men and women from both Islam and Christianity that can be their Presidential and running mate.
“Whereas CAN is not a partisan organisation and does not involve itself with the process of partisan politics, it has a responsibility to defend the religious freedom of Nigerian citizens, whether Christians or not. CAN has a responsibility to speak out and mobilize civic action against threats to the unity, peace and security of the Nigerian state.
“Therefore, we give notice to all political parties that we will protect the religious diversity of the Nigerian state and will “mobilize politically against any political party that sows the seed of religious conflict by presenting to Nigeria a presidential ticket that is Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian.
“We will consider such action as a declaration of war against the freedom of religion, the peace and security of the Nigerian state. We will consider such insensitive action as evidence of a deliberate action to plunge the country further into religious violence and extremism and destroy the foundations of the continuation of the Nigerian state.
“As the presidential candidates prepare to nominate their running mates, we sound the note of warning, through this letter, that only a diversified presidential ticket will be acceptable to Nigeria in line with the constitutional requirement of power sharing and the responsibility of sensitivity to Nigeria’s deep religious diversity.
“We pray that God will give the political elites the wisdom to seek peace and prosperity for the mistreated citizens of Nigeria and avoid the path of provocations that lead to violent conflict. May God guide our leaders to become statesmen and women who are dedicated to the promotion of the common good and not the mindless pursuit of destructive selfishness.”
Also, a group, the Oodua Youth Parliament, called on Tinubu to pick a northern Christian..
It said picking a Christian running mate from the Northern part of the country would give Tinubu and the APC the desired victory.
This was contained in a statement issued by the leader of the group Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, on Tuesday.
Northern Christians and pastors under the aegis of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association warned against the imposition of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The group, in a statement by the chairman, Rev. Shehu Luke, stated, “The ACIPA has observed with sadness the hijack of Nigeria’s political process and perhaps our future by a few money bag politicians with the tacit conspiracy of some of our legislatures and the Presidency.
“While the recently concluded primary elections of the major political parties have a public semblance of transparency, it is obvious that there was a covert inducement of delegates through a well orchestrated machinery which influenced.”
“Competence matters’
In its reaction, the Director of Publicity, Tinubu Support Organisation, Ekiti State, Abiodun Alonge, in an interview with The PUNCH, said what mattered to Nigerians was a government that could deliver the greatest good for the greatest number of the people and not whether the president and vice president belonged to same religion or not.
Alonge said, “The issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket for Nigerians as of now is a non-issue. Hunger has no religion, poverty has no religion. If a Muslim is the President of Nigeria and a Muslim is the Vice President, as long as there is good healthcare, good education, jobs and our students are in the school uninterrupted by strikes for four years, no one will say it because Muslims are in power. The same thing if a Christian is President and a Christian is vice president.”
When asked for his take on Muslim-Muslim, the leader of the Grassroots Network for Asiwaju Tinubu group, Mr Abiodun Mafe, said he was concerned about the competence and capability of the person who will fill the vice president slot of the party.
On its part, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in a statement on Tuesday warned political parties against the imposition of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The statement which was signed by the Secretary General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, said, “Ordinarily, there would have been nothing wrong with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in a democratic dispensation if there is mutual trust and respect for the human person and where the overriding desire for seeking political office is the fostering of the common good. But one cannot really say so of our country at the moment.
“The present glaring crisis and division in the nation, a Muslim-Muslim ticket would be most insensitive and a tacit endorsement of the negative voices of many non-state actors who have been threatening this nation’s unity and peaceful coexistence without an arrest.”
Also, youths in the APC, under the aegis, of the APC Youth Progressive Forum, at a press conference in Bauchi on Tuesday rejected the Muslim/Muslim.
They therefore, called on the presidential candidate of the APC to pick a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara as his running mate.
The National Chairman of the group, Ukkasha Hamza Rahama, said the choice of Dogara, would douse tensions in the country.
Buhari, govs
Meanwhile, Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with the APC governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Although the governors declined to speak with the media after the meeting, it is believed to be in connection with last-minute hunting for a running mate for the party’s standard bearer, Bola Tinubu.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, led the governors to the meeting.
Attending the Villa meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Mohammed Abubakar of Jigawa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo.
Constitution doesn’t stipulate religion as a criterion for choosing VP, says Gov Uzodimma
Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said the constitution of the country does not recognise religion as a factor for picking a running mate.
The governor stated this in an interview with the state House correspondents after a meeting with the President.
He said, “There is nowhere in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where religion is a factor or characteristic as to who becomes the president or who becomes the running mate.
“But we are looking for a united Nigeria, where governance will be the issue, where a president would be adjudged by his capacity to deliver democratic dividends, and develop Nigeria to look like other parts of the Western world where democracy is working.
“The decision also to choose a running mate does not reside with any of us, the governors. It is the presidential candidate that will look at the local characteristics and every factor—political and apolitical—that will make him win his election and take the decision. So, it’s not a decision that we will sit here and take for the candidate.”
Noting that running mates are not elected at primary elections, the governor warned about the danger of divisiveness when picking one.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party will on Thursday announce the running mate to its presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The party’s National Chairman, Iyiochia Ayu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja before the commencement of a committee saddled with the responsibility of picking the vice-presidential candidate.
The PUNCH had on Friday reported that the PDP had constituted a committee consisting representatives of of the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees members as well as former governors with the mandate of picking its vice-presidential candidate.
According to the report, those who are lobbying for the slot include the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa.
At the committee meeting on Tuesday, Ayu said the running mate would be unveiled in the next 48 hours.
He explained that the meeting was in furtherance of consultations aimed at arriving at a choice which Nigerians would be glad to elect into office.
Ayu said, “The presidential candidate of our party would have been here, but this morning he suddenly dashed somewhere. He apologised and if he comes early, he will join us. But we will go ahead with the assignment he has given us.
“The candidate wrote to us, as the administrative arm of the party, on the choice of his running mate.
“Various organs of the party are well represented in his committee —NWC, Governors Forum, National Assembly, former governors which have put forward their candidate
“This deliberation will be chaired by my able Deputy, Ambassador Umaru Damagum
“I wish you a successful deliberation and I hope you come up with a conclusion between tomorrow and Friday.
“Our presidential candidate, this time, has decided to carry everybody along unlike 2019 when he didn’t consult widely in his choice of running mate.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Senate President, David Mark; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and Senator Philip Aduda.
A Senior Special Assistant to Tambuwal, who is also a member of the special convention of the party, Yusuf Dingyadi, said the governor had no candidate for the VP slot.
He said, “The party is looking for a vice presidential candidate who is loyal, acceptable, committed and no one is committed rather than those who has suffer for the party.
“This advisory committee, when they finished, they will submit their report of whom they choose to the national chairman who will in turn forward same to the presidential candidate.
“The PDP is not going to choose anybody because of injustice or because we are afraid of election. Our party is going to win 2023 election by God’s grace.
“We are going to bring to Nigerians, the best team, those who understand problems ad can solve it and not those ran away from people.
“We are also not concerned about the problem of APC, concerning Muslim-Muslim tickets, we don’t look at religion but rather looking at making Nigeria to be united” he added”
He said advisory committee is made up of Governors, former Governors, former principal members of the national assembly, former ambassadors among others under the chairmanship of Ambassador Illiya Damagum, the deputy national chairman North.
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The word Advisory Committee is impressive, when it is an advisory committee it means it has to report to other bodies. Will it be wise for me to make comment on an advisory that may or may not happen?
“The party will come out. We are a party of process, a party of order. We will let the public know. At the appropriate time, we will get back to let you know the running mate.”
VP screening committee
The National Working Committee of the PDP has approved composition of a committee that will screen the party’s nominated vice presidential candidate.
According to the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, members of the committee include the Chairman, High Chief Tom Ikimi; Secretary, Dr. Akilu Indabawa; Administrative Secretary, Sunday Omobo.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bature, also said members of the committee include Capt. Idris I. Wada (rtd); Chief Osita Chidoka; Rt. Hon. Binta Bello; Chief Mrs. Alh. Mutiat Adedoja; Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; Prof. Aisha Madawaki; Mrs. Ayotunde George-Ologun; Chief Mrs. Chidiebelu Mofus, and H.E. Fidelis Tapgun.
The statement read, “The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pursuant to the PDP’s Electoral Guidelines, PART VI Paragraph 14, has approved the nomination of the following party stakeholders to serve on the vice presidential candidate screening committee for the purpose of the screening/verifying the nominated vice presidential candidate of our party.
“The screening exercise will be at the National Working Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja FCT, on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Time is 10am prompt.”
A PDP chieftain in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara said the party’s constitution should be considered at all times.
Gbara, in an interview with one of our correspondent said the people of the South should not be excited or jostle for the position of a running mate.
He said, “Well, in the first place, if we want to face equity in all fairness as to how the rulership of this country should go as it is recommended by the constitution of the PDP, the construction recognizes zoning.netween the North and the South.
“So, it is only natural that this time around since the North’ has rules for eight good years under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, power would have naturally gone to the South.
“But going by the situation we have found ourselves, we the people of the South-South should not be too excited by jostling for the position of the Vice President, knowing full well that ordinarily it is supposed to be our turn now to take up the presidential slot.”
But a political analyst, Dr Busari Dauda said the inability of any party to agree on its running mate portended danger to the party and the nation.
He said, “I think this has an implication not only on the candidate but the polity if the committee and leaders are not on the same page in deciding who the running mate will be.”
Another analyst, Olaseni Shalom said, “A presidential candidate needs a Vice President he can trust as long as the party has their contribution. This should be left to the candidate to decide first if he needs someone he can trust, someone that complement him.”
Dr Pius Akhimien of English Department, Lagos State University, advised the PDP. He stated, ‘‘The PDP has to consider the geopolitical zone of the running mate, religious belief. If I were to advise the PDP, I will suggest it allows the running mate come from the South, who must be a Christian.’’
National grid collapse: Nigeria in darkness because of APC – Atiku
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.”
Jonathan, Atiku, others salute Abdulsalami Abubakar at 80
The former Head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, turned 80 on Monday.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as a selfless patriot and elder statesman who has made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the nation and the West African sub-region.
The former president said this in a statement he posted on social media to celebrate Mr Abubakar who turned 80 on Monday.
Mr Jonathan described the former leader as a peace maker and nation builder due to his activities at the National Peace Committee.
“Your commitment to our national aspirations and considerable achievements as Head of State at a momentous period in the history of our nation has continued to be referenced as a watershed in the birthing of the Fourth Republic.
“Out of office, you have earned a reputation as a peace maker and nation builder for your key roles in promoting unity, mutual harmony and peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee.
“As you celebrate, I wish you more strength, wisdom, and sound health in your future endeavours,” he said.
Epitome of unity
In his goodwill message, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, described the celebrant as a great Nigerian patriot and an epitome of unity.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Mr Atiku said the former Head of State demonstrated great patriotism and commitment to unity and democracy by keeping faith to his transition timetable in 1999.
According to the former vice president, Mr Abubakar has also committed himself to the promotion of unity and democracy since leaving office by involving himself in peace building efforts in the country.
“As you celebrate your 80th birthday today (Monday), I’m excited to say that my interactions with you have always been fruitful because I see in you a great fountain of inspiration and a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge,” Mr Abubakar extolled the general.
The former vice president also said Mr Abdulsalami’s contributions to creating a culture of politics without bitterness will always be appreciated by Nigerians.
“Keeping a promise is one of the greatest signs of a great leader. General Abdulsalami has met that criterion. I’m proud to associate with such a great and patriotic Nigerian. May Allah grant the General more good health and longer life to continue to serve humanity,” the presidential hopeful added.
A nationalist
In a separate message by his Chief Press secretary, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said Nigeria benefited immensely from Mr Abubakar’s leadership as he returned the country to democratic rule in 1999.
He commended the former leader for his consistency in the pursuit of peace and credible electoral process in the country.
The governor also lauded the former head of state for his patriotism, which he exudes by always speaking up on national issues and unrelenting in his service to the country and humanity. He said Mr Abubakar had faithfully sustained those contributions to the polity.
He described the octogenarian as an epitome of nationalism, selflessness and statesmanship, and prayed that God would raise more persons like him in the country.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I felicitate with you, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on your 80th birth anniversary.
“As a great patriot and elder statesman, you have made significant contributions to the growth and stability of our nation through your selfless service to the country and humanity.
“Your commitment to our peaceful coexistence and laudable initiative, which birthed the Fourth Republic remains a momentous period in the history of our nation.
“Even out of office, you have continued to work tirelessly as a troubleshooter and nation’s builder and in promoting unity and peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee.
“As you celebrate your 80th birth anniversary today, I join your family, friends and wells wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health, greater wisdom, guidance, protection and enduring provisions,” Mr Okowa said.
I’ll retire Atiku, Tinubu, Moghalu boasts
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has vowed to send the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar; and his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Bola Tinubu, on permanent retirement.
Moghalu, who was a Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, said he would retire the two of them by defeating them in next year’s election.
Moghalu spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, during the ADC’s presidential primary.
No fewer than 10 aspirants are jostling for 2,100 delegates in the ongoing ADC’s primary in Abeokuta to emerge the party’s candidate.
Moghalu and the founder of Roots Television Nigeria, Dumebi Kachikwu, are front runners in the race for the ADC’s ticket.
Other aspirants include Dr. Mani Ibrahim, Joyce Nsaka, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Dr Chukwuka Monye, Angela Johnson, Chichi Ojei, Dr. Muhammed Lamido, Bishop Ify-George Oforkansi, Dr. Favour Ayodele, Ebiti Jegede and others.
Moghalu said, “I am here to offer myself to you not because I am better than anybody here but because I care about the future of our country. I offer myself because God has given me the main recognition to stand side-by-side with Atiku, Tinubu and to send them into retirement.”
He promised to make Nigerians proud if elected the next president.
Only Tinubu has the capacity to confront Atiku, others: Sen. Abiru
Sen. Tokunbo Abiru (APC – Lagos East) said that only Bola Tinubu has the capacity to confront Atiku Abubakar and other oppositions.
The Senator added that the All Progressives Congress (APC) made the best decision in choosing Tinubu as its 2023 presidential candidate.
He said the APC now has a formidable candidate that would ensure its victory in the presidential election.
n the congratulatory message by his media spokesperson, Mr. Enitan Olukotun in Lagos on Thursday, the senator expressed confidence in Tinubu’s capacity.
Abiru who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries said: “Only Tinubu has the capacity to confront the opposition and secure victory for the ruling party in the 2023 general elections.
“I heartily congratulate our revered Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the APC presidential primary election.
“The delegates of our dear party have made the best decision by electing Asiwaju to fly the flag of our dear party, APC in 2023.
“The Bola Tinubu presidency promises to bring transformational development to Nigeria as witnessed in Lagos state, where he served as governor for two terms.”
Abiru, therefore, urged Nigerians from all walks of life to look beyond primordial considerations and throw their support behind Tinubu’s candidacy.
He noted that the complexities and protracted challenges facing the nation required a tested and experienced leader like Tinubu to tackle them headlong.
“I congratulate all APC members and supporters for this historic feat.”
Wike visits Atiku as PDP shops for Southern running mate
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday evening, visited Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja.
Wike’s visit happened amidst search by Atiku and the opposition party for an acceptable southern running mate.
The PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Walid Jibrin, had on Monday said, “The BoT will assist the party and surely the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku) himself to come out with a very acceptable Vice President from southern Nigeria.”
Atiku, who was also PDP presidential candidate in 2019, ran with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi who left the PDP to become the presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party in 2023.
The PUNCH learnt that Wike reciprocated Atiku’s visit which the former Vice-President paid on Monday.
Unlike Monday’s meeting where a dissatisfied Wike met the camera shutters with an arching frown on his face, Wednesday’s meeting ended on a cordial note as the governor and the ex-VP beamed with smiles in a photo pose after the closed-door session whose details were yet unknown as of press time.
Atiku shared photos of the meeting on his verified social media pages. He said, “It was a pleasure to receive His Excellency Nyesom Wike in the company of notable leaders and officials of our great party, the PDP, at my residence today. I am proud of the promises that this spirit of camaraderie holds for our party as a united front that guarantees victory in the next election to rescue the country.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Atiku solicited the support of his rivals in the opposition party to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in next year’s election.
Atiku, after he received the party’s Certificate of Return at the PDP National Secretariat at the Wadata Plaza in Abuja, said his main opponent is the APC and not his co-aspirants in Sunday’s presidential primary.
He urged his contenders to join forces with him to dislodge the APC government led by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) in 2023.
During the PDP presidential primary held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Saturday, Atiku polled 371 votes to defeat Wike, who got 237 votes; a former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, 70 votes; the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, 38 votes; the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, 20 votes; a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, 14 votes and an ex-President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa, one vote.
The delegates were said to be surprised when the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who was one of the front runners for the presidential ticket, stepped down and directed his supporters to vote for Atiku as a result of what sources said was due to the intervention of the northern elders, who were pushing for a northern consensus aspirant.
Wike had lambasted Tambuwal for stepping down for Atiku at the last-minute and had alleged that some PDP governors sabotaged him.
2023 presidency: Court told to disqualify Atiku from running for president
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has been asked to disqualify Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from running for the forthcoming presidential election.
An Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, dragged the former Vice President of Nigeria to court following his victory at the presidential primary election of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Atiku had emerged the presidential standard bearer of the PDP for the 2023 general elections after polling a total of 371 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who garnered 237 votes.
However, Johnmary Jideobi, in his suit, is challenging Atiku’s Nigerian citizenship, despite serving as vice president from 1999 to 2007.
Also joined as defendants in the suit are the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF.
Jideobi, in his suit, argued that Atiku is not a Nigerian citizen by birth as required by the country’s laws and does not qualify to run for the office of the President.
According to him, the former Vice President only “acquired his citizenship of Nigeria by virtue of the 1961 plebiscite which integrated some people of Northern Cameroon into Nigeria as new citizens of Nigeria.”
The plaintiff further told the court that it would amount to a grave desecration of the otherwise sacrosanct and inviolable provisions of Sections 1(1) & (2), 25 and 131(a) of the Constitution if Atiku is allowed to participate in the 2023 presidential election as the PDP candidate.
He also said that the court must ensure that the INEC shall not allow any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Furthermore, Jideobi prayed the court to declare that “by virtue of Sections 1(1) & (2), 25 and 131(a) of the Constitution, it is only a Nigerian citizen by birth that is constitutionally eligible to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He further seeks a “declaration that given the circumstances of the birth of the first defendant (Atiku), he is not constitutionally qualified to stand for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The plaintiff seeks an “order of the court disqualifying the first defendant – Atiku Abubakar – from contesting for election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He also begged the court to declare that the “PDP does not have a candidate for the office of the president in the 2023 presidential election to be organised by the third defendant.”
He sought an order of perpetual injunction stopping the former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate of the PDP from running for the office of the President of Nigeria or occupying such office by whatever means and throughout his lifetime an order to stop the PDP from fielding Atiku as its candidate for the 2023 presidential election and an order to restrain the INEC perpetually from accepting and or publishing Atiku’s name as a candidate of PDP for the office of the President.
Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.
Atiku promises to restructure Nigeria as president
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday promised to restructure Nigeria and restore the economy if elected as the country’s president in 2023.
Abubakar, who is one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants, stated this while addressing the party delegates and the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, at the Government House in Asaba.
He listed the unity of the country, insecurity, economy, and education as some of the areas he would focus attention on if elected as president next year.
The ex-Vice President stressed that the country was at a cross road and needed an experienced hand to navigate through.
He thanked the delegates for the support given to him at the Port Harcourt convention in 2019 and urged them to vote for him in the PDP presidential convention billed for May 28 and May 29 in Abuja.
Abubakar said the issue of power rotation was enshrined in the party’s constitution, pointing out that what the PDP needed at this time was to grab the power before entrenching rotation.
The former Vice President has repeatedly identified restructuring as a major solution to Nigeria’s challenges and promised to carry it out if given the chance to lead the country.
He said: “We want to thank you very much indeed, particularly for the support that we received from Delta in the last primaries that took place in Port Harcourt.
We cherished that support and we value that support and we shall not forget that support.
Having said that, we have come to another season of elections in the country but this season is unique because Nigeria has never found itself in this type of situation facing numerous challenges.
That was why when l declared to run for the presidential election this time around, l identified five key areas that this country requires immediate attention.
“First of all, l identified the lack of unity in our country today.
“Government at all levels must identify with our diversity, and respect our diversity but this has been neglected over time.
“And as a result of that, we have a very divided country and l said l will tackle this disunity on the first day of my presidency if elected.”
He urged the delegates to put competence and credibility above money in casting their votes for aspirants to fly the party’s flag in 2023.
“And as a result of that, we have a very divided country and l said l will tackle this disunity on the first day of my presidency if elected.”
He urged the delegates to put competence and credibility above money in casting their votes for aspirants to fly the party’s flag in 2023.
“And as a result of that, we have a very divided country and l said l will tackle this disunity on the first day of my presidency if elected.”
He called on delegates to put competence and credibility above money in casting their votes for aspirants to fly the flag of the party.
On his part, Okowa said Abubakar has the requisite experience to take the country out of its present challenges.
He added that the issue of restructuring was important to the people of the Niger Delta in the choice of who should rule the country in 2023.
Okowa said delegates from the state would scrutinize the presidential aspirants and throw their weight behind the most credible at the primary.
Afegbua describes Atiku’s declaration as act of ‘political desperation’
Former Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, has described the presidential declaration of former vice president Atiku Abubakar as an act of desperation.
In a statement released yesterday, Afegbua hinted that PDP leadership had settled for the inauguration of the zoning committee, adding that Atiku went ahead to buy the nomination form and formally declared his intention to run without waiting for the decision of a zoning committee.
He said he was opposed to Atiku’s ambition to be president on the platform of the PDP because, according to him, the former vice president was supposed to have led peaceful protests condemning the poor state of affairs in the country.
He wrote: “Atiku ought to have mobilised and sensitised Nigerians against the misrule of the All Progressives Congress, instead of just waiting to throw his hat in the ring for methuselah contest in 2023.
His declaration is clearly an act of political desperation. The PDP leadership has set today for the inauguration of the zoning committee. Instead of waiting for the outcome of the zoning committee, he hurriedly bought the nomination form and formally declared his intention to run.
“Ask yourselves, have you heard his voice since 2019 against the mis-governance of the APC? Did you see him play the role of opposition? Did you see him visit Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna to share in their aspirations and reassure the people at times of crises and killings? Must it be all about your selfish aspirations and ambition?
If we had a true opposition figure in the person of Atiku, a former vice president, PDP’s candidate in the 2019 presidential contest, it would have been expected that he would, in all these years of decimation and destruction, engage the ruling party, rather he ran away to Dubai to await the next auspicious opportunity to play again.”
Atiku speaks on zoning
Former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has added his voice to the issue of zoning of political offices in the country.
He said there is no place for zoning captured in the Nigerian Constitution which does not recognize its existence.
Atiku, on Friday during a meeting with members of ‘Let’s Fix Nigeria’ group who paid him a visit at his Abuja residence, said the country was blessed with people with the right attributes who could lead the country regardless of where they come from, and advised Nigerians to look for such people to take up the mantle of leadership at all levels.
Atiku also faulted calls that political parties should zone their presidential tickets to particular regions of the country, saying the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognise zoning.”
“Fundamentally, the Constitution says all of us can run for elective positions. The Constitution has not barred any one of us. There is no zoning in the Constitution; there is none. I was a member of the constituent assembly that drafted the current Constitution and there was nothing like that.
But then, as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, we felt that there should be a sense of belonging. We went and invented this zoning.
“Therefore, we went further to say there should be zonal representation. So, let me assure you that as far as I am concerned, I will observe and implement whatever will bring about the peace and stability of this country.
“Leadership is endowed by God. You can have a young man come and do better than an old man. So, it is an endowed attribute from God, therefore, we should try to look for such a person who has been endowed by God, who has those attributes and then give him leadership.
“As far as the unity of this country is concerned, we are more divided. Even when we fought the Civil War, we were never as divided as this. We never have a breakdown of law and order like this because when we fought the Civil War, it was confined to a particular location, in every other place, there was peace.
“We never had this kind of poverty where even the farmer cannot go to farm the food to eat, not to talk of commercial farming. So, I have never seen this country so bad, and it is going to be a daunting task for anybody to come and turn things around,” he said.
Atiku will unify Nigeria in 2023 – Dokpesi
The Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, said on Thursday former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would unite Nigeria if elected as the country’s leader in 2023.
Dokpesi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Adamawa.
He decried the poor state of the country under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The politician had in October last year declared that no presidential candidate from Southern Nigeria would win the 2023 presidential election.
He said: “Now that 2023 is approaching again. Now that the economy of the country has totally collapsed, and our children cannot find employment, let us work together to heal the wounds.
It is very glaring that we need somebody who is a unifier, who is very sound, who has business acumen, who himself has investment and wealth of experience and wherewithal to be able to properly lead the country out of its present quagmire like Atiku.
“The country has never been disunited as we have it today, both on religious and ethnic lines. Our economy is in shambles. We have not borrowed as much money externally and locally as we have experienced in the last six or seven years of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
“What we have under the Buhari administration is a Nigeria that is flowing with the blood of our children. The banditry and insecurity that is available is one which is unprecedented.”