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Amb. Soni Abang Assured of APC Victory in Cross River

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Director General of the Campaign Organization of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Ambassador Soni Abang, has stated categorically that he has the requisite experience and determination to match up with the very overwhelming popularity and great followership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.

Amb. Soni Abang stated this in an exclusive interaction in Calabar when his views were sought on the possibilities or otherwise of the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in 2023 general elections.

He stated that there is great certainty of the APC’s victory in the gubernatorial as well as the State and National Assembly elections as the party has lined up great candidates with unshakeable electoral value to lock horns with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and any other political parties that would rear their heads to confront the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State.

The former Ambassador to Mali stated emphatically that as Director General of Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s Campaign Organization, he has absolutely no fear of losing the elections considering the formidable candidature of the APC gubernatorial candidate, adding that broad based Directorates will be formed across all strata of the APC and that the campaign structure will be different from earlier ones ever formed in the state. These directorates,he stated will include Finance/Mobilization, Research and Diaspora, among many others.

He also said that presently, the Campaign Organization is working with over 100 academicians from various disciplines in line with the urgent need of the ruling party ahead of the elections.

Chief Soni Abang, who was also a former State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for 7 years noted with incredible glee that the opposition People’s Democratic Party is coming into the elections with a very heavy moral baggage which is hanging conspicuously on its neck.

This baggage, he noted, is the insistence of the opposition PDP on producing a governorship candidate from the Central Senatorial District when the doctrine of equity, natural justice, fair play and brotherliness dictates otherwise. He totally condemned a situation where people have become too greedy for political power and have in the process, thrown away sterling political expedience for personal gains.

The Director General drew attention to the unwritten rule which governs power equations in Cross River State whereby all the senatorial districts in the state take turns to produce the governor without any rancour, adding that it was only natural that the Number One Seat be occupied by the Southern Senatorial District from May, 2023, having gone round all the districts.

He stated that His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, has ably and equitably distributed political appointments to cover all strata of the Cross River society and the APC would rely on these appointees as able hands to win the elections.

Adding that having assumed the image of a truly progressive party, its policies and programmes will permeate every nook and cranny of the state for better democratic results.

He praised the political sagacity of His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade, for taking the state into national reckoning and assured all and sundry that the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state will not take anything for granted, adding that the party cannot afford to throw away the goodwill of the people.

On the introduction of more modern technology into the gamut of the electioneering process in Nigeria, Ambassador Soni Abang also noted that it is a good development as the outcome of the elections will reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people, urging all eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voters Card which remains a portent political weapon.

He further declared that the introduction of BVAS by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a welcome development as it has the potential of making votes count and diminishing public apathy in Nigerian elections.

Chief Soni Abang categorically stated that Cross River State is work in progress and that under an APC led administration in 2023 the progressive process will be consolidated, the great human and agricultural potentials of the state will be further enhanced for more productivity.

He also reiterated that all associations wishing to identify with the Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu’s gubernatorial ambition has been seamlessly registered at the Party Headquarters in Calabar to enable them to join in the canvassing and solicitization for votes.

He assured the people of the state that all their interests and expectations will be met and that as the party begins the campaigns proper in September, no stone will be left unturned to ensure an all round APC victory in the state.

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Opinion

Why Peter Obi-Datti Baba Ahmed Should Get Your Vote in 2023

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

I am not the typical politician or party man, but I love Nigeria very much to be deeply interested in her welfare, progress and future. It is from that perspective, unbiased and objective, that I put these thoughts forward.

I have been around enough to know that Nigeria has suffered from leadership deficit, and that many simple things have been left undone purely because of self-centered interests. I am also able to see that past leaders have failed woefully to unite Nigerians and erase such divisive tags as religion and ethnicity.

After over sixty years of independence, we are unable to birth a true Nigerian citizenship; rather, we have remained as Yorubas, Igbos, Hausa, Ijaws, Ibibios, Fulanis, Nupes, Idomas, etc. There is nothing wrong, as such, in coming from an ethnic stock, but there is everything wrong when ethnicity is promoted over and above nationhood, common brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. The blame is squarely on the door steps of past political leadership.

Next year’s presidential elections, therefore, present us a fresh opportunity to do a total rethink, call it re-jig and introspection. In that regard, so far, we have identified three major frontline political parties. The one is the ruling All Progressive Congress, the APC, having Senator Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as flag bearers. The other is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as flag bearers.

Then the third is the Labour Party, having Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed as flag bearers. Apart from the names of the individuals in the first and second political parties, both APC and PDP are like Siamese twins. They are populated by the very same class of Nigerian politicians who have ruled Nigeria from 1999 till date; and who have crisscrossed effortlessly between the two parties. The results of their years of governance, like score cards, are on the table for every Nigerian to behold. It shows abysmal performance in all key sectors of human and public affairs.

Our security situation is in tatters, with various security agencies at the lowest ebb of their sense of devotion and patriotism. Fear of death, kidnap and payment of ransoms have become daily experiences for Nigerians when travelling, and even while in their homes. The economy has nose-dived to the point where government is said to now borrow to address recurrent expenditures, thereby totally abandoning capital projects. The result has been mind-shattering inflationary rates that have left every citizen living below acceptable levels of existence; while pushing many others into stealing and corrupt practices. Electricity supply challenges have been intractable. The educational sector has shamefully been in total comatose. Healthcare delivery is unaffordable, and nearly absent; yet the political elite prefer going on medical tourism abroad. In short, the citizens have been left wondering why nothing seems to work, and are daily seeking after greener pastures in other climes. Worst of all, the entire Nigerian brand, represented by our Flag, has suffered grave damages!

Then, here comes Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed; the duo with clear articulation of solutions to these myriads of challenges. They came from what you may call the political underdog class, but equipped with high moral and ethical dispositions never before seen in Nigeria’s political space. They seem like a dream reality for the Nigerian class of youthful voters. They also present the fresh hope for the many otherwise disenchanted adult voter population, all of whom have ‘seen it all’ with the crop of charlatans who have occupied the political space in the past twenty plus years in Nigeria.

In short, the Peter Obi- Datti Baba-Ahmed team has the following going for it:

  1. Clarity of understanding about the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians.
  2. Clarity of applicable solutions for each challenge.
  3. Background in private sector attainments that show grit, capability to generate wealth, integrity and passion to excel.
  4. Zero tolerance for the usual corrupt ways of acquisition of political power in Nigeria.
  5. Manifest show of love for the masses of Nigeria and determination to turn around the fortunes of the country through clearly articulated ideas and programmes.
  6. Uncommon show of simplicity and humility, conveying a sense of ‘not business as usual.’
  7. Transparent records about self, past achievements, attainments and associations.
  8. Impeccable academic and professional exposures that guarantee capacity to address the challenges of Nigeria.
  9. Uncommon ability and flair to clearly articulate believable road maps for deliverables.
  10. Detribalized approach to issues of national concerns, devoid of primordial sentiments such as religion and ethnicity.
  11. Finally, these two gentlemen have age and health in their favour, and have been able to effortlessly elicit revitalization of genuine hope and sense of patriotism, once more, among Nigerians, especially youths, who for many decades have remained aloof from politics and governance.

Even INEC has become a beneficiary, as new enthusiasm is being generated and galvanized by Peter Obi-Datti Baba-Ahmed towards electioneering processes in Nigeria.

It is for these reasons, and many more which space would not immediately permit me to state, that I highly recommend the flag bearers of the Labour Party, Peter Obi-Datti Baba-Ahmed to you. Be objective and remember that your vote for them amounts to birthing a new Nigeria.

A GENUINELY CONCERNED NIGERIAN.

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From Frying Pan to Fire: APC Picks Another Unfit Tinubu After Buhari – Disporans for PDP

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

As the 2023 presidential election shifts into high gear, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pulled a big surprise on Nigerians home and abroad by selecting a retired, physically unfit man, Former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as candidate for president of Nigeria.

In response, a US-based organization of Nigerians in diaspora, Diasporans for PDP, has called on APC to stop joking with the future of Nigeria.

In a statement to press by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Chidi Igwe, Diasporans for PDP expressed total dismay that APC’s choice of a retired, physically unfit man for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is retrogressive and will leave Nigeria in a worst shape than the country has been under President Muhammadu Buhari, who himself, was retired and physically unfit when he took office eight years ago.

“The job of a president requires a sound mind, and by what we see today, Former Governor Tinubu is not physically fit, and will not be any different from President Buhari. I think the new name of that party should be All Retrogressive Congress,” says the Diasporans for PDP founder and national chair Honourable Victoria Pamugo.

“Every Nigerian has seen how unproductive and backward our country has been in the past eight years just because we have a retired, physically unfit person as president in Aso Rock.

Instead of giving Nigerians hope by choosing a young, physically fit, working-class Nigerian as we see in other countries like Canada and France, APC has once again shown that they do not represent the interests of the Nigerian people. Rather, they are just working to satisfy the political aspirations of a few retired men among their ranks,” Honourable Pamugo noted.

“Is Nigeria really ready to jump from frying pan to fire? APC’s choice of candidate is bad news for our country,” she lamented.

At the same time, Diasporans for PDP called all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to unite ahead of the campaign to defeat APC. The US-based organization, which, last week, released a congratulatory message to the PDP flag-bearer, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, deems it necessary to remind the party about what is really at stake in this election.

“Nigerians have really suffered a lot in the hands of their incompetent, wicked, and nonchalant government under President Buhari and his APC cronies,” says Honourable Pamugo.

“These incompetent APC leaders have taken the country more than one hundred years backward,” Honourable Pamugo lamented.

“Nigerians have no access to good jobs, good healthcare system, good education… We have no electricity, no food, and no good roads. We have no security. Nothing is working in our country. Citizens are frustrated. People are killed on the streets of Nigeria everyday and everywhere with reckless abandon.

There is no potable water. Inflation is at rates never seen before. We have an abysmal rate of youth unemployment. We have no reliable broadband internet connectivity. All bridges, schools and infrastructure built by our founding fathers are all crumbling as we watch, and no new ones are being built. We have an uncontrollable brain-drain caused by massive exodus as working-class Nigerians migrate to other countries day by day.”

“What country can survive with all these vices?” Honourable Pamugo questioned rhetorically.

“Those are the things at stake in this election. Should Nigeria continue like this? I think the answer is NO in all caps. The key question Nigerians should be asking themselves is why on earth should we give APC another chance to run this country, especially when they have scorned the youth and have continued to choose these retired, physically unfit men for president?”

“All that President Buhari and APC have given us in the past eight years is institutionalizing corruption, even as they apply selective justice by using state security agencies to go after their supposed or perceived enemies and political opponents, while at the same time protecting the fat cats that continue to milk the nation through corrupt means.”

“Restoring hope, life and dignity of every Nigerian is what is at stake in this election, and PDP has a chance to show Nigerians what we can do differently as a party to change the direction in which the country is currently going.”

“We know that some party members may have been wronged in more than one way, and everyone is right to express their dissatisfaction with one party decision or another. But in the end, we are a family. We must not let our eyes off the ball. The things at stake are strong enough to cause us to unite for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

“That is why, on behalf of Diasporans for PDP, I am calling on all PDP members and party lovers to bury the hatchet for the sake of unity. Now that our flag-bearer has emerged, our party must unite, rally around our candidate, and focus on the big fight to defeat APC in 2023. And I believe that PDP is the only party that has the chance, the system, and existing structure to be able to defeat APC,” she added.

“We do not want another four or even eight years of an incompetent, retired and wicked government in Nigeria. PDP must unite for the benefit and future of our country, as it is only through unity that we will achieve victory in this election,” she said.

“As Nigerians in the diaspora, we know that we are not eligible to vote in this election. We also know that we represent a powerful economic and influential bloc. Diasporans for PDP is ready and will help to galvanize the diaspora population to bring about real and lasting change in Nigeria,” Honourable Pamugo affirmed.

“We will mobilize our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles and families in Nigeria to vote wisely and together we will redeem our country from the harm caused by President Buhari and his APC friends over the past eight years,” she emphasized.

“We will support our party and our flag-bearer by mobilizing our volunteers on ground in every state of the federation for grassroots campaign operations, including door-knocking, speaking directly to voters and encouraging Nigerians to save their own country through the power of their vote.”

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APC National Convention: Pregnant Woman, 26 others Injured in Stamped

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 26 people including a pregnant woman and an elderly man were injured at the on-going National Convention of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress at Eagles Square, Abuja, following a stampede.

According to report, the event was caught in an ugly stampede following slow pace of clearance from the security agents.

Delegates had besieged the venue waiting for clearance when suddenly people broke free from the security, who were forced to retreat.

The security agents drawn from men of the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army and the civil defence regrouped and chased after the crowd with police dogs.

But as people began to besiege the gate waiting for clearance and complaining that they had spent over two hours on the queue, their patience waned and by 10:45am, scuffle and jostling began.

The crowd became uncontrollable and as they wrestled to gain entry, people started falling over one another, while the policemen used teargas and beat people with their baton.

An elderly man of over 70 had his leg broken while a pregnant woman could be seen writhing in pains but was helped to her feet and taken away for medical attention.

Dignitaries are yet to arrive as party officials are said to be locked in negotiation for consensus over various offices.

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Headlines

APC National Secretary Resign

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, has resigned from office.

Akpanudoedehe who attended the meeting chaired by the Acting National Chairman, Governor Sani Bello On Monday resigned his position on Tuesday, sources said that he was forced to tender his resignation.

It was also gathered that the Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, who had been chairing the party since the leadership of Adams Oshiomhole was sacked, will also be given a soft landing by asking him to tender his resignation when he returns from his foreign trip.

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Party Crisis: Court Restrain Babayo Misau, others from Parading Self As Party Leaders

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The crisis rocking the Bauchi State All Progressives Congress, APC is yet to be over as a Bauchi State High Court has ordered that Bauchi State All Progressives Congress, APC, Chairman, Babayo Aliyu Misau and all his executive chairman to stop parading themselves as his executive

The Court noted that they should stop parading themselves in whatsoever manner or means, as or acting in whatever capacities or names, as the Bauchi State Executive Officers, pending the hearing of the substantive suits, already filed before the Bauchi State High Court.

The suit filed by a Chieftain of the Party, Hassan Mohamed Sheriff, gave an interim order restraining the All Progressive Congress (APC), The Chairman Bauchi State Chapter of APC Screening And Selection Committee, , Maimala Buni (Acting APC National Chairman), Hon.Min.Alhajiadam U Adamu, (Chairman, Bauchi State APC Extended Stakeholders Committee), Rt.Hon.(Barr.) Yakubu Dogara, (Member, Bauchi State APC Extended Stakeholders Committee) whether by themselves agents, privies, cohorts and representatives In whatever capacity from administering oath of office and/or according the Defendants/Respondent recognition as the Bauchi State 1st Defendant’s Executive Officers pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed before the Bauchi State High Court.

The court document seen by this medium read thus; in a suit number BA/294/2021 filled by Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Sheriff , the Plaintiff/Applicant against the Defendants/Respondents who are the All Progressive Congress (APC), The Chairman Bauchi State Chapter Of APC Screening And Selection Committee, , Maimala Buni (Acting APC National Chairman), Hon.Min.Alhajiadam U Adamu, (Chairman, Bauchi State APC Extended Stakeholders Committee), Rt.Hon.(Barr.) Yakubu Dogara, (Member, Bauchi State APC Extended Stakeholders Committee), Bauchi APC, Chairman, Babayo Aliyu Misau, and all the Bauchi APC State Executives elected during the last Congress.

Read Also: Bauchi APC Rejects Adamu Imposed Candidate, Opt for Zonal Election

The Presiding Judge, Justice Kunaza Hamidu after listening to H. B Ghide ESQ with Zainab Zwall ESQ who moved in terms of the motion paper ordered that; “THAT an order of Interim injunction is made retraining the 6th-42nd Defendants/Respondent from parading themselves in whatsoever manners or means and/or acting in whatever capacities or names called as the Bauchi1 State Executive Officers of the 1st Defendant pending the hearing of the substantive suit already filed before this Honourable Court.”

“THAT an order Is made restraining the 1st -5th Defendants/respondents in the Interim, whether by themselves agents, privies, cohorts and representatives In whatever capacity from administering oath of office and/or according the 6th-42nd Defendants/Respondents recognition as the Bauchi State 1st Defendant’s Executive Officers pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed before this Honourable Court between the parties.”
The Matter is adjourned to 13th December 2021 for hearing.

It would be recalled that Bauchi State All Progressives Congress, state congress has snowballed into crisis has brought about the emergence of two factions, during the just-concluded State Congress. One of the factions led by Basayo Aliyu Misau is believed to backed by the Education Minister, Malam Adamu Adamu while the second faction led by Sunusi Aliyu Kunde is backed by Hon. Yusfu Maitama Tuggar, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany.

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APC: Party To Hold Convention In February

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has announced that its national convention will take place in February 2022.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, and governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The APC Governors forum chairman was in the company of the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman and governor of Yobe State, Mai Malla Buni and the governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.

This is coming after disagreement ensued at the Progressives Governor’s Forum meeting held yesterday night.

The forum was unable to agree on some issues and came out from the meeting saying only President Buhari could sort out sticky areas that emerged during the meeting.

It was gathered that the President said February was sacrosanct due to preparation for election of candidate for primary.

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2023 Presidency: Plans To Pair Malami With Jonathan Thickens

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters
.As APC Plans To Zone Ticket To South South Geopolitical Zone

2023 may seem far for some people, but to President Muhamadu Buhari’s political allies, popularly known as the “Villa Cabal”, now is better than never. 

This is because all efforts are currently geared towards pairing the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami as running mate to former President Goodluck Jonathan, LeadingReporters has learnt.

A source who is in the know confided in LeadingReporters that Malami is the preferred running mate to President Goodluck Jonathan, whom this platform learnt is being lobbied by the cabal to contest as President under the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC ticket come 2023.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan is being lobbied to contest under APC.  The “Cabal” has vowed to make it happen and to fund his campaign.  I guess the only thing they are perfecting now is how to convince Nigerians that the man they had previously labeled “most corrupt” and “evil” is now a saint to succeed Buhari”.

Malami, it was learnt had eyes for Kebbi State gubernatorial position before this new development.  A project the cabal is viewing to be near-impossible because Malami lacks the grassroots clout and may not have the support of the powerbrokers from Kebbi State.  Another factor that is believed to be going to militate against his governorship ambition borders on the influence of some political figures such as Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah Ali and Senator Adamu Aliero who are believed to have strong political structure and influence on the electorates and key political decisions makers in Kebbi State, the home State of Malami.

The source hinted that by the “cabal” calculation, someone trusted is needed to protect their interest in the next political dispensation.  They feared that losing grip of power in the next presidency may spell doom for them and their business interests as they may be subjected to untamed investigations by the new government in power. They believe Jonathan may not tilt towards investigating his predecessor, and in the event that happens, Abubakar Malami may be the anchor the “cabal” needs to hinge their political structures and economic achievements.

Towards achieving that, it was learnt that Malami, on the instruction of the cabal had to source for a loyal, dependable and trusted person to head the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC.  By their calculation, a close ally would help nail every perceived opponent come, 2023.  In addition to that, the EFCC henchmen would help weed off every allegations that may be used against their interest come 2023.  The current EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, fell within the description of the preferred candidate.  Mr. Bawa hails from Kebbi State as the Attorney General for the Federation.

It was reported that part of the plan is to use the anti-corruption agency to go after former President Goodluck Jonathan and his allies in the event he turns down the offer to run for Presidency with Malami as his running mate.

“Coercion is plan B”

How did Abubakar Malami become so powerful as to be ‘favoured’ with Nigeria’s Vice Presidency come 2023 by the “cabal”, people may ask?  Malami was Bullet Nigeria Limited company’s attorney.  Bullet Nigeria Limited was owned by one of the strongest ally for President Muhammadu Buhari, the late Ismaila Isa Fantua. It was leant that Mr. Fantua had so much trust in Abubakar Malami that he single-handedly ‘marketed’ him to the “cabal” and President Buhari as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.  Since then, Malami has been wielding the scepter of ‘justice’ on behalf of his benefactor and other members of the inner caucus in the Presidency.

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