The All Progressives Congress National Leader,and Presidential aspirant,Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, cancelled his 13th Birthday Colloquium to honour the victims of Kaduna train attack.

He made the announcement at Eko Hotels in Lagos, the venue of the 13th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, ‘Pivoting Nigeria Into The New Order’.

According to him, the attack was a “national tragedy” and over 60 persons lost their lives to the terror.

He said, “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of mine living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age…

“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed, that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night. That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.

“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.

“This event should not be holding. I have consulted with the people you see around me here and they’ve agreed with me and being a very highly committed democrat, I have given myself to their suggestion that they agreed that this event be cancelled.”

The APC leader, alongside hundreds of others at the event, observed one-minute silence for the lives lost in the spirit of “national tragedy and concern”.

Tinubu urged the two clergies at the event to pray for the soul of the departed and for relief for their bereaved family members.

Terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday night with hundreds of passengers on board.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-30

President Muhammadu Buhari,who is currently on medical leave,in the United Kingdom,has intervened in the uncertainties currently rocking the All progressives Congress, APC.

In a letter personally signed by him, addressed to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, President Buhari said the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party has the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The letter which was also copied to the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), the Acting Chairman of the CECC, Governor Sani Bello, the Director General of the DSS as well as the Inspector General of Police, the President said that since the party could not change the leadership of the CECC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party,” he has therefore directed as follows:

- “The issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC) should immediately return to status quo ante;

- “All members of the Governors Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention;

- “The Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly on 26th March, 2022.”.This new development,came just after Mai Mala Buni,visited President Buhari,in London,on Wednesday.According to his aide, “Their Excellencies, Buhari and Buni held brief and fruitful discussions on measures to move APC forward preparatory to the March 26 National Connvention and the 2023 General Elections.

“Buni is expected back in Nigeria on Thursday, to resume office as Chairman APC CECC’.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-17

Presidential hopeful and  National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was in Ogun State on Saturday to meet with traditional rulers over his 2023 presidential ambition.The Jagaban visited the Awujale,Alake,Olu Ilaro and returned on Sunday for the Akarigbo.

Tinubu was a the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona to discuss his ambition with him and to seek his blessing.

The former Lagos State governor said he was at the palace to seek the support and blessings of the monarch towards his 2023 presidential ambition.

He was accompanied by Prof. Tunde Samuel, chief Kemi Nelson, former deputy governor Femi Pedro, James Odunbaku, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Anthony Afuye as well as a host of leaders and coordinators of various groups singing  ‘Tinubu for President in 2023’.Ijebu – Ode, the royal home of Awujale and headquarters of Ijebu – Ode Local Government Area.The were welcomed by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.

Later that afternoon,he moved to Egbaland. At the Alake’s palace, Abeokuta, Tinubu  said it was the people who  asked him to make himself available for the number one office in Nigeria come 2023, recalling that he had contested for a senatorial seat and governorship office in Lagos and won in all the instances.

“I contested the Senate at the youngest age ever, I won. I contested for the governorship, I won twice. Before that, I was part of the struggle for the return of democracy in Nigeria. We supported several persons for several positions, the Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, chairmen of councils, councillors and helped people in several political positions in the country.

“This time, it is the people that asked me to contest for the presidency of Nigeria. When they started, I was not there and they had moved to several places.

“I have told the President, Muhammadu Buhari, that I want to step into his shoes and not his toes. When I told him, he said I should tell the world. That is what I am doing now. I need your prayers for the project.

“I am here to seek the support of Kabiyesi and the people of Egbaland not only to be the candidate of the APC but to win the presidential election and govern the country.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State government, Mr Shuaibu Salisu, the Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the Alake palace was reputed for producing presidents of the country dating back to the colonial days.

Salisu said the governor would have graced the courtesy call on Alake, but for his travel abroad and had sent a state delegation, including commissioners and party leaders in the state.

He said: “This palace is a presidential palace. In the colonial days, a president of Nigeria sat here. In 2011, you were here, in 2015, you were here, in 2015, you were also here and you succeeded.

“Egba Nation, would play her role in Nigeria. This state serves as the Gateway to Nigeria. Nobody can enter Lagos, which is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria without entering Ogun State. This state therefore, is a Gateway to fulfilment of destiny.”

Responding to the request of Tinubu, Oba Gbadebo prayed God to grant his request. The monarch also prayed that it shall be well for Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

Tinubu thereafter left Abeokuta for Ilaro to visit the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of  Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle for similar consultation on his ambition.

On Sunday,the Jagaban returned to Ogun with a visit to the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland.visited the Akarigbo of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II.He was welcomed to the palace by a crowd of supporters.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-02-14

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Our Correspondent  gathered that Osinbajo had visited Ogun State for a high-level dialogue organised by the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa.

The dialogue tagged, ‘West Africa: Rising to the Challenge of Consolidating Democratic Governance,’ was planned to be held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday.

Osinbajo’s chopper landed within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at exactly 10:24am.

Osinbajo, who was accompanied by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and others, was later received by Obasanjo as they proceeded to the venue prepared for the meeting.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-28

After what appears to be a failed coup against the National Chairman,Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC of the All Progressives Congress APC,Gov. Mai Mala Buni,his allies on Tuesday,took over the Buhari House,National Secretariat.

The Secretary of the CECPC, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, on Tuesday, returned to the Wuse 2 headquarters of the APC amid tight security and jubilation among the party staff.We hear he returned in the company of Kogi State chairman of APC,along with some aides of Gov.Buni.If you recall,there were moves by some governors including Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to remove Akpanudoedehe and the Chairman of the caretaker committee, Governor Mai mala Buni of Yobe State.

The plan was to install Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, as the substantive caretaker chairman of the APC at a National Executive Committee meeting slated for March 17, 2020. However, the attempt was botched by a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission which affirmed Buni’s leadership.

INEC also stated that it would only recognise correspondences from Buni and Akpanudoedehe.

Having been reaffirmed by the secretary by INEC and the APC, Akpanudoedehe returned to the party secretariat on Blantyre Street on Tuesday morning and was escorted to his office by four AK-47 wielding policemen.

Many of the APC staff members were seen clapping and celebrating the return of the caretaker secretary.

The APC has been enmeshed in a crisis in the last two years which led to the removal of its erstwhile Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Although things simmered down for some months, the crisis sprang up again after the local government and state congresses were conducted, leading to the emergence of factions in at least 13 states.

Also, at least 208 court cases have thwarted peace moves while its national convention has been postponed four times since December 2020.

The party is now expected to hold its national convention on March 26, 2022. However, the party has yet to begin the sale of forms or reach a consensus on who should emerge as its national chairman.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-15

If what we are hearing is anything to go by,Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has concluded plans to announce his presidential ambition immediately after the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, slated for Saturday, February 26.

Sources close to Osinbajo’s strategy team hinted at the weekend that in spite of the ongoing campaigns against his currently rumoured bid for the presidency by some interests in the South-west, where he hails from, Osinbajo had made up his mind to give the presidency a shot.

Even more instructive, inside sources claimed, was the fact that Osinbajo had received the blessing and the charge to go ahead with his ambition from his spiritual father and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

The source said, “Take it to the bank, he will run and he is declaring soon after the APC convention. All is set, including premium consultations already done. The coast is clear and the journey is looking good. I believe prof is also motivated by the increasing level of support from across the country, especially, the youths of this country.

“From the north to the south, tell me where he has visited recently and the charge has not been that he should contest? He has capacity, competence and knows what the issues are. Importantly, he can also sell them – I mean the issues. So, why will he not run? Why should the bitterness and envy of some minions stifle him?”

Osinbajo, who sources said was unfazed by the growing allegation of betrayal and the push for him to stand down his ambition for his former principal and supposed benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who had since declared his intention to run, was said to have described the attacks against him as the real motivation to take his chances.

The source added, “In fact, none of such bothers him. But he has done one thing though, he has called his supporters and pleaded with them never to talk down on Tinubu or engage in a mud fight with his support groups, even in the face of obvious provocation.”

Although Osinbajo has refused to officially talk about his aspiration, despite the growing support for him to succeed Buhari, he is said to have been holding high level consultations with prominent Nigerians, many of whom have encouraged him to give the aspiration his best shot possible.

THISDAY gathered that Osinbajo’s motivation to run for the presidency in 2023 stemmed from the first time he acted as president, when Buhari was away on medical leave to London, during which he took far-reaching decisions in the national interest. It was further gathered that taking active charge during the period provided the vice president both the confidence and impetus to desire to succeed his current boss.

An APC member, who is favourably disposed to Osinbajo’s aspiration, stated, “It may be right to admit he stands a really good chance to succeed President Buhari after eight years as his deputy. He is an insider, who has had the opportunity of seeing things from high and serious vantage position, especially, having acted before on behalf of his boss.

“Although that may not be enough to get the presidency of Nigeria, because I believe and I know there are some politics directly connected to being the president of Nigeria. But, how well Osinbajo fits into that conversation is another debate altogether. From the list of those currently strutting the turf, he stands a really good chance, except the election is not his to lose.

“But, file this away, he is contesting and would declare after the APC convention. I am aware of that. There’s actually no stopping him. The supports have been sweeping and encouraging and for him, this opportunity might just be once and might never come his way again. Sincerely, he has nothing to lose throwing his hat in the ring. After all, he is already a frontline aspirant.”

Asked if it was true that Adeboye had given his blessing, the party chieftain, who would rather maintain anonymity, stated, “I am not privy to that, but it’s also a simple logic. Osinbajo is a pastor in Redeem and Baba Adeboye would never leave one of his own to support someone else. I also believe he must have hinted him. Honestly, the days ahead will be interesting.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-02-07

The ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) after so many hurdles finally held its  national convention,on Saturday, 26th Of March, 2022 in Abuja.

The convention was well attended by bigwigs of the party and didn’t end till late hours of the night when the election for new national executives was held.

There have been many opinions about the convention of the ruling party but most prominent of them all was the prophecy of Primate Elijah Ayodele which caught the attention of the ruling party, the opposition party and the citizens of Nigeria as a whole.

Primate Ayodele doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to prophecy, he is known for talking about virtually every sector of the society and politics is one of them. Long before the APC crisis began, the man of God had warned that the party would have issues before 2023. Even when Mai Mala Buni was appointed as the caretaker committee chairman, Primate Ayodele made it known that he foresees a gang-up against him, this came to pass few weeks ago when an attempt to forcefully remove him was carried out successfully but was overturned following the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari.

When APC proposed to hold a national convention last year, Primate Ayodele told the party that the convention would be postponed and it happened. Again they came up with the idea that it will be held at the beginning of the year, the man of God still said it won’t hold, it happened again. When another date which was March 26 was proposed, Primate Ayodele made another set of shocking revelations that will happen during the convention.

His first revelation on the convention dates back to 15th Of March, 2022 and he warned the party to be careful if not the convention will cause more crisis in the party. He spoke on the selection of the new national chairman, revealing that some ‘cabal’ will be responsible for it.

These were his words

‘’ The APC Must be careful in its forthcoming convention because it will break the party if they don’t put things in order. Buni will not see the mercy of some people and the governors must be careful because putting somethings together will still cause crisis in the party ‘’

‘’So many factors will determine the next APC National chairman, two major politicians will be in the contest and President Buhari’s decision will be directed by the cabals. The cabals will pick the next chairman of the APC and the presidential candidate.’’ (https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/03/15/primate-ayodele-releases-fresh-prophecies-on-apc-convention-pdp/)

In another prophecy which was released two days before the convention, Primate Ayodele made another revelation about the national convention of the ruling party which seemed impossible. This time around, he spoke on what will happen during the convention.

These were his words

‘’The cabal will scale through with their plans in the national convention, let the leaders watch against violence. The convention will come through in a surprising way, there will be a lot of game-changers in the convention and it will end some political characters in the APC.’’

‘’Some will be angry, some will angrily leave the convention ground due to the embarrassment they will witness.’’

‘’The fact still remains that the cabal will succeed in selecting the national chairman of the APC. The game plan will change at the centre. Some people who want to contest for the 2023 presidency within the party will be affected by the result of the convention. The convention will bring about issues in the party and some bigwigs will be fizzled out in the party as a result of this. (https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/03/23/apc-convention-will-end-in-a-surprising-manner-primate-ayodele/)

Taking a look at these prophecies, four major things were prominent and they include cabal’s success in choosing the next chairman, surprising end of the convention, anger/embarrassment, issues within the party.

Following the outcome of the national convention on Saturday, these four major things prophesied by the man of God conveniently came to pass.

On Cabal’s success in choosing the next chairman, it would be recalled that the APC governors kicked against a consensus candidate for the national chairman of the party. Abdullahi Adamu was proposed to be the consensus candidate as he had the backing of President Buhari. It is also worthy of being noted that President Buhari isn’t solely behind the choice of Adamu, it was a joint decision of some people who proposed him to the president. Of course, they were not the governors, they were certainly the inner caucus of the administration and could be referred to as ‘Cabals’. Their plans to install Adamu as the chairman of the party scaled through, fulfilling Primate Ayodele’s prophecy.

On the surprising end of the convention, delegates had stormed the venue of the convention so they could vote for their choices but surprisingly, there was a last minute change that resulted in consensus candidates for all the positions. Of course, delegates were astonished with the way the event turned out to be, fulfilling Primate Ayodele’s prophecy.

On embarrassment and anger in the convention, indeed these words are an understatement compared to what happened at the tail end of the convention yesterday. There was mild drama yesterday when some aspirants disagreed to step down for any consensus candidate, it even resulted into a fight on stage. The likes of Mrs Mary Okpe, Hon Nduka, Dada Oluwasegun, Adebayo Shittu, others openly declared their rejection of consensus candidates. Hon Nduka was quoted saying he will not step down for someone who just came into the party three months ago. Dada Oluwasegun who aspired to be the national youth leader cried on stage before walking out while he was forced to say he has stepped down from the race. These all fulfilled Primate Ayodele’s prophecy.

On creating issues within the party, to be factual, the issues the convention has created within the party will not go down any time soon. There are a lot of aggrieved people within the party already and except a divine intervention occurs, Primate Ayodele’s prophecy on the breakage of the party after the convention will come to pass.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-28

Otunba Abayomi Odunowo, a two-time governorship candidate in Lagos and Ogun State, and former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, is the National Chairman of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Group. He spoke to EJIKEME OMENAZU and OYENIRAN APATA on the presidential aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Excerpt: 

 Why are you backing Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition? 

Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is a man of great intellect and a human builder. I have watched his antecedents. He is a man of vision. At this point in the history of Nigeria, Asiwaju is the kind of man we need as President.

What do you think about Tinubu’s achievements in politics? 

I am a bit confused about where to start counting his achievements. He has achieved so much in politics. That is why I am supporting him. 

What do you see as Tinubu’s greatest achievements that qualify him as Nigeria’s president? 

There are so many achievements he has made in politics. The first was when as the governor of Lagos State, the then president seized allocations due to the state for three years because his administration created additional local council areas. But, the Federal Government believed that the state had no right to do that, even though they were not asking for additional funds for the local governments. Allocations due to the state were withheld. Nobody felt the impact of the seizure. The re-engineering he did within Lagos was astronomical. That was one of his strong points that qualify him to become Nigeria’s president in 2023. In the history of Nigeria, no state government employs other tribes as commissioners. Asiwaju is a detribalised man. He does not care where you come from as long as you can deliver. 

Tinubu is believed to have been unduly dominating Lagos State politics. What is your view on this? 

They are unaware of what it takes for a system that works. I was one of the people that his approach affected when I was running for the governorship in 2011. I have come to realise that the way he manages the system was the best for our democracy. People can say whatever they like. Which state that is closer to Lagos in terms of infrastructure, human capacity, health, education and security? You can’t fault him. 

Why do you think that Tinubu is the president Nigerians need at this time? 

Nigeria has never been so separated. There are too many situations everywhere. The economy is in abysmal state. The people are beginning to fear each other. Nigeria needs a detribalised person at this time that will bring everybody together. Secondly, I believe Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu deserves the first option of refusal for what he has done for APC and for being able to support the first and second terms of the current president. He deserved to be considered. 

Don’t you see Tinubu’s age and health as an impediment? 

Age has nothing to do with performance. The brain does the work. I see Asiwaju as a man that has succession plan. He is intelligent. He is not a man or person that puts everything on his head. He gets the people to do the job. Age is an asset to him. In terms of health challenges, there are a lot of rumours and lies about his state of health. It is only a medical expert or himself that can come openly to say his health status. We have seen frail people survive rigours of governance. We have seen people in offices give up during their tenure. If anyone had told me the current president would be this strong the way he started some years ago, I would be in doubt. We are not God. It is only God that determines health and life. Asiwaju knows the challenges and rigour involved in the governance. He understands that health is wealth. If he believes his health can withstand the rigours, the ball is in his court. 

Don’t you think that in terms of experience, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo could be a better option than Asiwaju? Don’t you think their aspirations will divide South West and the APC? 

I think Asiwaju has more experience than the vice president in terms of managing people, putting resources together, and being able to manage one of the largest states in Nigeria. The vice president is supposed to be the leader of the Economic Team of the current administration. We have all seen how it is. I do not honestly feel under the current circumstance that the vice president stands a better chance than Asiwaju in as much as he is the vice president under the current dispensation.

Talking about APC, news has it that there are cracks here and there in the party… 

(Cuts in) In any political group, there is bound to be a crack. It is about interests. I don’t think the VP is any cause for alarm concerning fears in the Southwest. Yes, in any political dispensation, you will have people as supporters and others that are not your supporters. As far South-west is concerned, it is the only part of the country where the competition is. It is not like other parts of the country where you can come and tell people the direction to go. It doesn’t work like that in the Southwest. The vice president has about 180 support groups that are being funded. Asiwaju has about 350 support groups that are not being funded. There is a difference. 

The state governors seem to have a grip of APC to the detriment of the party chieftains. Thus, people do not see the party coming out of the national convention in one piece. What is your take on this? 

APC is a family. There is bound to be a misunderstanding. It is only the opposition that is proposing implosion. There will not be an implosion. Everybody knows that it is a matter of interest. Two children in a family fight. Does that mean they will stop being family members? People will be upset. The Interim Extraordinary Committee has done so well by bringing the disagreeing members together, though they are yet to achieve 100 percent. It is only about two or three states that are outstanding. That is a pass mark. In politics, you cannot achieve 100 percent. 

How do you see the Lagod4Lagos vision? Did you see PDP defeating APC in the state? 

Let us look at the issue of Lagos4Lagos. Who is a Lagosian? Lagos is a city made up of the returned slaves from Spain. They have a very small population in Lagos Island. They are the Aworis, Ijebus, the Egbas, the Binis of which the Oba of Lagos took his origin. The people shouting Lagos4Lagos are just doing so for relevance. They cannot even take a ward of local government. They are jokers. When you talk about parties winning elections, Lagos is not just a state where PDP can even win anything substantial. They had had a bit of opportunity when they had the federal might. But, their biggest problem is Chief Bode George. As long as Bode George is their arrowhead, he will still compromise. He is my uncle, but that is the truth. PDP will continue to struggle. They should focus on other states, not Lagos. They have chances in Kogi and other places. PDP had 16 years of governance. They enjoyed using government money to fund everything. Now, they can’t use their money. Politics is all about funding. So, when you say governors want their position, they will always do that because the greatest funding of the party is done by the governors. The National Assembly members are not very relevant in the states. All the games they played trying to wrestle power from the governors failed. The governor funds the state. You can’t go to Abuja for nine months and say you want to control having been away for so long. Politics is local. It does not go that way. That is why Prof Yemi Osinbajo, as vice-presidential candidate, could not win his polling unit in 2015. What are we talking about? Check it out. If you have electoral value and people around you love you and you play the game, you will deliver your polling unit. I am not saying you should win the world, but resorting to newspaper branding is for people to make money. 

Do you see Tinubu as a candidate that will enjoy national appeal? 

Since we have been having presidential elections in Nigeria, by the time Asiwaju finishes as Nigeria’s president, we will have an unprecedented volume of votes across Nigeria with a minimum of 35 million. Mark my words. What does that tell you? I have gone round. I am an objective and grassroots person and politician. Our research team has conducted independent research. People talked to the grassroots people generally. It is not about carrying placards. When you process the results, you will be amazed. Asiwaju is a blessed man. He must have planned to do this long before now. I have done presidential support for other candidates. When the entire Southwest was against Obasanjo, I went round and the result then and what I am getting now is unimaginable. Go to Maiduguri, Bayelsa. It is amazing. We did not even focus on the Southwest because the southwest is in the barn. We might not get a lot of results from the Southwest because it is very competitive. The South-south and the South East are decided, still in their direction. Yet, we will get a bit, not a lot. We have four others that will cater for that because the electoral votes are clear. The South-east has five to six percent, South-south 11 to 12 percent. That gives you about 17 percent. West is 23 percent, North-east 21, North Central 19 and North-west 37. Politics is about numbers. Where are the numbers? There is no point in expending energy where you may not get the numbers. Some people understand, while others don’t.

Although the late MKO Abiola broke the barrier of religion, do you see Nigeria transiting from one Muslim president to another? 

Where is Abiola from? If Abiola could break the barrier, he must have done something right. People resort to religion when they want to destabilise the polity. Religion is not important to the average person. When they want to be political, they drum up religious sentiments. In the South-west, can you separate a Muslim from a Christian? You can’t. But, in the northern part, because they have been so much oppressed, they are controlled by religion. Why do you want to change what they already know and believe in? For me, being Christian or Muslim does not make you a better person. It is your personality and what you want to deliver that people reckon with. Whatever is required to get the votes, religion is not one. 

How do you see the problems of the party holding its national convention? 

The convention may not hold as scheduled. The issue is simple. What is the reason for wanting this and the other? Why don’t you just combine it? In terms of expenditure and risks, allow the thing to happen once.

Do you foresee the national convention and the presidential convention holding at the same time? 

Yes, that is what has been happening. All the games they have been playing, they will meet brick walls. While we are doing our homework, let them be scrambling around.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-13

Factions of the All Progressives Congress in several states that are loyal to some ministers and senators are set to lose out as the APC has perfected plans to inaugurate state chairmen loyal to the governors at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday (today).

Some of the losers include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Others who lost out include former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Senator Kabiru Marafa and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari’.

Several state chapters had been divided into factions due to the controversial congresses conducted late last year. However, the national leadership of the party is now set to inaugurate chairmen who are loyal to the governors except in Kano State.

Reports has it that the chairmen from at least 30 states had already arrived in Abuja ahead of their inauguration.

Punch correspondents who visited the party headquarters on Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, reported heavy police presence around the secretariat. The arrangement, it was learnt, was put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order especially if aggrieved elements stage protests.

Some of the states witnessing crises include Osun, Ogun, Kwara, Kebbi, Kano, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bauchi and Zamfara. In some of these states, factions have gone to court, seeking to be recognised as the authentic one.

However, Wednesday began on a dramatic note as Aregbesola, who had been engaged in a feud with his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, lost out. A Federal High Court in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, refused to recognise Aregbesola’s faction as the authentic one.

Justice Emmanuel Ayoola dismissed an application brought before it by Aregbesola’s loyalists, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The Judge ruled that the plaintiffs’ application was not covered by the law and could not be adjudicated by any competent court of law. Ayoola said the suit brought before the court was strictly party affairs, and the court lacked jurisdiction on the matter.

When contacted, the chairman of Aregbesola’s faction in Osun APC, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, said it was not clear yet who would be inaugurated by the national leadership as Osun state APC chairman.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Salinsile simply said, “As it is not clear to you, it is not clear to us who will be inaugurated. But let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

But when contacted, the Special Adviser to the Osun governor on Political Affairs, Sunday Akere, said there was no contention about the post of chairman of APC in the state, adding that the Prince Gboyega Famoodun would be inaugurated by the national leadership of APC.

“No contention about who is the chairman of APC in the state. Prince Gboyega Famoodun will be inaugurated by the national leadership of the party,” Akere said.

I have been invited for inauguration, I am in Abuja – Governor Abdulrazaq’s faction factional chair

In Kwara State, the faction loyal to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, was invited for the inauguration.

Prince Sunday Fagbemi, who heads the governor’s faction, said he had been invited for Thursday (today’s) inauguration of party chairmen by the national caretaker committee of the party.

Fagbemi told The PUNCH in a telephone conversation on Wednesday that he was already in Abuja ahead of the inauguration and that the state chapter of APC was fully invited for the inauguration ceremony. “I’m already in Abuja for the swearing in of the APC chairmen that will hold on Thursday”

I am not aware of inauguration – Chairman, Lai Mohammed’s faction

However, the faction loyal to Lai Mohammed said that it was not aware of the inauguration.

Chief Sunday Oyebiyi, the Deputy Chairman elected by the faction at the APC Congress said, “We don’t know whether anything is being done by the national caretaker committee of APC in Abuja. We were not informed and we were not invited.”

Abiodun’s loyalist to be inaugurated

In Ogun State where Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator Amosun, control two separate factions, the APC headquarters seems to have recognised Abiodun’s loyalist, Chief Yemi Sanusi.

When Sanusi was asked if he was confident of being inaugurated as the chairman of the party in the state, Sanusi just said “you cannot talk to me now. I just landed in Abuja, till tomorrow.”

Several attempts to speak to the faction loyal to a former governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, also failed. The factional chairman, Derin Adebiyi, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Marafa faction kicks as APC recognises Matawalle faction

In Zamfara State where three factions are currently operating, The PUNCH learnt that the APC would inaugurate the faction loyal to Governor Bello Matawalle.

While the faction led by Senator Kabiru Marafa kicked against the development, former Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari’s faction did not respond to calls.

The Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary of the governor’s faction, Yusuf Idris, told The PUNCH that they were the only faction invited by the national headquarters of the party for the inauguration.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-02-03

There was alot of intrigues,last night at the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the party had reached a consensus on 77 of 78 positions.

According to a ‘Unity List’ obtained by our Correspondent, Senator Abdullahi Adamu was endorsed by stakeholders, especially state governors, for the position of National Chairman while Senator Iyiola Omisore was endorsed as National Secretary.

Others were Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno state) who was endorsed as Deputy National Chairman, North; Chief Emma Eneukwu (Enugu State) as Deputy National Chairman, South, and Barr. Festus Fuanter (Plateau) as Deputy National Secretary.

For the National Vice Chairmen, those endorsed were Muazu Rijau (Niger) for North Central; Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa) for North East; Salihu Moh. Lukman (Kaduna), North West; Dr Ijeoma Arodiogwu (Imo), South-East; Chief Victor Giadom, Rivers, South-South; and David Isaac Kekemeke, Ondo, South West.

Also in the list are Ahmed El-Marzuk from Katsina as National Legal Adviser; Uguru Ofoke from Ebonyi as National Treasurer; Bashir Gimel from Jigawa as National Financial Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu from Kebbi as National Organizing Secretary, and FN Nwosu from Abia as National Welfare Secretary.

Felix Morka from Delta was endorsed as National Publicity Secretary; Senator Abubakar Maikafi from Bauchi as National Auditor; Dr Beta Edu from Cross River as National Women Leader; and Dayo Israel from Lagos State as National Youth Leader among others.

The Convention was characterised by high wire politics as Senator Ken Nnamani, who was touted to emerge as Deputy National Chairman, South, suddenly dropped out of the ‘Unity List’.

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, who was running for the Deputy National Chairman (North), also pulled out of the race.

Meanwhile, the Convention ratified the APC Constitution 2022 as amended as well as all actions of the now defunct Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC.

Security operatives jam mobile networks

The Convention was, however, nearly marred by the alleged decision of security operatives to jam mobile telephone networks within the venue as journalists and observers found it difficult to relay the event using new media tools.

Security scare

Scores of delegates and journalists were wounded following a security scare adjacent to the Anambra pavilion.

The scare, which led to a stampede, occurred at about 6:40 pm when an explosive sound was heard in a car parked within the premises.

Among those wounded were delegates and journalists.

As a precautionary measure, security operatives were later seen “sweeping” the pavilions of used cans.

The cause of the minor explosion could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Umahi, Rochas, Adamu in subtle presidential campaigns

Some presidential aspirants of the APC turned the Eagle Square venue of the National Convention of the party in Abuja into a campaign ground.

Chairman of the Convention Sub-committee on Venue and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, who went around the square apparently in continuation of inspection of the venue, however, used the opportunity to meet with delegates from several states.

Following in his trail was a former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who also went round the pavilions, “greeting” delegates from across the states.

Then came the youthful Adamu Garba who also went around the pavilions and engaged mostly with the younger delegates, to who he gave his campaign handbills.

Six Aspirants step down for Adamu

Six national chairmanship aspirants of the party earlier, yesterday, stepped down for President Muhammadu Buhari’s preferred candidate for the position, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Adamu had been endorsed by Buhari after a series of meetings with governors of the ruling party in the lead up to the National Convention.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman, APC Election Sub-Committee and signed by one of the aspirants, Senator George Akume.

The letter reads: “May I kindly refer to the appeal by Mr. President for the Chairmanship aspirants of our great party to agree to a consensus arrangement wherein our colleague H.E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu is made our consensus candidate for the chairmanship position and forward letters of withdrawal from the under listed aspirants to wit: H.E. Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, H.E. Sen. George Akume, H.E. Abdulaziz Yari, Sen. Sani Musa Muhammed, Com. Etsu Muhammed and Turaki Saliu Mustapha”.

Dogara steps down

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, had stepped down from the race for the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the party.

This was disclosed in a letter he sent to the Chairman, APC National Convention Election Sub-committee.

7,584 delegates

No fewer than 7, 584 delegates were scheduled to take part in voting at the Convention.

The party disclosed this in a tweet.

“7,584 delegates decide our NWC today”, the party had tweeted.

How ‘Unity List’ emerged

Governors of the party had been holding a series of meetings to arrive at a consensus arrangement and, as of Friday, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State had hinted at the existence of a ‘Unity List’.

Aside from Buhari, who endorsed Adamu for the chairmanship, some stakeholders were said to have prevailed on a former Senate President, Nnamani, to quietly withdraw from the race for Eneukwu, a former National Vice Chairman, South-East of the party.

Governors and other stakeholders in each of the zones had been mandated by the party to work on a consensus arrangement in their zones.

On his part, the immediate past National Chairman of the CECPC of the party, Buni, recalled that, upon assumption of office, the committee embarked on a genuine and all-inclusive reconciliation process to give everyone a true sense of belonging, confidence, and reassurance in the collective ownership of the party.

“We, first of all, visited some critical stakeholders to engage them in resolving the disputes and other hanging disagreements in the party. While some of these visits were made public, others were done out of the public glare and without media publicity. Similarly, we visited some aggrieved chieftains who sincerely shared their ill feelings with the committee. We spoke to each other frankly, placing party interests above personal interests”, he said.

“I am glad to state with all sense of fulfilment that the membership registration and revalidation exercise, recorded over 41 million members who registered with the details of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and passport size photographs.

This unprecedented increase in membership from the previous 11 million registered members to over 41 million registered members, provides the party with an added advantage of winning elections in Nigeria with landslide victories.

“Mr President, distinguished members, ladies and gentlemen, APC under the Caretaker Committee, made history with an unparalleled record of high-powered defections into the party. Three serving governors of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi, Cross River State, His Excellency Dr Ben Ayade, and Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Mutawalle, defected along with Millions of their supporters from PDP into the APC.

“I am glad to add that the fortunes of the party were further enriched with the defection of former Speakers of the House of Representatives, former PDP national chairman, member PDP Board of Trustees, several Distinguished Senators and Honourable members of the House of Representatives and state assemblies, and several other heavyweights cutting across all the geo-political zones of the country.

“As we elect the new national officials, l call on every member of the party to please support and cooperate with the leaders from ward to the national levels. We should please bury our differences and collectively work for the interest and success of our party.

This is very necessary for us to approach the 2023 General election with a united front.

We can only achieve much in unity, just like the broom which is our party symbol. Our support to the new leadership would no doubt promote internal democracy and the emergence of popular, credible, and generally acceptable candidates to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 election for the party to succeed”.

Vanguard News Nigeria

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-27

The convener of the Moghalu4Nigeria movement, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu,days back, announced a collaboration between the movement, Dr Ope Banwo's Naija Lives Matter Organization, and the American Internet Business School, to provide a series of digital skills & self-employment empowerment bootcamps.

Prof. Moghalu, who is a 2023 Presidential Aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the bootcamp is targeted at Nigerian youth interested in learning how to legitimately monetize the internet for self-employment, using simple skills they can learn and deploy for profit in a matter of days.

In an unprecedented community service initiative that further sets him apart as a new kind of politician in Nigeria, Prof. Moghalu unveiled a program for the benefit of the youth and unemployed that is markedly different from the usual “fish-to-eat” practice of old school politicians handing out food and money whenever it is close to elections.

According to Ochi Ogbuaku Jnr, a senior official of Moghalu4Nigeria movement, this Moghalu “Fish-For-Life” initiative will provide training, and digital self-employment opportunities to a million youth over the next 12 months, through live online workshops, recorded trainings, and ongoing mentorship by seasoned trainers from the American Internet Business School, coordinated by Naija Lives Matter organization. “This initiative is part of a big picture vision we have been working on for some time, and we are excited to be finally kicking it off.

The first batch of training will commence on Tuesday March 15th - 18th and every month thereafter for the next 12 months and hopefully beyond. This free, 5 Day bootcamp will provide practical, and immediately marketable skills, to attendees in the areas of freelancing, affiliate marketing, info marketing and e-commerce. The program will be declared open by our convener, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.”

Dr. Ope Banwo, Founder of Naija Lives Matter and American Internet Business School, the co-organizers of the initiative, said: “As someone who has benefitted immensely from taking advantage of the amazing business opportunities in the digital marketplace for years, I know for a fact that acquiring digital business skills is one of the fastest routes out of the cycle of unemployment in most developing countries, regardless of level of education, technical skills, or economic conditions. The Fish-For-life initiative is all about training and certifying people interested in getting trained and certified for highly-in-demand digital business skills across the world.”

The Fish-For-life initiative will empower up to 1 million youth with basic digital self-employment skills they can learn and deploy in literally a matter of days with zero investment. Any Nigerian interested in learning digital skills for self-employment can apply now, 100% FREE, at www.moghalu.org/fishforlife.

According to the program’s website, the attendees can look forward to:
• Free 5-Day practical training in highly in-demand Digital Businesses and job skills that anyone can learn, and deploy in a matter of days, with no prior tech skills, including freelancing, affiliate Marketing, Mobile App creation, Info Marketing, and eCommerce.

• Onboarding of attendees to several digital job placement websites to increase their chances of getting job orders from businesses and individuals abroad.

• Weekly online follow-up coaching and mentoring via weekly webinars and Q&A sessions on the special Facebook group at: www.facebookgroups.com/moghalufishforlife

• All practical training sessions are provided online – live sessions, recorded training, weekly webinars, and live online Q&A in the group.

• Attendance certificates to be issued by the American Internet Business School and Moghalu4Nigeria movement.
 
For registration and more details about the Moghalu4Nigeria Fish-For-life Digital Skills Empowerment Bootcamp please go to: www.moghalu.org/fishforlife. The first class starts on Tuesday, March 15th – 18th, 2022.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-03-09

It is no more news that Presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has jetted out to London, United Kingdom, a development that has elicited contrary views from within and outside, as to the real reason(s) the political juggernaut went abroad.

With this development, the social media have been awash with varied reports of Tinubu’s travel to London, with some saying he has gone to rest, while others are insinuating that he went to visit his family. Some are even thinking that Tinubu might be sick after all, and has gone for medical treatment abroad. But his spokesman, Tunde Rahman, has doused the tension, saying the Asiwaju travelled abroad for consultations over his presidential interest. Rahman tweeted: “He, Asíwájú Tinubu is engaged in meetings and consultations over his presidential interest. Some of these consultations are holding abroad; so, he is in the UK at present, this is why!” He said the former governor of Lagos State is expected back into the country next week.

Before he left for the UK, Tinubu visited Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip of the Senate, at his residence in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT,) where they had a closed-door meeting, the details of which were not made known to the public, but the meeting couldn’t have been far from the APC’s chieftain’s presidential ambition. The former Lagos State governor, also visited Oyo state over the deaths of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, the Soun of Ogbomoso; Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Adebayo Alao-Akala, a former governor of Oyo State. He also met with Seyi Makinde, the state governor, in Ibadan, the capital city. On January 20, he also paid a visit to Minna, Niger state capital, to consult with General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, (IBB), former military president and head of state, and to particularly “receive his prayers.” Tinubu was, however, absent at the formal inauguration of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (ABAT,) movement’s working committees in Lagos on Thursday, a day before he traveled to London. Speaking during the event, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, described the APC chieftain as the most qualified successor to Buhari, and a marketable choice for the 2023 presidency. Earlier in the month, Tinubu had visited President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock, where he formally announced his intention to contest for the 2023 presidency. The former governor of Lagos described his bid to vie for the presidency in the next elections as a life-long ambition.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2022-01-29