The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: APC

  • Ogbuekwe Receives Ofo, Community Leaders’ Backing as Grassroots Support Grows Ahead of Sept 26 LG Polls

    Ogbuekwe Receives Ofo, Community Leaders’ Backing as Grassroots Support Grows Ahead of Sept 26 LG Polls

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has received the traditional Ofo of Nkanu East and secured the backing of Presidents-General of various autonomous communities as grassroots consultations intensify ahead of the council election.

    The traditional rulers of Nkanu East presented the revered Ofo to Ogbuekwe as a symbol of confidence, goodwill, prayers and the responsibility associated with public leadership.

    Receiving the Ofo, Ogbuekwe expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, describing the gesture as both an honour and a solemn reminder of the responsibility he would bear if elected.

    He pledged to lead with integrity, humility and accountability, while respecting the traditional institutions, cultural values and collective interests of the people of Nkanu East.

    Ogbuekwe also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development agenda of Governor Peter Mbah, saying the local government should complement the state government’s efforts rather than operate in isolation.

    He said that, if elected, his administration would work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to translate the state’s development programmes into tangible benefits at the grassroots.

    The APC candidate’s engagement with community leaders also continued at the ALGON Office, where Presidents-General of various autonomous communities met with him to discuss the challenges and development needs of their communities.

    The community leaders expressed support for Ogbuekwe’s aspiration and pledged to work with him towards advancing the interests of the local government.

    Speaking during the engagement, Ogbuekwe said effective grassroots leadership must be built around listening to the people, maintaining open communication and working with communities to solve their problems.

    He urged community leaders to approach him directly whenever they have concerns, stressing that there should be no barriers between elected leaders and the people they represent.

    He thanked the Presidents-General for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a close working relationship with traditional institutions and community leadership structures across Nkanu East.

    The engagements come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2026 local government election, with Ogbuekwe increasingly positioning his campaign around grassroots participation, responsible leadership, accountability and development.

    The candidate described the presentation of the Ofo and the engagement with community leaders as a charge to serve, pledging to remain accessible and committed to the collective interest of the people.

    The developments add to a series of grassroots engagements by Ogbuekwe as he seeks the mandate to lead Nkanu East, with his campaign stressing partnership, continuity, inclusion and translating government policies into meaningful impact at the local level.

  • Wike: EFCC Probe Doesn’t Bar Anyone From Campaigning

    Wike: EFCC Probe Doesn’t Bar Anyone From Campaigning

    …APC campaign council spokesperson Kemi Asekun-Shittu says it is unjust to stall Edu’s life or career while the investigation is ongoing

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the inclusion of individuals under Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation within political campaign teams, asserting that a security probe does not legally stop anyone from canvassing for votes.

    Speaking during a live media parley aired on Channels Television, the former Rivers State Governor criticized what he described as a double standard from the press and public regarding the scrutiny applied to political campaigns. He pointed out the irony that an individual under investigation but not yet charged in court is often heavily scrutinized for campaigning, while others with active cases are permitted to run for the highest offices.

    “You (media) were asking the moral justification of putting someone who has an EFCC case to be in a campaign council. And I was just watching the lady. The lady doesn’t even know what to say,” Wike observed. “Now, somebody cannot be in a campaign to canvass for votes for a particular person, but somebody who has an EFCC case can contest an election and win an election?”

    Wike further noted that Nigerian political history is filled with instances where individuals facing severe criminal allegations successfully ran for office. “This person had an EFCC case in court, charged to court. He contested an election and became a Governor,” Wike said, choosing not to mention specific names.

    Expanding his argument to show the limits of political advocacy, Wike stated that even incarcerated individuals possess the ability to influence voters. “Listen. Even a prisoner… maybe they have somebody in prison. I go and visit the person. The person can tell me, ‘My brother, I want you to support so-and-so candidate.’ A prisoner has canvassed for vote.”

    He also referenced an unnamed individual previously accused of participating in a coup plot who still engaged in political campaigning. “I was watching, when Channels, when Sunrise, who came up to say, ‘Ah, how can somebody who’s being looked for as a coup plotter is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so government?’ Somebody EFCC is looking for is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so person. But… a party, or a candidate cannot, simply because EFCC is investigating the person, cannot be a member of the campaign council to campaign for votes.”

    Wike’s comments come on the heels of intense public controversy surrounding the inclusion of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential re-election campaign structure. Edu was named the Director of Women Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

    Edu was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following sweeping allegations of financial impropriety and was subsequently questioned by the EFCC. To date, she has not been publicly or legally declared guilty of any crime.

    Defending the decision on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, APC campaign council spokesperson Kemi Asekun-Shittu argued that it is unjust to stall Edu’s life or career while the investigation remains pending.

    “I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it will be unfair to ask that she leaves her life or refuses to live her life until the EFCC declares her. We believe that there is very likely the issue that she may not be found guilty,” Asekun-Shittu stated. “But besides that, we also know that with politics, every Nigerian is allowed to be a politician if they choose to. And we do not believe that we should then hold her life still or keep her stagnant until the case is decided. It’s been almost two years of that case. She does deserve an opportunity to present herself again for the party.”

    Asekun-Shittu concluded by emphasizing that campaign committee selections are strictly internal party affairs, meaning the APC retains the right to choose its workers. However, she noted that the current directory is not final and remains subject to future reviews.

  • Enugu APC Registration Exercise: Acceptance or Political Optics?

    Enugu APC Registration Exercise: Acceptance or Political Optics?

    By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, Ph.D.

    When Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2025, it was received with open arms and admiration by many across the country who were already in APC. The national leadership, through their body language, showed full joy as they had made a significant move into the South-East den of the PDP by capturing one of the best leaders in the region. Many saw this as a political coup, a rare opportunity to win over a critical part of the South-East, long considered a stronghold of the PDP.

    It was not long before the party started its membership registration and revalidation exercise, which many thought would be a smooth process. The national leadership of APC planned for the exercise to start on December 1 and end by January 30, but Enugu began its own exercise on January 9.

    During the flag-off ceremony of the exercise, which was held at Owo, the political ward of the governor, he stated that the party was targeting about 2 million members within the next three weeks. This target represented over 90 percent of the entire registered voters’ population in Enugu State, according to INEC’s 2023 data of 2,112,793. The number seemed ambitious but possible if the exercise was conducted with proper planning and engagement with local communities.

    Immediately after the start of the exercise, which required the National Identity Number as well as the Voter Identification Number of each member, registrants began experiencing difficulties. What was expected to be smooth and simple started giving grassroots party leaders concern. Udi Local Government was initially at the top in registration numbers, but over time, other local governments began catching up. Leaders across Enugu worked hard to engage people, mobilizing resources to assist with the registration exercise. They used funds for radio announcements, public campaigns, and outreach programs to ensure people understood the process.

    Some council chairmen were accused of forcing civil servants to join APC, while others were reported to be using fake empowerment programs to manipulate locals into registering. These accusations created tension in some areas, with members of the public questioning the integrity of the exercise. Despite these challenges, the effort to mobilize support continued.

    What became clear was that Enugu did not initially like or accept APC. Even on radio programs, people accused Governor Mbah of backsliding from being the best-performing governor to one of the worst since joining APC. Those who voiced such opinions often admitted it was just rhetoric, yet the perception influenced many. To some, anything about APC seemed negative, while PDP remained the only party people could trust.

    Questions arose across the state about the low turnout. The exercise did not involve complex requirements, yet many people did not participate. Governor Mbah’s local government, despite being his home area, was among the lowest in registration until just a few days before the initial deadline. The National Working Committee of APC later extended the registration exercise until February 8 to give more people time to join.

    The reasons for low registration in Enugu were not far-fetched. Much of it was connected to those promoting APC. When APC started in 2013, it was demonized and labeled by PDP leaders as a party linked to Boko Haram. Former PDP leaders now advocating for APC had previously presented it as a northern Islamization agenda aimed at dominating the South and subjugating the Igbo people. In Enugu, they mocked Rochas Okorocha by calling him ‘Okoro Awusa’, a name meant to ridicule him. PDP leaders spent more resources demonizing APC than campaigning for their candidates and party.

    This campaign of misinformation influenced many in Enugu to ignore the good works of President Buhari in the state. Even when Buhari commissioned the world-class Postgraduate Centre of Excellence at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, in 2019, many dismissed it as part of an Islamic agenda. Such perceptions created distrust in APC and slowed the pace of membership registration.

    It became almost laughable that some political leaders who spent lots of resources to demarket APC are now accusing innocent council chairmen, who were either in school, learning a trade, or abroad then, of being lazy or not serious about the exercise. Others claimed the low performance of local leaders caused people not to join. These accusations ignored the real problem: the psychological and political barriers created by years of misinformation. This situation calls for a massive reorientation of the people to understand that APC’s policies and activities were not harmful but rather beneficial to the state, unlike as it was propagated.

    Former PDP leaders now supporting APC have a critical role to play. They need to unite and use the extended period to educate the locals. Grassroots support is essential, as without it, political victories will not be easy to achieve as anticipated. It is very important for all to know that more effort is needed in rebuilding trust and convincing people that the party could work for them; until all these are done, even reaching half the target of 2 million members would be a herculean task, because manipulation or coercion alone cannot solve the problem.

    What is happening in Enugu APC, Enugu State, teaches a clear lesson about politics in Nigeria, because people’s opinions are shaped not just by the actions of leaders but also by the narratives they are exposed to over time. In Enugu, years of PDP propaganda against APC created a climate of suspicion, and to overcome that, it requires strategic communication, patience, and consistent engagement.

  • Mbah’s Defection to APC Strategic for Enugu, South East – USA Igwesi

    Mbah’s Defection to APC Strategic for Enugu, South East – USA Igwesi

    Former House of Representatives member, USA Igwesi, has described Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a bold and strategic move for the people of Enugu State and the South East region.

    Speaking with journalists in Enugu, Igwesi said Mbah’s decision to move with the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure was “timely and visionary,” reconnecting the Coal City State to the nation’s political mainstream after years in opposition.

    “Governor Mbah is smart and strategic. He knows what and when to act. Everyone who followed events in the PDP knows he had had enough of the shenanigans in that party. The PDP is irredeemable, and its crises are self-inflicted. Enugu people are happy with his decision,” he stated.

    Igwesi, a former Majority Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said the governor’s alignment with the Federal Government would accelerate development across the state. “With Enugu and Abuja now under the same party, Mbah’s mission to reposition the state is fully assured,” he said.

    He noted that the massive turnout during Mbah’s defection reflected genuine grassroots support. “The holistic political shift from PDP to APC will reinforce the governor’s visionary infrastructural revolution,” he added.

    According to him, Governor Mbah will be remembered for reconnecting Enugu to the national political grid after years of isolation.

    Igwesi lamented that despite the South East’s decades-long loyalty to the PDP, the zone gained little in return. He argued that Mbah’s switch to the APC serves the region’s strategic interests.

    “The move is significant because it aligns Enugu and, by extension, the South East with the political mainstream. It makes no sense for Enugu, the capital of the region, to remain in opposition,” he said.

    Igwesi further praised Mbah’s leadership record, noting that his defection would give fresh impetus to the state’s infrastructural transformation.

    “Governor Mbah’s defection will strengthen Enugu’s ties with the Federal Government and help the entire South East benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

  • 2027: Enugu APC Stakeholders Woo Governor Mbah to Join Party

    2027: Enugu APC Stakeholders Woo Governor Mbah to Join Party

    Doris Ewoh, Enugu

    At a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, APC leaders, including Dr. Ben Nwoye and Barr. Eugene Odo, have signaled their readiness to welcome Governor Peter Mbah into the party, as internal rifts over leadership and integrity continue to stir debate.

    This declaration was made during the Enugu APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at De Sheriff Hotel, Enugu, which was monitored by several members of the press, including PACESETTER correspondent. The meeting focused on the theme: “Repositioning APC Enugu State to Win Elections in 2027 and Beyond.”

    Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Nwoye emphasized that the only way to sustain the current legacy and development in Enugu State is for Governor Mbah to continue beyond 2027. He appealed to Mbah to join the APC, noting that every new member strengthens the party.

    Following this, a motion was moved by Dr. El Ajah to formally accept Governor Mbah into the party if he chooses to join. The motion was seconded by Comrade Ngene Obama, and unanimously supported by all members present.

    Barr. Eugene Odo, former Enugu House of Assembly Speaker, also expressed his support, stating that he would be pleased if Mbah joined the APC. He went further to reference a recent Enugu State High Court ruling declaring that Ugo Agballa is no longer the state chairman of the party and should cease parading himself as such.

    Odo also addressed ongoing controversies involving the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji, who, he said, has been accused of presenting a fake certificate. He called on the party leadership to set up a committee to visit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to verify the Minister’s academic credentials.

    “We want to advise the leadership of the party to possibly set up a committee to go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to confirm, so we can know what the Minister represents,” Odo said.

    Also speaking, Barr. Bartholomew Ugwuoke, former ACN chairman, noted that the “genuine APC” is back in Enugu and called on former members to return, saying, “We are moving fast.”

    In his remarks, Hon. Sunday Onah, Deputy Chairman of the party, cautioned Chief Uche Nnaji on the continued support of Barr. Ugo Agballah, alleging that Agballah was expelled as state party chairman.

    He noted that the State Working Committee would be left with no option but to take disciplinary action if the support continued.

    Barr. Godwin Onwusi, Chairman of the 2023 House of Assembly APC Aspirants Congress, criticized the party’s recurring practice of suspending members.

    “I have never seen a party where the stock-in-trade is to sack people. People come in, and when asked to view things from different angles, they get suspended. We cannot leave our party to birds of passage. These people will come and go. Hopefully, we are here to take back our party,” he said.

    Mrs. Kate Nwafor, former Enugu State APC Publicity Secretary, expressed optimism, stating that with the renewed direction, the APC in Enugu is returning to its original path and purpose.

    “With this new trend, I’m confident we are going back to our original stance to become what we used to be,” she said.

    Reacting to the allegation of forgery of results by the Minister, an Enugu APC youth leader, Chidiebere Ezeh, who spoke to our correspondent over the phone, stated that the allegations were “just propaganda”.

    “This is a non-issue, as it’s just propaganda by the opposition to tarnish the image and name of Chief Uche Nnaji.

    “The DSS and other relevant bodies screened him before his assumption of office, so if there are any issues of certificate forgery, the DSS and NYSC should be in a position to address that.”

  • Presidency Dismisses Tinubu-Shettima Rift, Says Tinubu Will Pick 2027 Running Mate After APC Convention

    Presidency Dismisses Tinubu-Shettima Rift, Says Tinubu Will Pick 2027 Running Mate After APC Convention

    Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says the president will select his running mate for the 2027 election only after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its next national convention.

    Onanuga made the clarification during an interview, amid growing controversy over perceived sidelining of Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a recent APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe. The event, which saw several speakers endorse Tinubu for a second term without any mention of Shettima, ended in chaos as some delegates protested with catcalls and threats of violence.

    Responding to questions about the silence from the presidency and rumours of a potential fallout between Tinubu and Shettima, Onanuga described the speculation as baseless.

    “The debate is a non-issue,” he said. “In a presidential system, the candidate is nominated first and later picks a running mate. That’s what happened under Buhari — he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once.”

    He explained that the timing of the selection would follow the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s timetable: “Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will hold, and if the president is nominated again, he will choose his running mate.”

    Onanuga also dismissed claims of a strained relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, insisting the two leaders have a strong working rapport.

    “I’m not aware of any issues between the president and the vice president. From what I know, they have an excellent working relationship. All the speculation is just beer parlour gossip,” he said.

    “People even say ridiculous things like Seyi Tinubu is the vice president. Absolute nonsense.”

    He noted that in Nigeria, rumours often surround those in deputy positions, whether at the state or federal level: “Even when there’s no conflict, people around them will concoct stories. But as far as I know, Tinubu and Shettima work together very well.”

    Reacting to suggestions that Tinubu’s track record as Lagos State governor — during which he had two deputies — could be a sign of future changes, Onanuga cautioned against drawing false parallels.

    “That’s just speculation. Yes, when he was governor, there were issues. In his first term, he and his deputy, Kofo, didn’t get along, and she had to leave. Femi Pedro replaced her. In the second term, he retained Pedro, but Pedro later defected — he wanted to be governor. That’s why he had to go,” he explained.

    “I don’t want to reopen old wounds, but that’s what happened. So, it’s wrong to say he has a pattern of discarding deputies. There were specific political circumstances each time. That’s what I’m explaining.” Arise News

  • Akwa Ibom: Commissioner resigns after Gov. Eno’s defection to APC

    Akwa Ibom: Commissioner resigns after Gov. Eno’s defection to APC

    Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy and Special Duties in Akwa Ibom State, has resigned.

    Ememobong announced his resignation in a Facebook post on Friday following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In his social media post, Ememobong, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared that his decision was in accordance with the Governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should step aside.

    “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign,” he stated.

    “While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn.

    “My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.

    “This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).

    “I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.

    “Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing me into his cabinet.

    “Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.

    “Given another opportunity, I will do more.”

    “I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding,” he added.

  • Court to hear suit seeking Ganduje’s sack as APC Chairman June 26

    Court to hear suit seeking Ganduje’s sack as APC Chairman June 26

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, fixed June 26, to hear a suit seeking the removal of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Benjamin Davou, sought the leave of the court to allow time to reply to Ganduje’s preliminary objection.

    The plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, is in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, querying the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the chairman of the APC when he is not from the North Central geo-political zone.

    Listed as defendants in the case are Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    When the case was called yesterday, Davou said although the suit was slated for hearing, it would not be possible because Ganduje’s lawyer, Raymond Asikeni, just served him the notice of preliminary objection and their counter affidavit.

    Davou promised to file his reply to the two sets of documents filed by Ganduje first thing on Wednesday after the public holiday.

    Justice Ekwo then adjourned till June 26 for hearing.

    “On the date of hearing, the preliminary objection will be taken together with the substantive suit.

    “The processes of any party that is absent from court shall be deemed as adopted,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff, in the main suit, wants the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as the national chairman of the APC.

    It also prays the court to issue an order directing the INEC not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations, since Ganduje became the APC chairman on August 3, 2023.

    The plaintiff is contending among others, that Ganduje is occupying the office of the APC chairman illegally, not being from a state in the North Central geo-political zone.

    The plaintiff argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje from Kano State in the North West geo-political zone to replace Sen. Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo-political zone.

    It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and ultra-vires the powers of the NEC of the party.

    The plaintiff added that by the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC’s constitution 2013 (as amended), the party is bound to comply with the procedure for the replacement of an officer in the event of a vacancy, and ought to appoint a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo- political zone into the office of the chairman of the party.

    The plaintiff wants the court to, among others, declare that by Article 20(1) of the APC constitution 2013 as amended, Ganduje cannot be appointed as the National Chairman of the party other than through democratically conducted elections, and that his current occupation of the office is illegal.

    It equally seeks a declaration that by the provisions of Article 13 of the APC constitution 2013 (as amended), the party’s National Convention is the final authority of the party, which has the power to elect or remove national officers of the party, including the national chairman of the party.

    The plaintiff also wants a declaration that the party’s NEC lacked the power to appoint any person to the office of the chairman, among others.

    Sun

  • APC should be begging for forgiveness not votes —Mr Macaroni

    APC should be begging for forgiveness not votes —Mr Macaroni

    Popular comedian and skit-maker, Adebowale Adedayo better known as Mr Macaroni, has said the All Progressives Congress should not be campaigning for votes ahead of the forthcoming elections, but instead should be begging Nigerians for forgiveness for the hardship caused in recent times.

    The skit-maker, who took to Twitter to express his displeasure as regards the lingering fuel scarcity in the country and other challenges on Friday, described as “wicked” the suffering of Nigerians.

    He wrote, “Instead of Campaigning, APC should be begging and asking for forgiveness from Nigerians every morning, afternoon and night for the hardship and suffering that has come with this fuel scarcity alone. This is wickedness!!!”

    Also reacting to a video posted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Twitter, Macaroni said it was painful that politicians “do not care” about the masses.

    The House of Rep speaker had in the 5mins long video praised the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, and described him as the right person to assume the seat of the presidency.

    Hailing the achievements of Tinubu, Gbajabiamila said the former Lagos State governor had a track record of excellence following him.

    However reacting to the video, Adedayo said he expected the Speaker to have at least, addressed the suffering of the people to give them hope that all would be well.

    The comedian tweeted, “Seeing a video from ‘Our’ Speaker, I honestly thought this video was going to address fuel scarcity, naira scarcity, killings, and all other vices the people are suffering from. Something to give the people hope. Honestly this is so painful. These people don’t care!!!”

    (Punch)

  • APC Governors appeal for both old and new notes to co-exist, propose indefinite extension of old naira’s legal tender status

    APC Governors appeal for both old and new notes to co-exist, propose indefinite extension of old naira’s legal tender status

    Governors of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to postpone the deadline for the currency swap of the newly redesigned 1,000, 500 and 200 Naira notes.

    They also asked for both old and new notes co-exist to ease the suffering of Nigerians.

    The governor of Kano State Umar Ganduje told ARISE NEWS after the governor’s closed door meeting with the President on Friday that the president promised to look into their request. According to Ganduje, the old Naira should die a “natural death”.

    Also, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who spoke to some reporters in Hausa language after the meeting said while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mopped up over N2 trillion of the old notes, it printed only N300 billion new notes, which he said is not enough.

    El-Rufai, who spoke in company of his Kano State counterpart, Abdullahi Ganduje, said even if the CBN had wanted to implement the cashless policy, it should have printed a half of what it mopped up, for a start, which ought to be N1 trillion.

    He said the APC Governors told the President that the masses are suffering and traders are losing their goods due to lack of patronage citing the example of tomatoes sellers that travelled to Lagos with their goods, which all got wasted because people had no money to buy.

    On this ground, the Kaduna State Governor said the governors had no choice but to appeal to the President to reconsider his stances.

    El-Rufai, however, revealed that President Buhari did not tell them yes or no.

    He also added that the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, has gone back to hold private meeting with the President with the hope to convince him.

    The meeting between the Governors and the president comes on the heels of widening cracks within the fold of the governing party with allegations from the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai that some people within the presidential villa are working against the victory of the party and the presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

    (Arise News)

  • PDP commences court proceedings to disqualify Tinubu

    PDP commences court proceedings to disqualify Tinubu

    The Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commenced court proceedings to disqualify the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over criminal conviction and sentencing by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States over trafficking in narcotics.

    However, APC PCC immediately countered the PDP, saying the party did not only lack originality but was also a copycat.

    But PDP’s move is a counter to the APC which on January 20, approached the courts to disqualify Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP from the presidential poll over what it termed as #Atiku-Gate and Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, saga.

    Yesterday, the PDP insisted that the conviction of Tinubu for a criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States of America rendered him ineligible to contest any election.

    The spokesman of the Campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday.

    $460,000 forfeiture nullifies Tinubu’s nomination — PDP

    Ologbondiyan said the decision of a court in Chicago, which led to Tinubu forfeiting $460,000 in funds believed to be proceeds of crime, specifically, the sale and distribution of narcotics renders his nomination null and void.

    He said: “Nigerians are not unaware of the criminal matter concerning the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in respect of his criminal conviction and sentencing by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States over a criminal case of trafficking in narcotics for which Tinubu forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the state.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the United States court in sentencing Asiwaju Tinubu ordered ‘that the funds in the amount of $460,000 in account 263226700 held by First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu represent proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions in violation of 18 U.S.C. S1956 and 1957 and therefore these funds are forfeited to the United States pursuant to 21 U.S.C. S881(a)(6) and 18 U.S.C S981.’

    “From the declaration of the court and the sentencing, it is clear that Asiwaju Tinubu was summarily convicted by the court, he took no step to challenge the judgment but acceded to the forfeiture of the $460,000 found to be the proceeds of narcotics trafficking.”

    The PDP campaign Spokesman noted that it is an established fact that trafficking in narcotics is an international crime which all nations are obligated by international conventions and statutes to arrest, prosecute and implement any court judgment imposed on offenders anywhere in the world, as well as the consequential effects of such judgments.

    Tinubu convicted in US, can’t stand for poll in Nigeria

    He further said: “Having been convicted and having acceded to be guilty as charged by way of forfeiture of the $460,000, Nigeria is a signatory to International Convention is mandatorily obligated to execute the consequential effect of that conviction by virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “For clarity, Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that:(1) A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if….(d)

    “He is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal.”

    He explained that the import of the constitutional provision was that having been so convicted and fined and having acceded to the sentencing by way of forfeiture of $460,000 and have not received any state pardon or acquitted by any court of competent jurisdiction, “Tinubu remains a convict and the consequential effect is that he cannot contest the election at any level in Nigeria.”

    The PDP Campaign equally said: “The effect is that the listing of the name of Bola Tinubu, who stands convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction on the ballot for the 2023 presidential election is by the virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) fundamentally illegal, invalid and must be expunged immediately.”

    We’ve approached the courts to disqualify him

    Ologbondiyan also revealed that the PDP has approached the courts to seek Tinubu’s disqualification.

    He said: “Our Campaign has proceeded to the court demanding the court to:

    “Declare Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the APC, having been convicted, as ineligible to contest the Presidential election by virtue of section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately delist Asiwaju Tinubu as Presidential candidate of the APC or any other political party for that matter and expunge his name from all materials and documents related to the 2023 Presidential election.”

    According to him, the PDP campaign is also filing for an accelerated hearing in order to save the nation from an impending catastrophe.

    He said: “This case is in the interest of the nation as our laws do not permit a convict, let alone an individual convicted on account of the international crime of trafficking in narcotic, to stand election at any level.

    “Nigeria cannot afford the embarrassment of having a convict hold office at any level against our laws.”

    PDP lacks originality, always copying —APC PCC

    Reacting to the PDP’s counter moves, yesterday, the Chief Spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, Mr Festus Keyamo, in a chat with Vanguard, said the main opposition party lacks originality

    His words: “Why did they wait all these months until we filed before they are now rushing to court? I challenged them more than two months ago, yet they did nothing.

    ‘’It shows a team that is lacking in originality, lacking in ideas and lacking in vision. It is just an attempt to create a counter-suit to our own.

    “Unfortunately for them, Nigerians have seen through them already: SPV advocates that are trying to turn the tide of public opinion. Nigerians have decided; Nigerians have rejected them.

    ‘’This is so laughable that Nigerians are beginning to see that these are remorseless people; leopards that cannot change their skin; instead of Atiku facing the cameras, shed some tears and apologise to the nation for abusing his office as VP with SPVs, his reply, in summary, is, ‘what-about-you-too?’ This is disastrously sad”.

    Also, reacting, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Publicity of the APC PCC, restated his statement of January 18, 2023 where he pooh-poohed PDP’s “shameless skirting of issues” using the attack as a defence.

    He challenged Atiku to address the issues of whether he employed the whistleblower, Michael Achimugu, or not, who swore to an oath; whether Atiku made a scandalous conversation on how he and former President Olusegun Obasanjo set up SPVs, such as Marine Float to steal public money; and whether the taped voice was Atiku’s.

    (Sun)

  • Bauchi APC rally ends abruptly over faulty sound system

    Bauchi APC rally ends abruptly over faulty sound system

    The presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State ended abruptly over a faulty sound system.

    The rally which was ongoing at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, on Monday, ended abruptly when the light went off and could not be restored.

    The light went off shortly after the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, mounted the podium and began delivering his speech.

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who was present at the rally, had to leave immediately with his entourage.

    Buhari had arrived Bauchi to lead the All Progressives Congress’ presidential and governorship campaign rally.

    The aircraft conveying the President touched down at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa airport, Bauchi around 10:20 am.

    He was received by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate and his opponent in the March 11 governorship election, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

    Others at the airport to receive the President were the APC party chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau; Andy Ubah, Governors of Borno, Kebbi and Yobe states, Babagana Zulum, Abubakar Bagudu and Mai Mala Buni, respectively.

    Buhari had proceeded to the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, for a courtesy visit and thereafter headed to the Sir Tafawa Balewa stadium, venue for campaign rally.

    Buhari was to officially present the APC candidates to the Bauchi electorate at the rally, and to afterwards depart for Lagos where he is scheduled to begin his two-day working visit.

    In Lagos, Buhari will unveil several projects, including the Lekki deep sea port, the blue line rail project designed to run from Mile 2 (on the mainland) to Marina; 32-metric tons Lagos Rice Mill, Imota; and 18.75km Eleko to Epe T Junction express road.

    Others are the John Randle centre for Yoruba culture and history and the groundbreaking for the blue line rail phase 2 (Mile 2 to Okokomaiko).

    (Punch)