The newly registered All Progressives Congress has launched a charm offensive to woo the South-East and South-South zones, which are considered to be the strongholds of President Goodluck Jonathan.

SUNDAY PUNCH gathered on Friday that the party, having realised its weakness and President Jonathan’s strength in the two zones, has decided to revisit the zoning of its offices.




Sources told our correspondents that the mega opposition party might zone its vice-presidential ticket and top party offices to the South-East and South-South. Currently, the new party has a governor in the two zones apiece.

President Jonathan is from the South-South, Vice-President Namadi Sambo (North-West); Senate President David Mark (North-Central); the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (North-West); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim (South-East); Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (South-East); and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha (South-East).

An  APC chief, who confided in one of our correspondents, said, “We believe that we should not have any problem in the North-West, North-East, North-Central and the South-East.

 “But we need to do more work in the South-East and South-South. From all indications, President Goodluck Jonathan will get the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket. He has strong support in the two zones. We, therefore, need to neutralise him there.

“Apart from embarking on aggressive campaigns in the two zones, more positions will be zoned to the areas. The South-East may get the vice-presidential slot, while the post of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation may go to the South-South. The presence of the  Edo State Governor, Adam Oshiomhole and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, will also assist us in the zones.”

The APC leader also explained that the present structure of the party was tentative, adding the composition of its National Working Committee would be national.

According to him, the structure of the party will emerge after its national convention

He said, “We have learnt from the mistakes of the PDP.  Although there is a gentleman’s agreement that the presidency will go to the North, others zones will not be neglected.

“We believe that even in the South-South, this government has not met the expectations of Nigerians. The rate of poverty in the country is going up in spite of figures being reeled out by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.”

The APC’s present interim management includes Chief Bisi Akande (Chairman); Senator Annie Okonkwo (Deputy Chairman, South); Aminu Masari (Deputy Chairman, North); Mr. Tijani Tumsah (Secretary); Mallam Nasir-el-Rufai(Deputy National Secretary); Hajiya Sadiya (Treasurer); Mr. Lai Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary); and Mr. Isa Madu Chul (Deputy National Publicity Secretary).

Others are the National Organising  Secretary,  Senator Osita Izunaso; National Vice-Chairman for South-West, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Chief Tom Ikimi; National Vice-Chairman, North-Central, Gen. Abdullahi Aboki; National Vice-Chairman, South-East, Dr. Ayim Nyerere; National Vice-Chairman, North-West, Mr. Salisu Fagge; and National Vice-Chairman, North-East, Mr. Umaru Duhu.

The party has governors in 11 states: Edo (South-South);  Nasarawa (North-Central);   Imo (South-East); Zamfara, (North-West); Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun (South-West), Borno and Yobe (North-East).

SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that the party, among other strategies, was banking on the incumbency factor to retain the 11 states. Although the APC only controls Zamfara State in the North-West and Borno and Yobe states in the North-East, it is banking on the presence of the former presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in the party to sway voters in the two zones. Buhari enjoys tremendous goodwill in the core North.

Besides the former head of state, other prominent northerners in the party are a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, and an ex-governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima.

The APC is also said to be enjoying the backing of top members of the Northern Elders’ Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum, who see it as an alternative platform for the North to actualise its plan to produce the president in 2015.

The party, sources say, is banking on the popularity of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in the South-West to retain the zone while also being optimistic that Goodluck Jonathan administration’s alleged marginalisation of the South-West would make it difficult for the ruling party to win the zone.

When asked the plans of the APC for the two zones, the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said the party would focus on the South-East and the South-South.

“Even before the advent of the APC, at the level of the ACN, we had a strong presence in Edo State, which is in the South-South. The governor is in APC, and we have members of the National Assembly.

Also in Anambra, in the South-East, we have federal legislators. We also have a presence in Imo State. We know that Jonathan got a lot of votes from the South-East and South-South in 2011, but things are changing. We know that we have a lot of work in those two zones and we will not relent.”

Similarly, former National Publicity Secretary of the now defunct CPC, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, confirmed the possibility of a realignment of structure.

Fashakin said, “The truth of the matter is that the offices were shared when we were three different parties.

“Now that we are one party, there is nothing like CPC, ACN or ANPP anymore. It’s all one single party — APC. You know, a part of APGA is in this enterprise. The Anambra State election will be a test case. We will work at getting Anambra, and from there we can reach the whole of the South-East.

“We are going to work in all geopolitical zones to ensure the complete routing of the PDP. There will be no hiding place for the PDP. By next week, we will begin membership registration across the country. Everybody will be on the same level. It is going to be a mass movement.

“For the South-South, the question is what have the South-South people benefitted from Jonathan’s government, except the Ijaw people? But it is not only Ijaw people that are in the South-South. We will reach out to every ethnic group in the South-South and other zones too. We will soon hold our convention and whatever issues are left will be sorted out.”

On his part, the spokesman for erstwhile All Nigerian Peoples Party, Emma Eneukwu, said the APC was certain of getting the South-East.

“Igbo people now know that Jonathan is not working in their interest. So, through Imo State that is already with APC, we will get the South-East. We may consider zoning if it becomes necessary. Now that we have been registered, we are starting massive mobilisation across all zones of the country, South-East and South-South will not be exceptions,” he said.

Fashakin further disclosed that the defunct constituent parties of the APC would meet on Tuesday to discuss “guidelines.”

He said, “One thing I am sure of is that our mobilisation efforts will be comprehensively done. We are going to the polling unit level. That is why it is going to be big trouble for the PDP because in our constitution, we are going to have executive committees of five persons each, in each polling unit.

“If INEC says that there are 120 polling units, there will be at least five persons in each of those polling units. The Independent National Electoral Commission too will have to conduct credible elections because they are being watched by Nigerians every step of the way.”

Ok! We're watching...

If true then I don't see any difference btw them and the pdp, who cares abt zoning or concensus candidate or gentle mans agreement.
Apc better be careful and don't move in the direction of the pdp.

I dey laff

After fashola and his party members killed and detained our brothers illegally, they have the guts to say APC ikwa?

I don't know why these people likes fooling themselves. Do they think we are stup!d? Vice presidential slot ko, senate president ni. Just imagine a tribalistic and boko haramic combination coming to woo the egalitarian noble people of the South East. Sorry, in Gej we trust and we are not sell outs; you guys can check in 2030.

While visiting the south east, they should remember to drop the following persons;
1. Tinubu- he is seen as a commercial politician, capitalist and expansionist. He reminds the average Igbo illiterate of Awo.
2. Buhari- to the average Igboman, he is the founder of sharia law and boko haram.
3. Fashola- this man would have been APC's selling point till he committted his much talked about blunder against Ndigbo.
4. Rochas- he is seen as the man who violated the popular Igbo creed; "onye aghala nwanne ya".
If the APC really want to deplete the President's home support, why not give Adams Oshiomhole their ticket? Or does the ticket belong to the north and yorubas alone?

The APC should expend their resources and energy wisely. No matter how much money they spend, they would make little progress in the south east. The Amaechi saga might give them some leverage in south south especially rivers and maybe delta state. They should concentrate on consolidating their strongholds - south west and north west, and battle PDP in north central and north east.

wirinet: The APC should expend their resources and energy wisely. No matter how much money they spend, they would make little progress in the south east. The Amaechi saga might give them some leverage in south south especially rivers and maybe delta state. They should concentrate on consolidating their strongholds - south west and north west, and battle PDP in north central and north east.

The APC would never win up to 5% of any state in the SS/SE even if they should field oshiomhole as Buari's running mate.

This people are in serious need of thinking cap

wirinet: The APC should expend their resources and energy wisely. No matter how much money they spend, they would make little progress in the south east. The Amaechi saga might give them some leverage in south south especially rivers and maybe delta state. They should concentrate on consolidating their strongholds - south west and north west, and battle PDP in north central and north east.

Delta state cant nvr b part of that mayb u wanted to say Edo state but do u think that south south will welkom SSG when they hv the chance of providing the presido,u give us SSG today 2morow is he makes noise u sack him and appoint new person.south south shine ur eye.Amaechi can go to hell with Apc for all we care.

touch4mony: Delta state cant nvr b part of that mayb u wanted to say Edo state but do u think that south south will welkom SSG when they hv the chance of providing the presido,u give us SSG today 2morow is he makes noise u sack him and appoint new person.south south shine ur eye.Amaechi can go to hell with Apc for all we care.

I am from delta state so i know what i am saying.

Uduaghan is as double agent as of today. He cannot be trusted to be in Amaechi or Jonathan camp. Remember his godfather (ibori) is Jonathan's enemy, and he still takes instruction from his godfather. What i am saying is Jonathan cannot rely on uduaghan for support.

How has the Jonathan presidency benefited the Niger delta as a whole. Apart from the Ijaw, which other ethnic group have benefited from Jonathan? Over 80% of the amnesty benefactors are ijaw, most political appointments from Niger delta is to ijaws and the little federal projects in the Niger delta is to ijaw areas. The Urhobo, Itsekiris, Ikas, aniomas, calabaris, ikwerres, and most Niger delta tribes are yet to feel the benefit of having a Niger delta president.

Now if fulani or yoruba man promises us the east west road, the coastal road from lagos to calabar, revamp of the koko, sapele, calabar and onne ports, establishment of a petrochemical industry and other infrastructural developments. should we refuse the person solely based on his tribe or religion

wirinet:

I am from delta state so i know what i am saying.

Uduaghan is as double agent as of today. He cannot be trusted to be in Amaechi or Jonathan camp. Remember his godfather (ibori) is Jonathan's enemy, and he still takes instruction from his godfather. What i am saying is Jonathan cannot rely on uduaghan for support.

How has the Jonathan presidency benefited the Niger delta as a whole. Apart from the Ijaw, which other ethnic group have benefited from Jonathan? Over 80% of the amnesty benefactors are ijaw, most political appointments from Niger delta is to ijaws and the little federal projects in the Niger delta is to ijaw areas. The Urhobo, Itsekiris, Ikas, aniomas, calabaris, ikwerres, and most Niger delta tribes are yet to feel the benefit of having a Niger delta president.

Now if fulani or yoruba man promises us the east west road, the coastal road from lagos to calabar, revamp of the koko, sapele, calabar and onne ports, establishment of a petrochemical industry and other infrastructural developments. should we refuse the person solely based on his tribe or religion

Hahahahahahha
Brother believe me, because they knw that's what you want-"Promise", they are gonna promise you that!

But how of those promises have been fulfilled for the past 50years that they have been promising you guys?
Jonathan is not the president av always wanted, but I trust him more than these "IDI AMINs" in APC

@Topic; as long APC is concerned, and as long as the names of these folks who champion their course are concerned, one tin is certain for them SE....failure!

As for Rochas, Imo people loved him because they saw Ohakim as a tyrant. But if the same Imo people see him as a traitor, he will be bundled out of office also. He should remember that d Agbaso brothers are watching through their HD screen.

wirinet:

I am from delta state so i know what i am saying.

Uduaghan is as double agent as of today. He cannot be trusted to be in Amaechi or Jonathan camp. Remember his godfather (ibori) is Jonathan's enemy, and he still takes instruction from his godfather. What i am saying is Jonathan cannot rely on uduaghan for support.

How has the Jonathan presidency benefited the Niger delta as a whole. Apart from the Ijaw, which other ethnic group have benefited from Jonathan? Over 80% of the amnesty benefactors are ijaw, most political appointments from Niger delta is to ijaws and the little federal projects in the Niger delta is to ijaw areas. The Urhobo, Itsekiris, Ikas, aniomas, calabaris, ikwerres, and most Niger delta tribes are yet to feel the benefit of having a Niger delta president.

Now if fulani or yoruba man promises us the east west road, the coastal road from lagos to calabar, revamp of the koko, sapele, calabar and onne ports, establishment of a petrochemical industry and other infrastructural developments. should we refuse the person solely based on his tribe or religion

If you believe APC would win in delta then you will believe anything.The people may not necessary love Jonathan but do hate buhari more.The senseless killings of southerners in the north and the threat of islamic domination is more than enough to make them stick for GEJ

chukwudi44:

If you believe APC would win in delta then you will believe anything.The people may not necessary love Jonathan but do hate buhari more.The senseless killings of southerners in the north and the threat of islamic domination is more than enough to make them stick for GEJ

Are you from delta state? Or you are just making conjectures for delta state. How do you know that the Deltans hate Buhari? How has Buhari offended Deltans? How many Deltans have been reportedly killed by Boko Haram. From reports it is the northerners that recorded the highest casualty of boko haram's attacks, followed by south Easterners and then very few south westerners. So what concern Urhobos, Itsekiris, or even Ika or anoima people with Boko Haram?

If our other Bendel brother (Edo state) can vote for APC, why can't Delta State. As i said, it depends on the disposition of the governor.

Please stop projecting your hatred and prejudices to other tribes or zones of the country.

wirinet:

Are you from delta state? Or you are just making conjectures for delta state. How do you know that the Deltans hate Buhari? How has Buhari offended Deltans? How many Deltans have been reportedly killed by Boko Haram. From reports it is the northerners that recorded the highest casualty of boko haram's attacks, followed by south Easterners and then very few south westerners. So what concern Urhobos, Itsekiris, or even Ika or anoima people with Boko Haram?

Please stop projecting your hatred and prejudices to other tribes or zones of the country.

I love yr open-mindedness and rational mindset...

To think that some people in their mind have come to equate the sins of a criminal and fanatical part of d North with Buhari is so mind numbling...what a warped way of thinking by us all. Yet in all of these conjecture and innuendo like mindset even the PDP which controls all d communication,intelligence and security apparati of Nigeria have not been able to as much manufacture a whiff of evidence against dis man to nail him for good but have prefered to use d media to condemn,tried n sentence any perceived opponent is not good for dis country

Dont mind them, that is their strategy to discredit anyone they perceive as a danger to Jonathan ambitions. It is a strategy the employed to deadly effect in the past. As soon as IBB declared his ambition to run for presidency, he and his campaign manager (Raymond Dokposi) become terrorist sponsors. But as soon as IBB dropped his ambitions, he stopped being a terrorist sponsor and his campaign manager ported over to Jonathan side.

Every time an election is near Buhari becomes a boko haram sponsor. But after the elections he cease being a terrorist sponsor until next election.

Meanwhile Henry Okah and General Azzazi has accused GEJ and his party of being the actual sponsors of terrorism and ALL terrorist suspects so far are affiliated to PDP.

wirinet:

Are you from delta state? Or you are just making conjectures for delta state. How do you know that the Deltans hate Buhari? How has Buhari offended Deltans? How many Deltans have been reportedly killed by Boko Haram. From reports it is the northerners that recorded the highest casualty of boko haram's attacks, followed by south Easterners and then very few south westerners. So what concern Urhobos, Itsekiris, or even Ika or anoima people with Boko Haram?

If our other Bendel brother (Edo state) can vote for APC, why can't Delta State. As i said, it depends on the disposition of the governor.

Please stop projecting your hatred and prejudices to other tribes or zones of the country.

God bless you

I no go talk too much.By 2015 we will know.You will remember this discussion.If APC gets up to 5% of the votes in delta state.I will change my name

It is unfortunate that APC has no manifesto except to take power from GEJ.

Its sickening.

According to Fashola, APC means Anti-Poorman Crusaders

chukwudi44: I no go talk too much.By 2015 we will know.You will remember this discussion.If APC gets up to 5% of the votes in delta state.I will change my name

You are deaf to reason. Why do you think PDP fell from its gaguantuan heights in Edo? It has to do with personalities involved. If uduaghan decides to align with APC, PDP would lose delta. Then if uduaghan can align with Ogboru under APC, PDP would not get 5% votes in delta.

Billyonaire: It is unfortunate that APC has no manifesto except to take power from GEJ.

Its sickening.

According to Fashola, APC means Anti-Poorman Crusaders

No political party has no other manifesto than to grab power, including the PDP. It is after grabbing power that they make up their Manifesto and agenda.

The official manifestos of all the parties are the same, after all the manifestos of the founding parties of this dispensation was written by the same person.

The only difference between the parties are their acronym, their logo and personalities leading the parties. That is why porting between the parties is seamless.

APC win delta state?
Lol.
Even edo state will vote massively for jonathan.

wirinet:

You are deaf to reason. Why do you think PDP fell from its gaguantuan heights in Edo? It has to do with personalities involved. If uduaghan decides to align with APC, PDP would lose delta. Then if uduaghan can align with Ogboru under APC, PDP would not get 5% votes in delta.

Continue dreaming!! By 2015 we shall see.You are really suffering from delusions of grandeur.

wirinet:

You are deaf to reason. Why do you think PDP fell from its gaguantuan heights in Edo? It has to do with personalities involved. If uduaghan decides to align with APC, PDP would lose delta. Then if uduaghan can align with Ogboru under APC, PDP would not get 5% votes in delta.

Continue dreaming!! By 2015 we shall see.You are really suffering from delusions of grandeur.Even Oshiomhole will not be able to secure more than 5% of edo votes for APC in the presidential elections.

Why can't APC sweep Delta state both at governorship and presidential polls? Like the people of Edo, Deltans are aware of the Massive theft going on around them. Take for example the case of Uduaghan who has suddenly woken up from his slumber to start building schøols, roads, and increasing civil servant salaries by approx . 30 percent without any increase in Federal Allocation, IGR, or Borrowing.
Deltans will soon figure out the mathematics in the above and demand that PDP leave.

Standing5: Why can't APC sweep Delta state both at governorship and presidential polls? Like the people of Edo, Deltans are aware of the Massive theft going on around them. Take for example the case of Uduaghan who has suddenly woken up from his slumber to start building schøols, roads, and increasing civil servant salaries by approx . 30 percent without any increase in Federal Allocation, IGR, or Borrowing.
Deltans will soon figure out the mathematics in the above and demand that PDP leave.

you want them to swap PDP for Tinubu?
Dosen't make sense.
Even if the people of those states get tired of Pdp,they will never choose APC.
They have far better options.

^^
If you want adopt IBB and Tukur as your 'Jesus on earth'. That's your choice. Lets see if deltans will condone the steal-first-and-attempt-perform\impress-later folks or the progressive performers you tag 'Tinubu'.

Dibiachukwu: After fashola and his party members killed and detained our brothers illegally, they have the guts to say APC ikwa?

U dey mind d mumu piple just collect from APC money n vote 4 PDP or APGA

Zone Presidency to South East then you have a chance.

How will South-South & South East vote in a Vice President from APC and IGNORE A PRESIDENT IN GEJ

Imo state is APGA, to my knowledge Apga is not in APC, CORRECT

Standing5: ^^
If you want adopt IBB and Tukur as your 'Jesus on earth'. That's your choice. Lets see if deltans will condone the steal-first-and-attempt-perform\impress-later folks or the progressive performers you tag 'Tinubu'.

I am half-deltan,you bumkum.
And i will never allow the huge resources of my state to go into Tinubu's control.