₦airaland Forum

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South

ASABA- FORMER Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Udaughan, has finally confirmed that he will dump the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking on phone to Vanguard, Thursday evening, the former governor said there was pressure on him to come to APC, but it was not an affair of the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“The situation is more from the situation on ground in PDP and my political future. I am also looking at my political future and those of my followers. I have studied the political terrain and I believe the Delta should not be in opposition,” he said.

Asked if Comrade Oshiomhole had discussed his movement to APC with him, Uduaghan said: Yes, I am talking with Oshiomhole, we are discussing like old colleagues, it is not a pressure, he would wish that I come over, but I also told him that I have a leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and they should have a discussion with him.”

An APC chieftain, who spoke to Vanguard corroborated Uduaghan’s claim, saying: “Uduaghan and Oshiomhole are ex-governors and friends, so when the matter came up regarding

Uduaghan joining APC, he made it clear that he has a political leader, who is Chief James Ibori.”

His words: “He told Oshiomhole and those, who spoke to him to discuss with Ibori because as far as he is concerned, there is no competition between him (Oshiomhole) and Ibori over who is his political leader. Ibori is his leader and I do not think that Oshiomhole will contest that.”

The stalwart added: “There are a lot of issues and undercurrents regarding Uduaghan and his movement to APC, which will not be dragged to the media just now. We have to watch.”

Findings by Vanguard indicated that the former governor may in the next few days register as an APC member and pick the party’s senatorial ticket for a battle with Senator James Manager for the Delta South senatorial ticket.

He is also expected to work with other APC leaders in the state, including Chief Great Ogboru, who he defeated in the gubernatorial elections to deliver the state to APC in 2019.

Uduaghan’s new move after many thought that he had been pacified by Chief Ibori, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and others will certainly change political calculations in the state for 2019.

His decision to join APC has also enlivened many of his followers, who were taken aback at his initial resolution to stay back after some PDP leaders rushed to appeal to him.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/breaking-at-last-uduaghan-confirms-plan-to-dump-pdp-for-apc/

Etim Ekpimah, Uyo

Former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed regrets for what he called “imposing” the Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, on the people of the state.

Apologising before a crowd at Ikot Ekpene Plaza, Akpabio, who returned from his mother-in-law’s burial at Enugu on Sunday evening, said Emmanuel was the greatest mistake he made in a hurry, and asked to be forgiven.

Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North West in the Senate, noted that Emmanuel “is a mistake that must be corrected in 2019.”

“Udom (Emmanuel) is a mistake that must be corrected in 2019. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the mistake is corrected for a people-oriented leadership under the ruling All Progressives Congress at the centre.”

According to him, “Emmanuel’s administration has failed the people,” forcing him to take decisive actions to correct the anomaly for posterity to be fair on him.

Akpabio spoke of the prevalence of hunger and deprivation in Akwa Ibom State since the Emmanuel administration assumed power, adding that it was time for “holistic action” to liberate the state from the shackles of bad governance.

Akpabio had, in the run up to the 2015 elections, declared Emmanuel, then Secretary to the State Government, next in line to succeed him, even when 26 aspirants jostled for the post.

https://punchng.com/i-regret-imposing-emmanuel-on-akwa-ibom-as-governor-akpabio/

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on Monday said, if he wanted to, he could contest for the presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, as he has what it takes to compete with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He made this known while reacting to the statement of the APC National Leader, Ahmed Tinubu, about his exit from the ruling party.

According to a statement on the State’s Twitter handle, @sokotogovthouse, Tambuwal said; “If I wanted to and if the Presidency is what (why) Ahmed Tinubu thinks I defected, I could contest with President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested with Mr. President.”

“Tinubu tried to rock the boat when he was denied Buhari’s vice presidency. He thinks every other person could behave his way. If I wanted to contest under the APC as president, I could have done so and only the votes could have produced a winner.

“In any case, Tinubu is confessing that there is no level-playing ground for all members of the APC; that there is no internal democracy in it and that some people were denied their right to internal democracy.”

Tinubu had on Sunday alleged that Tambuwal wants to become president: “Governor Tambuwal’s exit can be distilled to one cause. He covets the Presidency. However, he had not the stomach to challenge President Buhari in a primary. Tambuwal felt further insulted that he would be compelled to face a direct primary just to retain the governorship nomination,” Tinubu said in a statement titled, “They go away because we go the right way,” which he personally signed.

See Twitter thread:

@GovSokoto @AWTambuwal reacts to Bola Tinubu statement over his exit from the APC

“If I wanted to and if the Presidency is what Ahmed Tinubu thinks I defected, I could contest with President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested with Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/x5shnwLFqq — Sokoto Government House (@SokotoGovtHouse) August 20, 2018


https://punchng.com/i-have-what-it-takes-to-compete-with-buhari-tambuwal-replies-tinubu/

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

Gospel artiste, Yinka Ayefele, has said that he obtained the necessary documents and due approvals before he constructed his multi-million naira structure that was razed by the Oyo State Government around 4.30 on Sunday morning.

In a statement made by Ayefele and obtained by our correspondent, the musician stated that necessary building permits were obtained from government for the construction of the building.

He also called on the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, to “refrain from misleading the public” concerning the reasons for the demolition.

Ayefele reiterated that necessary documents were obtained on the building and that a discussion relating to the establishment of a central abattoir by the state government could be behind the demolition.

He added that the FM station belonged to the people and that he had left everything to God.

In an announcement aired on the radio station during its global update, the management of the radio station called for calm after the demolition.

https://punchng.com/demolition-i-obtained-necessary-documents-approval-yinka-ayefele/

Success Nwogu, Ilorin

The leader of the out-phased Reformed All Progressives Congress, Kawu Baraje, has defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party.

Baraje, during a media conference in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday, said he will soon make a “formal and celebrational” defection in his ward, Baboko in Ilorin.

He stated that he belongs to the party where his leader, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, defected to.

He lauded PDP where he had been the Secretary and acting Chairman before he defected to APC.

https://punchng.com/kawu-baraje-returns-to-his-erstwhile-party-pdp/

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has appointed 59-year old Earl Osaro Onaiwu his liaison officer on state matters.


The appointment was announced in a statement by Mr Saraki’s media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Tuesday.

The short statement described Mr Onaiwu as an experienced politician.

“Onaiwu, an experienced politician and public administrator will help to co-ordinate relationship between the Office of the Senate President and the various state governments across the country,” the statement reads.

The senate recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress and has faced calls from the party to step down from his position.

Mr Saraki has rejected such calls.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/280303-saraki-appoints-liaison-officer.html

ON a consultation visit to Edo state in his quest to grab the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in next year presidential election, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday said he is not desperate to be the nation’s president.

Coming on the heels of Monday visit of another PDP presidential aspirant, Alhaji Mohammed Makarfi, Atiku who spoke with journalists shortly after his meeting with the Oba of Benin Omo amN’Oba Square 11 in his palace in Benin City said if he were desperate to be the nation’s president, he would have long achieved it and would not have stepped down for Chief Moshood Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the widely acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

He said: “What do you expect my critics to say. And there is nothing wrong with entering the race. I can run as many times as possible. I am fit, qualified. I still have ideas that I believe that are going to put this country in the right part.

“So, what is wrong in running? I am not desperate and if I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I am not desperate”,

The PDP presidential hopeful said his decision to throw his hat in the ring was borne out of his desire for improving the lots of Nigerians.

He aasured that he will remain in the opposition party even if he lose out in the fortcoming primaries of the party.

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/159916/

An addition of 23 new political parties have been registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

This is bringing political parties in the Nation to a total of 91 parties.
INEC also extended the deadline for the Continuous Voter Registration by two weeks.
Details later……….

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-registers-23-new-political-parties-265763.html

Senators from the All Progressives Congress, APC, are currently meeting at the Abuja residence of the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

Reasons for the meeting yet unknown.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/saraki-apc-senators-meet-in-oshiomholes-house/

The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has called off the arrest warrant issued against Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by Justice Stephen Pam of the Federal High Court.

DAILY POST recalls that Justice Pam had ordered the arrest of Mahmood.

But Justice Abdul Aboki has now led a three-man panel to suspend the enforcement of the arrest warrant in a ruling it delivered on Monday, in an appeal filed by the INEC chairman challenging the order made by Justice Pam for his arrest.

According to Justice Aboki, since the matter has been adjourned to September 17 for hearing of the main appeal, “it will be prejudicial for the trial court to proceed with hearing of the matter scheduled for August 14.

“Consequently, the panel unanimously ordered the stay of proceeding pending the hearing of Prof Mahmood’s appeals,” he said

Details soon…

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/13/breaking-appeal-court-halts-arrest-inec-chairman-yakubu/

Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri

Governor Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated the Imo State chapter of President Muhammadu Buhari re-election campaign council in the South East geopolitical zone.

Okorocha, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, at the inauguration ceremony held in Owerri on Sunday evening, boasted that the All Progressives Congress would win all the elective seats in the state in 2019.

He said that the campaign council which would be chaired by a former commissioner, Charles Amadi, with Chidi Ibe as the Director General, while Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Acho Ihim, serves as vice chairman (Okigwe zone), will coordinate the campaigns of the party in the state after the party primaries in September.

Nwosu, a governorship aspirant, said, “I therefore declare you inaugurated and task you to go to the grassroots to market the ideals of our party.

“This campaign council will coordinate all our campaigns after the primary elections in September.

“The task of ensuring that President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected is number one. We will ensure that this campaign council produces the next three senators of the state, 10 House of Representatives members and 27 House of Assembly members.

“This campaign council will also produce me as the next governor of Imo State.”

Nwosu also inaugurated the coordinators of the campaign council in the 27 local government areas of the state, and charged them to raise 21 persons per polling booth in all the LGAs of the state.



https://punchng.com/okorocha-inaugurates-2019-buhari-campaign-council-promises-apc-victory/

The candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Haruna Isah has been declared winner of Saturdays controversial Kogi Koto-Karfe Federal Constituency bye-election held in Kogi State.

Recall that the bye election, according to reports, was marred with vote buying, ballot box snatching, thuggery, shooting and killing of some party supporters.

In the final results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC candidate polled 11,078 to defeat his closest rival, Engr Bashiru Abubakar of the PDP.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came third and fourth polling 977 and 433 votes respectively.

The final result announced by INEC as obtained by DAILYPOST on Sunday is as follows:

Accord = 31, ADC = 977, APC = 11,078, DA = 47, LP = 14, NPN = 10, NCP = 39, PDP = 7,094 and SDP = 433.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of all Political Parties that contested the election have rejected the outcome, alleging harassment, intimidation and disruption of voting process in some polling units.

In a statement signed by Bode Ogumola, Comrade Ade Usman, Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, on behalf of the coalition, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, the coalition rejected in totality the way the said election was carried out.

Describing as horrible the shooting carried out by suspected APC thugs at Maigeri polling units in lokoja, the parties noted that the bye-election lacked credibility, and met the least standard of electioneering anywhere in the world.

The three political parties said that the election was characterized by the use of Security Agencies to disrupt the election.

The parties called for outright cancellation of the exercise, alleging that the State government officials were given cover by the Police, SARS, to protect political thugs in police uniforms to be snatching ballot boxes in virtually all the polling units in the federal constituency.

The three parties, particularly fingered the Kogi State Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja for allegedly using security agencies, and thugs to disrupt election in most polling units in Lokoja.

They added that with the cover of security agencies, thugs carted away ballot boxes and snatched boxes in Paparanda, St Mary Primary School, Adankolo, Bishop Crowther Lokoja and several other units in Kogi LGA during the election.

While the parties fingered the Council’s Administrators of Kogi, Omala, Okene, Ijumu, amongst others as government officials who perpetrated violence and used political thugs and the security agencies to make the bye-election lack credibility, they accused the ADC to governor Yahaya Bello and OC Mopol of dishing out command to their men to aid thugs to snatch boxes at the polling units they were loosing out.

The parties alleged further that the bye election was characterised by vote buying, with the APC opening shops in polling centres to buy votes.

Aside the press conference, the parties said it had, however, its complaints to the INEC, and the security agencies to address the irregularities it observed in the election.

It particularly called the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to set up an enquiry that would determine the level of violence perpetrated by the APC-led administration which led to several deaths of the peace and law abiding citizens of the state.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/12/apc-candidate-wins-controversial-kogi-bye-election/

Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has revealed how the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, can win the 2019 Presidential election.

Ayodele said PDP will win the 2019 Presidential election if it fields the Senate President, Bukola Saraki as its flag bearer.

The cleric said this during the launch of his book, titled ‘Warning To The Nations’, which is a compilation of his prophecies covering the 2018/2019 period in Lagos.

According to Ayodele, “I do not know Saraki neither do we have any link, politically or otherwise. But he is the only man who can win anything for PDP. Bukola Saraki being president will change many things for good in Nigeria and there will be peace in Nigeria.

” God needs Saraki to rule for another four years. ”

The clergyman also noted that tough times await Nigeria and the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC, in the coming year.

Speaking on the upcoming Osun governorship election, Ayodele said, “If Osun APC didn’t put their house in order, they will find it difficult to retain Osun state.”

On how Nigeria will get out of its many problems, he said, “Practice True Federalism, whereby states will be in charge of their own affairs, taking care of their resources and their people. Let there be no election in 2019. After Federalism, Nigeria will not exceed beyond 2035 before splitting.”


http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/11/primate-ayodele-reveals-prophecies-saraki-2019-elections/

Ikot Ekpene (Akwa Ibom State) – The acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, says President Muhammadu Buhari has been growing the Nigerian economy in spite of difficulties in the country.


He said this at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, during the official defection of former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha, the acting President, who described Akpabio’s action as “uncommon defection”, said that the Federal Government under the leadership of Buhari had provided jobs to teeming youths through the N-Power programme in the last three years.

He added that “the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidates put together would not defeat Buhari in 2019 general election.”

He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to have faith in the Federal Government and assured them that things would improve soon.

He said “I came to thank Akwa Ibom people for their remarkable show of solidarity. I came to tell you that the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari loves the people of Akwa Ibom.

“I want to put on record that the entire South South has been taken over by APC-led government. I can assure you that the hearts of the President, the acting President are with you.”

The Senate Leader, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, who was in Ikot Ekpene with over 30 senators, said that the defection of Akpabio to APC had stirred the PDP to foundation, describing it as “more than the 14 senators who defected from APC to PDP last two weeks.”

He described the former Minority Leader as a nationalist who believed in the nation and the administration of President Buhari.

Lawan said “the declaration of one and only senator in the history has stirred Akwa Ibom and indeed Nigeria.

“This defection has swallowed all previous defections. From this moment, Akpabio is our member. He always consider national interest first and believes in united Nigeria.”

The National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, commended Akpabio “for doing what Senate President, Bukola Saraki, could not do by resigning his position.

Oshiomhole said that “with a senator like Akpabio, the party was sure to capture the entire South South in 2019.”

He assured that Akpabio would enjoy all rights and privileges accruing to members, saying “let me assure you that the President and party leaders of the progressives welcome you wholeheartedly into APC.”

He urged Akwa Ibom people to join forces with the progressives to sustain the change that Nigeria badly required. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/pdps-presidential-candidates-put-together-would-not-defeat-buhari-in-2019-osinbajo/

It was dance galore as Adams Oshionhole, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), and party leader Ahmed Tinubu, joined others to formally receive defecting ex-senate minority leader Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio and his wife, Ekaette, and others senators displayed their dancing prowess to the melodious music, “Shekem’’.


Oshiomhole described the event as the reception for “an uncommon defector and a man of honour’’.

He described Akpabio as a symbol of unity who would lead Akwa Ibom to join Edo as APC states in South South in 2019.

He explained that opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deceived the people for 16 years and Nigerians were no longer ready for party.

The chairman of APC said that Senator President Bukola Saraki could not emulate Akpabio by relinquishing his seat.

“Senator Akpabio has demonstrated what the people of South South stand for by quitting the seat of senate minority leader.

“It is the turn of Saraki to vacate his seat as President of the senate.’’

Oshiomhole, said Akpabio was joining APC to solidify his position as the former minority leader of the senate.

Akpabio, he said, has demonstrated that he meant good for the people of South South.

He urged the people to appreciate Akpabio for his role as a builder.

“I feel extremely proud of Akpabio and humble also with the kind of crowd that I have seen in Ikot Ekpene today.

“I am happy I came he today to see the bond that exist between Akpabio and the people of Akwa Ibom and I deeply appreciate this,’’ Oshiomhole said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/it-is-the-turn-of-saraki-to-vacate-his-seat-as-president-of-the-senate-says-oshiomhole/

Ahmed Lawan, Majority Leader of the Senate, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)did everything to prevent Godswill Akpabio, the Senate Minority Leader, from defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at an ongoing rally in Ikot Ekpene to welcome Akpabio to the APC, Lawan equated the capture of Akpabio to the loss of the 14 senators who dumped APC for the PDP.

"This defection has swallowed all other defections. It is oe defection that is more than 14,” Lawan said.

“This is one defection that has shaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its very foundations. They followed Akpabio everywhere. They followed him in Nigeria wherever he went; they followed him overseas to beg on their knees.”

Lawan described AKpabio as “a very uncommon Nigerian, a nationalist who believes in a united Nigeria, who believes in a stable Nigeria, who believes in the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.”

He thereafter asked: “Ikot Ekpene, or let me say Akwa Ibom, do you sincerely and genuinely release to us this very distinguished senator, distinguished Nigerian, uncommon man of integrity, of passion, of patriotism and nationalism to us in the APC caucus?

“Those in favour, say aye.”

The crowd responded with shouts of aye.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/08/08/ahmed-lawan-pdp-traced-akpabio-overseas-beg-him-not-go-they-begged-their-knees

The leadership of the national assembly has called off its meeting scheduled to hold at noon on Tuesday.

Yusuf Lasun, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the entrance of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Senate President Bukola Saraki had called the meeting after several calls on the lawmakers to cut short their recess and reconvene.

Lasun said the meeting was called off on Monday morning following the blockade mounted at the entrance of the complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

More to follow…

https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-nassembly-leaders-call-off-planned-meeting-amid-dss-blockade/

By Anthony Ogbonna

…Clerk to the National Assembly denied access to chamber

…DSS allegedly grant APC lawmakers access into NASS, deny PDP members

…Lawmakers speak, condemn invasion

Following the drama ongoing at the two chambers of the National Assembly where men of the Department of State Security Services, DSS, Monday morning, denied some Senators and House of Assembly members access into their chambers, reports have claimed the DSS men have however granted access to some All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers.

Over 22 APC Senators were initially granted access into the chambers while many others, under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were denied access.


The clerk to the National Assembly has equally been denied access to the chambers by the DSS operatives.

Nevertheless, one of the DSS operatives, when asked on whose orders they had invaded the NASS said it was “order from Above.”

Both Journalists and National Assembly staff were also barred from entering the complexes. The camera and phone of a journalist covering NASS were seized by the DSS who were very hostile to the newsmen.

This is following the emergency meeting summoned by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki yesterday to discuss Issues which included the string of defections in the political space, rumoured plan to impeach the Senate President and the pending 2019 elections supplementary budget, among others.

Recall however, that the presidency had raised the alarm yesterday over the scheduled emergency Senate meeting today which was to have in attendance, the House of Representatives’ Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara as well as other lawmakers.

The presidency had claimed that the meeting was being aimed at shutting down the entire government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, senators loyal to Saraki have forced their ways into their chambers from the back doors and have refused to be intimidated.

Meanwhile, Senator Ben Murray Bruce and many other lawmakers have condemned the alleged invasion, saying it was a coup on democracy.

A PDP House of Representatives member from Rivers State, Boma Goodhead, led some of the Senators to challenge the DSS operatives. She had challenged the DSS operatives to dare shoot at them, saying the previous administration of GoodLuck Jonathan did not launch attacks on the nation’s democracy through the use of force on the national assembly.

Currently, senators loyal to Saraki have regained access into the chamber and have been taking photo shoots in jubilation.

Some of the Senators condemned the invasion.

Senator Murray-Bruce accused the presidency, Senator Godswill Akpabio (who has, this morning, dropped his Minority Leadership position in the Senate) and other senators of the APC of orchestrating the invasion.

Senator Dino Melaye said, “Democracy under attack. Nigerians must defend democracy. We will not allow antidemocratic forces to prevail. CNA Administrative head of the National Assembly stopped from entering the NASS. Impunity taken too far.”

Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim said, “The assault on our democracy is on-going while the @NGRPresident @MBuhari is on holiday only to “remote control” a coup from abroad. One wonders how the pretense (every time state forces are used illegally to undermine Nigeria’s democracy) has become an open secret of tyranny. I was just barred by fully armed, masked officers of the DSS from entering the National Assembly (@nassnigeria). “We’re acting on the order from above,” I was told by officers laying siege on the Assembly. All entrances BLOCKED. Democracy is on siege! @UN”

Senator Isa Misau, representing Bouchi, Central, on the other hand also spoke on the inversion.

According to Bruce,”It has come to our attention that we’re being invaded by state security. Our colleagues can’t go to work after we adjourned for summer holiday. We’ve been informed that the APC senator are trying to effect a leadership change.

“This is anti democracy. We’re going to ask western democracy. We’ll ask the western countries to revoke the visas of Sen Akpabio. We’ll ask them to revoke the class of their wives. Let nobody test me or this institution.

“We’ll submit the names of DSS officials and that of Akpabio to the western embassies. I hope this anti democracy forces love Nigeria, so they won’t travel out of the country for a very long time.

“Akpabio will have to sell his aircraft and thereafter I’ll have to buy him a donkey so that he can use it.”


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/breaking-order-from-above-authorised-dss-invasion-of-national-assembly/

The Akwa-Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says all is now set for a formal endorsement rally to honour Udom Emmanuel, Governor of the state.

The announcement of the rally coincides with the final days of Godswill Akpabio, Emmanuel’s predecessor, in the party.

Akpabio, whose relationship with protégé Emmanuel has deteriorated, is poised to formally defect to the All progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.

Tagged ‘Eket Senatorial District Mega Endorsement Rally’, the event for Emmanuel is scheduled to hold on Monday, August 20, at the Onna Township Stadium.

According to the media and publicity sub-committee jointly headed by member of Mkpat Enin state constituency, Hon. Otobong Ndem, and Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the occasion shall be chaired by Sir Etim Okpoyo, former Deputy Governor of the state.

The statement invites all to the event, described as a “grand Homecoming of an Illustrious Son of Eket senatorial district”.

“Among reasons cited for the celebration of the Governor by his senatorial district are his ingenuity, which has led to numerous industries, job opportunities, free education with WAEC fees, stability in power supply, improved healthcare delivery, affordable and sufficient food supply and security, and lots more,” read the statement.

The Ikot Ekpene and Uyo senatorial districts had recently rallied support in separate colourful endorsement ceremonies where Emmanuel was unanimously celebrated and endorsed for a second term.

Emmanuel became known in political circles in 2013, when he was appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) by Akpabio. With Akpabio’s support, he won the PDP ticket in 2014 and went on to win the governorship election a year later.

However, while he will remain in PDP, Akpabio’s defection to APC is scheduled to be officially confirmed on Wednesday.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/08/06/akpabio-plots-exit-pdp-announces-‘mega-endorsement-rally’-udom-emmanuel

Lagos lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, within the next ten days, investigate Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State over alleged electoral offences committed during the June 14 governorship election held in the state.

Others whom Akingbolu asked INEC to also investigate are the Deputy Governor, Professor Kolapo Eleka and the Acting Chairman of the Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Lere Olayinka for alleged ‘deliberate breach of several provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 before, during and after the said election’.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to commence the investigation of the serious electoral offences disclosed in the petition before the 15th day of August 2018 we shall not hesitate to apply to the Federal High Court for an order of Mandamus to compel you to carry out your statutory duty forthwith. Having regards to your resolve to prosecute all electoral offenders it is hoped that you will not compel us to resort to any litigation over this petition”.

In a petition to INEC Chairman on Monday, Akingbolu urged the electoral commission to investigate and prosecute Fayose and others in line with section 150 of the Electoral Act, 2010 in view of the gravity of the electoral offences allegedly committed by the suspects.

He argued that the prosecution of the Ekiti State governor and others would go a long way to curb official impunity during elections conducted by the INEC.

To facilitate investigation and envisaged prosecution of Fayose and others, Akingbolu promised to make available all the necessary information and documents to support his petition.

“Since the immunity of two out of the aforementioned suspects i.e. Governor Ayo Fayose and Deputy Kolapo Eleka will expire in October 2018 the investigation of the serious electoral offences committed by them ought to commence without any delay”, he stated.

The lawyer listed ten electoral offences allegedly committed during the June 14 governorship election by the Governor Fayose and others.

He alleged that before the official declaration of the results of the governorship election by the Returning Officer, the governor and others allegedly announced an election result which they knew to be false and thereby declared Professor Kolapo Eleka as the Governor Elect of Ekiti State on June 15, 2018 in contravention of section 123 (4) of the Electoral Act.

He alleged that in the morning of June 14, 2018 the governor and others allegedly assembled a crowd at the Governor’s Lodge where they prayed and persuaded voters to vote for Professor Kolapo Eleka and that they caused the Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast news which opposed the candidature of Dr. Kayode Fayemi in contravention of section 101 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010

Akingbolu alleged that they advanced and paid the sum of N3,000 to every civil servant on Friday June 13, 2018 with intent that such money shall be expended on bribing voters to vote for Professor Kolapo Eleka.

According to him, Governor Fayose and others campaigned against Dr. Kayode Fayemi and urged voters not to vote for him in contravention of section 129 (c) of the General Act and that their campaign was tainted with abusive language, which injured religious, ethnic and sectional feelings contrary to section 95 (1) of the Electoral Act.

Akingbolu alleged that the Ekiti State governor and others threatened to make use of force and violence in contravention of section 131 (a) of the Electoral Act and that they prevented all government aspirants, apart from Professor Kolapo Eleka the free use of the Ekiti State Radio and Television station in contravention of section 131 (d) of the Electoral Act.

Other allegations were that they campaigned for Professor Kolapo Eleka in the Governor’s lodge on June 14, 2018 within 24 hours prior to the polling day in contravention of section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 and that they prevented the Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation from allotting equal coverage and conspicuity to all political parties in contravention of Section 100 (5) of the Electoral Act 2010.

http://thenationonlineng.net/inec-gets-ten-days-to-investigate-fayose-others-for-electoral-offences/amp/

The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye on Sunday described alleged attempts to reconvene the Senate before the adjourned date as “tale by the moonlight.”

Melaye also said that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole, should be told there was no crown in the National Assembly for anybody to wear.

Indications that the Senate might be reconvened before the October 25thadjourned date are growing by the day.

The “reconvene Senate” proponents call attention to the need to approve the pending Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) budget for the fast approaching 2019 elections.

Those opposed to the idea fear that it might be a ploy to unseat the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Melaye told reporters in Abuja that “the talk to reconvene the Senate amounts to tale by the moonlight, a serious joke.”

He noted that Senate’s rule 12 is very clear that only presiding officers can reconvene the Senate.

He said, “We adjourned properly to a date and time. In their myopic thinking they forgot the rules.

“The rules and proceedings of the last sitting were also approved. By our rules only the Senate President or the Deputy Senate President can reconvene the Senate outside the adjourned date.


“It is laughable that some people in their myopic and skewed thinking should contemplate that the Senate should be reconvened by just anybody. It will not happen. It is an exercise in futility to impress Mr. President.”

Melaye who is a frontline supporter of the Senate President added that “whatever is illegal will continue and remain illegal.”

He recalled that only a few days ago, the Court of Appeal ruled that the National Assembly has the power to set election sequence contrary to the thinking in some quarters.

On majority in the Senate, he said that the PDP has clear majority in the upper chamber.

Melaye who insisted that “APC senators are merely grandstanding” noted that APC Senators have visited the Presidential Villa four times in one week as if the Senate chamber has been moved to the Villa.”

He said that the issue of which party has majority would be settled on resumption of the Senate when seats would be allocated to members with their names and party attached.

On the call by Oshiomhole that Saraki should return APC’s crown, Melaye said the APC chairman forgot that crowns are wore in towns, villages, communities and kingdoms.

He said that “nobody wears crown at the National Assembly because the seat of the Senate President is not hereditary.”

He added that the seat of Senate President is the seat of the Senate President of Nigeria.

Nigerians, he said, should not forget that the PDP Senators gave the Senate President seat to Saraki and not APC Senators.

“Nigerians should not also forget that Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, won the seat through democratic means,” he said.

http://thenationonlineng.net/plot-to-reconvene-senate-tale-by-moonlight-says-melaye/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has invalidated the suspension of Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, from the party.

The Tudun Wada North (Ward 6) Exco of the APC suspended Sani in 2017, and reaffirmed this on July 31, 2018, saying it would not be lifted unless the senator apologises to President Muhammadu Buhari and Nasir el-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State.

“We make bold to say that our decision was based on the provisions of the constitution of our great party. Therefore, Senator Shehu Sani remains suspended,” a statement by Ibrahim Salisu Togo, Chairman of the ward, on Tuesday had affirmed.

“In all fairness to the party and Kaduna State voters, the only pre-condition for lining this suspension on Senator Shehu Sani is for the lawmaker to openly apologize to the leadership of our great party for his various acts of misconduct and disrespectful attitudes towards both his constituents, party leadership and his vicious media attacks against our amiable President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“He should also apologize to the Government and people of Kaduna State for frustrating the $350 million loan meant to develop the State in the areas of Education. Healthcare delivery, Works and Housing, Women and Youth Empowerment among others.”

However, on Sunday, Yekini Nabena, Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, confirmed that the national leadership of the party had lifted the suspension.

Nabena said the party had directed Togo and others to “implement the directive with a view to complementing the peace efforts being made by the national leadership of the party to bring back peace in the party in Kaduna State”.

Details soon…

http://saharareporters.com/2018/08/05/breaking-apc-lifts-shehu-sani’s-suspension

Igbere (Abia) – Former Gov. Orji Kalu of Abia on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari would win over 75 per cent of votes in the South-East in 2019 general elections, as a reward for the landmark projects he had executed in the zone.

Kalu said this at an expanded meeting of the executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward, local government and state levels in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia.

He said that Buhari had done for the zone what previous leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, could not do, especially on roads.

Kalu cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the construction of the second Niger Bridge as some of Buhari’s major projects in the South-East.

The former governor, however, said that the major challenge facing the zone include the deplorable state of roads and the issue of the second Niger Bridge.

He recalled as the governor then, he had to dismantle all the toll gates in the state to protest Federal Government neglect of the roads in the state, but expressed joy that Buhari had been able to address the problem.

The former governor, however, decried the poor state of the Abia economy, citing the irregular payment of workers’ salaries and infrastructural deficit.

He said that most of the ongoing road projects in the state were being done by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Kalu expressed optimism that APC would record landslide victory in Abia during the 2019 general elections.

“The party has the antidote against rigging and what it takes to win the polls at all levels in 2019.

“We will never allow anybody to rig us out of elections in Abia again. We shall match them force by force and money for money,” he said.

He urged APC leadership not to be weighed down by the gale of defections from the party, saying that “defection is a personal decision.”

“It is their decision to defect to other parties, but it is also our choice to remain in APC.”

Kalu stressed the need for APC to nominate credible candidates that would dislodge any opponent of its governorship candidates, in State and National Assemblies.

“The power to elect the party flag bearers is in your hands.

“Give us good candidates and we will match the powers-that-be in the state, any how they want it.

“You should not vote for aspirants on sentiments. Vote for aspirants based on their track record and proven competence.”

In their separate speeches at the meeting, other stakeholders of the party commended Kalu for convening the meeting, saying that it had boosted unity and love within the party.

They underscored the need for everybody member to be courageous and committed to deliver the party during the general elections.

The participants stressed the need for the party to remain resolute and committed to achieve a landslide in 2019.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 3,000 party members and supporters attended the meeting from across the state.

They include: Sen. Chris Adighije, Chief Mack Wabara, a former banker, Sampson Ogah, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 and Chief Donatus Nwamkpa.(NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/2019-buhari-will-win-73-votes-in-south-east-says-kalu/amp/

Few months to the general election, the spiritual leader of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaji has predicted that President Muhammadu Buhari will win the 2019 presidential election.
The religious leader in a statement he issued in Ibadan, said his support for Buhari was borne out of his sterling performance in office as president of Nigeria.
He declared that the forthcoming general elections would be successful, peaceful and won by Buhari.
Speaking on the crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he described those who decamped from the party to other political parties as hungry politicians who lacked integrity.

He, however tasked the federal government to arrest the spate of killings in some parts of the country.
According to him, federal government should immediately arrest the leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
He explained that the arrest was necessary because the association had admitted responsibility for the killings across the country.
“The inertia so far exhibited by the government in the face of continuous killings by the Fulani perpetrators is highly intriguing.
“Why is the government not responding to criminality of Fulani murderers the way it did in the Niger Delta against agitators who did not kill but only torched machines and equipment to demand for decent conditions of living,” he queried.
On the defeat suffered by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the hand of APC in Ekiti State just concluded governorship election, Maharaji attributed it to the alleged unruly behaviour of Governor Ayodele Fayose.

He said that Fayose had offended notable elders, including himself and President Muhammadu Buhari through his unguarded statements.

“A child that disrespects elders will suffer doom but I appealed to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other elders in political circle to please forgive him. Fayose has erred but they should not disown him.’’

https://leadership.ng/2018/08/02/pmbs-victory-in-2019-poll-certain-says-maharaji/

The Chairman of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), Buba Galadima, said he organised the alliance between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that led to nomination of Yemi Osinbajo as vice president.

In an interview published in the current edition of ‘The Interview’ Magazine, Galadima said the merger between Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was against Buhari’s wishes.
Buhari and Tinubu were the leaders of CPC and ACN, two of the five legacy parties that include ANPP and a faction of APGA that formed the APC in 2014.

Galadima said, “Buhari was the one against the alliance with Tinubu and I don’t want to say anything. Let Buhari deny what I have said. I was for it and I organised it and wrote a memo that even produced a candidate for the vice presidency, this same Osinbajo.”

Galadima said Buhari may have pencilled in another running mate candidate in the INEC form that was to have been submitted.

In a statement, the MD/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview, Azu Ishiekwene, described the Galadima interview as “the stuff of a broken love affair, with no closet details spared.”
Using a slogan, ‘Anybody But Buhari (ABB)’, Galadima said he was planning to write an open letter to Buhari very soon, saying the President was a “floored candidate” who will lose his deposit if he contests re-election.

“If he was raising cattle in Daura, I wouldn’t bother about him. I’m criticising him because he’s the President of Nigeria and he’s not doing very well,” Galadima said.

He did not spare the Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, whom he described as a latter-day Buharist bent on hijacking the ship.

In the same edition, the Executive President of Women in Africa, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, said she suspects the autopsy conducted on her father, MKO Abiola, was inconclusive, because “not all poisons can be traced”, lending credence to suspicions that the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election may have been poisoned in detention.

Abiola-Costello shared the last conversation she had with her mother, Kudirat, before she was murdered, the impact of her parents’ death on the family, and family’s business, among others.
Also in this edition, the wife of the Kaduna State governor, Hajiya Hadiza El-Rufai, talked about her passion and role as wife, mother and first lady, saying, “my husband is too honest.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/amplite/i-wrote-memo-that-produced-osinbajo-as-vp-buba-galadima-263399.html?

The Imo State House of Assembly has impeached the Deputy Governor, Mr Eze Madumere.

He was impeached on Monday by 19 members out of the 27 member-assembly.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/30/imo-assembly-impeaches-deputy-governor/amp/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=ChannelsTv&utm_campaign=SNAP%2Bfrom%2BChannels%20Television&

The senator volunteers exclusive details of his alleged encounter with armed assailants to PREMIUM TIMES.


A Nigerian senator who was feared kidnapped earlier this week has provided a blow-by-blow account of his unpleasant experience to PREMIUM TIMES.

Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, was widely assumed to have been abducted after his associates claimed he ran into unknown assailants as he travelled towards Kogi State.

One of his Senate colleagues, Ben Murray-Bruce, who alerted the public to the development on Thursday morning, said the incident occurred along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway.

Mr Melaye’s aides and family members later told PREMIUM TIMES the senator was attacked shortly after Gwagwalada, a major town in the FCT and home to the University of Abuja, while travelling to Lokoja.


The senator said he was on his way to court for a third appearance in his ongoing trial for alleged criminal conspiracy.

News of the purported abduction spread quickly, and many started drawing divergent conclusions as to what might have happened.

His spokesperson, Gideon Ayodele, told PREMIUM TIMES the violence was reported at Gwagwalada police division, but did not elaborate on the specific account provided to the police.

As at early Thursday afternoon when the news had become a trending topic, the police did not issue any statement on the reported attack on the senator.


A statement later came in later Thursday, in which the police cast strong doubts about Mr Melaye’s abduction and also denied claims by Mr Melaye’s aides that the matter was reported.

The police, however, said they would investigate Mr Melaye’s whereabouts and rescue him if necessary, urging citizens with actionable information to pass such to authorities.

A police source told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday morning that plans were underway to uncover Mr Melaye’s location, especially since his family members did not say they received calls from anyone for ransom.


But just before noon on Friday, Mr Melaye, whose social media accounts were missing in action since Thursday morning, suddenly posted an update on Twitter, announcing he had escaped attack and thanking the public for showing concern for his safety.

The announcement shocked many, especially since there were already assumptions that Mr Melaye might have faked his own abduction to excuse himself from court appearance.

Sources close to him also hinted PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Melaye had called in to inform them that he had escaped an attack, but needed time to recover from the shock before telling the public.


Several conspiracy theories about what happened to Mr Melaye quickly shaped up, and by weekend, some of them, especially the part that said he made a poor attempt at escaping court appearance, had become entrenched in the Nigerian social media.

Burn him, burn him down

In a lengthy discussion with PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday afternoon, Mr Melaye narrated his own version of what he said unfolded along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway.

In all, he confirmed he was not abducted, but that he was not the architect of his ordeal either.


He said he was travelling from Abuja to Lokoja for a court appearance on Thursday morning and shortly after passing Gwagwalada, which is roughly 50 kilometres southwest of Abuja, a convoy of three vehicles drove recklessly by his vehicle, intercepting him on the highway and forcing him to stop.

He said the assailants tried to open fire to force themselves into the vehicle, only to realise that it was a well-fortified vehicle with bullet-proof. Without much time to waste at the scene, the attackers devised an alternative.

“They started shouting that they wanted to burn me, they said ‘burn him, burn him down,’ and crossed the road to look for tyres to set the vehicle on fire,” Mr Melaye said.


As the attackers dispersed in different directions to scavenge for tyres, Mr Melaye said he feared for his life and made instinctive calculation to jump into the bush and bolt, rather than remained in the car in defiance.

“I jumped into the bush, and I started running,” Mr Melaye said. “They pursued me and I was able to outmanoeuvre them and climb a tree.

“I was on top of the three when I saw them run past looking frantically for me. When they didn’t find me, they also ran back.”

The senator said it was on the tree that he perched until his assailants left. While on the tree, he saw four of them passing, but remained hushed to avoid being detected.

He would go on to spend 11 hours trying to ensure that he was no longer at immediate risk from his assailants and navigating his way out of the overgrown weeds.

He also said he could not identify any of them, even if there is an identification parade by authorities, largely because he was more apprehensive of his survival than anything else at that traumatic moment.

Mr Melaye said he believed those who attempted to attack him were police-sponsored elements.

He said when he appeared in court on Wednesday for his attempted suicide trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, he saw some men trailing him after the proceeding.

He described the vehicles the men were driving as two Toyota Hilux trucks and a Toyota Sienna minivan.

“They were exactly the same vehicle that were used to attack me on Thursday morning,” he said.

He was driving to Lokoja in a vehicle not previously known with him, in a bid to disguise his move to those who were trailing him.

“I was going in a totally different vehicle, but I asked my brother to drive behind me in an SUV as a back-up,” he said. “But I was shocked to see the attackers run into the middle, creating wall between my brother and I before attacking me.”

He said his brother immediately performed a U-turn, a task that was by and large seamless since he was not the target of the assailants.

Illogical narrative

Mr Melaye said he is still being haunted by the event of four days ago, and called on Nigerians to prevail on federal authorities to restore his security.

He urged citizens to disregard the claims that he was somehow involved in planning the attack on him.

“It defies logical, the claim is illogical,” Mr Melaye said.

“To begin with, the federal government and the police in particular have combined five cases against me in court,” Mr Melaye said. “I have never declined to appear in court for trial in all the five separate cases.”

He said the claim that he was trying to avoid court appearance should immediately ring false to lucid minds, especially since he was in court just a day before.

Besides, Mr Melaye said, the court appearance in Lokoja was more about symbolism than substance. This was because he had learnt from his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, that the case would not be heard on Thursday because prosecution lead had already written to notify of his unavoidable absence and seek adjournment.

“Alex Izinyon is the prosecutor and he had written to my lawyer to inform him that he would not be in court on Thursday and that the judge should adjourn the matter,” Mr Melaye said.

“So why would I not want to be in court when I know that nothing would happen to me?” Mr Melaye said.

Moreover, Mr Melaye further told PREMIUM TIMES that Nigerians should remember that he was granted bail by the same court in Lokoja, which he had continued to enjoy and had made three previous appearances.

“I have been attending all previous court hearings. I have been told that the prosecutor wanted an adjournment. I have been granted bail long ago which I continue to enjoy. So why would I not want to go to court that day?”

“There is no sense in that claim. It is completely against logic,” Mr Melaye said.

Right, not privilege

Mr Melaye said as a citizen, he is entitled to security if he informed the authorities of a credible threat to his life.

“So now that I am even a senator of the federal republic, how do you withdraw my security and leave me exposed, especially when I have escaped four previous assassination attempts?” Mr Melaye said.

He said his security was withdrawn on April 22, at the peak of his confrontation with the police over alleged complicity in a series of capital offences traced to some persons the police identified as hardened criminals who once terrorised Kogi State.

The suspects were arrested and they allegedly named Mr Melaye as their sponsor who supplied them with arms and funding. Mr Melaye strong rejected the claims, but the police continued to see him as a suspect, and later arraigned him in Lokoja.

Mr Melaye said he had made several attempts to have police detail restored, but all without luck.

He showed PREMIUM TIMES copies of letters he wrote to the Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris, informing him of threats to his life.

He also decried his vulnerable security during a plenary at the Senate, which lawmakers promptly responded to by passing a resolution on July 11, calling on the police to provide security for him.

“I also asked for security from the Civil Defence authorities, but they refused to provide it because of the powers that be,” he said.

Mr Melaye vowed that he would not stop criticising President Muhammadu Buhari, no matter the cost to his personal comfort and safety.

“If I die today, 100 Dinos will rise tomorrow and take my place,” the senator said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/278204-how-i-spent-11-hours-on-tree-top-to-escape-abduction-dino-melaye.html

…Dissolves His Executives


By Demola Akinyemi


Ilorin- Federal government has directed all the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state in the camp of the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, holding various federal government appointments to resign immediately or risked being sacked.

Recall that six members of house of representatives from Kwara state were among those who dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic party (PDP)during the week.

Minister of Information and culture, Alh Lai Mohammed who gave the directive at a press conference in his country, home, Oro in Irepodun local government area of Kwara state on Sunday also expressed the intention of the federal government to dissolve, the Senator Bukola Saraki led All Progressives Congress (APC)in Kwara state under the chairmanship of Alh Ishola Balogun Fulani earlier adopted by the national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and conduct another congress.

The minister said the new development was as a result of the wide consultations with all the stakeholders in the state,since Friday, which climaxed yesterday.

Alh Mohammed explained that there would be another Congress from the ward that would produce another leadership in the state,saying that pending that time, Alh Bashir Bolarinwa’s leadership would hold sway in the state.

He stressed that it is unacceptable that members of the party who refused to desert the party would not benefit from the government, while those who have decamped to other political parties would still hold on to the political appointment of a party they have dumped.

He therefore warmed that if they fail to resign from the appointments as directed,the federal government would sack all of them unannounced.

The minister, who said that the consultation’s that led to the directives in Kwara state was with the knowledge of the national chairman of the ruling party Comrade Adams Oshiomole urged members of the party in the state to remain calm.

He however noted that the doors of the party is widely opened to members who are willing to return to the party.

The minister also exuded confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress would win the gubernatorial election in the state in 2019 election, adding that the electorates will also vote overwhelmingly for the reelection of President Muhammad Buhari and his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

He added that the resolution of the party would be made known to the national leadership of the party,who would also decide the date of new convention for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

According to him,”For six members of house of representatives to decamp from All Progressives Congress in Kwara state, to other political parties,we don’t need a rocket science to know,that all of them are no longer with us.

“They cannot continue to enjoy the political appointment of a party they have dumped, while those who are our genuine members, still in the party don’t have such benefits”

The statement issued by the Minister read thus,”A meeting of stakeholders in Kwara State, held at Oro, on Sunday, 29 July 2018, resolved as follows:

1). That the Balogun Fulani-led Kwara APC executive committee be immediately dissolved and a fresh congress that will include all Kwara APC members and those who are just coming into the party be held at the various levels to constitute a new executive.

2). That all those who got appointments by deceit, hiding under the facade of being party men and women, should immediately resign such appointments or be fired.

3). That the recent gale of defections has now put the APC in a position of true majority in the National Assembly, as those who remain are the ones who are truly committed to the ideals of our great Party

4). That all members and supporters of our great party restate their unflinching support for President Muhammadu Buhari and assure him of a harvest of votes from Kwara State in the 2019 General Elections.

5) That all members should remain calm because there is no cause for alarm “


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/07/apc-crisis-fg-directs-saraki-led-appointees-from-kwara-to-resign-or-be-sacked/

•Panel summons Shekarau, Kwankwaso, ex-ministers

•Ortom may get re-election ticket, PDP wades in Gemade-Suswam tussle for Senatorial ticket

•Party hands over structure to Saraki, as Senate President woos PDP leaders in Kwara

•Kogi: Melaye may get ticket, Yusuf likely back in the House of Reps

•Dankwambo to determine ex-Minister’s fate, Nafada’s governorship ambition

The recent gale of defections by top ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sparked crises in at least nine state chapters of the opposition party.

Kano, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Gombe and Sokoto are top on the list of the affected states, The Nation can now report.

The rest are Imo, Adamawa and Bauchi.

Party sources said yesterday that beneath the euphoria that greeted the defection of one governor, 11 senators and 35 Reps, for now, is immense resentment toward the defectors by current members of the PDP.

Disturbed by the brewing tension, the PDP leadership has mandated the party’s Committee on Contact and Mobilization to wade in and hold talks with stakeholders.

The committee is headed by ex-Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.


It is scheduled to meet with stakeholders from the affected states tomorrow in Abuja.

It is understood that the terms of engagement might be negotiated between old PDP members and defectors from the APC.

The last stage of talks is said to account for the delay in the defection of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State.

Saraki has spent the last 72 hours to reach out to PDP leaders in the state who are opposed to his return to the party, especially the plan to hand over the party structure to his group.

Many of such PDP leaders are said to have now backed down on their threat not to accept him back into their fold.

Investigation revealed that the main challenges facing the PDP borders on party structure in the affected states and power sharing formula ahead of next year’s polls.

A highly placed source confirmed tomorrow’s meeting, saying: “the PDP leadership has mandated Imoke Committee to resolve the grey areas between defectors and old party members in order to put the party in good stead ahead of primaries.

“The committee has invited stakeholders in some strategic states like Kwara, Kano, Sokoto, Benue and others for a meeting on Monday.

“At the session the committee might broker agreement between the key defectors and old members of the party.

“The major fear is how to create a sense of belonging for all. The party does not want the defections to lead to more complicated problems.

“The terms offered some defectors had not helped matters. For instance, the PDP agreed to concede the right of first refusal to any incumbent governor defecting from APC to seek re-election.”

The case of Benue State, according to a party source, is particularly complex.

“We have a serious case at hand in Benue State where ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam has been sustaining PDP over the last three years,” the source said.

“But the way the PDP national secretariat is managing the defection of Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Barnabas Gemade might lead to Suswam losing out.

“While the PDP leadership has decided to cede the governorship ticket to Ortom despite protests, Suswam loyalists were shocked that the party is contemplating giving the Benue Northeast Senatorial ticket to Gemade who defeated the ex-governor for the same seat in 2015.

“We do not know how the party will appease Suswam, who is a key member of the Imoke Committee. The alternative for Suswam is to either defect to APC or engage in sabotage in 2019 if he is politically stripped naked.

“Having been a long-time associate of the Saraki dynasty, there is suspicion that the Senate President may have negotiated for Gemade.”


A similar situation is playing out in Gombe State where Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo is said to be deeply interested in picking his successor.

His decision is unlikely to go in favour of a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Bayero Nafada who is interested in the governorship seat.

“All that Nafada has wanted since 2015 is the governorship ticket,” a source said.

But the governor is said not to be sure of Nafada’s loyalty post 2019 and is therefore not comfortable supporting his aspiration.

The source added:”the worst case scenario for Nafada is to return to the Senate which might put paid to his dream of governing the state.

“Also, a former Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, who left PDP for APC in 2016 has been holding talks to return to PDP. But stakeholders, especially the governor, who are suspecting that he is returning to the party for the governorship ticket have vowed to resist his defection.”

Atiku, Nyako want different candidates for Adamawa governorship race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako are not on the same page on who should fly PDP’s governorship flag in the state.

While Nyako is tipping his senator son, Abdulaziz, Atiku is believed to prefer either Governor Jibrilla Bindow or “any other core loyalist in the mould of ex-Governor Boni Haruna who stood by him between 2003 and 2007 when he had conflict with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

On Kogi State, the source said: “it is apparent that our party might go back to our winning formula of producing the governorship candidate from Kogi East and deputy governor from Kogi West. Short-changing Kogi Central (the Ebira) might create an image crisis for PDP.

“While some of our leaders have opted for an automatic ticket for Senator Dino Melaye in Kogi West others said it might be a violation of the power rotation formula in the district.

“If Melaye gets the ticket, the Ijumu-Gbede axis will be occupying the seat for 16 years in a row.

“The last time Lokoja-Kotonkarfe-Oworo axis occupied the seat was between 1999 and 2007 when Sen. Tunde Ogbeha was their representative.

“Melaye became Senator with the huge votes from Lokoja-Kotonkarfe-Oworo axis.

“The emergence of a member of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Yusuf as a senatorial aspirant has added more problem for the Imoke Committee because the Representative is more acceptable to the people of Kogi West than Melaye. The alternative is to allow Yusuf to go for a third term in the House.”

PDP concedes Kwara structure to Saraki

A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP said the party leadership has agreed to hand over the party structure, senatorial ticket and senate presidency to Saraki.

He will also decide those to fly PDP’s flag for the governorship and House of Representatives elections.

The source said: “the old leaders of the party are however tasking the PDP secretariat on what is on the table for them.

“It is unknown what will be the fate of stalwarts like former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, ex-Minister of Transport, Ibrahim Bio, Senator Simeon Ajibola (the party’s governorship candidate in 2015); the state chairman of PDP, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo; a former Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Abdulraheem Oba; Yinka Aluko and others.

“A safe option being explored by the party is for Saraki to reach out to these PDP stalwarts and open up negotiation with them. In the last 72 hours, the Senate President has opened talks on how to co-exist with old PDP members.

“The under-the-table discussion may have informed the delay by Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in announcing their defection.”

No meeting point yet for Kwankwaso, Shekarau, Wali, Gorozo

Kano State also looks like a hard nut to crack with no meeting point yet in sight for Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso who is returning to the PDP, and ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, ex-Minister Aminu Wali and Senator Hayatu Gorozo.

“Kwankwaso is demanding 60 per cent of the party’s structure which means his group will produce the governor and other key positions. He also said he will finance the party during the 2019 poll,” a source said.

“Therefore, he is leaving the 40 per cent to the three other leaders (Shekarau, Wali, and Gorozo) to share. The three leaders have said a guest cannot dictate to the landlord.”

A source in Shekarau’s camp said: “To compound the challenge in Kano, Kwankwaso is yet to sit down with PDP leaders to discuss on mutual options.”

Dogara gets concession to return as Speaker, wants to install next gov of Bauchi

House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, according to sources, has been given the concession by the PDP to seek re-election in Bauchi State and return as Speaker.

“But Dogara is not stopping at this concession, he appears interested in installing the next governor of the state with strong backing for a former majority leader of the House of Representatives, Abdul Ningi as against a former Minister of the FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed, who has been sustaining the party,” one of our sources said.

Mohammed, the source added felt “his probe by the House of Representatives, despite entreaties to Dogara, was a ploy to destroy his political career.

“Also, the party might favour Senators Misau and Nasif with automatic return tickets although the PDP will be taking a great risk in view of recent revolts against their performance by their constituents.”

On Sokoto State, sources said Governor Aminu Tambuwal will be doing battle with a former Deputy Governor, Mukhtar Shagari who has declared his interest in the 2019 governorship race.

The source said: “Shagari and his loyalists cannot go far. This is more so due to the alliance between Tambuwal and ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa against ex-Governor Aliyu Wammako. The headache of PDP is how to rehabilitate Shagari, who has been a consistent PDP member in Sokoto.

“Concerning Imo State, PDP might adopt a 50-50 power sharing formula between its old members and anticipated defectors from APC like the embattled Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, a former National Organizing Secretary of APC, Sen. Osita Izunaso and other heavyweights.

“But the original PDP members prefer a 70-30 power sharing ratio. And if Ararume defects to PDP, he would have foreclosed his governorship ambition. As it is now, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha is the aspirant to beat and he has a firm grip on the party structure in the state.”


http://thenationonlineng.net/defection-pdp-battles-crises-in-kano-kwara-benue-five-other-states/

The Former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to contest for the governorship seat in the state in the 2019 general elections.

Ohakim announced his defection on Friday while addressing a crowd of APGA supporters at the Kanu Nwankwo sports complex in Owerri the Imo State capital.
He said his wealth of experience as a former governor of the state is what is needed at this time to salvage Imo State from the shackles of the ruling APC.

He also stated that APGA remains the only credible and honest party that could help him achieve his dream.

He, therefore, urged all Imo indigenes home and abroad to support his course as he intends to run for just one term and afterwards handover to a credible man from Owerri senatorial district.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/28/ex-imo-governor-defects-from-pdp-joins-apga/amp/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=ChannelsTv&utm_campaign=SNAP%2Bfrom%2BChannels%20Television&__