₦airaland Forum

Goodbye Ortom

Gwer-West rejects Mrs. Ortom turn up massively for Jime..

The Governorship candidate of APC in Benue state locked down Naka town, Gwer-West LGA today as he
took campaign tour to Naka..


Thousands gathered at LGEA primary school Naka to hear the message from the incoming Governor.

Zam is the engine room for this massive turn up..

Naka is the hometown of Mrs Eunice Ortom.

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, oam4j

By LEADERSHIP EDITORS -


Olusegun Obasanjo is a nuisance with zero value. Last week, the former president gave a press conference as has been his wont. He pontificated, blew hot and cold, insulted everyone in his sights and accused the government of planning to rig the elections and more.


Obasanjo did not provide any proof for the very serious allegations because he thinks he is so important that his words must be sacrosanct. If such allegations had been made by a more credible person, perhaps it would have been consequential. But Obasanjo’s problems are beyond credibility. Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s only noble laureate was right when he said “Obasanjo is entitled to his opinion like everybody. But the question is: who respects the opinion of a liar?”.

The man suffers from a superiority complex which requires psychiatric treatment. He thinks he is the most important person in Nigeria but in reality, he is nothing. He is simply a man who completely lacks shame, a compulsive liar devoid of self-respect, and that uncle that no father wants to leave alone with his daughter.


The grundnorm of well-run countries is that all criminals must be punished no matter how long it takes to get them – no felon escapes the long and inexorable arm of the law. And the reason for this is simple and straightforward: the overriding idea is to create a deterrent that would make societies better for all.
Were criminals punished in Nigeria, there would be no way former president Obasanjo would still be walking free, pontificating and accusing people of a crime like planning to rig elections or stealing public funds.

The former president has committed enough of these high crimes against this country to last several life times. The worst elections that were held in this country were done under his watch and direct supervision. The 2007 presidential election which he conducted was so disgraceful and disgusting that the winner of the election, his hand-picked successor sought to subtlely distance himself from the outcome, as funny as that may sound.


Up to this moment, there is no official record of that election in the archives of this country. The results of the presidential election were hurriedly announced while counting was still going on in several parts of the country. Obasanjo rigged every single election he conducted between 1999 and 2007 and left trails of tears, blood and gore. Yet, this is the man that has been accusing others of trying to rig elections.
The disgraceful 2007 polls appeared to be Obasanjo’s revenge against Nigerians who spoke with one loud clear voice to shoot down his third term enterprise. In a bid to secure the third term, Obasanjo openly shared bribes to members of the National Assembly so they could amend the constitution. Many of them collected the bribes and still voted to stop him from getting his third term, in what is still regarded as one of the Nigeria’s finest hours.

At a point during his presidency, Obasanjo turned so dangerous that he actually became the greatest national security threat to the Nigerian state. He forced his party’s (PDP) chairman to resign at gun point. He, it was, that watched and supervised his boys kidnap a sitting governor in Anambra State. That level of anarchy was, and still is unprecedented in the thuggery annals of Nigeria. Obasanjo as president made sure none of the culprits even got invited by the police.


It was during the Obasanjo presidency that the greatest number of political assassinations happened. His own Attorney General, Bola Ige was shot dead in his home in Ibadan in broad daylight and nothing happened. Without any hint of shame or self esteem, he protected all the suspects and made sure even those that were arrested were released quietly.

That was also the time that Marshall Harry, Funsho Williams, Barnabas Igwe and his pregnant wife, Abigail, and so many others were assassinated. And when Aminosari Dikibo, the then National Vice Chairman (South South) of the PDP was killed in 2004, apparently by someone travelling in the same vehicle with him, Obasanjo quickly came out to say he was killed by armed robbers, as if armed robbers reported to him. Even though nobody has directly accused the former president of these murders, is it not simply wonderful that the political assassinations stopped immediately he left office? Yet it is this same Obasanjo that wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan in one of his idle letters accusing the then president of trying to engage snipers. Well, Obasanjo should know a thing or two about snipers since they had a field day when he was president.


There is no crime in the books that Obasanjo did not commit as president. He was probably the only Nigerian president to have forged the nation’s law openly. He and some of his criminal gang members incorporated a company called Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), awarded oil blocks to the company, and then proceeded to personally reap billions of naira from the shady deals.
Obasanjo as president openly solicited bribes. He gave preferential licences to his Ota Farm to be the sole importer of certain poultry lines; foreigners who tried to compete with him were summarily arrested and deported.

His successor Umaru Yar’Adua had to revoke the deportation orders. As president he openly acquired huge properties, owned tons of shares in banks, oil companies and multibillion-dollar conglomerates. Obasanjo abused his office like no other. He elevated corruption to a new art form. On a scale, Obasanjo is the most corrupt president this country has had. That is why in spite of the international price of oil hitting an unprecedented $140 per barrel, he has nothing to show for it. No electricity power, no refineries, no infrastructure, nothing, nothing and he is still talking. Shameless!

In another country, this former president would have been serving several life sentences with hard labour and even that would not be enough.

Nobody expects their leaders to be saints or even clerics, but there are minimum acceptable standards of morality for anybody who would lead a nation. Countries strive to choose a leader from among their best. But Nigeria chose from among its worst in the election of 1999 — it is still paying for that misjudgment.

The former president is profoundly evil and black-hearted. He virtually turned the presidential villa into a whorehouse. And in doing so, there were no limits as married women, daughters-in-law and even daughters were fair game!

The man is also totally devoid of the elementary requirements of good manners. Obasanjo simply refused remitting Lagos State funds to the state for the only reason that he didn’t like the then governor. He tried to rig out the then Governor Ahmed Tinubu but couldn’t. As a result, he just simply blocked the state remittances. It was his successor that had to pay all the arrears to the state. Hallmark of poor breeding.


But Obasanjo didn’t just become such a bad specimen of a human being when he became president in 1999. He had always been a bad person. In the aftermath of the ill-fated Dimka coup of 1976, Obasanjo saw to the execution of several innocent souls. The most famous was the deliberately cruel execution of Colonel A.D.S. Wya.

Col. Wya was clearly not involved in the coup that led to Head of State Gen. Murtala Mohammed’s assassination, but there were arguments during the Supreme Military Council meetings as to whether he should just simply be retired as he could not be linked to the coup. Because it was clear to everyone that he did not take part in the coup, several members of the Supreme Military Council didn’t think he should be executed. There was a stalemate in the meeting and the issue had to be put to vote.


There was a tie and the head of state had to cast the deciding vote. That was when Obasanjo’s essential elements emerged. As head of state, he had the opportunity to use his one vote to save a life; instead Obasanjo gleefully voted for the execution of the very hardworking officer. Several members of the Council said they wept when they returned home that day. Such is the profound wickedness of this man.
Obasanjo has been given the opportunity to lead this country three times. Who cursed Nigeria?

Yet he lives a lie. Lying is simply a sport for him. He left government in 1979 and branded himself as one voluntarily handing over to a democratic government. That was a lie. He was forced by his army chief of staff General T.Y. Danjuma to hand over; he had wanted to continue in power just as he attempted again to do in 2006. And long before then, General Murtala Muhammed had wanted to sack him as his No. 2, because of so many scandals he had been involved in, until Sunday Awoniyi intervened.

This former president cannot just help himself when it comes to anything Abacha – General Sani Abacha, that is. That Abacha is Obasanjo’s bête noire should be understandable, and that’s only being fair. But Abacha actually did Obasanjo a favour by not executing him by firing squad. Abacha only used the law that Obasanjo promulgated himself when he was military head of state and which he (Obasanjo) had deployed to execute former governor Joseph Gomwalk in 1976.

That decree prescribed a death sentence for anyone who knew about a coup but did not report it, whether he was part of it or not. Gomwalk was accused of knowing about the impending coup against the Murtala government but did not report it, even though he was not part of the coup. And so Obasanjo got him executed. Similarly, Obasanjo knew about the coup plot against Abacha but did not report it. He should have been tied to a stake and executed by firing squad, pure and simple. Abacha probably should have.


Obasanjo always characterized Abacha as the worst leader Nigeria ever had. But Abacha’s era was by far better for Nigerians than Obasanjo’s era. Abacha had more finished projects to prove this. The economy was far better under Abacha. The dollar exchanged for N80 throughout Abacha’s time as against N160 during Obasanjo’s time, even though oil sold for $15/barrel under Abacha as against more than $140 during Obasanjo’s days. Obasanjo shouldn’t be badmouthing Abacha at all; he is no match to him. Abacha was a better leader by a long stretch.

When Obasanjo was released from prison, he was flat broke. Poverty was written all over his wrinkled and beaten-up face and he depended on handouts for survival. Barely a year later he became president. It must be proof positive of Obasanjo’s corrupt personality that, after eight years at the presidential villa, he became a billionaire in all currencies and in all material particular.


It is still a wonder that the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has not invited him to explain the difference between the assets he declared before he took over in 1999 and the humongous wealth he had accumulated by the day he left office, May 29, 2007. And this is the same man that has been moralizing and insulting all other leaders before and after him — a man even his own anti-corruption czar described as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt leaders!

This newspaper has always seen through Obasanjo and we have long made our position clear on the former president. We played our own little part in pushing the crook out of power in 2007. Our position on the man has not changed: Nigerians should simply ignore him. He is nothing.

https://leadership.ng/2019/01/28/our-stand-nigerians-ignore-obasanjo-he-is-nothing/amp/

Mynd44, lalasticlala, oam4j

The economic policies of Buhari are yielding serious results from what is in the OP.

Nigeria is working already with employment capacities being increased as declared in the OP.

This is good Buharinomics

Obinna Chima

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PM) stood at 58.5 index points in January. This indicated an expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 22nd consecutive month.

According to the PMI report for January released Thursday, the index grew at a slower rate when compared to the index in the previous month.


In all, 14 sub-sectors surveyed reported growth in the review month in the following order: petroleum & coal products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; primary metal; paper products; cement; furniture & related products; printing & related support activities; fabricated metal products; electrical equipment; food, beverage & tobacco products; nonmetallic mineral products; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; plastics & rubber products; and transportation equipment.


Guinness Nigeria Posts N3.8bn Half Year Profit
On the other hand, at 59.3 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 23rd consecutive month in January 2019. The index indicated a slower growth in the current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month. Twelve of the 14 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded increased production level, while 2 remained unchanged.

Also, at 58.9 points, the new orders index grew for the 22nd consecutive month, indicating increase in new orders in January 2019. Eleven sub-sectors reported growth, two remained unchanged, while on contracted in the review month.


“The manufacturing supplier delivery time index stood at 58.3 points in January 2019, indicating slower supplier delivery time. The employment level index in January 2019 stood at 56.4 points, indicating growth in employment level for the twenty-first consecutive month. Of the 14 subsectors, eight reported increased employment level, 5 reported unchanged employment level while 1 reported decreased employment in the review month.

“The manufacturing sector inventories index grew for the twenty-second consecutive month in January 2019. At 59.9 points, the index grew at a slower rate when compared to its level in December 2018.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/01/nigerias-manufacturing-index-rises-for-22nd-consecutive-month/?amp&fbclid=IwAR16nvoI-rJKmQrUwWfCmit7RRNJHDNEs1Cl16n4PB3UegDkxoDOHDf8RLE

Mynd44, lalasticlala, oam4j

So this makes no meaning? I see.

Thank you for your candidly corrupt opinion

Here was the moment Atiku was asked to define corruption.

He tried to the best of his ability to do so but only ended up not only defining corruption (to the best of his ability) but also calling himself corrupt.

Watch


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsDrg5Fg2DA

Mynd44, Oam4j, lalasticlala

JANUARY 31, 2019

Mr Olarewaju Olayanju, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) representing Emure Constituency in Ekiti State House of Assembly, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described PDP in Ekiti as a party which had reached its “dead end”, saying he could not continue to be in a party which was divided against itself.

Olayanju announced his defection at a news conference at the Assembly on Thursday. “I have reflected deeply on the current situation and I have informed my constituents that my interest and their interests can no longer be achieved in the PDP. “PDP in Ekiti is now in disarray.

No leader to rally the members together; the leaders have destroyed the party through naked use of powers. “The party is factionalised in Ekiti with leadership calling on the people to vote for opposing political parties; the party has reached the dead end.

“As a man of integrity, I can not stay and work against the party, therefore, I am willingly defecting to APC,”Olayanju said. He said before now APC had not won in Emure in Emure Local Government area in long time, but as from now, he assured APC of landmark victory in the forthcoming elections. The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeniran Alagbada, congratulated the new defector for defecting to the “Next Level of Progress”.

He said that although there were just four APC members in the Assembly, but he was optimistic that in the coming weeks more PDP members would defect to APC. The speaker called on Ekiti people to vote en-masse for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari on Feb. 16 and other APC candidates.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/ekiti-pdp-lawmaker-defects-to-apc/?fbclid=IwAR2BH6AXZybnC-E7o5yTAz4SbG6dUScr6ueqo5u5eW87j4yAdtu-w3Or-zc

Abians defied the ipob sit at home order from Nnamdi KANU to make it to the rally

More

despite the heavy rains (of blessing) at the venue of the APC campaign rally in Aba today, the entire sitting capacity of the stadium is filled .

Security cordons had to be created and the people told to remain in their seats due to the rains.

Abia is a goal and Next Leveled up.

More

Today 27th of January APC Youth Directorate held a Youth Rally in support of PMB and PYO in Owerri led by Jasper Azuatalam Deputy Director South APC Presidential Campaign Council.

You have to note that APC is fielding Hope Uzodimma as a guber candidate and their Presidential candidate is PMB.

Also AA (Action Alliance) is fielding Uche Nwosu as their guber candidate and their Presidential candidate is PMB as well.

Both men have huge numbers of supporters whose vote would all be going to PMB at the Presidential polls.

Either way, PMB cannot lose in IMO State

Mynd44, lalasticlala

More from Osun

Here are pictures from Osun state as they moved to the Next Level.

4+4 is now in Osun State.

Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Oyo state is 4 + 4

More

Anyone who thinks Buhari can be challenged in OYO needs to be checked for delusions.

APC has Oyo in the bag.

Next Level.

Mynd44, lalasticlala

More

Oyo is Next Level!!

Lalasticlala, mynd44

Cross River Daily has been stoutly informed that Cross River State governor, Senator Benedict Ayade recently made a deposit to the tone of two billion naira (N2 billion) to the campaign organisation of President Muhammadu Buhari for solidarity despite party differences.

Ayade, who is of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been oiling an envious relationship with President Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) which nearly cost him (Ayade) his return ticket as some of his party’s top officials predicted a cross-carpet upon re-election.

The relationship with Mr. President, our Abuja source said got bolstered by the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as PDP presidential flag bearer whom is said not to be Ayade’s choice of aspirant during the days leading up to the party’s primary election and until now enjoys no matey relationship with Gov. Ayade

According to our source, ever since the primaries, Ayade has been making frantic efforts to meet with President Buhari to guarantee the APC presidential flag bearer his support. Ayade’s efforts, our source believes yielded the intended result recently when The Governor secured a meeting with leaders of the Buhari Campaign Organization (BCO) in Abuja.

“One of the proceeds of the meeting was Ayade’s pledge by to donate N2 billion to the president’s campaign organisation which he has redeemed of late,” said our source.
Aside the cash donation, our source alarmed that if all the minutes of the meeting were judiciously followed, the election result from Cross River State will fall to Mr. President’s favour, courtesy of Governor Ben Ayade

https://crossriverdaily.com/abuja-ayade-donates-n2-billion-to-buharis-campaign-organization/?fbclid=IwAR1DyYb1dnODTH3KX15F-kzX2Z9Iy4LGa_kUE2ZRQfjtdi9Lb-gCs8lepQg

Mynd44, lalasticlala

Emmanuel Uzodinma Emmanuel Uzodinma
37 mins ago

The Anambra State Government has washed its hand off the Thursday’s endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.


DAILY POST earlier reported that Atiku was endorsed during Imeobi, a meeting of the highest decision making body of Ohanaeze, the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo.

Some of the reasons for the endorsement included Atiku’s promise on restructuring and his choice of Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate.


Obi is the immediate past Governor of Anambra State.

However, addressing a press conference late Thursday night, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, who led a delegation of the State to the Imeobi, said they were not part of the exercise.

He described the development as a divisive trajectory capable of destabilizing Ndigbo.


While faulting Atiku’s endorsement, he said “in compliance with the directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, a delegation of the Anambra State Government arrived at Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu early enough to participate in the meeting of Ime Obi of Ohaneze Ndigbo scheduled to start at 7pm, as agreed on by the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Engr Dave Umahi, and the President General of Ohaneze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

“The delegation led by the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, was surprised to learn that the meeting had been held earlier and lasted for a mere 30 minutes. The representative of the Ebonyi State Government, Dr Eric kelechi Igwe, who arrived at the venue before the time the meeting was scheduled to start was also surprised that it had already taken place. The same goes for others like the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, OON.”

He added that “we are, indeed, surprised that the Ime Obi meeting could hold today of all days. We had expected Ohaneze leaders to participate actively in the commissioning ceremony of the Zik Mausoleum, Onitsha, Anambra State. The Mausoleum, which was started by the General sani Abacha government, took a whole 23 years to complete.

“We have read bits of the communiqué purportedly issued by the Ohaneze leadership. We regret that they do not reflect the position of the people and Government of Anambra State.

“The position of the Anambra State Government is that Ohaneze should remain a united organization umbrella for all Ndigbo, and should not take sides with any party. There are major leaders in all political parties, including the three major ones in Nigeria, namely, APGA, APC and PDP.

“It is deeply regrettable that the Ohaneze leadership has chosen to go down a divisive trajectory capable of setting back Igbo unity for several years.”

http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/25/breaking-anambra-govt-disowns-atikus-endorsement-hits-ohanaeze/amp/

Mynd44, lalasticlala

January 25, 2019
By Patrick Ochoga
Benin City

No fewer than 2500 supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Democratic Party (ADP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Udo and Evbonogbon, in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State.

The defectors who announced their decision during unit by unit tour by the APC candidate for the Ovia federal constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa, gave lack of cohesion in the PDP as reason for dumping the party.

They also blamed the failure of the present occupant of the Ovia federal constituency seat at the National Assembly (NASS), Ms Omosede Igbinedion, to impact on the lives of the people of the constituency. Anthony Osarobor, a councillorship candidate of the ADP in the last local government elections in Edo, defected along with over 1000 of his supporters.

He said with the “abysmal” failure of Ms Igbinedion, in addition with the performance of the APC led government in Edo, the decision to defect was not a difficult one to him and his supporters. Similarly, Seun Adeola, who led hundreds of his PDP supporters to defect at Evbonogbon, said he would work for the emergence of Idahosa as member of the House of Representatives, representing Ovia federal constituency

Read More at: https://leadership.ng/2019/01/25/over-2500-pdp-adp-supporters-defect-to-apc-in-edo/?fbclid=IwAR1X2x5FKcBQ07OskgqqiNBrSTMeD3kWbHHl93CuOGNErYFYTkdYYvikl_Y

Mynd44, lalasticlala

stephleena:
which full stadium? hahaha

Pictures don't lie. Besides what do I have to gain by posting falsehood? Those are confirmed pictures from the venue

Next Level

Enugu Presidential rally is a hit. PMB in Enugu is a goal

Mynd44, Lalasticlala

sarrki:
Anambra is a goal

Anambra indeed is a goal. We expect to come second on vote count after APGA.

Next Level

Yes

My President entered Anambra with his campaign and was well received.

God bless PMB

Mynd44, lalasticlala

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kalu.jpg

Okey Sampson, Aba

Since 1999, when the country returned to participatory democracy, no election year has been so blistering and defying in Abia State as now. In previous election years apart from, perhaps, 2015 when the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) took Abia’s political firmament by the storm and gave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a good run for its money, it has been so hushed year-in year-out as one political party has always taken the centre stage with little or no opposition.

The ruling PDP has, in any other year, cruised to “victory” almost effortlessly. But from the look of things, 2019 is presenting a different picture. The 2019 election in Abia is looking like a three horse race game involving PDP, All Progressives Congress (APC) and APGA. However, the APC challenge is strong. With the caliber of candidates APC is fielding in various elective positions, many political watchers say the party is in good reckoning, better prepared for an upset in the elections.



Governorship

In 2015, the governorship election in Abia was principally between the PDP and APGA. Notwithstanding APC, PPA and other political parties presented governorship candidates and participated in the election, but they, nevertheless, made little or no impact thereby making the race to be between PDP’s Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and APGA’s Dr. Alex Otti. At the end, Ikpeazu was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a result Otti contested to the Supreme Court where he eventually lost. He has not relented till date in telling anybody who cares to listen that he was robbed of victory in that election.

However, 2019 is presenting something poles apart. Not only that opposition in the state have grown bigger and stronger, but a party like APC that merely participated in the 2015 election in Abia, is now a strong contender, making the election a three horse race involving Gov. Ikpeazu (PDP), Dr. Otti (APGA) and Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah (APC).

Gov Ikpeazu (PDP)

Ikpeazu could be said to be a child of circumstance. His emergence as governor of Abia State in 2015 twigged from the massive year-long agitation of his Ukwa/Ngwa people over the Abia governorship slot. This made his election in 2015 to be seen as Ukwa/Ngwa project and they voted in masse for him. It is a known fact that it was votes from two local governments from that part of the state that gave him victory over his main rival, Otti, although it is believed that the result was padded.

However, whether that unity of purpose and the massive support he got from the axis in 2015 are still intact, is what is not yet clear as there appears to be discontentment even from his Obingwa Local Government and how effectual this is, will be known on March 2.

Ikpeazu’s supporters believe he has performed creditably, particularly when compared with his predecessor and that “his works will speak for him.” It is their thinking that he deserves a second term.

However, his opponents have a different view. They see his administration as one that has not only failed to provide basic infrastructure to the people of the state, but has also failed to pay workers salaries and pensions. They point to bad roads in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state. They cite the filthy environment occasioned by non-evacuation of refuse. They point to what people termed the “Ngwanisation” of government as the government has many Ngwa prople in his government.

Also now the Ukwa people want to take their destiny in their hands. They accused the Ngwa clan as cheating them, taking all the positions as yet claiming that there is Ukwa/Ngwa concord. They cite the fact that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District and Governor Ikpeazu are from the same area, but they holding position for Ukwa/Ngwa. The Ukwa people no longer believe in the Ukwa/Ngwa affinity. This is why Chief Marc Wabara from Ukwa is vying for the Abia South Senatorial District, in an attempt to affirm the Ukwa claim to positions in the zone. Wabara is the senatorial candidate of the APC. The Ukwa people are therefore in support of APC in the coming elections.

Otti (APGA)

Dr. Alex Otti, the consummate ex-banker, is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In 2015, Otti contested the governorship seat against the incumbent and proved many bookmakers wrong. His supporters believed he won that election, but was rigged out. He brought novel impulsion to opposition in the state and fought the PDP to a stand still.

This time round, the APGA governorship candidate is in the governorship race with a great deal of vigour and appears prepared more than in 2015 when he was new-fangled in the Abia political turf. Otti is adopting new strategy in his campaign, which some people believe is paying off. He has continued wherever he goes on campaign to tell everybody who cares to listen that he has come to take back the mandate given to him in 2015, which he said was stolen by the PDP. Whether he will be able to achieve this will be known on March 2.

However, people say that he lost his chance in 2015 when there was massive opposition to the ex-Governor TA Orji and candidates he sponsored. That was why Otti got the massive support in 2015. This year, the factors that favoured Otti in 2015 are no longer there. For instance, there is no anti-TA Orji sentiment again in Abia election since the former governor is not seen as the sponsor of Governor Ikpeazu and therefore the APGA momentum is non-existence. Abia voters think the governorship race is between PDP and APC.

Uche Sampson Ogah (APC)

Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah who hails from Uturu in Isiukwuato Local Government is the President of Masters Energy Group. He is an eminent businessman who forayed into politics in 2014.

Ogah contested the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contentious primaries where he was said to have come second. After contesting the result of the primaries and the consequent election result up to the Supreme Court, Ogah left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he clinched the party’s governorship ticket last year.

Ogah has a cult-like followership among the Abia electorate. Last year when the Court of Appeal ordered that he should be given Certificate of Return and sworn in as governor, following his case against Governor Ikpeazu, there was jubilation in Abia. At that time, Abia people were enthusiastic, which they showed when a mammoth crowd received him at Umuahia when he returned. Despite the fact that the Supreme Court eventual upturned the verdict, Ogah still enjoys tremendous support across the state. Many Abians believe that he is a good candidate, against the incumbent Governor Ikpeazu.

Ogah, who is from Abia North Senatorial District has given APC momentum in the guber race. Also the fact that former governor of Abia State and Abia North senatorial district candidate for APC, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, gives APC hope. In the race, APC has strong presence in Abia North, part of Abia South, with Ukwa support, and part of Abia Central, with the membership of people like Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Chief Benjamin B. Apugo and many others.

The senatorial race

As the governorship campaign in Abia is sweltering across the state and the chances of the frontrunner unfolding by the day, so also is that of candidates for the National Assembly in the three senatorial zones.

Abia South

Abia South zone Senate seat is predominately among the APC’s Chief Marc Wabara, APGA’s Chief Chris Nkwonta and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the PDP.

Abaribe, the serving senator of the zone, has represented the area for 12 years and if equity being orchestrated by the zone, including the senator himself, should be respected, then PDP should have no chance at the polls. Abia South is made up of Ngwa and Ukwa blocs and Abaribe is from the former. The Ukwa people believe their Ngwa brothers having been in the Senate for straight 12 years should allow their people to go this time round. If this happens, it should then be a direct fight between Wabara and Nkwonta, both of who are from Ukwa East Local Government.

Filters from the area indicated that Wabara, an ex-banker, is not leaving any stone unturned at clinching the seat. He has visited many political leaders and traditional rulers from the area ,who gave him their blessings. Among the traditional rulers he visited is His Majesty, Eze Isaac Ikonne, who not only supported his course and gave him royal blessings, but also bestowed chieftaincy title on him.

Wabara appear to be the man of the people in the area. Giving cause for this, John Ekeato, who hails from Ukwa East, said apart from the former banker’s integrity, he touched many lives when he was the Managing Director of Hallmark Bank. This is a great plus for Wabara.

Nkwonta contested the zone’s Senate seat in 2015 with Abaribe and lost, claiming the election was rigged in his opponent’s favour. Although not much has been heard of him since the 2019 electioneering began, those close to him said he is coming with a bang. Whether that could rattle Wabara and Abaribe is a question for another day.

Abiribe has been in the Senate for 12 years and people believe he should quit the scene for an Ukwa man, at least for the sake of equity. He has not done much in terms of campaigning, but he is banking on the numerical potency of his Obingwa Local Government. It is a done deal that those who believe in equity that made the local government to produce the first governor of Ngwa extraction will support their Ukwa brothers and if this happens, Wabara may be cruising to the Senate.

Another interesting front in Abia South is Aba, where three parties are jostling for the House of Representatives seat. They are the present member, Hon Ossy Prestige of APGA; Mascot Uzor Kalu of APC and PDP’s Hon Uzo Azubuike, a former Reps member who was defeated in 2015 by the APGA candidate. Some of the constituents who spoke to this writer were of the view that having tested the PDP candidate as a Reps member and commissioner in Abia State government, he should better remain a commissioner. This has narrowed the race between Prestige and Kalu popularly known as “Nwa Aba.” While Prestige is believed to have done well in the past four years, Kalu is popular among the youths thereby making the race to be dicey.

Abia Central

Like in Abia South, Abia Central senatorial zone will see candidates of the APC, APGA and PDP slugging it out on February 16. APC has Senator (Mrs.) Nkechi Nwogu, APGA’s candidate is Chief Chidi Ajaegbu, a former ICAN president, while the candidate of PDP is the immediate past governor of the state, Chief T.A Orji who is the incumbent senator.

TA Orji lost his Umuahia axis of the zone, including in his own ward, in 2015. In that election, Ahamdi Nweke of APGA was cruising to victory, when sudden ‘miraculous’ votes brought in from Osisioma Local Government upturned his victory.

Regardless of the fact Orji is from Umuahia, magic votes from Ngwa axis sent him to the Senate. Presently, two prominent Ngwa people are in the race and one wonders if he will be able to bulldoze his way back to the senate the way he did in 2015.

Ajaegbu, the candidate of APGA is from Osisioma Ngwa, the local government that made it possible for Orji to go to the Senate in 2015. A political neophyte, as some people in the area said of the man, he should not be seen as all that new in the political circle, having headed ICAN for years. Ajaegbu has given APGA, which many believed won the zone in 2015, another hope in the area.

Senator Nwogu, described as the political Amazon of Abia Central, is one person people of the area believe is giving Orji sleepless nights ever since she won APC ticket. Nwogu has been in the Senate before. In fact, she was the one Orji replaced under circumstances that indicated she was forced not to re-contest. But now in a different party, she has vowed to go back to the Senate to, as she has always said, complete the good works she started. The iron lady has told Orji severally that she is going to use APC broom to sweep him out of the Senate chambers. As far as she is concerned, with Orji, the zone is not well represented in the Senate and she is doing everything to actualise her ambition. With the affirmation of her candidacy by the constituents interviewed, the pendulum is swinging on her side.

For the House of Representatives seat, Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency where the scion of the Prince of Ibeku and APC BoT member, Prince Benjamin Apugo, Chief Ikechukwu Apugo (APC) is challenging the incumbent PDP man, Hon Sam Onuigbo.

Information obtained from the area has it that it is the turn of Ibeku people to go to the House, Ikwuano having taken their turn. If this should be, coupled with the popularity of his father, the junior Apugo who is said to enjoy the support of the youths is sure of victory.

Abia North

Abia North is the senatorial zone of the former governor of Abia State and a chieftain of APC, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who in 2015 contested the senatorial seat with APGA’s David Ogba and Mao Ohuabunwa of PDP. After the tribunal nullified the result of that election due to massive irregularities and ordered for a rerun, the manner in which Ohuabunwa was declared winner of the rerun, remains alien in the nation’s political Lexicon, it was to say the least, absurd.

The trio are at it again this year. With a table field presenting itself which had not been in the past and Kalu, judging from the massive support he is getting from the zone, is about many kilometres above the sea level over his opponents. His popularity in the area and beyond is infectious; he indeed buoyed by his past and present achievements in the zone, enjoys cult followership.

Kalu Ikpo is from Arocukwu, in Arochukwu Local Government. He has this to say about Kalu: “It is since Kalu joined APC that Abia North started having federal presence, including the road that passed through the house of Ohuabunwa, which he attracted.”

Ahamefula Mba, a native of Abia in Ohafia, said they are supporting Kalu for what he did for them when he was governor of the state.

Although Kalu is not yet in the Senate, he has attracted over 30 roads for rehabilitation in the area, some of which have been completed. This has made the people vow to vote for him to replace their present senator who they accused of poor representation. To cap victory for Kalu, he has received endorsements from almost all the traditional rulers from the zone. However, the former governor is not taking anything to chance as he has continued to campaign vigorously in all the political wards of the zone to the delight of the people. Some political pundits said with the level of support Kalu is getting, his going to the Senate is a done deal.

Those in this line of thought reasoned that despite the way Ohuabunwa was pushed to the Senate in 2015, he is no match to Kalu. His four years stay in the House of Representatives said he has been a colossal failure as there is absolutely nothing to show for it. As he embarks on the voyage of mandate renewal, he may have no tangible score card to present and the people of Abia North are definitely not looking his way.

Ogba of APGA is an Aba-based businessman, contested the Abia North Senate seat in 2015. He only joined politics in 2015, which makes people say he needs political tutelage first before venturing into the big league, like the Senate. According to them, going to the Senate is not a game for the “boys.”

The hot bed for the House of Representatives contest in Abia North is Bende federal constituency where Ben Kalu of APC is having a direct battle with Chima Anyaso of PDP. The House of Reps seat is rotated between the Umunna and Ikwuisii blocs. Hon Nnenna Ukeje, from Umunna, has been on the seat for 12 years running and going by the sharing formula, it is the turn of Ikwuisii, the people say.

With this, political permutations from the area point to the fact that Kalu who is from Ikwuisii may carry the day. Apart from the sharing formula that favours Kalu, coupled with his performance in a recent media political debate, the seeming support he enjoys from ex-governor Kalu himself has giving him a robust edge over his opponent.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/abia-polls-apc-upsets-pdp-apga/?fbclid=IwAR0L3hMuCD_TZ1CgVTXv8OA5cp8SA5s4g8GezcsZrGJdeqlv6FZYEbywHPU

Mynd44, lalasticlala

The Diplomatic Youth Movement of Nigeria has dumped the PDP - The group said it was aligning with the APC for President Buhari’s election -

The group promised to mobilise support for the APC at the grass root level

The Diplomatic Youth Movement of Nigeria (DYMN), a support group of the Peoples Democratic (PDP), has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee of Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) to ensure the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari. Malam Yunusa Mohammed, DYMN national coordinator, on Wednesday, January 23, in Abuja, said the organisation decided to join forces with the CYMS in the interest of Nigerians and youths in particular.

He spoke when he led some members of his organisation on a courtesy visit to the chairman of the CYMS Board of Trustees, Festus Uchenna. Mohammed said the DYMN which was originally registered as a support group under the PDP in 2014, resolved to join forces with the APC to work for the re-election of President Buhari because of the trust they had in him.

“We support and strategise for any candidate we trust and want to work for; we have mobilisers across the federation who serve as our foot soldiers. Elections are actually worn at the grassroots, and that is our base, from where we are going to start working," he said. Mohammed, however, noted that information reaching those at the grassroots, especially on the achievements of the APC Buhari-led administration had not really been robust, adding that his organisation was ready to change the narrative.

He stressed that his organisation would be ready and willing to work and carry out any responsibility that may be assigned to it, so long as it was aimed at ensuring Buhari's re-election on February 16. Obinna Nwaka, CYMS director-general who received the group, said President Buhari had done so well, and had given youths of the country a sense of belonging.

He added that Buhari had to a large extent, ensured security in the country and had stabilised the economy even though he inherited a near- empty treasury. He said the Buhari administration had also recovered lots of funds from those who looted the country`s treasury while they held public office.


Nwanka said Nigerians, especially youths would forever, live to remember what President Buhari was currently doing for the country. He maintained that it was God`s plan for Buhari to be the country`s president at this point in time, adding that he deserved a second term to consolidate on his achievements, so far. “It is now our responsibility to give him the required support by re-electing him on Feb. 16, so that he will continue the good work God has assigned him to do at this period.

“The re-election of Buhari should be a collective effort irrespective of our political affiliations, tribe and standings in the society so that he can continue to consolidate on his achievements," he said. He commended the national coordinator of the DYMN for seeing reasons why his group should support Buhari`s re-election. According to Nwanka, Buhari is the only one that believes in the interest of youths and future of the country who does not believe in material things or acquisition of wealth. He also said that Buhari was the only president in the country`s history that had given youths political empowerment by signing the not too young to run bill into law to bring them into mainstream politics.

He said the Nigerian Youth Forum and the Justice Group, both of which are support groups, had earlier, joined the DYMN to work toward the re-election of President Buhari. Meanwhile, Alhaji Aliyu Idris-Ibrahim, the council chairman of Zaria local government area of Kaduna state on Wednesday, January 23, said only corrupt Nigerians are jittery about Buhari’s victory in the forthcoming general elections. The council boss said this during the presentation of certificates to contractors awarded infrastructure projects in Limancin Kona ward of Zaria local government area of the state

Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1217420-pdp-support-group-joins-force-apc-buharis-election.html?fbclid=IwAR1lF5uQLT5BASlyXQgLlb4njMAt8reRNJC2C96GcHb0Q3ypIutpuBna0Ws