₦airaland Forum

Bishop David Abioye, the Vice President of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has condemned the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Abioye said Christians would tackle the APC in 2023 for introducing religion into politics.

Recall that APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, had picked Kashim Shettima from Borno State as his running mate.

While Tinubu is a Southern Muslim, Shettima is a Muslim from the Northern part of the country.

Tinubu’s decision was against the agitations of many Nigerians who wanted a Northern Christian.

Reacting to the development, Abioye insisted that Tinubu’s decision was an insult and an aberration to Christians.

Addressing Living Faith members in Abuja, the cleric said: “I know everybody is getting ready for 2023 because everybody wants a new life, and want good thing to happen; and good things will happen for us next year.

“There are some incompetent people that want to run this nation aground, but they will not succeed.

“I hope all of you heard that one party said there is no qualified Northern Christian to become Vice President. That is an insult, an aberration.

“You mean all the Christian Northerners are dummies? To now say that there is no competent Northern Christian is an insult and such a statement must be withdrawn.

“Otherwise, what they are saying to you is, to ‘your tent o Israel’, they are drawing the line.

“We have never tried to introduce religion into politics, but if they introduce it, we will tackle it.

“I have been a voter since 1979 and the first person I voted for was Shehu Shagari who wasn’t a Christian but a Muslim. So, it’s not about being against anybody. We voted for Yar’Adua who was a Muslim and he did well.

“So, for somebody to be thinking there is no Northern Christian qualified to be Vice President is nonsense.”

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The attendance of some unknown bishops and pastors at the unveiling of Senator Kashim Shettima as the running mate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been described as disgraceful and pathetic.

The unknown persons, who Shettima said were 30 in number, all dressed as Bishops.

Condemning their action in a statement in Osogbo on Thursday, the Lead Bishop of Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC) in Nigeria, Bishop Seun Adeoye noted that the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate had ignored the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and gone ahead to pick Shettima another Muslim as his running mate.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

While wondering the type of Christianity the bishops and pastors who attended the programme in Abuja practiced, Bishop Adeboye added that all they did was to scramble for recognition in the midst of crowds.

In his words, “We need to know who the men of God who attended this event are, their churches and where they are coming from and if indeed they are genuine ministers of the gospel.

“We need to know too maybe those garments were rented to be put on by those we saw in the pictures as an indication that Christians are in support of Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“And if indeed they were real men of God as they claimed, then it is disgusting, disgraceful and pathetic for them to have disobeyed CAN. We know quite well that some are in the Church ministries because of the gods of their bellies.

“Nobody should take those men seriously. We need to be reminded of Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ for a mere 30 pieces of silver. So, for them to have shunned the Christian body is an indication of who they are.”

While concluding that a Muslim-Muslim ticket is dangerous for a country like Nigeria, he urged Nigerians not to take them serious as they were fake men of God who were at the event for a cost.

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Please sign the petition. Thanks

cococandy:
Most importantly because he seems to be the type that quickly gains popularity among the right wingers. If he’s not taken off the streets, he’s certainly going to win a major election in the near future and we are all fvcked then.

cococandy:
i don’t know what’s going on. How did they get so extreme?

Google Nigeria on Thursday said the top three trending people in Nigeria in the first half of the year are Peter Obi, Vladimir Putin and Bianca Ojukwu.

Search trends information is gotten from Google data based on what Nigerians have been searching for and asking Google.

Google processes more than 40 000 search queries every second. It translates to more than a billion daily searches and 1.2 trillion searches per year worldwide.

The search engine said half of 2022 has been eventful for Nigerians. From politics, high profile deaths to sports personalities, blockbuster movies and TV series, Nollywood actors, musicians and songs that became very catchy, Nigerian netizens turned to Google to find out more.

Mr Obi is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as the Governor of Anambra State three separate times from 2006 to 2014.

He is the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, also grabbed the attention of Nigerians in the first six months of this year as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became topical across the globe.

Bianca, the widow of the late Biafran warlord Chukuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu also led search interest by Nigerians when she slapped Ebelechukwu, the wife of immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano.

A second famous slap comes in at number five on the list of top trending people after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in March.

The ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that has seen the majority of Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions stay out of classes for five months is also a top moment that captured the interest of Nigerians online.

Other highlights
Top of the list of notable deaths in the death of famous Nigerian Gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu.

Her husband allegedly killed her in a case of domestic violence. The death of another gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, was the second most searched death for Nigerians.

The song Buga, by Kizz Daniel and Tekno, is the number one trending song in the period under review.

Blood sisters, a Nigerian series on Netflix starring Nancy Isime and Ini Dima-Okojie, topped the list of top trending movies and TV Series by Nigerians from January to June 2022.

Olu Jacobs, the veteran Nollywood actor who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, leads the list of top trending actors in Nigeria.

In contrast, Raheem Sterling’s journey from Manchester City to Chelsea FC led him to be the number one trending sports personality in Nigeria.

Full list
Top trending people by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Peter Obi
Vladimir Putin
Bianca Ojukwu
Simon Leviev
Will Smith
Abba Kyari
Johnny Depp
Black Chully
Funmilayo Adebayo, aka Mummy GO
Kelly Tiktok

Top trending moments by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Afcon 2022
ASUU strike
Winter Paralympics
Chrisland school girl
APC Presidential primaries
Russia Ukraine conflict
Kuje Prison attack
PDP Presidential primaries 2022
Owo Church Attack
Blasphemy Sokoto

Top trending deaths by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Osinachi Nwachukwu
Chinedu Nwadike
Dejo tunfulu
Alaafin of Oyo
Shinzo Abe
Alao Akala
Osmond Gbadebo
Abiodun Oropo
Mino Raiola
Ernest Shonekan

Top trending sports people by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Raheem Sterling
Raphinha
Lisandro Martinez
Eriksen
Gabriel Jesus
Koulibaly
Erik ten hag
Tyrell malacia
Darwin Nunez
Frenkie de Jong

Top trending musicians by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Oxlade
Black Sherif
Portable
Lil tjay
Asake
Ruger
Angelique Kidjo
DJ YK
Asap Rocky
Toni Braxton

Top trending songs by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Kizz Daniel, Tekno – Buga
Mavins, Crayon, Ayra Starr, LADIPOE, Magixx & Boy Spyce – Overdose
Ruger – Girlfriend
Rema – Calm Down
Pheelz – Finesse ft Buju
Ruger – Dior
Portable ft. Olamide & Poco Lee – Zazu Zeh
Kizz Daniel – Pour Me Water
Skiibii – Baddest boy
Asake – Peace Be Unto You

Top trending movies/ TV Series by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Blood Sisters
Thor love and thunder
Stranger things
Tinder swindler
Morbius
Eternals
Spider-man no way home
Moon knight
Sex life
The boys

Top trending actors by Nigerians from January to June 2022
Olu Jacobs
Kemi Afolabi
Yul Edochie
Judy Austin
Joke Silvia
Ini Dima-Okojie

Suspected terrorists numbering over 300, on Wednesday, killed five Mobile Police Officers (PMF) and three other civilians at a police checkpoint in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to a source, the suspected terrorists were from the camp of Ado Alero, the wanted terrorists recently turbaned Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Yandoton in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The Emir has since been suspended for his action.

The terrorists were said to have stormed the community riding on over 200 motorcycles and proceeded to the police checkpoint, where they killed five police officers on special duty from Kano and three other civilians in the process.

The source explained that the attack by the suspected Alero boys may be a form of protest concerning the withdrawal of the title conferred on their master and the renewed onslaught for his arrest by the police as well as the government of Katsina and Zamfara State.

Police spokesperson in the state, SP Gambo Isah while confirming the report said the well armed terrorists who staged the attack at about 6:30 pm on Wednesday were over 300 in numbers, killing five police officers and three civilians in the process.

He explained that the policemen were killed by the suspected terrorists alongside three civilians while repelling attack on Gatigawa village at about 6:45pm on Wednesday.

“The terrorists were over three hundred (300) and they were fully armed. The five policemen are from Kano State and they were on special duty at Gatikawa. The terrorists attacked them at 6.45 p.m.

“The terrorists also killed three civilians. Investigation is already in progress over the matter by the Katsina State police Command to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The attack is coming barely 48 hours after the hoodlums attack Ruwan Godiya and Kwai community in Safana Local Government Area of the state where they killed six persons and injured scores.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Thursday revealed that an Ekiti State indigene by the name Adebayo Eyimofe scored the highest mark in the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

This was disclosed during the 2022 policy meeting of the board currently holding at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to a presentation by the registrar of the board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Adebayo who wrote his examination in Abuja, scored a total of 362 marks.

He was followed closely by Ugwu Chikelu, an indigene of Enugu state who also wrote his UTME in Abuja. Ugwu scored 359.

Other high scorers include Igbalaye Ebunoluwa 357; Emmanuel Oluwanifemi 357; Ozumba Samuel 357; Olumide-Attah Ayomide 355; Lawal Olaoluwa 355; Dokun Jubril 354; Amaku Anthony 354 and Aghulor Divine 353.

PRESIDENTIAL standard bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has again defended his choice of a fellow Muslim, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate, saying though he has heard and read the backlash generated by his decision, he was committed to the joint ticket because he believes in Shettima’s competence.

Tinubu’s explanation at the unveiling of Shettima, yesterday, came as the party leadership conceded that though the former Lagos governor had exclusive rights to the choice of his running mate, Shettima’s emergence was a product of wide consultations between Tinubu and other party stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

This was as Shettima also subtly waded into the controversy, saying he was picked as Tinubu’s running mate after a diligent assessment of the threats ahead of the party.

He said if he was an unpopular option, “as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to paint,” there would not have been the tons of goodwill messages, especially from Christians, from all over the country.

The APC vice presidential candidate hailed those he called “rational citizens” who viewed the Muslim-Muslim ticket as nothing but a pragmatic permutation to defeat the party’s opponents at the polls.

The event witnessed heavy security deployment as hordes of party supporters and a coalition of some pentecostal bishops stormed the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in apparent solidarity with the party.

In spite of the backlash generated by the Muslim-Muslim pairing of the APC, one of the clerics who described himself as a Bishop but failed to give the name of his church, said they were at the event to drum massive support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

Shettima is the best — Tinubu

Unveiling Shettima, Tinubu noted that much has been said and written about his decision to select Senator Shettima he believes in the capacity of his running mate.

His words: “As a committed democrat and progressive, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional and moving period. I understand the strength of feeling that has been displayed by some within our party and I cherish and respect the views of all.

“Yet, I remain steadfast in my belief in the selection of Senator Shettima. I am unwavering in my belief that he is the very best person to run for office and to, hopefully, govern by my side.

“I believe in the project this party embarked on at the moment of its foundation. I believe our diversity is our strength and I believe that we must be victorious in order to achieve the greatness of which this country is capable.

“All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me, have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence.

“In politics, these principles are sacrosanct. Without them there can be neither victory nor good governance. I seek both. I applied them as Governor of Lagos. I apply them again now.

Bold, pragmatic approach, hard choice

“This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach. In selecting Senator Shettima I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.

“This is where politics must end and leadership must begin. True Leadership is not grounded in religion, populism or sentiment. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds.

“Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, step into the shoes of the Vice President. As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith.”

Tinubu chose to walk Abiola’s path — Adamu

On his part, National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu said in choosing Shettima as his running mate, Tinubu has chosen to walk along the path of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“He (Abiola) chose a Kanuri, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe from the North-East geo-political zone, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election. We are beginning to suspect there must be some synergy between the Yoruba and the Kanuri. Maybe there is a mutual attraction between them that the rest of us do not know. Never mind, we will put the searchlight on them.

“The 1993 presidential ticket and the current one bridged one of our fault lines in the management of our diversities.

Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for that ticket because they trusted Abiola, a man who opened his arms to every tribe and religion in the country, to run an inclusive government in which no man or woman would be denied his or rights as a Nigerian citizen by the profession of his faith

“Asiwaju Tinubu is a man who has also thrown his arms around every tribe in the country. He has offered his shoulders for those in pain to lean on; he has used his wealth to bring succour to the needy. He can be trusted to run an inclusive government in which character, competence and vision matter to his administration.

Shettima fits the bill

“In our political tradition, the choice of a running mate is the exclusive right of the presidential candidate. He exercises that right with due consultations with stakeholders in the party. Jagaban, being an astute politician, could not have made the choice of a running mate without widely consulting the stakeholders in our party, including President Buhari.

Having made his choice, the party wholly and unconditionally accepts his choice. The party has a duty to work for their victory at the polls next year.

“At this time in our national development, and given the myriads of our national challenges, we should look for men and women of character, competence and demonstrable evidence of their performance in public or private offices. We believe these informed Jagaban’s decision to select Senator Shettima because he fits the bill,” Adamu stated.

Elections’re not magic shows — Shettima

In his acceptance speech, Shettima noted that elections are not magic shows, adding that the successes of the APC in the past two presidential elections were not by magic.

“They were rewards for our foresighted and pragmatic decisions, to sacrifice our personal interests and sectional sentiments for the overriding prospects of our great party. We are again on the cusp of history, and left with no option, other than collaborating assiduously again, to pursue the collective interest of APC’s stakeholders, across ethnic, religious, and regional stations.

Threats ahead

“My emergence as the running mate of the inimitable Jagaban Borgu, is based on the party’s very forthright assessment of the threats ahead; and I am most honoured by the consensus of the distinguished stakeholders of our party, to trust me, with representing the nation’s interests, under the leadership of the very sage, the youths all over our country, fondly refer to as ‘City Boy’, in honour of his cosmopolitan profile.

“I am not unaware of the difficult political arithmetic that produced this moment, especially the understanding of our great party’s stakeholders and supporters, across religions, regions, and ethnicities. Their resolve to settle for this ticket is a testament to the faith they have in us.

“This ticket is not an imposition; it is an outcome of democracy at its practical best, and based on the aggregation of the ideas and insights, of our great party stakeholders.

“If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to paint, there wouldn’t have been the tons of goodwill messages, especially from distinguished Christians, from all over the country. This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda that the frightened camps have been struggling to sensationalize.

“I am sincerely proud of the rational citizens, who view this, as nothing but a pragmatic permutation, to defeat our opponents at the polls, and based on acknowledgment and implementation of the candid perspectives of our Christian brothers and sisters in the APC, who, like us, are bound by the passion for us to retain power, in order to deepen the delivery of unifying and transformative governance, to Nigerians.

“About 30 years ago, Nigerians from both sides of the Niger, came together to market the ideals of a ticket like ours. They overlooked the pedestrian attempts to politicize the religious affiliations of the presidential candidate and running mate, and yielded to the message of hope; and the manifesto of prosperity promised them. The MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe ticket, defied the stereotype of Nigerians, as hopelessly sectional, and incapable of prioritizing reason over sentiments. That ticket, even though it was opposed by the same agents that doubted its success, has remained the best moment of our various experiments with democracy, so far.

“This reincarnation of the 30-year-old hope that produced the late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, came at a time the country is being pushed to the edge of anarchy, by conflict entrepreneurs, in gaudy suits and babanriga. But the overwhelming endorsement of Asiwaju Tinubu, at the APC presidential primaries, by aspirants from the very groups predicted to reject him; and his subsequent election by delegates from the same groups, is a clear message, that Nigerians are beyond the stereotypes of those desperate to tear the people apart.”

Tinubu’ll find no better companion than Shetima – Gov. Fayemi

On his part, Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State insisted that Asiwaju Tinubu would find no better assistant than Shetima. Saying: “For those who followed closely the trajectory of our party would remember the Lagos declaration or the Marina declaration of February 5, 2013. If you remember that declaration, you will remember that that was where the 11 governors of the emerging parties that came together to form APC met.

That was where we finalised to commit ourselves to a merger as governors of ANPP, CPC, ACN as well as APGA at that time. The person who read that communique of the Marina declaration was no other person than Senator Kashim Shetima. And he gave his commitment to rescue our country from the injurious situation that we were in at that time. I want to associate myself with everything Bagudu has said about Governor Kashim Shetima.

So Asiwaju will find not just a governing partner, a bridge builder, a consensus builder, a talent spotter and a voracious reader for those who don’t know him. All the gifts I have from him are books. Our country is going through a very difficult pain. Shetima is not going to be a yes man.

“He is going to offer honest, sincere and verifiable advice to the betterment of our country. He also bows to superior argument and logic. That is the leader that we want, that is the leader that we can trust, that is the leader that will deliver the promises that we make to Nigerians. We would have love this partnership to be between a former governor and a current governor be that as it may we will take both of them as current because they know what it is to be governor and a leader and in a federation where all hands need to be on desk, we shall be excited to support them”

Drama as pastors, bishops attend Shettima’s unveiling

Journalists assigned to cover the official presentation of Shettima, watched in amusement as pastors and bishops from different Christian denominations showed up at the venue.

Their presence seemed to cause a stir as onlookers and guests stared hard at them as they walked into the reception of the Musa Yar’Adua Centre dressed in their cassocks and habits, amid heavy security at the venue.

Earlier, the media had been awash with reports from religious bodies urging Christian leaders to boycott the unveiling to drive home the point of their grievances.

We’re not part of it, CAN disown bishops at Shettima’s unveiling

The Christian Association of Nigeria, yesterday, disowned the bishops and clerics who caused a stir with their presence at the unveiling of Senator Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate.

The apex Christian body explained that the bishops were not part of its fold at all levels, describing them as hirelings brought in to endorse a move that clearly contradicts its position on same-faith presidential ticket.

The CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard through his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said no true church leader would grace such a high political party event in order to create the false impression that there was division within the organisation’s ranks over Tinubu’s choice of a fellow Muslim as running mate.

He said: “Though, the bishops in question are not members of the Christian Association of Nigeria at all levels and so, they are not known to us, but the fact that they claim to be leaders of Christian churches necessitates that we clear the air and reiterate our stand against the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“Anyone can put on a cassock and claim to be a priest or a bishop. However, none of those men at the event is known to CAN as a church leader.

“Some desperate politicians are only seeking to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians and hoodwink them into accepting a Muslim-Muslim ticket by hiring fraudsters to brandish as Christian clerics to endorse their unpopular decision.

“Let them name the CAN officials at the programme and their offices. If they could use 2017 photos to claim that some pastors visited Shettima and lied that the CAN chairman in Borno endorsed him as vice presidential candidate using an old interview he granted five years ago, then we are not surprised.

“This one thing is clear: CAN was not part of the unveiling programme of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate.”

They are hired crowd not bishops —PFN

Reacting to the development, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, said those who turned up at the event were a hired crowd of faceless individuals who were unknown in the body of Christ in Nigeria.

The National Secretary of PFN, Bishop Cosmas Ilechukwu, told Vanguard that no true Christian body would send that number of bishops to any political rally.

“Those fellows are a hired crowd of faceless individuals who are unknown in the body of Christ in Nigeria. They are neither members of CAN nor of the PFN. No true Christian body can send that number of bishops to any political rally. They are on their own,” he said.

My Muslim-Muslim ticket with Gbajabiamila didn’t harm House of Reps — Dep Speaker, Wase

Also, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ahmed Idris Wase, said that the choice of Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket will not affect the country negatively.

Speaking to journalists after a congratulatory visit to Shettima at his Maitama residence in Abuja, on Tuesday, Wase said the choice of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate was based on competence and his track record of excellence in both the private and public sectors

On the uproar same faith tickets are generating in the polity, Wase said Nigerians must learn to tolerate and trust one another irrespective of their religious beliefs, noting that both him and the Speaker of the House of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila are Muslims, and it did not change anything in the House.”

He added in a statement by his media aide, Umar Puma that “the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is a good combination that will lead to success at the polls for the APC, noting that he and his other colleagues in the House of Representatives are ready to galvanize support for the Tinubu/Shetima ticket.”

Tinubu absent as Buhari meets Shettima, Zulum in Aso Rock

Meanwhile, Tinubu was absent as President Buhari met with Shettima, and the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

The duo arrived at the forecourt of President Buhari’s office at 3:40 pm.

It was the first time the ruling party’s presidential running mate would be visiting the seat of power since being selected by Tinubu.

Tinubu, who had earlier in the day publicly unveiled Shettima, was not present during the visit.

‘God willing, you’re going to win’’, Buhari assures Shettima.

God willing, you ‘re going to win, Buhari assures Shettima

At the parley, Buhari told Shettima that God’s willing the party would emerge victorious.

President Buhari, who expressed optimism that the APC presidential candidate would win next year’s election and take over from him said: “I will respond to your speech when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win.”

Striking a chord of humour at the State House while responding to a flowery speech by Senator Shettima, the President, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said: “I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as governor and finished well.

“You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable.”

In his remarks, Shettima thanked the President for his “empathy, support and positive role,” leading to his emergence as running mate to the APC Presidential Candidate.

He praised the President for having “a special place in your heart for Borno and North-East,” adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”

He mentioned the establishment of the North-East Development Commission, NEDC, and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying that “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful.”

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Shettima said “President Buhari has given me his words that he will campaign vigorously for the party.”

He said the President assured that he would campaign vigorously for the 2023 ticket for the party to win.

Following criticisms that greeted his choice of former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday, said he had made the hard choice.

In a statement on his verified Twitter handle, the former governor of Lagos State averred that he made the hard choice because he believed it was the best choice.

Recall that some Christians and Muslims have condemned his choice of Shettima, noting that he trampled on ‘democratic balancing’.

Yesterday APC Muslim youths rejected his choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, advising him to replace the former governor of Borno with a Christian political leader or cleric from the North.

On July 12, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Tinubu’s ally, Mr. Babachir Lawal, described as a “disastrous error”, Tinubu’s resort to picking a fellow Muslim as his running mate.

Clearing himself in a statement via Twitter handle, Jagaban opined: “This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach.

“In selecting Senator Shettima I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.

“Together, we shall build this party and this nation. This is where politics must end and leadership must begin.

“True leadership is not grounded in religious pandering, populism or sentiment. To forge ahead as a nation towards development and prosperity, we must, instead, break the shackles of old thinking.”

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has unveiled former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima as its 2023 presidential running mate.

Shettima was unveiled at an event in Abuja on Wednesday.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s former Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, disclosed this via a tweet.

“Our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveils Senator Kashim Shettima as the running mate of our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he tweeted.

APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu had picked Shettima as his running mate following his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.

Tinubu’s choice of Shettima has continued to cause controversy across Nigeria.

Most Nigerians wanted the APC presidential candidate to pick a Christian as his running mate, but he settled for a Northern Muslim instead.

The family of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, MKO Abiola has chided journalist, David Hundeyin for claiming that the democracy hero was involved in narcotics.

Hundeyin had in an article titled: “Bola Ahmed Tinubu: From Drug Lord To Presidential Candidate” alleged that Abiola traded in hard drugs while he was alive.


Reacting to the claim in a statement signed on Tuesday by Yushau Olalekan Abiola, on behalf of all Kudirat Abiola’s children, the late MKO’s family said Hundeyin’s unfounded allegation exposed him as a hack journalist who had engraved his name in the sand of fake news.

This is even as Abiola’s children maintained that the journalist was only rabble-rousing and intended to drag the legacy of the acclaimed winner of the June 12 presidential election in the mud.

They added that neither the late businessman nor his companies’ bank accounts were ever frozen as erroneously claimed by Hundeyin, adding that Abiola was so respected and dignified that he was the only Nigerian to have been so far allowed to enter the United States of America without his international passport.

The family wondered why the writer would stoop so low to have echoed an unfounded allegation that first appeared in Daily Beast, an American tabloid in 2015, where John Campbell who had “concocted it could not concretely justify the rumour when he was confronted by the Abiola family.”

The statement read in part: “Our father, Chief M. K.O. Abiola, GCFR, died a hero 24 years ago, after being victimized by the military juntas of Generals Abacha and Abdulsalami. He died confronting the military dictatorship, determined to secure the mandate of the Nigerian people given in the historic June 12 elections, so that Nigerians regardless of their backgrounds, could live and aspire freely! It is disheartening that his legacy is being dragged in the mud by David Hundeyin for his own ulterior motives.

“The completely unfounded narcotics related allegations by David Hundeyin in relation to our father in his article “Bola Ahmed Tinubu: From Drug Lord to Presidential candidate” not only raise questions about Hundeyin’s motive for including these concocted facts but also expose Hundeyin as a hack journalist.

“In his article containing these despicable rumours, Hundeyin tried to detail and back up every allegation he put forward about Bola Ahmed Tinubu with “some form of evidence” (but did not seem to present anything new beyond what is currently in circulation), yet when it came to this grave allegation about our father he merely quoted an American tabloid, the only source he could find for his malicious purposes.

“In his story and we quote – “In the course of researching this story, a name that kept coming up repeatedly as a comparison to Nigeria’s teflon Asiwaju was a certain Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. When the Daily Beast took a stab at this story some years ago, a tantalising hint was mentioned in passing about an unimaginable parallel between 1993 and 2023”

“He gave the impression that the article in the Daily Beast was a recent article which drew a parallel between Bola Ahmed Tinubu and M.K.O. but this article was published in 2015. Hundeyin, beyond this article failed to back up his allegation that in his research MKO’s name “kept coming up repeatedly as a comparison to Nigeria’s telfon Asiwaju”. Strange is it not, that he provided no other evidence of same? Some research! An investigative journalist, indeed.

“Hundeyin’s motive for making this unsubstantiated allegation is a mystery. Perhaps our father is simply a victim in the war to bring down Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Or, the journalist may be a willing pawn for those who seek to tarnish MKO’s image because of our father’s role in spearheading the reparations battle against the beneficiaries of the enslavement of Africans. This though a just cause, earned him many enemies in the West who would want his name tarnished and bury his reparations cause.

“Neither our father’s nor his companies’ bank accounts were ever frozen. He was a frequent visitor to the White House, was recognised by the Congressional Black Caucus along with several other important American organisations, and after the June 12 elections, he was allowed to enter the US without his passport, a privilege never accorded any other Nigerian. Indeed, our family name ranks so high in the USA that a prominent corner in New York, right next to corners named after Nelson and Winnie Mandela and Yitzhak Rabin, was named after his wife, our mother, Kudirat Abiola. This is not the manner in which the US government would treat those associated with the narcotics trade.

“When this unfounded allegation first appeared in the said American tabloid in 2015, we confronted John Campbell, a former US ambassador to Nigeria, who was alleged to have said that MKO was accused of narcotics trading. He said that he knew of nothing concrete but a rumour he had heard from some in the military leadership, which he presumed was being peddled by persons who sought a justification for the annulment of the June 12 election,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the family has challenged Hundeyin to provide results of his ‘so called research’ showing involvement of MKO in narcotics other than the false allegations in the 2015 Daily Beast article.

“We hereby state for the record that our father was never accused of nor indicted for nor involved in any narcotics related matter and we challenge David Hundeyin, the investigative journalist, to provide the results of his so called research showing such allegations other than the 2015 Daily Beast article.

“David Hundeyin’s attempt to portray himself as a purveyor of serious journalism or as an investigative journalist cannot stand the test of time with this engravement of his name in the quick sand of fake news!” Abiola’s children declared.

Results are already currently coming in from Wards in the ongoing governorship election in Osun State.

INEC officials have concluded announcing results in Polling Units and results are now in Wards Headquarters.

From all indications, the Osun State governorship election was keenly contested between the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Here are some of the results from Wards.

#osundecides2022: Vote counting in ward

Atakumosa West

Ward 3

Registered voters- 3844

Accredited voters- 1509

A- 6

AAC-1

ADP-15

APC-570

APP- 3

BP-0

LP-1

NNPP- 0

NRM-2

PDP- 867

PRP-3

SDP-1

YPP-5

SLP-1

Total valid votes- 1477


Rejected votes- 30

Votes cast- 150

ILA LGA

IGBONNIBI CITY HALL- Collation center

Result for Ward 05 (ISEDO II)

A- 00

AAC- 01

ADP- 13

APC- 949

APM- 00

APP- 01

BP- 00

LP- 02

NNPP- 01

NRM- 02

PDP- 955

PRP- 00

SDP- 00

YPP- 01

ZLP- 00

Total registered voters: 3766

Odo-Otin LGA

Result for Ward 12(ESA OTUN BAALE ODE)

A: 11

AAC: 2

ADP: 18

APC: 899

APM: 1

APP: 1

BP: 2

LP: 1

NNPP: 1

NRM: 1

PDP: 999

PRP: 2

SDP: 1

YPP: 8

ZLP: 1

Rejected: 20

Total registered voters: 4459


INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA.

Ward 04, Aare Election Results

Registered voters – 5421

Accredited voters – 2469

A: 01

AAC: 08

ADP: 26

APC: 1321

APM: 06

APP: 02

BP: 0

LP: 01

NNPP: 01

NRM: 01

PDP: 1042

PRP: 03

SDP: 01

YPP: 08

Ward 15, Odo-Otin LGA

INEC office-LGA collation centre

Results:

A: 03

AAC: 04

ADP: 25

APC: 846

APM: 00

APP: 01

BP: 00

LP: 02

NNPP: 00

NRM: 00

PDP: 829

PRP: 03

SDP: 00

YPP: 03

ZLP: 02

Rejected: 00

INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA

Ward 001 (Ayesan) Election Results

Registered voters – 4930


Accredited voters – 2183

A: 3

AAC: 5

ADP: 29

APC: 925

APM: 7

APP: 1

BP: 1

LP: 0

NNPP: 2

NRM: 3

PDP: 1139

PRP: 1

ILA LGA

IGBONNIBI CITY HALL- Collation center

Result for Ward 10 (EYINDI/IPIRIN)

A- 04

AAC- 03

ADP- 19

APC- 675

APM- 02

APP- 00

BP- 00

LP- 00

NNPP- 00

NRM- 02

PDP- 825

PRP- 01

SDP- 01

YPP- 01

ZLP- 01

Ward 11, Atakumosa West

Registered voters- 2714

Accredited voters – 936

A- 2

AAC-4

ADP-10

APC-593

APM-1

APP-0

BP-1

LP-1

NNPP-0

NRM-2

PDP-288

PRP-3

SDP-0

YPP-2

ZLP-0

Total valid votes- 907

Rejected votes- 17

INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA

Ikija II, Ward 03 Election Results

Registered voters – 3443
Accredited voters – 1699
A: 01
AAC: 0
ADP: 27
APC: 821
APM: 03
APP: 0
BP: 0
LP: 01
NNPP: 01
NRM: 01
PDP: 801
PRP: 01
SDP: 0
YPP: 01

Ward 004 Election Results

Registered voters – 3263
Accredited voters – 2183
A: 02
AAC: 06
ADP: 16
APC: 623
APM: 06
APP: 02
BP: 0
LP: 0
NNPP: 02
NRM: 0
PDP: 568
PRP: 01
SDP: 02
YPP: 01
ZLP: 0
Total valid votes – 1229

Odo-otin LGA

Result for Ward 8(Okua/Ekusa)

A: 3

AAC: 1

ADP: 11

APC: 851

APM: 0

APP: 0

BP: 0

LP: 0

NNPP: 8

NRM: 1

PDP: 756

PRP: 1

SDP: 0

YPP: 2

ZLP: 0

Rejected: 14

Total registered voters: 3459

AYEDIRE LGA

Ward 009 KUTA 1

Registered voters- 3350
Accredited voters- 1621

A- 19
Aac-01
ADP- 14
APC- 841
APM- 1
APP- 0
BP- 0
LP- 02
NNPP- 0
NRM- 12
PDP- 715
PRP- 1
SDP- 2
YPP- 5
ZLP- 0

Total valid votes- 1604
Rejected- 17

Ward 02, Ikija 1 Election Results

Registered voters – 2695
Accredited voters – 1432
A: 01
AAC: 02
ADP: 12
APC: 667
APM: 0
APP: 01
BP: 01
LP: 01
NNPP: 0
NRM: 03
PDP: 716
PRP: 0
SDP: 01
YPP: 01

Ward 1

Atakumosa West

Registered voters- 3847

Accredited voters- 1702

A-12

AAC-3

ADP-20

APC-673

APM-1

APP-1

BP-0

LP-2

NNPP-1

NRM-2

PDP-930

PRP-2

SDP-4

YPP- 1

ZLP-0

Valid votes- 1652

Rejected votes- 44

INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA.

Ward 02, Ikija 1 Election Results

Registered voters – 2695
Accredited voters – 1432
A: 01
AAC: 02
ADP: 12
APC: 667
APM: 0
APP: 01
BP: 01
LP: 01
NNPP: 0
NRM: 03
PDP: 716
PRP: 0
SDP: 01
YPP: 01
Atakumosa West

Ward 3

Registered voters- 3844
Accredited voters- 1509

A- 6
AAC-1
ADP-15
APC-570
APP- 3
BP-0
LP-1
NNPP- 0
NRM-2
PDP- 867
PRP-3
SDP-1
YPP-5
SLP-1

Total valid votes- 1477
Rejected votes- 30
Votes cast- 150

Odo-Otin LGA

INEC office-LGA collation centre
Results for Ward 07

A: 06
AAC: 04
ADP: 32
APC: 1099
APM: 03
APP: 00
BP:00
LP: 02
NNPP: 01
NRM: 02
PDP: 1217
PRP: 03
SDP: 02
YPP: 04
ZLP: 02
Rejected: 109
Total registered voters: 5829

WARD 02
EDE NORTH LGA

Total Number Of Votes Cast 4297

Rejected votes: 61
Total valid votes: 4236

PDP: 3,262
ADP: 33
APC: 912
YPP: 07

Ward 06
Atakumosa West

Registered voters: 2935
Accredited voters- 1248

A- 2
AC:2
ADP- 13
APC-440
APM-1
APP-4
BP-0
LP-0
NNPP-0
NRM-0
PDP-735
PRP-6
SDP-1
YPP-1
ZLP-0

Total valid votes- 1205
Rejected votes- 43
Total votes cast-1248

INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA.

Ward 10, Abiri Ogudu

Registered voters – 3786
Accredited voters – 1418
A: 06
AAC: 07
ADP: 17
APC: 945
APM: 03
APP: 04
BP: 0
LP: 0
NNPP: 0
NRM: 01
PDP: 409
PRP: 04
SDP: 0
YPP: 03
ZLP: 01

INEC Office, Ifetedo, Ife-South LGA.

Ward 04, Aare Election Results

Registered voters – 5421
Accredited voters – 2469
A: 01
AAC: 08
ADP: 26
APC: 1321
APM: 06
APP: 02
BP: 0
LP: 01
NNPP: 01
NRM: 01
PDP: 1042
PRP: 03
SDP: 01
YPP: 08

AYEDIRE LGA

Ward 07 ILEOGBO III

Registered voters- 3479
Accredited voters- 1723

A- 226
Aac- 04
ADP- 07
APC- 877
APM- 03
APP- 01
BP- 0
LP- 0
NNPP- 1
NRM- 0
PDP- 556
PRP- 0
SDP- 1
YPP- 0
ZLP- 1

Total valid votes- 1677

WARD: APASO
Ede North Local Government*

A: 02
AAC:05
ADP:18
APC:660
APM:00
APP:00
BP:01
LP:01
NNPP:00
NRM:04
PDP:1497
PRP:04
SDP:01
YPP:00
ZLP:02

TOTAL VALID VOTES: 2195
REGISTERED VOTERS:4238
NO OF ACCREDITED VOTERS:2223

Ward 09, Ereja
Ilesa West LGA

A: 10
AAC: 06
ADP: 33
APC: 749
APM: 05
APP: 01
BP: 0
LP: 03
NNPP: 02
NRM: 0
PDP: 984
PRP: 06
SDP: 01
YPP: 01
ZLP: 01

No of Registered Voters: 6,372
No of Accredited Voters: 1,847

Ede South
Ward 6 Result

No of Reg. Voters: 2507
No of Accred. Voters: 1097

A: 0
AAC: 0
ADP: 7
APC: 295
APN: 2
APP: 1
BP: 1
LP: 0
NNPP: 0
NRM: 4
PDP: 773
PRP: 1
SDP: 0
YPP: 2
ZLP: 0

TOTAL VALID VOTES: 1086
REJECTED VOTES: 11

Ward 5
Atakumosa West

Registered voters: 2758
Accredited voters : 1094

A- 1
AAC-0
ADP- 8
APC- 532
APM- 0
APP- 0
BP- 1
LP- 1
NNPP- 0
NRM- 1
PDP- 525
PRP-1
SDP- 0
YPP-2
ZLP-0

Valid votes- 1072
Rejected votes- 22
Votes cast- 1094

Ward 9, Atakumosa West

Registered voters – 2233
Accredited voters- 1028

A-0
AAC-0
ADP-12
APC- 576
APM- 0
APP- 1
BP- 0
LP- 0
NNPP- 1
NRM- 0
PDP- 414
PRP- 0
SDP-0
YPP-2
ZLP-0

Valid votes- 1006
Rejected votes – 22
Vote cast- 1028

Results are already trickling in from Polling Units in the ongoing governorship election in Osun State.

INEC officials have concluded voting and sorting of results in some Polling Units while ballot counting has also commenced in the presence of the voters.

DAILY POST gathered that the Osun State governorship election was keenly contested between the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Here are some of the results from Polling Units:

Result: Unit 29, Ward 008, Olorunda LGA

PDP – 91

APC – 39

ACCORD – 1

YPP – 1

ADP – 3

APM – 1


SDP – 1

Void –

Polling unit Ward10 unit 7 Atakumosa East.

PDP 78

APC 117

Odo-otin LGA Ward 09 PU 01

APC 94
PDP 98

PU 4, Elepo village, Bode-Osi ward 8, Olaoluwa LGA

APC: 38

PDP: 96

AAC: 2

PU 03, Ward
Ife central Lga

APC- 117

PDP- 97

ADP- 2

AP- 1

RESULT

[WARD 04, PU 04, Ila-Orangun

PDP: 130

APC: 58

WARD 04, PU 05, Ila-Orangun

PDP: 33

APC: 25

WARD 5, PU 7, Ila-Orangun

PDP,: 50

APC: 49

WARD 05, PU 06, Ila-Orangun

#OsunDecides #OsunElection #OsunDecides2022

PDP: 83

APC: 71

PU 28, Iremo/Ajebandele OAU campus

PDP:10

APC:08

Ward 03, PU18, Egbedore LGA

APC: 24

PDP: 20

LP: 0

PU 006, Ward 08, Isibo/Buari-Isolo, Ede North

APC: 48

Accord: 1

PDP: 178

PU 005, Ward 07, Babasanya, Ede South

APC: 104

PDP: 304

APC WINS AREGBESOLA’S POLLING UNIT

APC: 164

PDD: 134

VOID: 8

RESULT

PU 005, Ward 07, Babasanya, Ede South[l

APC: 104

PDP: 304

PU 004, Ward 08, Isibo/Buari-Isolo, Oba’s palace, Ede North

APC: 44

PDP: 131

ADELEKE WINS HIS POLLING UNIT

PU 009, Ward 02, Abogunde, Ede North

APC: 23

PDP: 218

RESULT

PU 04, Ward 10, Egbedore LGA

APC: 145


PDP: 213

LP: 01

PU 03, Dispensary Bode-Osi, Bode-Osi ward 8, Olaoluwa LGA

APC: 137

PDP: 151

NRM: 1

PRP: 1

A: 1

Registered votes: 754

Votes cast: 315

Invalid votes: 24

RESULT

PU 006, Ward 08, Isibo/Buari-Isolo, Ede North

APC: 48

Accord: 1

PDP: 178

Ward 03, PU18, Egbedore LGA

APC: 24

PDP: 20

LP: 0

PU 28, Iremo/Ajebandele OAU campus

PDP:10

APC:08

RESULT

PU 07, Open space, opposite Olubode palace, Bode-Osi Ward 8, Olaoluwa LGA

APC: 90

PDP: 108

NRM: 1

APM: 1

ADP: 3

PRP: 1

Registered voters: 329

Votes cast: 209

Invalid votes: 5

PU 004, Fajuyi Hall OAU, Ward 05, Iremo/Ajebamidele, Ife Central LGA

PDP: 28

APC: 29

Accord: 9

LP: 2

RESULT

PU 005, Ward 6, Alapomu, Isokan LGA

APC: 84

PDP: 132

RESULT

Ward 08, PU 008, Isibo/Buari-Isolo, Ede North

APC: 53

PDP: 129

RESULT

Ward 08, PU 008, Isibo/Buari-Isolo, Ede North

APC: 53

PDP: 129

RESULT

PU 005, Ward 10, Ife central LGA

PDP: 26

APC: 57

LP: 2

APC WINS BISI AKANDE’S POLLING UNIT

PU 12, Ward 04, Isedo, Ila-Orangun

PDP: 117

APC: 140

RESULT

PU 007, Ward 01 Okesa, Ilesa East LGA

A:01

AAC:02

ADP: 01

APC: 98

APM: 01

PDP: 106

YPP: 01

ZLP: 01

PU009, Ward 6, Otun Jagun ‘B’, Oderinlo Compound 1
ADP: 02
APC: 97
PDP: 59
PRP: 01

PU008, Ward 2, Ilare 2, Ife Central
PDP: 153
APC: 124

PU 02, Town hall Bode-Osi, Bode-Osi ward 8, Olaoluwa LGA

AAC: 2
ADP: 9
APC:178
APM: 1
APP: 1
PDP: 130
PRP: 1
YPP – 1
ZLP – 1

PU03, Ward 10, Egbedore LGA

APC: 150

PDP: 261

PU 04, Ward 02, L.A. Primary School, Ilesa East

APC: 74

PDP: 104

RESULT

PU 005, Ward 10, Ife central LGA

PDP: 26

APC: 57

LP: 2

RESULT

PU 04, Ward 02, L.A. Primary School, Ilesa East

APC: 74

PDP: 104

RESULT

PU03, Ward 10, Egbedore LGA

APC: 150

PDP: 261

Ward 6, PU07, Baptist Day School, Ikire, Irewole LGA.

APC: 206

PDP: 184

PU 019, Okerewe 3 Ward 06, Ife East LGA

PDP: 33

APC: 04

LP: 0

Accord: 02

PU 15, Ward 6, Okerewe 3, Ife East LGA.

PDP: 64

APC: 34

LP: 0

Accord: 0

PU 002, Ward 3, Asalu Ikoyi, Isokan LGA

APC: 173

PDP: 143

PU 01, Ward 1, Osa Ikoyi, Isokan

PDP:216

APC: 99

ADP: 6

PU 007, Ward 6, Okerewe 3, Ife East LGA

PDP: 74

APC: 115

LP: 0

Accord: 1

PU 001 Ward 8, Modakeke, Ife-east

PDP: 253

APC: 161

[PU03, Ward 6,

Alapomu, Isokan LGA

APC:155

PDP: 299

PU06, Ward 6, Alapomu, Isokan LGA

APC: 196

PDP: 139

Nigerian music star, David Adedeji Adeleke says there are indicators that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is doing well in the ongoing governorship election in Osun State.

The singer, who took to his Twitter handle on Saturday to demand more votes for his uncle, the PDP governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, urged the electorates to be at alert and stand against rigging.

He said, “Remember this is the critical period!! It was this time 4 years ago. Around 1 pm that they started their mischief.

“Everyone be vigilant. Come out and vote and defend your votes until the end! Be alert! We have waited 4 years for this moment!

“All the info coming in is looking very good for PDP and it is making APC jittery and desperate. Please tell our people that are yet to vote that every vote is needed. Everyone needs to go out to vote now.”

Davido’s uncle, Adeleke had expressed satisfaction in the ongoing exercise after casting his vote.

Voting has been disrupted in Naira and Kobo, Ward 9, Polling Unit 4, Ikire, Irewole Local government, Osun State.

The card reader stopped working while people were jostling to vote.

The vote stopped around 12:30 pm.

At Ward 5, Unit 14, Holy Cross Primary School, Ikire, at 1:06 pm, the people are in a rush, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials expected to end the exercise by 2:30 pm.

The officials said the poll has been peaceful in the polling unit.