₦airaland Forum

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC of plotting to rig the 2023 general elections.

The PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, made this claim Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja.

The party also accused the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of an alleged plot to derail the polls.

Against this backdrop, the party has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call Tinubu and his party members to order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process.

Recall that Tinubu, had in a closed-door meeting in London earlier this month, told his members that “political power is not going to be served in a restaurant. It is not served a la carte. It is what we are doing; It is being determined; you do it at all cost; fight for it, grab it, snatch it and run with it.”

But Ologunagba said, “In response to this directive, APC leaders and members have now activated plots to derail the electoral process through orchestrated violent attacks in various states of the country aimed to trigger a national security emergency, instil fear and make it appear not conducive to conduct elections in the country.

“Part of the plot is the current attacks on the facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, in various parts of the country as witnessed in Ogun, Osun and Imo States where sections critical to the conduct of elections particularly those connected to the collection of Permanent Voters Cards PVCs were targeted and destroyed.”

The PDP spokesperson said, “Our party has been made aware of plans by the APC to orchestrate attacks in other states particularly Kogi and Delta; some states of the South East as well as parts of the North with the view to subverting the electoral process in as many states as possible.

“Intelligence available to our party indicates that the attack on INEC facilities is to prevent newly-registered voters from collecting their PVCs; destroy the PVCs so that they will not be available for collection in INEC offices, and thirdly, destroy INEC equipment and cripple its capacity to conduct elections.

“In addition, the APC has introduced a very disturbing dimension of purchasing PVCs from unsuspecting Nigerians through monetary inducement masquerading as empowerment programmes.

“In any case, our party is not surprised at the resort to violence by Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC; a clear acceptance of electoral defeat which accounts for the APC’s presidential candidate’s decision to boycott the signing of the National Peace Accord by presidential candidates in the 2023 elections.

“Of course, the London meeting where Asiwaju Tinubu directed his party members to unleash violence on Nigerians was a closed-door event which inadvertently leaked to the public. The APC aimed to hit our nation with violence and mislead security agencies to direct their investigation on criminal elements and social restiveness, instead of the real culprit, the APC.”

In his reaction to the claim, the spokesman for Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, called on law enforcement agencies to invite the leaders of the PDP for questioning.

Keyamo stated that the manner Ologunagba and the party concocted the allegations raised at their conference connotes that they know more than they are trying to deceive Nigerians.

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has donated a sum of N50million to victims of banditry in Katsina state.

The former vice-president also promised to address security and economy challenges bedevelling the country, if elected in 2023.

Atiku who made this vow at the PDP presidential campaign rally in Katsina on Tuesday.

Following the attacks by bandits, many of the victims of the attack have resorted to take refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

During a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman at his Palace in Katsina, Atiku sympathized with the people of the state and other states as regards the insecurity and other challenges bedevilling the nation.

He said, “I sympathize with the people of Katsina and other northern states that are facing security and economic challenges.

“I want to assure you that if elected as president of Nigeria, I will end all these challenges.

“On behalf of myself, I donate the sum of N50 million to victims of banditry in the state who have relocated to other places as a result of bandits attacks in their communities,” Atiku stated.

Responding, the Emir said the emirate will only pray and support candidates willing to tackle security challenges facing the state and other parts of the North.

He lauded Atiku for his willingness to tackle the evils of insecurity and poverty in the country if elected president in 2023.

Atiku also visited the mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, at her resident in Katsina. Present at the visit was former first lady, Turai Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

The campaign train also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Duara, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk.

Atiku noted that the PDP is determined to move the country forward and called on Nigerians to come out en-masse to vote for the party’s candidates in 2023 general election.

Speaking further at the Katsina rally, Atiku said PDP has done a lot in developing Katsina hence the need for the people to reciprocate by voting its candidates in 2023.

The PDP National Chairman, Mr Iyorchia Ayu, said Katsina was the second home of Atiku.

According to Ayu, it was high time for those who left the party to come back and move it forward.

Also speaking, the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate and Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, said that the party has the ability to take the country out of the challenges bedeviling it.

Okowa said that Nigeria would be better again with people like Atiku as president.

“Security challenge will be a thing of the past if Nigerians electe the party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 poll,” he said.

With his right fist punching the air high above his head, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has declared victory for his party ahead of the 2023 election by announcing that the APC would beat other political parties silly in the election.

Speaking in Calabar on Tuesday during a town hall meeting to engage with stakeholders of the party in Cross River State, he told the cheering crowd that he has all it takes to win and rule the country and turn it to a haven of peace and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Apparently referring to his opponents, the APC presidential candidate said: “They have no past, they have no experience, no track record, no integrity so all they do is resort to insults and abuses.

“But they don’t bug me; they know I’m from Tinubu Square. I can wrestle but I can’t wrestle with the pig.

“What is my concern is the development of Nigeria and that is what I will do as President.”

He said Nigerians all have been disappointed one way or the other but the time had come to look beyond and focus on the development of the country, which holds better history for all.

“It is our fault in this country that these past 60 years we have not made progress. But moving Nigeria forward is a task that must be done,” he declared.

He reconciled the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Bassey Otu and his co-contender, Senator John Enoh.

Earlier, Senator Ben Ayade, the governor of the state, said Tinubu has been brought by God at this time of Nigeria’s political history to rescue the country.

He called on him to focus on agriculture and human development to ease the high rate of suffering and hunger in the country.

The Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Doyin Okupe has resigned.

His decision is to enable him pursue his corruption case in Court.

He conveyed his decision in a letter to his principal, the Presidential Candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi.

Recall that Okupe, on Monday, was found guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Ojukwu held that the action of Okupe, who is the first defendant in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), violated the Money Laundering Act.

While stating that the Act provides that no individual or organization shall receive any sum above N5 million and N10 million respectively without passing through a financial institution, the judge held that “there is no evidence that the money passed through a financial institution”.

The court consequently held that the first defendant, Dr Okupe was guilty in counts 34, 35, 36, and 59.

Reacting to the judgement earlier through its Media Officer, Diran Onifade, the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), confirmed that Okupe had paid N13m fine handed to him by the court.

He said as the party that respects the rule of law, its officials will obey court judgments promptly.

Onifade, however, said appealing the judgment is a personal decision Okupe and that the PCC cannot influence that.

Meanwhile, there have been speculations that the Labour Party may consider a replacement for Okupe as the Director-General of its 2023 Presidential Campaign Council.

A party source, on Monday, confirmed that talks were ongoing to replace Okupe.

According to report, the decision will be jointly taken by all concerned including Okupe himself.

Although the source declined to mention possible replacements, there are feelers that a former presidential aide, Akin Oshuntokun is tipped as a front runner to replace Okupe.

The Labour Party (LP) is specucated as considering a replacement for Doyin Okupe as the Director-General of its 2023 Presidential Campaign Council.

Channels Television reported that party source within the party, on Monday, confirmed that talks are already ongoing to replace Okupe.

The source, however, said the decision will be jointly taken by all concerned including Okupe himself.

Although he declined to mention possible replacements, fillers have former presidential aide, Akin Oshuntokun as a front runner to take Okupe’s position.

Okupe was earlier on Monday found guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Ojukwu held that the action of Okupe, who is the first defendant in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), violated the Money Laundering Act.

While stating that the Act provides that no individual or organization shall receive any sum above N5 million and N10 million respectively without passing through a financial institution, the judge held that “there is no evidence that the money passed through a financial institution”.

The court consequently held that the first defendant, Dr Okupe was guilty in counts 34, 35, 36, and 59.

Reacting to the judgement earlier through its Media Officer, Diran Onifade, the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), confirmed that Okupe has paid N13m fine handed to him by the court.

He said as the party that respects the rule of law, its officials will obey court judgments promptly.

Onifade, however, said appealing the judgment is a personal decision Okupe and that the PCC cannot influence that.

Meanwhile, Okupe, in a tweet after his conviction on Monday, blamed his “enemies” for his legal travails.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said politicians can not byepass the Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVAS) technology by purchase of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

The electoral body described the alleged plans by politicians to manipulate the 2023 general elections as efforts in futility.

He said, “The BVAS will be used for the accreditation and authentication of voters come 2023, and it will reject biometric data of persons who are not original owners of the traded PVCs.

“In terms of any politician, bypassing the BVAS, I want to tell you that that will not happen, that is an impossibility,” he added.

Recall that the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had alleged that politicians are buying PVCs from poor voters to manipulate the next elections.

But, Okoye described as “an impossibility”, the plan by the desperate politicians who are already harvesting PVCs to rig the next election.

He insisted that it is an electoral offence to be found with a PVC that doesn’t belong to one, noting that security agencies have the responsibility to go after such individuals and prosecute them.

INEC officials and PVCs distribution

“Some politicians are very optimistic, they normally plan for the rainy day; they are still thinking that there is a possibility that they can beat the BVAS that we are going to use for voter accreditation and authentication but their exercise will be an exercise in futility.

“Anybody who is purchasing a permanent voters card is just engaging in an exercise in futility. The only thing any person can do is to make sure the voter does not vote on election day but for you to come to the polling unit on election day with voter’s card belonging to someone else, and you attempt to vote with it, that is an impossibility, the BVAS will not capture your fingerprint,” Okoye said.

Removal of polling units from shrine, churches, mosque

The INEC commissioner also said polling units have been removed from shrines, churches, mosques, and homes of powerful politicians to ensure electoral integrity. He tasked voters to support the commission’s efforts through shared responsibility and mandate protection to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.

“We removed polling units from the palaces of traditional rulers, we removed polling units that are near the homes of politicians, we removed polling units that are in shrines, we also removed polling units from places we consider not conducive for electoral business,” he said.

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo said he is now good friends with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a result of their mutual support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Adebanjo made this assertion in an interview with PUNCH on Friday, noting that their shared support for Obi has seen them join forces.

Recall that earlier in the week, Obasanjo, Adebanjo, Obi and others paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amechi, who died at 93 on November 1, 2022.

Speaking during the visit, Obasanjo said, “What I believe and what I believe that Chief Ayo Adebanjo believes is not ethnic, sectional or religious, it is Nigeria and Nigerians. When I go out and people thank me, I say, ‘What are you thanking me for?’ and I tell them, ‘Please, stop thanking me. Why should you be thanking me?’

“I believe in equity, justice and one Nigeria. I have shed my blood for this country. I have gone to prison for this country, so what are you going to frighten or threaten me with? The only thing that my senior brother (pointing to Adebanjo) hasn’t done is that he hasn’t shed his blood, but he has gone to prison. Let us leave it at that.”

Reacting to Obasanjo’s comment, Adebanjo, “You have not shed your blood, you only attempted to, because you are still alive,” a remark that drew laughter from him and the audience. Obasanjo swiftly responded in Pidgin English, saying, “What of the blood I shed at the war front? I can show you where it hit me and nearly touched the wrong place,” as he pointed at and made a veiled reference to his private parts. His response was also greeted by laughter from the audience.

Obasanjo continued, “The problem we have right now is not ethnic, it’s national. For me, the first thing that is important in a leader is character. The problem we have had over the years is that we don’t have leaders who have the right type of character for which they should be entrusted with a leadership role. So, if I put my finger on anything or anybody, it is because comparing one with another, I see that there is merit that would be of benefit.”

Speaking further, Adebanjo said, “What unites us is Nigeria. All the time I disagreed with him (Obasanjo), there was no personal issue. It was on this issue of Nigeria and we agree it should be better. We all agreed that Obi is the man. That is why we are friends. And that was what we made clear to the people of the East. It was the question of Nigeria and we were able to demonstrate the importance of Obi’s victory in the election. Even people who do not agree on things agree on this one.”

The Afenifere leader described the Buhari administration as the “worst” Nigeria has had in the past two decades.

A viral video of Titi Abubakar, wife of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar calling for Nigerians to ‘vote’ for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set the internet abuzz.

In the video, Titi while condemning APC for failing to fulfil its promises to Nigerians made an apparent gaffe, telling voters to vote the party in the 2023 general election.

Her words: “By the 25th of February, everybody should come, if you have not collected your PVC, go and collect your PVC… we should vote APC; APC promised to do so many things for the country but we can see ourselves now the way we are.”

Reacting to the video, the spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo spoke in defence of the wife of the PDP presidential flag-bearer.

Keyamo said: “…In all honesty, this is obviously a slip of tongue, but we hold the view that it is unreasonable to make a mountain out of such molehills, especially when you quickly correct yourself!”

The Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, (PCC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), James Faleke, has warned Nigerians to be wary of cyber criminals asking unsuspecting online users to pay the sum of N18, 500 to access the empowerment fund from the PCC.

Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, issued this warning, in a statement on Thursday.

The campaign Secretary urged Nigerians to ignore messages from Facebook, asking them to pay N18,500 to access the fund.

The lawmaker, who also urged Nigerians to ignore messages from his Facebook account demanding money from people, said his Facebook account was hacked and cybercriminals are using it to demand money from people.

Faleke, who disowned the perpetrators of the crime, said: “I have been inundated with reports from several Nigerians about the activities of some unscrupulous elements who hacked my official Facebook account, to extort unsuspecting Nigerians.

“According to them, these individuals requested that the intending beneficiaries should pay the sum of N18,500 into a designated account.

“One of the individuals behind this fraud is also sending messages to unsuspecting victims using the name of a certain Dr Lukman Johnny with phone number 08147136835, and who is said to be a staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Abuja,” he said.

Faleke shared a sample of the message which reads; “Dr Lukman Johnny on 08147136835 tell him I directed you. He is the director in charge of the empowerment fund in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture here in Abuja, he will guide you on what to do.”

He said there is no empowerment scheme by the APC campaign council that requires beneficiaries to pay any money.

“I, therefore, wish to put on record that I am not aware of any empowerment fund being allocated or distributed to any individual or group of persons by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, or by myself.

“At no given time did I initiate such a scheme and will not subscribe to any form of dubious activities of fraudsters.

“While I urge Nigerians not to subscribe to the antics of these criminals, I also wish to appeal to all and sundry to track and report the activities of the criminals to relevant security agencies near them and ensure that they are apprehended and prosecuted,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has celebrated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday anniversary.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu hailed the president for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.

Tinubu, who described the president as ‘a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal,’ noted that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager, who joined the military immediately after secondary school.

At 80, Tinubu said the president can look back and be proud of his unblemished record of service to the nation throughout his military career as a soldier, platoon commander, General Commanding Officer, military governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.

The statement read, “I heartily congratulate my president and my leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on the momentous and remarkable occasion of his 80th birthday.

“An officer and a gentleman, President Buhari has been a selfless and steadfast leader, and a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.

“Our country is lucky to have this great man and dedicated public servant at this time. President Buhari has led an extraordinary life of service to Nigeria at every duty post with unassailable integrity. History will be kind to him and record his contributions to the progress, unity and stability of Nigeria in volumes.

“As a people, we are truly blessed to have a president who sees no higher honour than the opportunity to serve his people, a responsibility he has always carried with utmost dedication.

“We are proud that at age 80, this noble man, an officer and a gentleman is still rendering his service, recording tremendous achievements, the country making remarkable progress under his leadership, and his steady hands gradually guiding the country to the Promised Land.

“On behalf of our great party, APC, and my family, I join the family, friends, associates and all well-wishers of President Buhari to wish him happy birthday and many happy returns of the day in good health.”

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion.

Briefing traditional rulers at their monthly meeting at traditional rulers chamber inside the State Government Secretariat on Thursday, the Governor said his predecessor must explain why the state is owing salaries and pensions to the tune N76 billion having gotten N50 billion as bail out for salary.

He said the state owed N331.32 billion while salaries and pensions owed workers amount to N76 billion.

The United States government said its goal is to provide adequate support for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and ensure a free, fair and credible general elections in 2023.

The Consul General for the U.S Mission in Lagos, Will Stevens, stated this on while speaking at an interactive session marking the US-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 at the American Corner in Lagos on Wednesday.

Stevens also added that the US government has has no preferred candidate for the forthcoming Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

He said, “What we care about is a free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. We want to ensure that people have access to voting during elections. We are keen on ensuring that people are comfortable to come out and vote.

“The US government is also committed to providing adequate support for INEC to be able to conduct a peaceful elections that is free of violence,” he added.

Meanwhile, Stevens has appealed to Nigerians to own responsibility and come out to participate in the Nigeria political process in order to influence the desired change in the country.

He said, “Be responsible to the existing and emerging issues in your community. If you don’t own responsibility of the problem in the society, you can not complain about the problem.

“We don’t have a preferred candidate in the 2023 elections. Our goal is to make sure the atmosphere is conducive enough and to protect the votes of the people.

“The US government is also working to ensure that politicians accept the outcomes of the elections,” he added.

Recall that nearly 50 African leaders and delegates had arrived in Washington this week for a key summit hosted by President Joe Biden for the US-Africa Leaders Summit 2022.

The Summit is part of major effort of the US government to reset and improve U.S. ties with African countries, whose relations with China have enjoyed increased growth.

Ado-Ekiti—Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso has boasted that neither the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC nor the People’s Democratic Party, PDP can defeat the NNPP in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Kwankwaso made the disclosure during his visit to Ado-Ekiti, as part of his campaign tour in the Southwest part of the country, to canvass for votes ahead of the February 2023 general polls.

According to him, if elections were to take place today, NNPP would completely rout APC and PDP, render their leaderships and presidential candidates jobless.

In his words, “If the Election take place today, NNPP has a brighter chance, no Political party can defeat NNPP, the PDP has been wounded in the Southeast by the emergence of some Political parties, of course in the North, we have caged PDP, even in the South South they are no longer popular because of the Presidential primary contest, and the APC has failed the citizens, no right thinking Nigerian will want the status quo to remain, meaning this terrible situation to continue.”

According to him, he is different from all Presidential candidates because he has first hand information on how the masses live.


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He said, “Why I’m different from all Presidential Candidates, is that I go round the country on roads, not only the state capital, not only the local government areas, this made me had first hand information on the way and manner our people live.

“The NNPP is based on the talakawa (masses), voters and good people of this country who believe in us. Nigerians know the APC and the PDP very well and they’ve failed. The two political parties themselves know that they’ve failed. The only chance they have is to buy votes.”

Speaking at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Kwankwaso berated both parties over what he termed as bad leadership, economic problem, saying that the two major Political parties have failed the nation.

The former governor of Kano state recounted the achievements of his administration when he was the governor, saying such would make life more abundant for every Nigeria citizens if elected come 2023.

He said, “APC and PDP are dead, they are finished, and it is our party that will win the next year Presidential Election by God’s grace, we are on ground in the North, we will win the polls.


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“I’m part of the formation of the PDP in 1999, so also the APC, Unfortunately the two Political parties drew Nigeria back to square one, or even worst in performance, this is why we formed the NNPP as a credible alternative to the two Political parties, we want new Nigeria. So, I’m so happy we have this party NNPP, and also happy that all Nigerians especially those earning their living, especially the masses, women and young men are trooping into the NNPP.”

He also noted that the dilapidated road network in Ekiti State and other states has affected security economy and education of the country hence, his decision to contest again in order to make the country better.

“The road from here, Ado-Ekiti, Oshogbo to Abeokuta and from here to Akure is in deplorable condition, it’s the same story about us, the roads are reflection of what is happening in other sectors of transportation, like railways, waterways even in the aviation industry, and put them together they are also a reflection of what is happening in this country, in terms of economy, in terms of insecurity, in terms of education and so on, and all these put together, are the reasons while I decided to contest again to right the wrong,” he said.



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THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, raised the alarm that some politicians have been buying up Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and financially inducing unsuspecting voters to harvest their Voter Identification Numbers ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The revelation by INEC, however, elicited angry reactions from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and regional bodies such as the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, MBF.

Raising the alarm during the launch of #YourVoteMatters project by an election observer group, NESSACTION, in Abuja, the National Commissioner overseeing the FCT, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed that two people were recently convicted for illegal possession of PVCs in Sokoto and Kano states.

The project, supported by the International Foundation for Electoral System, IFES, the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, seeks to assist INEC in increasing the number of PVCs collected ahead of the 2023 general elections as well as the voters mobilised on Election Day.

Speaking, the INEC National Commissioner, said: “We are aware some politicians are more or less buying the PVCs. If you collect the PVC and then you sell it out or allow someone else to have it, you are aiding illegal possession of the PVC which is an offence in our Electoral Act.

“Some of you are aware that only recently, INEC managed to convict two people, who were found guilty of illegal possession of PVCs in Kano and Sokoto. So, I urge people to connect their PVCs, keep it safe, and make sure that on Election Day, you go out there and cast your votes because, of course, without your PVC you cannot vote.”

In her remarks, Executive Director of NESSACTION, Ambassador Eniola Cole, explained that the project slated for implementation in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Plateau states, will provide logistics that will generate incentives in communities with low PVC collection rates.

Cole said: “We implore the general public to take advantage of the timeframe set by INEC for PVC collection at the Commission’s LGA offices nationwide from December 12, 2022 to January 5, 2023, and at the 8809 Registration Areas from January 6-22, 2023 including Saturdays and Sundays.

“The public can, through dedicated channels, inform us of their location to receive support including the PVC collection buses and community outreach activities to be conducted at the local level in each state by our community mobilisation officers.”

A worrisome development — PDP

Reacting to the alarm, the PDP, yesterday, described the development as worrisome and a threat to democracy if found to be true.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a chat with Vanguard, urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the security services to up their game by ensuring that the claim was thoroughly investigated and those found culpable in the ugly trade are apprehended and brought to justice.

Ologunagba said: “The alarm raised by INEC should not be taken lightly because in the last couple of weeks, Nigerians have seen an upsurge in the desperate tactics by the ruling All Progressives Congress, to grab and retain power by all means including the purchase of PVCs from gullible people.

“The party has weaponized poverty which it intends to use to cow Nigerians into doing its bidding.

“You will recall the trending video in which the Presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was seen and heard urging his campaign team members to grab, snatch, run away with political power by all means. The authenticity of the video has not been denied.

“Nigerians are also aware that it was the same APC candidate, who refused to sign the Peace Accord.

“The APC and its candidate have also voiced their opposition to the use of BVAS which is an innovation by INEC to improve the quality of our electoral process.

“With all of these tale signs of desperation from the outgoing ruling party, need Nigerians to look any further than the APC?

“As we speak, the APC candidate is yet to tell Nigerians what he intends to do if in the unlikely event he wins.

“The only opportunity which he was given outside the shores of this country, in Chatham House London to be precise, he bungled it by revealing to Nigerians that he intends to unleash a government by proxy.

“While we await a thorough investigation to unravel the extent to which APCs desperation has led it into seeking to criminally manipulate our electoral process to subvert the will of Nigerians, we implore our security agencies and President Buhari, to remain faithful to their promise to bequeath a credible, free and fair election come 2023.”

Those who weaponized poverty behind the purchase of PVCs — LP

On its part, the Presidential Campaign Council of the Labour Party tasked security agencies and INEC not to look any further than politicians and political parties, who have over the years, weaponized poverty when looking for masterminds of the purchase of Permanent Voter Cards.

Chief Spokesperson of the LP PCC, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, in a chat with Vanguard said: “We in the Labour Party condemn electoral crime in all its ramifications. I’m certain the politicians being described by INEC are not within our rank or file, that is why we have been taking our plea for votes directly to Nigerians.

“Our candidate has been campaigning and appearing in debates and town hall meetings because he knows the power to put him and his running mate and of course our party in office is in the hands of the people.

“We enjoin Nigerians to beware of politicians, who stole from our common patrimony while in office at one time or another.

“These are the same people who have come to use these same stolen funds to try to buy their PVCs and their votes.

“Nigerian voters should also beware that Section 124 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As amended), makes it a criminal offence for anyone to buy or sell votes. Both offenses carry a punishment of 12 months in jail or a fine of N500,000 or both on conviction.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he is working with other elder statesmen to enthrone a new Nigeria, where everyone would have a sense of belonging and there would be justice for all.

Obasanjo made this assertion while speaking at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu on Monday.

According to the former president, Nigeria is currently at the crossroads in her political history and needs a leader with the right character and capacity to reposition the country.

During his visit, Obasanjo signed a condolence register opened by the group of elders for the First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who died on November 1.

The leader of the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, also signed the register as a mark of respect for the deceased.

In his address, Obasanjo said the major problem with Nigeria was the dearth of leaders with the right type of character, who should be trusted with the leadership role.

“So, if I put my hand on someone, it means that comparing with the other, I see that there is a merit that will be of benefit to Nigeria. And I believe that Chief Adebanjo stands for the same thing.”

Obasanjo said although he had paid his dues in Nigeria, he would not relent in pushing for justice, adding that the problem with the country is not ethnic but national.

He stated, “I have shed my blood for this country. I have gone to prison for this country. So, what are you going to frighten or threaten me with? The only thing that my senior brother (Adebanjo) hasn’t done is that he hasn’t shed his blood, but he has gone to prison.

“What I believe and what I think Pa Ayo Adebanjo believes is not ethnic, it’s not sectional, it is not religious, it is Nigeria. I believe in equity, I believe in justice, I believe in one Nigeria.”

Obasanjo described Mbazulike as an authentic Nigerian patriot and the last of the titans, regretting that the foremost nationalist would not be around to witness the new Nigeria that he laboured for.

Receiving the eminent leaders on behalf of President General of the apex Igbo organisation, Professor George Obiozor, Secretary General of the group, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, said the organisation would continue to seek justice, fairness, equity and inclusion in Nigeria, as the late Amaechi did.

Emuchay thanked the leaders for honouring the late former minister and the entire Ndigbo, stressing that the Ohanaeze remains committed to its support for Peter Obi in the interest of fairness and equity.

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had urged the people of Nasarawa to vote the people in the 2023 polls as he will uplift the infrastructure in the state if voted into office.

The former Vice President made this known in Lafia, Nasarawa state where the PDP is currently holding its presidential campaign rally monitored by Vanguard.

He said, “I want to thank the people of Nassarawa for this support. I want to reiterate our commitment to the employment of youths and women in Nigeria. This is why my administration will set aside $10b for this purpose.”

The PDP presidential candidate further said he, “will lift up Nasarawa’s infrastructure if voted into office.”

On his part, the Chairman of the PDP, Iyorcha Ayu predicted the party’s flagbearer, Atiku will win the north-central geo-political zone of the country in the next general election.

The party chairman urged those who have left the party to return and join the winning train as the party is poised for victory in the next general election.

“Atiku will get his highest votes from northcentral. I expect Nasarawa to give Atiku 95 per cent of the votes.

“We started the journey in Nasarawa in 1998.

“I urge all those who have left the party to come back to the winning party, come join the winning train.

Ayu urged the supporters in Nasarawa to vote for all member candidates in the state.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has again promised to invest in education and health care to give Nigeria its pride of place in the comity of nations.

He said this in response to questions on his plans for the sectors in the light of the exodus of young Nigerian professionals under what has come to be known as the “Japa syndrome”.

Atiku promised to invest at least “the minimum recommended by the United Nations to invest in the education sector to encourage retention of qualified Nigerian professionals.

“When I was setting up my university, I started with the provision of infrastructure.

“There was uninterrupted electricity and internet connectivity in a remote area called Yola. When we did that, our professors came in from the United States.

“Our neighboring countries that are poorer than us invest more than us in education. We need to involve the private sector.”

On the issue of healthcare delivery, while responding to a question by a little girl who expressed concern about cost, Atiku sympathized with her and other Nigerians facing similar challenges.

He lamented that it was unfortunate that the National Health Care Insurance Scheme set up while he served as Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo, was yet to get the desired mileage intended.

The PDP candidate promised to ensure that more and more Nigerians get enrolled in the scheme to reduce the burden of paying for medical services on individuals and families.

Croatia have qualified for the semi-final of the World Cup after defeating Brazil 4-2 on penalties.

The match had ended goalless in 90 minutes with the match going into extra-time.

Neymar scored on the stroke of halftime of the first half of extra-time to give Brazil the lead and what seemed like the winning goal of the match but Bruno Petkovic pulled a goal back for Croatia four minutes to the end of the game to send it to penalties.

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said he has the strength to debate from morning till night.

Tinubu stated this while addressing some young Nigerians in London.

He said, “I am ready to debate with you from morning till night… and I’m speaking in London, not in Jigawa. It is great that you are alive to tell the story just giving the assurance never to give up… Broadband creation, energy that you talked about..

“if they’ve taken our advice.. in the beginning of democracy in 1999, we brought in investment. My Deputy then is here.. and then so many other innovative things….,” he added.


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Meanwhile, during his presentation at the Chatham House in London on Monday, Tinubu had given the reason why he snubbed debates.

Tinubu said, “I see myself as a marketable individual. You want to use me to make money and I’m saying no.”

Recall that Tinubu has been subjected to criticism for ignoring Arise News Townhall Series of interactive sessions, which were attended by other presidential candidates.

His absence at Aris Townhall on Sunday created must dust in the public domain as his critics claimed Tinubu might have stayed away because he could not withstand the rigor of the discourse.

Similarly, the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also accused Tinubu of avoiding debates because he had nothing to tell Nigerians.


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A former minister of aviation and member of the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential campaign council, Femi Fani-Kayode said the spokespersons of Peter Obi, Abubakar Atiku’s presidential campaigns were guilty of denigrating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Fani-Kayode stated this in a series of tweets via his verified Twitter handle on Thursday.

His words, “A few days earlier I heard another Obi spokesman on yet another Channels Television programme referring to him as “Nebuchadnezzar”, “a monkey” and “satan.”

“The thing that appalled me the most was that in both interviews the moderators allowed him to keepmaking the point and mocking our candidate.

“They all appeared to be enjoying themselves and having a good laugh.


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“This has become the norm on virtually all the television stations in Nigeria today where insulting and denigratiing Asiwaju has been turned into a public bloodsport and favourite pastime.

“In this respect the prize goes to …Television who can barely disguise their utter disdain and hatred for our candidate.”

He stated further, “Like Obi’s men, the PDP, their spokesmen and their leaders are also guilty of this attempt to slur and say some of the most outrageous things about our candidate and his health on national television as well.

“Up until now I have been quite gentle and I have kept the peace by refraining from targetting the respective opposition candidates on national television.

“However let me serve them notice that it is my intention to respond to them fire for fire as from today on every social media platform, every newspaper and every television and radio station that they seek to disparage our candidate and leader.

“The truth is that of all the filthy maggots that crawled out of the political sewer in the last 62 years, the most fickle, ignorant, naive, gullible, rude, fraudulent, crooked, fascistic, disrespectful, vain, uncouth and who and what Obi and Dati really are,” he said.


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Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa have restated commitment to stabilize the economy and unite Nigeria.

The PDP candidates assured Nigerians while addressing thousands of supporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo on Wednesday, when the party’s presidential campaign rallied for support in Osun state.

Recall that residents of Osun are still in celebratory mood following the recent inauguration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the 6th governor of the state.

Atiku, while addressing party members during a town hall meeting ahead of the campaign rally, said his government, if elected, will address security, revive the economy, unite the nation and improve the education system.

He noted that since the All Progressive Congress (APC) came to power in 2015, Nigerians have been suffering from bad governance, adding that the PDP is contesting the election to restore Nigeria.


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Atiku said, “If we are voted into office, we will stabilize Nigeria, unite its people, ensure security of lives and property and make sure our people benefit from the good governance of the PDP.”

“My brothers and sisters of Osun State I have came to a very thank you and I appeal to you, I plead with you to come out in greater numbers to than you did in the last state election and vote for the PDP in the next general election.

“That is the only way that you can secure your future and the future of your children, we promise you we will not fail you.

“We are not like APC because we have done it before, we have got the experience. We have got the people who have the capacity to bring about changes we are not new as far as governance is concerned in Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the rally, Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke said, “If Atiku Abubakar becomes the President of Nigeria in 2023, Nigeria is sure to develop and prosper.


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“Atiku will restore the economy, security, agriculture, education and health; he will ensure that the nation is united. Atiku is an experienced man and the only candidate that can rescue Nigeria from its various problems and challenges.”

He added, “Under Atiku as Vice-President, Nigeria was the largest economy in Africa. Atiku will direct Nigeria to the path of development. He will restore the rule of law and due process. Atiku will secure the nation.”

Urging the people of Osun to vote enmasse for PDP in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election, Okowa said, “I urge the people to vote for Atiku Abubakar as he is the only person that can rescue Nigeria from its economic woes.”

The national chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu urged the Osun people to vote for all PDP candidates during the 2023 polls.

The chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, noted that Atiku is the best man for the job because of his knowledge and experience in governance.


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The Nigerian government says it had realised at least N120 billion as proceeds from criminal financial operations since the Bill on Proceeds of Crime Recovery Management was signed into law earlier this year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the announcement at a news conference when the Minister of Environment presented the scorecard of the ministry under the Buhari administration in Abuja on Wednesday.


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Mohammed said, “I have an update on the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), 2022. In line with the new law, all relevant government agencies have now opened ‘A confiscated and Forfeiture Properties Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I can confirm that the Federal Government has realized over 120 billion Naira, among other currencies, from POCA.

“This money will be used to fund the completion of ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the country like the Second Niger Bridge as well as the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kano Expressways. We will continue to update you on this,” the Information Minister said.


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President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured that the 2023 general elections would be free, fair and credible, saying manipulations would not be condoned.

Buhari gave this assurance while hosting West African Elders Forum Pre-Election Mediation Mission, led by former Sierra Leonean President, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma at the State House, Abuja.

He said, “Thank you for accepting to do this service for our sub-region.”

The President cited off-season elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, as pointer to the fact that the Federal Government would allow people to choose leaders they want.

“That right is guaranteed. We are settling down, and making progress. People should vote whoever they want, in whatever party. We shall not allow anyone to use money and thugs to intimidate the people.


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“Nigerians know better now, they are wiser, and know that it is better to dialogue than to carry weapons. Elections are even more difficult to rig now,” Buhari affirmed.

Former President Koroma, led a team comprising Fatoumata Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, and Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

Koroma said they had met with stakeholders across the parties, civil society, and Independent National Electoral Commission, among others, “and we commend you for making it clear both locally and internationally that the elections would be free and fair.”


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He commended Buhari for not seeking a third term in office, against the laws of the country, noting that “other countries look up to Nigeria for direction.”

“When we had issues in Sierra Leone and Liberia, it was Nigeria that came in to stabilize the system,” he said.

The former president urged the President Buhari to look into other areas of concern as raised by the stakeholders, “including security, and issues that may cast doubts on the clarity and credibility of the elections.”


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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a new policy that mandates deposit money banks and other financial institutions to ensure that over-the-counter cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100, 000 and N500, 000, respectively, per week.

According to a new memo to banks issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Haruna .B. Mustafa, individuals will only be able to withdraw N100,000 per week ( from over the counter, Point of Sale Machines or the Automated Teller Machines), while organisation can access N500,000 per week.

Banks have also been directed to load only N200 and lower denominations into their ATM.


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The memo read, “Further to the launch of the redesigned naira notes by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, and in line with the cashless policy of the CBN, all deposit money banks and other financial institutions are hereby directed to note and comply with the following:

“1. The maximum cash withdrawal over the counter by individuals and corporate organisations per week shall henceforth be N100,000 and N500,000 respectively. Withdrawals above these limits shall attract processing fees of 5% and 10%, respectively.

“2. Third-party cheques above N50,000 shall not be eligible for payment over the counter, while extant limits of N10,000,000 on clearing cheques still subsist.

“3. The maximum cash withdrawal per week via Automated Teller Machine shall be N100,000 subject to a maximum of N20,000 cash withdrawal per day.

“4. Only denominations of N200 and below shall be loaded into the ATMs.

“5. The maximum cash withdrawal via the point of sale terminal shall be N20,000 daily.

“6. In compelling circumstances, not exceeding once a month, where cash withdrawals above the prescribed limits are required for legitimate purposes, such cash withdrawals shall not exceed N5,000,000.00 and N10,000,000.00 for individuals and corporate organisations, respectively, and shall be subject to the referenced processing fees in (1) above, in addition to enhanced due diligence and further information requirements.


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“Further to (6) above, you are required to obtain the following information at the minimum and upload same on the CBN portal created for the purpose:

“a. Valid means of identification of the payee (National Identity Card, International Passport, Drivers License.). b. Bank Verification Number of the payee. c. Notarised customer declaration of the purpose of the cash withdrawal. d. Senior management approval for the withdrawal by the Managing Director of the drawee, where applicable. e. Approval in writing by the MD/CEO of the bank authorising the withdrawal.

“Please further note the following: i. Monthly returns on cash withdrawal transactions above the specified limits should be rendered to the Banking Supervision Department. ii. Compliance with extant AMUCFT regulations relating to the KYC, ongoing customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reporting etc., is required in all circumstances. iii. Customers should be encouraged to use alternative channels (internet banking, mobile banking apps, USSD, cards/POS. eNaira, etc.) to conduct their banking transactions.”


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Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said he won’t vote for any of his counterparts if he weren’t to be running for president in the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu stated this in an interview with BBC News on Monday shortly after his appearance at the Chatham House in London, the United Kingdom.

The APC candidate said he won’t vote for Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he weren’t on the ballot.

He said, “None because they are not as competent as any other person out there. They have no track record, none of them is qualified except me.”


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Tinubu also said those criticising his source of wealth were driven by envy.

According to him, his wealth came from investments in real estate.

He said, “I am not denying my wealth. I was the most investigated, the most accused governor in the opposition for eight years and since I left the office, I have not taken any government appointment, no government contract.

“I don’t share any of Lagos resources with the state government,” he added.


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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has said he has no intention to engaging in arguments or call his political opponents names in the course of electioneering.

He said this on Monday at an interactive session between him and north-eastern stakeholders in Abuja.

Obi dismissed speculations that he was secretly fighting his former principal and standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

He argued that what was most important for him and other Labour Party chieftains across the country was to ensure the millions of citizens were pulled out of poverty.

The former Anambra governor said, “Atiku remains a very well respected senior brother. In my place you respect elders.

“Even if he (Atiku) abuses me publicly, I won’t reply because he is my senior. If God will ever give me money or power to disrespect my seniors, he should take it.


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“That is not what God wants. People who are elders must be respected. I have older brothers and I must respect them because I want to be respected when I am their age.

“I will come to Adamawa to campaign. If it is possible and he (Atiku) is around, I will go to his house to greet him and even eat there. He is my brother.

“I am an Igbo man and we train people to trade. When we complete the training of apprentices, we settle them to join us in the same trade.

“That’s where I am. He (Atiku) settled me and I am doing the same ‘trade’ with him. We are not quarreling. All we are doing now is looking for ‘customers’. We should be a family and work together.

“Some people think politics is about quarreling and calling people bad names. I am not interested in that. I am interested in pulling people out of poverty. I want to see people happy.”

Obi also dismissed insinuations that he runs a penny-pinching campaign; saying he is not averse to spending money, but is more concerned about how to use state money for public good, if elected Nigeria’s next President in 2023.


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The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday said he is a marketable individual.

Jagaban, as he is fondly called vowed to give loans to students in various institutions, if elected in the forthcoming 2023 election.

The former Lagos state governor stated this at the Chatham House programme titled, ‘Nigeria’s 2023 elections: In conversation with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’, monitored by Vanguard via Twitter.

The APC presidential candidate took time to discuss and proffer solutions to national issues bedeviling the country.

During the interaction, Tinubu gave reasons he doesn’t do one-on-one interviews with Nigerians.


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In his words, “I see myself as a marketable individual. They want to use me to make money and I said no.”

Recall that Nigerians had queried and condemned Tinubu’s alleged refusal to grant live interviews like his two major opponents in PDP and Labour Party.

Reacting to that the Chief Spokesman of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Festus Keyamo and Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, deputy director, public affairs of the campaign council, said Tinubu was not shying away from live interviews, adding that “Campaigns have not started. The Nation will hear from him again and again and again.” On his own part, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, said live interview is the strategy of Tinubu’s opponents and the strategy could not be foisted or forced on Tinubu.

However, Speaking on education, Tinubu said his administration would give loans to Nigerian students, noting that he would reform the Almajiri system in the North.

The APC presidential candidate equally promised to build more schools and employ/ train teachers in the country.


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Speaking on Diasporal voting, Mr Tinubu opined that ‘their right to vote should not be abrogated’. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman is the only person that can speak authoritatively on the issue.

On health, Tinubu said he would convert Brain drain to brain gain. He noted that his administration would manufacture drugs and stop importation of drugs in Nigeria.

However, clarifies his age/identity imbroglio, Tinubu said he was born on March 29, 1952. He noted that his records are there for people to see.

“I was born March 29, 1952, that’s my family record. The record is there. The transcript is there. I am Tinubu, if they require a DNA they should speak. There is one presidential candidate whose national identity is questionable but I did not go into that. Chicago has attested that I graduated from the school . Mobile oil has attested that I worked with them. Make sure you are upright”, he said.


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AHEAD of the 2023 presidential election,some leaders in the 19 northern states of the country including the All Progressives Congress, APC, Christian stakeholders in the region aligned to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara,have adopted the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as their preferred choice.

The political stakeholders, led by Dogara, declared their support for Atiku, at a meeting held Friday night in Abuja.

The adoption of Atiku was contained in the report of the group operating under the aegis of Northern Leaders Technical Criteria Committee, NLTCC, released to members of the group during the meeting.

The report, signed by the committee’s chairman, Hon.Mohammed Umara Kumalia and secretary,Barrister Nunge Mele,SAN,was read by the former deputy governor of Kogi State,Simon Achuba at the event.

In the report, the group said:”After a careful evaluation of all the issues highlighted, we hereby recommend for the adoption of the PDP, to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria, for the 2023 presidential election.”


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“However, this should be subject to getting the necessary assurance from the party to run an all-inclusive government, details of which shall be discussed with the leadership of the party in the nearest future,”the report read.

Commenting on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,the report said:”The seven and a half years of the APC government has engendered wide spread national perception of its inability to tackle security challenges and turn around the national economy.

“A further compounding albatross on its neck is the unfortunate self-inflicted divisive same-faith-ticket which cannot guarantee the desired peace, unity and cohesion in Nigeria, a decision that has been kicked against by a huge population of Nigerians.

“The perception that the APC Presidential candidate has some health challenges makes people very uncomfortable. There is the fear that it may precipitate a situation where unelected surrogates will be running the government while the president is left attending to his health.

“On account of the above, the party is likely to face a backlash or may not escape a backlash that will lead to its defeat at the polls in 2023. “


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Also, commenting on the Labour Party,the report read:””From the existing structure of the Labour Party and even from the records of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as it stands for 2023 elections, even if all their candidates win in the 2023 elections, can the party still produce the President? Very unlikely indeed.

“Assuming without conceding that they even produce the President, can they (LP) run the government? Not likely. The results of 5 and 6 above will be to form a minority Government with devastating effect on National political stability further impelling the fragile health of our Country.

“Furthermore, there is no way a keen political observer will not see that there is a major disconnect between Peter Obi as a candidate and Labour,which is indicative of the fact that he is not running a collegial political structure in a diverse country like Nigeria.

“It is, however, respectively observed that LP is a party to be watched in the future only if it sustains the tempo and maintains the mass movement while at the same time building up its structures towards subsequent elections.

“The NNPP on the other hand has similar characteristics with the LP and there is no need repeating same except that ~ NNPP appears to be building a party for the future with – little or no impact in the 2023 elections. “


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