Politics
10th NASS Speakership: Betara, Wase, Doguwa, 4 others form G7 coalition
In reaction to the zoning arrangement for National Assembly leadership positions released on Monday by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seven aspirants for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives have come together under the G7 platform to express their rejection of the declaration.
The members of the G7 group are: Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara; Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Ahmed Idris Wase; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa; Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Sada Soli; Hon. Mariam Onuoha and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.
Rising from a meeting with the APC NWC members at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the G7 lawmakers vowed to oppose any attempts by outside forces to impose a leadership on the 10th House of Representatives.
The lawmakers described the zoning arrangement as unjust, unfair and inequitable, adding that it was unacceptable.
Addressing APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, leader of the Coalition, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara said: “I need to tell everybody here that when we were going in for the election, I supported every member of APC and I supported some of our Leaders even contesting for elections.
“I was shocked when I heard that I did anti-party. My unit is in Biu, my result is in INEC. You can request for my result for my unit if I did anti-party, it’s going to show.
“Another thing I need to clear here sir, somebody told me that the same group are saying, I gave money to a Presidential Aspirant.
“So, if there is any transfer to anybody, the banks are there. I want to still tell you as Leaders if I should give money to a Presidential Aspirant and he wins, what is he going to give me? My own, I want to become Speaker in my party. If another party wins, can I become speaker? No.
“So, we don’t need to blackmail ourselves. Politics is about give and take.
“Our colleagues here can testify, I have done well for the National Assembly. When I was Chairman Army, Chairman Defence and now Appropriations, Sir, I have 38 members including me and my deputy chairman as Appropriations committee but for me to stabilise the House, I co-opted 100 members into my Committee just for me to stabilise the House for Femi.
“But today, we are aspiring for Speakership, the Deputy Speaker, the House Leader, myself, Gagdi, Miriam, Sada, etc.
“We are not against our Leaders, but if we should sit down and said sit amongst yourselves and pick somebody you think you can work with, it is easy but the person, the Speaker is trying to even pick there are some of our colleagues that don’t know him.
“That’s the truth, I am not lying. If today the party said we are zoned to the North West, I have to sit and think because now the party is zoning the Deputy Senate President and the Speaker to the same zone.
“We have been in this Assembly, there is no time, two presiding officers are zoned to one area. It has never happened. And in our discussion here, on our inauguration day, it’s what happened in the Senate that will determine what is going to happen in the House.
“So, we need to sit down and look at it. We might produce the Senate President from a different zone. It happened in 2015. So as party, we are pleading, we need to sit again with all of us and do more consultations” he said
In his remarks at the meeting, another Aspirant, Hon. Gagdi (APC-Plateau) emphasized that the proposed arrangement by the NWC was wrong because the National Assembly is an independent body that cannot be turned to the Presidency’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) where people are picked at will.
He said: ‘’When we elect our Leaders, all of you will not be there, it is we and our conscience and the covenant of the people of Nigeria that will be in the hallowed chamber.
“So, it is better, it is not late, let the wrongs be righted. Unless this is done, Sir, our party should not hope that our loyalty will be guaranteed at the detriment of justice, peace and fairness.
“We will respect justice, unity and equity in the chamber, but only if your instruction is in line with the principle of this party. Sir, do not hope that we have come here to succumb to any instruction and directive given to us.’’
Hon. Gagdi further stated: ‘’Our Party’s motto is justice, peace and unity. Under your able leadership, you folded your arms and sat to allow Aspirants contest elections under the supremacy of Nigerians through the Delegates to choose whosoever they wanted to be the flag-bearer of the party.
“The Vice President contested, he is the closest person to Mr. President and yet, because of democracy and because of justice in APC, Delegates were allowed to choose whoever they wanted to be the flag-bearer of the party.
“Where is that principle now sir? Where has it been thrown to? Have we forgotten about the motto of our party? Have we recently forgotten about the leadership that the National Chairman and Mr. President plus all of you provided during the primaries of the APC?
“Do we want unity, to say that the Deputy Senate President should go to North-West and the Speaker should go to North-West when in the true sense of the word, sir, in the presidential election, North-Central known to have majority number of Christians, with utmost apologies let me say this, and the religious and tribal affiliations attributed to 2023 elections, yet North Central resisted the temptation, delivered 4 states to the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; delivered 11 senators.
“The North-West delivered 10 with 2 states and North-East 1 State with 10 senators and the zone that has performed like this for Mr. President will be relegated to have party chairman and perhaps, as they insinuate, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; positions that the President or whosoever can scream at them and they have no locus to speak for the people of North-Central.
‘’Sir, we need fairness, we need justice, that is why we are here. We need peace and we need unity.
“Sir, I was a Deputy Speaker in Plateau and Chairman of the Navy. In my four years in the National Assembly, they said the candidate they picked founded 70-something bills, none of those bills was assented to by Mr. President in our 10 years in the National Assembly and in my 3-4 years in the National Assembly, I did 21 and Mr. President signed 6.
“I know no parliamentarian that within 3 years had the privilege sponsoring 6 bills which the President assented to.
“So, what qualification are they talking about 70-something bills,” he inquired.
“Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Kwankwasiya Movement, led by Kwankwaso ended shortly after the 2023 presidential election.”
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says its 2023 presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso do not have its platform for contest against President Bola Tinubu and or any other presidential candidate at the moment in 2027.
The NNPP National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major made this known in a statement on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Major was speaking on the backdrop of claims by Elder Buba Galadima that Kwankwaso will stay and run for presidency on the NNPP platform.
Galadima, who claimed that there is no evidence that Kwankwaso is joining the All Progressives Congress as speculated, said they would “strategically stay in the NNPP until the whistle is blown for 2027 politics” urging Nigerians to support Kwankwaso to take over as president.
Agbo stated that the NNPP platform is closed to Kwankwaso and Galadima, who had long been expelled from its fold for anti party activities.
‘The NNPP had long expelled Kwankwaso and Galadima and so, they no longer speak for us nor can they use our platform for any political contest.
“Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Kwankwasiya Movement, led by Kwankwaso ended shortly after the 2023 presidential election.
“We cannot even allow Kwankwaso for whatever reason to return on the NNPP fold because of the problems and internal wranglings he created for us.
“Kwankwaso led us into unnecessary litigations and even changed our party logo to the Kwankwasiya logo, all in an attempt to hijack the leadership of the party.
“It was the Court’s interventions that led to INEC changing back to our Logo that they submitted after a Kangaroo convention in Abuja,” he said .
He said that Kwankwaso must be counting on another free ticket like he got for the 2023 presidential election but it would not happen again.
“Certainly, Kwankwaso can never join any political party where he will not have the chance of leadership.
“Kwankwaso and his group remain expelled and we will not readmit them because they betrayed our trust massively.
“He does not have the pedigree to match President Tinubu in any contest and so his ambition is dead on arrival,” he said.
The NNPP chairman insisted that though it is Kwankwaso’s right as a Nigerian to seek to contest for any office, he should do so without getting the party involved in any of his antagonisms against the President.
He disclosed that the NNPP is being approached by some intending aspirants and shall dwell on that at the appropriate time.
“Whoever will emerge as the NNPP 2027 presidential candidate will do so, following due process and constitutionality.
“We will no longer handover our ticket on a platter of gold, and definitely not to someone who betrayed our trust and is no longer on the party,” Major added.
He urged Nigerians to disregard utterances against the Presidency and APC by Kwankwaso and his group, claiming they are speaking for the NNPP.
“The NNPP as a party believes in constructive criticisms of issues and not against personalities or other political parties. We advise Kwankwaso to float his own party and use it for his own agenda.
“NNPP has moved on and can’t be dragged into unnecessary controversies again,” he added. (NAN)
The former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has vowed to support the erstwhile governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, if he emerges as the coalition’s flagbearer.
Lamido stated this while responding to a question from newsmen as to whether he would support Obi, who has offered to spend a single term of four years if he wins the 2027 presidential election
According to him, he is ready to support Obi or anyone committed to rescuing Nigeria. He, however, stated that he would not leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said, “If the coalition produces Peter Obi or anyone else committed to rescuing Nigeria, I will support them. But I remain PDP. We should have outgrown tribal and regional sentiments.
“Leadership should be about competence and vision, not geography. What has the North gained from producing the most presidents if the region remains underdeveloped? I’m open to any arrangement that can confront the APC and rescue Nigeria. I’ll support those who share that goal.”
The former governor explained that zoning between the North and South was a creation of the PDP, designed to solve a specific problem, which was the annulment of the June 12 election.
According to him, “it was meant to be a healing mechanism, a temporary measure to restore trust. But now, it has become an albatross.”
Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South from 2019 to 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has dumped the party for the Alliance Democratic Party (ADC).
Tofowomo’s resignation letter dated July 4, was addressed to Mr Joseph Akindolire, PDP Chairman, Ward 3, Ile-Oluji, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Confirming his resignation in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Okitipupa on Friday, the former Senator lamented that the ongoing intra-party conflict in the PDP was taking its toll on the party .
“Most PDP members are moving out in droves and seems the crisis in the party will not settle soon. I had to seek advice from my political family and took my decision to join the ADC.
“If I want position, I should have joined the APC but I decided to join the coalition ADC which I believe has the power, strength, resources and political will to tackle the APC in 2027 general elections,” he said.
Tofowomo praised President Bola Tinubu for turning around the fortunes of Lagos State while he was governor, saying that Tinubu’s position has changed since he became the President.
He noted that the current economic hardship in the country was worrisome “without any sign of improvement in sight.”
“Tinubu was a fantastic leader when he was Lagos governor, but his position has changed since he became President. Today, there’s increasing poverty and hunger everywhere.
“The two mistakes Tinubu made was the subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira which has taken Nigeria to the back seat,” Tofowomo said.
He expressed confidence that ADC has the wherewithal to wrestle power from APC in 2027 and return Nigeria back to the part of economic recovery.
“When Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President was in charge with former President Olusegun Obasanjo form 1999 to 2007, the debt of Nigeria was reduced to zero and the economy was buoyant, and Nigerians enjoyed the administration.
“Even when David Mark was the Senate President, the Senate was not a rubber stamp and messier as we can see now, the Senate then stood up for all that was right and reject everything that was bad,” Tofowomo said.
(NAN
The Zamfara State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended an open invitation to Governor Dauda Lawal and other credible politicians in the state to join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with newsmen in Gusau on Friday, the State Chairman of ADC, Kabiru Garba, disclosed that the party had already received over 100 new members from various political parties in the last ten days, describing the defections as a major boost to the party’s strength and credibility.
“As I am speaking now, over 100 members from various political parties have so far defected to the ADC in Zamfara within the last ten days,” Garba said.
He expressed optimism that more politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would soon join the ADC fold in Zamfara, emphasising that the party is open to all who possess political integrity and a commitment to good governance.
“We are appealing to credible politicians who have a good record of political integrity to join the ADC. All we need is credibility,” he added.
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Garba affirmed that the ADC leadership in the state remained solid and prepared to lead the party to victory in the upcoming election cycle. He said the party’s structure and manifesto are well-positioned to address the developmental needs of Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.
“We are ready to lead this party to success in 2027. We are capable, and our party’s manifesto is tailored toward the development of Zamfara and the nation as a whole.”
The ADC chairman described the party as a welcoming platform for all leaders who are focused on positive change.
“The ADC in Zamfara would be glad to welcome His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, if he chooses to join our party,” Garba concluded.
Efforts to influence the leadership transition have intensified following the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A prominent candidate has emerged as the leading contender to succeed the former governor of Kano State.
According to several reports, Ganduje, cited health reasons for his decision, stating that he needs to focus on his well-being.
Ganduje’s tenure as APC chairman has been marked by controversy and challenges. He was elected as the APC National Chairman in August 2023, amidst internal party conflicts. Prior to his election, Mr Ganduje served as the Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023.
While Ganduje’s resignation letter attributes his decision to health concerns, sources familiar with the matter suggest that political tension within the party may have also played a role in his decision to step down.
Allegations of financial impropriety have also been linked to his resignation, with some party members reportedly protesting “excessive financial demands” imposed by his office.
Several names have been flying around as possible replacement for Ganduje while President Tinubu is also considering a former governor to fill the post immediately.
According to a source within APC, Tinubu would prefers appointing former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, as a scapegoat to pacify the CPC factions that are trying to defect from the APC.
Reports indicate that Al-Makura has been offered the APC national chairmanship if he can convince former President Buhari to intervene and prevent his supporters from leaving the APC.
In a surprise move, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has resigned from his position, effective immediately.
Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, cited health reasons for his decision, stating that he needs to focus on his well-being.
Ganduje’s tenure as APC chairman has been marked by controversy and challenges. He was elected as the APC National Chairman in August 2023, amidst internal party conflicts. Prior to his election, Mr Ganduje served as the Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023.
While Mr Ganduje’s resignation letter attributes his decision to health concerns, sources familiar with the matter suggest that political tension within the party may have also played a role in his decision to step down.
Allegations of financial impropriety have also been linked to his resignation, with some party members reportedly protesting “excessive financial demands” imposed by his office.
Specifically, aspiring FCT area council candidates had complained about hefty fee requirements for receiving the party’s ticket.
Ganduje’s resignation marks a significant shift in the APC’s leadership, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting further clarification on the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The APC has yet to issue an official statement on his resignation, leaving many to speculate about the implications of this development for the party.
Ganduje’s tenure as APC chairman was also marred by suspension and court battles. In April 2024, a Kano State High Court granted an ex parte order restraining Mr Ganduje from parading himself as a member of the party, following a suit filed by some party executives.
Additionally, a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out a suit seeking Ganduje’s removal as APC Chairman, filed by the APC North Central Forum.
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