Politics
Aiyedatiwa, 15 others jostle for Ondo APC gov ticket today
All is set for the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State to pick its governorship candidate today.
The ruling party had announced that 171, 922 members drawn from the 203 wards of the 18 local government areas of the state will take part in today’s primary election.
Sixteen aspirants will be jostling to clinch the ticket to become the APC governorship candidate in the state.
They are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olusola Oke; former President of Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Francis Faduyile; Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo and the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaacs Kekemeke.
Others are Dr Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa, who is riding into the fray on the back of incumbency and strings of endorsements from traditional rulers and the majority of state lawmakers, holds the ace.
In an interview with our correspondent, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said, “We are not under any pressure. The primary is just in 24 hours. I am sure by then, everybody will know where they belong.”
On the mood in the governor’s camp, he described it as normal.
“This is not about mood. The reality will be on the field tomorrow. He is the governor. There is nothing to worry about,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa, who concluded his campaign tour in three council areas of Akoko North West, Akoko North East, and Akoko South on Friday, had told newsmen that he still enjoys the support of the people.
He said: “Throughout this campaign journey, the immense support I’ve garnered stresses the resounding desire of the people of Ondo State for continuity. This affirmation is rooted in the remarkable progress achieved during the short period we have spent in office. The people of Ondo state yearn for the continuation of this positive trajectory and it is evident that they believe I am the right candidate to lead this charge.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to identify with me in their various wards on Saturday, so that the developmental phase we have embarked on can continue. Let us ensure that our collective voices are heard loud and clear.”
But another contestant, Ibrahim, who spoke at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja few days ago, warned that an endorsement does not win anybody an election.
The senator also said the governor and other aspirants know he is the most qualified, as he has been in the race as far back as 2003 when he contested with the likes of the late former governors, Olusegun Agagu and Adebayo Adefarati.
Another contestant, Akinterinwa, also ended his campaign tour at his Ile-Oluji hometown where he promised to be true to his campaign promises ahead of Saturday’s party primary.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Akinterinwa exuded confidence, saying he expected nothing short of victory at the poll.
He said, “Ondo people want somebody knowledgeable, who has the capacity, somebody who has been around long enough, whom they know and who has been in government that they can fraternise with.
“When we go out, we don’t take crowds from one local government to the other. So, our crowd is organic; it is within that environment. I expect that on Saturday, we will come out as winners of the primaries. By the grace of God, I won’t be surprised if other aspirants start stepping down for me. Some of them (aspirants) are already reaching out to me.”
A female contestant, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, has announced that she is willing to step down if the APC calls for it.
She disclosed this to journalists at a media parley in Akure, the state capital on Friday.
She said, “I will step down for my loyalty to the party. If the party asked me, I would do so. Wherever the party goes, I will go. I came out based on the passion I have for people. No one asked me to contest. I am not going to bribe anybody.
“Without mincing words, this concept of rotation has regrettably become a hindrance to progress. One of its errors is that it prioritises political permutation over meritocracy and competence.”
Another governorship aspirant, who seems to be defying the odds in the last few weeks, is Oke.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria is coming into the contest on the back of a string of endorsements from some traditional chiefs and the popular Omoluabi Indigene group.
Two days ago, the campaign organisation of the late Dr Paul Akintelure, who was also a governorship contender until he died on March 24 after a brief illness, collapsed its structure to join forces with Oke’s camp
The move was confirmed in a statement jointly signed by the Director General and General Secretary of the group, Dr. Bello Adeluse Obe and Mrs Usor Eteng, respectively.
The group, which directed all its members across the 18 local government areas of the state to vote for Oke, said the development became necessary to ensure his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
“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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