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JUST IN: Fifty APC Leaders Withdraw Support From Governor Oyetola 11 Days To Osun Election

The Osun governor election slated for Saturday, July 16, may not be a walk in the park for Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The reason is that some APC members, even leaders, have diverted their support to Akin Ogunbiyi, the candidate of the Accord Party (AP), The Nation reports.

Not less than 50 influential APC chieftains who are leaders in various capacities have thrown their weight behind Ogunbiyi ahead of the election, describing him as the one who truly possesses the qualities of a good leader and has an enviable vision for the state.

Confirming this new development, the AP gubernatorial candidate¡¯s media aide, Seun Adeoye, disclosed that the APC bigwigs in the state made their position known when they paid his principal a visit in Osogbo recently.

Reacting to the support he was assured of by the APC leaders, Ogunbiyi noted that he will not fail them. A statement released by Adeoye quoted Ogunbiyi as saying: ¡°I promise to lift this state out of the monolithic economy as a ¡®civil servant state¡¯ by making use of its abundant resources in agriculture, mineral resources, and the large human capital deposits.

¡°I will fully engage in all sectors of agriculture including crop production, livestock, forestry, and fishing, and make the state the food basket of the entire Southwest. ¡°Agriculture is a multi-billion dollar investment.

We can produce another Awolowo, somebody who has the intellect, capacity, and experience to develop something little to something bigger. I will go all out to be that person.¡±

2023: Why the Obidient movement is a useless one – Asari Dokubo

Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant, on Tuesday said the Obidient movement of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is a futile one ¡°because it is going nowhere¡±.

Speaking in a Facebook Live monitored by POLITICS NIGERIA, Dokubo said Obi does not have the pedigree to match co-contenders, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu.

He tackled the former Anambra State governor on the recent release of some documents that showed he rejected plots of land offered to him by the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation (ASHDC) during his tenure as governor.

According to Dokubo, Obi is lying to the public.

¡°How would you compare Obi with Tinubu or Atiku? What is his antecedent? Lies. You are showing documents. Who showed that you rejected the lands? All these small small [sic] scams, who dem wan do naw [sic]?¡± Dokubo said.

Meanwhile, the Peter Obi Support Network has called for the immediate discontinuation of the negotiations and alliance between the LP and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

The group said the NNPP’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwanso,¡¯s continuous association with the Obi candidacy will be a liability rather than an asset.

APC Govs Kick As Tinubu Backs Shettima As Running Mate

The decision of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to pick for Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, has not gone down well with governors elected on the party’s platform.
Indications have emerged disclosing that APC governors want one of their colleagues to be picked as a running mate to Tinubu as compensation for their support during the party’s presidential primary, where they moved to stop the imposition of Senate President Ahmad Lawan by the National Chairman of the APC, Adamu Abdullahi.

While pushing for the running mate ticket to go to the North-East, particularly from Borno State, APC governors are against any one of Katsina getting it if it eventually goes to the North-West. This is because the state had produced late President Umaru Yar’Adua and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

A source told Vanguard that stakeholders want the North-East, especially Borno State, to produce the vice president in 2023.

The source said: “The APC governors are pushing that the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, should pick his vice presidential candidate from among them because of the role they played to stop the action of the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who had already settled for the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, as the presidential candidate of the ruling party.

“There are strong feelings that though the governors want one of them, Tinubu wants Senator Kassim Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate.”

With Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano out of the race despite their support for Tinubu, governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and his predecessor, Kashim Shettima are the individuals presently being considered.

While the governors prefer a sitting governor in the person of Babagana Zulum of Borno State, a source said Tinubu has zeroed his search on Shettima.

The source revealed that the former Lagos State Governor wants the former Borno Governor because he is a formidable force and well-accepted in the North-East.

He also wants to split the votes from the zone with the former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

It was, however, gathered that former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, from Bauchi, North-East zone, or Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, North-Central, who are Christians, are also in the mix should a Muslim-Muslim ticket fail to materialize.

Certificate Saga: How Atiku changed name from Siddiq Abubakar, Credentials in doubt

The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar is mired in a fresh Certificate controversy following a discovery that his WAEC certificate bears a different name.

Atiku’s WAEC certificate bears the name ‘Siddiq Abubakar’.

According to documents displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Atiku did not provide information on his primary education. The 1965 West Africa School Certificate (WASC) result presented by him identified the student as ‘Siddiq Abubakar’.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Atiku holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom. From the documents seen, Atiku earned a Master’s degree in 2021 with GCE O’level results.

Attached to the documents was a sworn affidavit as Deputy Preventive Superintendent attached to Customs Preventive Station, Apapa Wharf, Lagos, where he declared to be addressed as Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting, a public affairs analyst said it was baffling and shocking that Atiku earned a Master’s degree in 2021 with GCE 0 level results.

“I would like to know how Atiku with zero academic or creative publications and with zero college level courses suddenly earned a Master’s degree? And the year 2021 is suspect. He quickly scammed Nigeria with a degree he obtained in 2021 because of the presidential election.

“Before someone without a Bachelor degree could earn a Master’s degree, he must have distinguished himself academically or in his field of endeavours by showing publications or unique writing samples.

“For example, a playwright called Nilo Cruz (Cuban-American playwright) was accepted into Brown University MFA in playwriting program in the early 1990s without a bachelor’s degree. But he earned Associate degree from Community College and distinguished himself as a talented playwright with numerous plays.

“And he was recommended into Brown MFA In playwriting program by another scholar/ playwright who had taught Nilo Cruz before.”.

2023: Atiku reiterate decision to stick with Okowa Despite Calls For Replacement

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his decision to stick with Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa despite pressure to replace him.

Vanguard gathered in Abuja on Saturday that 13 governors and loyalists of the PDP are reaching out to Atiku to douse the tension.

While some are asking for Okowa to be replaced others are demanding a reconciliation which would make Atiku reach out to Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike.

However, Atiku, in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle @Atiku, on Saturday said: “Getting this country back on track will require all hands on deck.

“And I am excited to go on this journey with my vice-presidential candidate, H.E Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa @AIOkowa.

“Let’s come together as ONE towards a brighter future for all and one Nigeria.”

He subsequently attached a video of Okowa addressing Nigerians.

In the video, Okowa describes himself as an incurable optimist ready to work towards the insecurity plaguing the country.

Okowa said: “For me, being on the ticket with Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, is an opportunity to play a role in resetting the trajectory of Nigeria back to the path of growth, peace and prosperity.”

2023: Fresh crisis rocks PDP As Six Governors Move Against Atiku’s presidential ambition

The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party appears far from over as the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar and the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu seeks to resolve the differences.

The likes of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose have expressed their grievances following the emergence of Ifeanyi Okowa as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

The aggrieved members noted that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is the rightful person for the slot having gained the support of 14 out of 17 committee members put together to pick PDP’s vice-presidential candidate.

A source that spoke with Sun claimed that six governors elected on the platform of the party are against the presidential ambition of Atiku.

The source listed some of the governors who are unwilling to support Atiku as Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Ishaku Darius of Taraba and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

According to the source, the trouble started when Ayu failed to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the south.

The source said, “When it was obvious that Ayu wasn’t ready to listen and zone the presidential ticket to the South, governors and other leaders decided to leave the contest open. But they agreed to support a Southern aspirant, but people like Okowa, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and other people, especially from the South-South, started working to ensure that a Northern candidate emerged.”

He added that when Governor Wike lost the presidential ticket of the party, party leaders agreed that the Rivers State Governor should be picked as the vice-presidential candidate.

The source said the six governors met with Atiku and other leaders to pick Wike as a popular choice but were ignored by Ayu and Atiku.

He noted that the six governors who were not pleased with his decision of Atiku have decided not to play an active role during his presidential campaign of Atiku.

Oyebanji: ‘Why I Am Withholding My Congratulations, Despite INEC Declaration’ – Oni, SDP Candidate

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the Ekiti State election, Segun Oni has revealed why he’s yet to congratulate the winner and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Biodun Oyebanji.
In an interview with Punch, Oni disagreed with the outcome of the election stating that investigations are ongoing to ascertain if Oyebanji won the election.

According to the SDP candidate, if the investigations show that Oyebanji won fair and square, he will not need any persuasion before he congratulates him.

He said: “If I agreed, I would have congratulated the winner. That is why I am withholding my congratulations. If investigations show that it was won fair and square, I will not need any persuasions before I will congratulate everybody that needs to be congratulated.”

Oni added that he has no regrets about contesting the election and nobody will be in his position and have any regrets because he did not do anything to diminish his integrity.

He said: “No, I did not have any regrets; rather, I was very happy. Nobody will be in my position and have any regrets. First, I have not done anything to diminish my integrity. That should make me very happy; that should make my friends and associates very happy. That should make those who believe in me very happy. I have not done anything that will tarnish my image.”

‘South Or Nothing’: Fayose hints Nigerians on his Preferred Presidential candidate

A former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, may not back his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The former Ekiti State governor gave a hint in the post on his verified Twitter page on Wednesday.

According to Fayose, it was the turn of the South to produce Nigeria’s next president after Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term as president.

Using a Yoruba slang now attached to the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, Fayose said it is the turn of the south or nothing.

The PDP chieftain promised to give Nigerians more details on his tweet soon.

Fayose wrote: “The PDP Constitution provides for a rotational Presidency. Section 3(c) provides that the Party shall pursue its aims & objectives by “adhering to the policy of the rotation & zoning of Party & Public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness.

“The current President of Nigeria is a 2-term Northern Presidency, thus implying that it MUST be a Southern Presidency in 2023 or NOTHING.

“Awa ‘South’ lo kan.’ Nigerians should await details soon.”

Naija News reports that Fayose is a close ally of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who is reportedly plotting to dump the party following his failure to grab the presidential and vice-presidential ticket of the main opposition party.

This newspaper reports that Fayose is also a friend of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had, during an outburst in Ogun State just before the APC presidential primary, disclosed that he was instrumental to the emergence of Buhari as president, insisting it was his turn to become the next leader of the country. “Emi lokan,” he had said.

PDP Denies Suspension Of National Chairman Ayu As Party Manages Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may be sinking into deeper crisis following revelation that, Iyorchia Ayu, its National Chairman, has been suspended.

But in a quick response, the party in a statement signed by Debo Ologunagba, its spokesman, said it’s “fake news.”

The statement said, “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a fictitious report being circulated in a section of the social media suggesting that the National Chairman of our great party, His Excellency Sen Dr lyorchia Ayu, has been suspended by the NWC

“Such report is completely false and a product of the imagination of mischief makers with the intent to destabilize our Party, create an impression of crisis within our ranks and mislead the unsuspecting members of the public.”

It added, “It is clear that the false report is the handiwork of vicious anti-people forces who are agitated by the stability, unity and soaring popularity of our Party under the cohesive Sen Dr. Ayu led National Working Committee as well as the intimidating statures of our Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and His Excellency, Sen Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa respectively.”

Clarifying, the statement said, “Our National Chainman Sen Dr lyarchia Ayu is on a short vacation outside of the country and he officially transmitted power to the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, to perform his duties in Acting Capacity pending his return in line with the provision of the Comititution of the PDP 2017 (amended).

The statement said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was duly informed on the absence of our National Chairman and that Damagun will be performing the duties of the National Chairman in Acting capacity pending Ayu’s return.

While stating that Ayu remains the National Chairman of the party, it urged all members and supporters to disregard the said report as “fake news.”

The uneasy calm in the party since the conclusion of its presidential primary and the selection of the party’s running mate has given way to open display of hostility as 2023 elections drag closer.

On Wednesday, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, accused the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of treating Nyesom Wike unfairly, and urged him to personally visit the Rivers State governor to mend fences after bypassing him as running mate despite the party’s selection committee’s recommendation.

Although Atiku had visited Wike after the conclusion of the party’s presidential primary, both men have not met or spoken since the selection of the party’s presidential running mate.

Instead of Wike, Atiku picked Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, on Wednesday also hinted that some aggrieved stakeholders of the party may head to court to seek the removal of Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.

He said the PDP’s constitution provides for rotational presidency just like the Nigerian Constitution.

Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi fingered In N250 Million Money Laundering Scandal

Presidential candidate of Labour party, Peter Obi’s corruption case has been unveiled as his N250 Million money laundering scandal has resurfaced.

The money laundering scandal happened during his administration as the governor of Anambra state though he was cleared by the house of assembly then.

However, some of his defense then has unsettled political commentators especially on twitter and at the moment, has caused series of arguments.

The matter was first brought up by Seun Osewa, the founder of Nairaland who said his life hasn’t remained the same since he read the news about the N250 Million money laundering scandal.