All Progressives Congress APC Archives

Osun 2018: Saka-Layonu Congratulates Oyetola, Advocates A United APC

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun, Dr Abiodun Saka-Layonu has congratulated the winner of the party’s primary election for the September 22 guber, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ede born aspirant called on the party members to be united a forge a formidable front ahead of the bigger task which is to reclaim the state for the APC.

He also thanked his supporters for their support.

Read his full statement below:

I congratulate Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaq Oyetola for his overwhelming victory at the Osun APC primary.

In taking the party forward to the general election, we have the arduous task of reuniting the party and working harder than in the primary.

I thank the members of our party for peacefully expressing their preference.

We must stay united in the coming general election on September 22.

I thank the electoral committee, INEC, the security agencies for their respective services in the conduct of the exercise.

I thank my supporters who stayed firm and committed and pray that God will recompense them. Also, my campaign team (Agbajoowo) who stayed dedicated, expended invaluable time and energy in pursuing our dream and vision.

May God reward you immeasurably.

To my family, friends and others who gave freely their money, other material resources, time and especially their cherished prayers and love, you have been generously supportive and wonderful. God bless you.

To my colleagues in chambers, your unstinting loyalty and support is deserving of every commendation. Well done and thank you!!!

It has been a very interesting experience.

I have no regret and am thankful to God for my good health and peace of mind.

To my town, Ede and her people, I thank you for your support.

Lastly, I thank God for His mercies and favours always. Alhamdulilah.

Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka-Layonu SAN

“APC Differences Expected, Party Still Evolving”

The Deputy Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has stated that the ruling party (APC) is still evolving and there will always be differences.

He stated this on Friday on a live national television programme monitored in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Peterside, who is also the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), maintained that the APC-led Federal Government had done well in the past three years.

He noted that what a lot of people had been seeing as internal combustion within the APC was part of its evolving process, where people with different tendencies would always struggle to realise their political ambitions, with all the issues being resolved internally.

The NIMASA chief said: “APC as a party is still evolving. There will always be differences and there is no time when all the issues can be resolved, but we are doing and have done well.”

Peterside, who was the 2015 governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers state, also admitted that some national leaders of the party might have some concerns, but the relevant hierarchies of the party were addressing all the issues.

On the issue of farmers/herdsmen clash, he said the Federal Government was genuinely concerned about the security of lives and property, hence identifying the problem and seriously working out measures to arrest the ugly situation.

The APC chieftain noted that since security breaches varied from one locality to another, the Federal Government decided to take multidimensional approach to identify and resolve the root cause of each challenge.

He said: “The Federal Government is concerned about insecurity in Nigeria. The government has identified the problem and it is being tackled. The government is not living in self-denial and that is very important. It did not start today and the government is looking at multidimensional approach to resolving it.”

On whether the service chiefs should not have been sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari, the NIMASA chief stated that without first identifying the root causes of the various security challenges, sacking them might not solve any problem.

Peterside stressed that information at the disposal of the President would determine the kind of strategy to use and whether the service chiefs should be removed from office, pointing out that taking rash decisions because of opposition was not the best of response.

Breaking: Adeoti, Babalola Steps Down In APC Guber Primaries, Enhances Oyetola’s Chances

The Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission in the State of Osun, Elder Peter Babalola have stepped down from the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding today.

The duo stated this in separate statements on Friday morning.

While the SSG says he is still in the governorship race, Elder Babalola appealed for peace and calm.

The withdrawal of the two aspirants according to media reports suggest that the chances of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola to win and clinch the party’s ticket is brighter with the development.

Ortom: I’m Not Dumping APC

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom may have shelved his decision to leave his ruling All Progressives Congress APC, following a trouble-shooting meeting he had with the National Chairman of the party, Comrades Adams Oshiomhole, Thursday in Abuja.

Gov Samuel Ortom Speaking with journalists at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Ortom said the party leadership has assured him that no individual in Benue state can pus him out of the party.

“I was given a red card by a Senator…but the leadership of the party told me that the decision of the party leadership at the national level is superior to any individual and I think that is good enough. We have spoken to him, he has spoken to me, stakeholders are going to be spoken to and that is where I belong.

“We have not concluded the matter, it is an ongoing process because I have always stood for peace and I always want peace to prevail. I appreciate the intervention and I hope that we would be able to resolve the matter of differences and this is the funny thing about politics.”

“I am here in APC, a member of APC, am still flying the flag of APC and I only said I was given a red card but I have been corrected by the national chairman”, he said.

Speaking, Oshiomhole reacts said Ortom would not be allowed to return to his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

He said; “I have, as the National Chairman, assured him that the APC does not have a red card in its cupboard so we cannot give what we do not have and we recognize that in several states, there could be legitimate legal issues, there could be agreements, disagreements, some contestations and these we are familiar with.

“There are evidences of the fact that we are a free democratic party and when leaders have disagreements, our responsibility is to help them to find a common ground and the issues in Benue are not so fundamental that we cannot resolve. We have made it clear that we would resolve them; and Sen. Akume is a very respected leader of the party, a former governor- he will recognize the need for peace and we have what it takes to make peace.

“In Benue, we are going for a win-win solution. Gov. Ortom is not going anywhere; he is a very prominent member of our party. We appreciate his leadership in Benue and we will do everything possible to help those who have issues to have those issues resolved.

“Anything we would do, we would do, provided the only thing we will not accept is anybody leaving the house that we have built together, that we are committed to and I think the government statement is clear. For PDP that is deceiving people, they must know that only people without honour will vomit in the morning and in the afternoon they convert it to lunch.”

“People like Ortom who have honour cannot leave PDP just three and a half years ago with his eyes open and then later there are some tensions in his master bedroom and is thinking of returning to deceiving people. That, cannot be an option. He is a man of honour and he knows that one should look for one step if you want to take the second step to consolidate the first step; that is the way to go.

“Be assured that PDP can go and do whatever they do, it won’t change the minds of those who are convinced about building the future. It would not be without contestations, it will be based on the understanding that we can have contestations, but we have the qualities required to resolve issues.”

“In Benue, those would be deployed and I am sure Gov. Ortom would be happy, Senator Akume would be happy, much more importantly, the great people of Benue state would be happy, not just our party members, because they want to consolidate what works and not to go back to a broken vehicle”, he added.

Ortom Shuns Peace Meeting With Akume

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday failed to attend a peace parley called by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Deputy National Chairman (North) of APC, Sen. Lawal Shu’aibu had invited Sen George Akume and Ortom to Abuja for the “urgent meeting”.

The duo are the main actors in the tussle for leadership of the Benue chapter of the APC.

Only Akume was at the meeting which lasted for about two hours. Ortom was said to have stayed back in Makurdi.

At the end of the meeting, Shuaibu walked with Akume to the latter’s car.

The former Governor was silent on what had been discussed.

Speaking, Shuaibu who was mandated by the party to deal with the situation, said the party was eager to ensure reconciliation.

The peace meeting followed Ortom’s announcement that he was no longer with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ortom made the declaration at the banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital on Monday.

He spoke while swearing in the newly appointed Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe.

APC Orders Fresh Congresses In Imo State

Following the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fix new dates for fresh congresses in Imo state, the stage is set for the state governor, Rochas Okorocha to attempt to take control of the party’s state executive.

In a statement issued yesterday evening by the National Organising Secretary, Emma Ibediro, the party said fresh congresses would begin with ward congresses today.

This will be followed by local government congress to held on Saturday and state congress on Monday.

The conduct of the state congresses was bedevilled with crisis and became a subject of litigation between the state. governor and those opposed to him.
A High Court in Owerri recently ruled against the congress conducted in the state by the previous leadership of APC.

APC Summons Ortom, Akume To Abuja

The Deputy National Chairman (North), Sen. Lawal Shu’aibu has summoned to Abuja for an urgent meeting the two main actors in the tussle for leadership of the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

A competent source, who preferred not to be named, who made this known to newsmen in Abuja on Monday said the deputy party chieftain summoned Sen George Akume and Gov Samuel Ortom to an urgent meeting in Abuja.

The source further explained that the meeting followed an announcement by the governor that he was pulling out of the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two known gladiators in the APC in Benue, Gov. Ortom and Sen. Akume have been at daggers-drawn over the control of the party in the state.

Gov. Ortom had on Monday in Makurdi shortly after swearing in a new Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Jerome Shimbe, renounced his membership of APC.

According to the governor, he has ceased to be a member of the APC, following what he called “a red card” given to him.

He said the red card from APC would enable him to join any political party that has an ideology worthy of being adopted by his administration.

The governor stated that the strained relationship between him and the party, under which he contested the 2015 governorship election in 2015, had left him without a party.

However, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, had on Monday in Abuja, described the alleged exit of the governor from the party as a rumour.

(NAN)

Osun APC Governorship Primaries To Go Through Direct Process – Oshiomhole

The All Progressives Congress has opted to use the direct primary method to elect its candidate for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

This was announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee at the party’s National Secretariat, in Abuja, on Monday.

He explained that the decision was informed by his administration’s determination to ensure that party members took ownership of the party in order to entrench proper democratic ideals.

According to him, the direct primary method was more democratic because it reduces the opportunity for corruption.

Oshiomhole stressed that concentrating the power to choose the party’s candidate in the hands of a few delegates was more prone to corruption.

He noted that the party had commenced the process of organising the primary election among the 17 aspirants who had obtained nomination forms and had been cleared to contest by the panel set up for the purpose of screening.

Oshimhole said, “We are impressed that the 17 of them are competent enough to effectively govern the state and that we do not lack competent hands to provide leadership in Osun State after the exit of Rauf Aregbesola.

“We have decided that in order to ensure popular participation, and to deepen democracy in Osun State, in line with the provisions of our party constitution which allows for either direct or indirect primary; we have resolved that the governorship election primary in Osun State will be conducted on the basis of the direct primary.

“What that means is that every card-carrying member of our party will participate in the process of nominating the candidate of the party.”

The party chairman also urged security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the senseless killings in Sokoto and other parts of the country to justice.

Ortom Quits APC, Says I’ve Been Given Red Card

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Monday declared that he has been given a “red card” by his political party, the All Progressives Congress, saying he is now floating and awaiting any party to admit him.

“As for party, I have been given red card and I’m outside the pitch. So, if I have been given red card and I’m standing outside, I’m a free man,” Ortom said at the inauguration of a Special Adviser to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe.

“So, I don’t know what will happen next; but I’m waiting. If approached, then I will tell the Benue people that I’m joining another football club.

“I’m a child of destiny and it’s only God that will decide what I will be,” Ortom said.

The governor, who decried the challenges facing the state, enjoined the people to be united so that development would come to the state.

“Many people have been wondering that though we dedicated the state to God, we are still facing challenges; but all these challenges that we see today, we shall see them no more.

“All that we are required to do is not to begin to be wayward in our conduct, but to move to the righteous side of God. Once we do that, things will work out for our good.

“Looking at what is happening to us, sometimes I’m tempted to think that we are dying like people who do not have God. But we must choose the path of walking with God, obeying and serving him.

“If we do that and ensure that His values get into our hearts and we work with him, development will be inevitable. Let us work and encourage those things that can develop us.

” We need to come together and not allow party or ethnicity to divide us.”

Aregbesola Congratulates Fayemi, Says His Election Triumph Of Progressivism

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, on his victory at the Ekiti State Governorship Election held on Saturday July 14.

In a statement made available to the media in Osogbo by his Media Adviser, Mr Sola Fasure, Governor Aregbesola described the victory of the APC as a ‘hard fought and won battle that brought liberation to the people of Ekiti State’.

According to Governor Aregbesola, “The victory of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) came after a hard fought and won battle that brought liberation to the good people of Ekiti.

“It is also an indication of the rising popularity of the APC across Nigeria in a swift sweeping of the electoral stakes in the country that began in 2015 and continues till now.

“In spite of the challenges and the formidable opposition, the people of Ekiti stood behind the party and voted for our candidate on Saturday, giving our party, a fresh four year mandate to provide leadership and good governance.

“That victory signposts the wrap up of the South West by the APC, Ekiti State being the last bastion of the dying PDP dinosaur that has wreaked havoc in the region and Nigeria in general. It is a new dawn of progressivism in the South West and an opportunity to re-enact the golden era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo under whose progressive platform the region had unprecedented development, through regional integration and socio-economic cooperation.

“I therefore wholeheartedly congratulate Dr Fayemi, his running mate, the progressive family in Ekiti State and across Nigeria, the leadership and all members of our party that worked hard for this victory.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I wish him a fruitful and successful tenure in the service of the people of Ekiti”, the statement concluded.

Reactions In Ile Ife As Fayemi Wins Ekiti Governorship Election

By Sodiq Lawal

Scores of political stakeholders, analysts and residents of Ile Ife have reacted to the emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi as the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election.

Fayemi polled 197,459 votes to beat his closest rival and People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola who polled 178,114 votes.

From the results of the 16 LGA’S in the state, Fayemi defeated Olusola in 12 LGSs.

Reacting, the secretary of APC, Ife Central branch, Hon. Olufemi Francis mocked the PDP and said the party lost because they were used to winning election with federal might.

In his words, “Now, the result should teach them a lesson that, just like in 2015, these kinds of tactics will not work in 2019. They have truly and honestly run out of ideas.

Also, the chairman of Nigeria Union Of Teachers (NUT), Ife Central branch, Comrade Adeyemi Adelowo felicitated with Fayemi urging him to use his tenure to eradicate problems facing teachers in the state.

“I warmly appreciate the good people of Ekiti state for voting for the right person and I congratulate Fayemi for the victory. However, I urge him to use his tenure to eradicate problems facing teachers in the state,” he said.

A PDP chieftain in Ile Ife, Mr Gbadamosi Olaniyi said that,” “Ekiti’s election was not free and fair. It was more of a federal military invasion than an election. Even with APC’s questionable victory, I remind Buhari of history: PDP Won Ekiti’s gubernatorial election in 2014 but lost the 2015 Presidential election.