Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on clinching the presidential ticket of the party.
Abiodun, in a statement, issued by him in Abeokuta, said the emergence of Tinubu as the APC presidential flag-bearer for the 2023 general election is a good omen for the party and the country as a whole.
According to him, the victory shows that Asiwaju Tinubu is widely beloved and accepted within the country’s entire political spectrum, and shows his level of deep interactions and acceptance not only within the ruling APC but across Nigeria.
He said: “This victory indicates that Tinubu as a candidate is good for Nigeria, as it will foster unity, love and understanding amongstbNigerians. His electoral victory cut across all the six geopolitical zones; he had an impact in all the zones. He is the candidate to beat in the 2023 elections.
Governor Abiodun noted that Tinubu’s extensive political experience and understanding of national politics will surely come in handy when he squares up against candidates from other political parties during the 2023 presidential election.
While saluting his tenacity, courage and resilience, Abiodun expressed confidence that Tinubu will further deepen the Nation’s democratic ethos and good governance that will enhance the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians.
The governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Working Commitee for providing the necessary leadership that made the presidential primary election a resounding success. Governor Abiodun further commended other aspirants for their remarkable sportsmanship which they displayed throughout the process.
Abiodun urged the leadership and members of the APC to work in unison with a view to ensuring victory in the general election next year.
“We are all winners and no one is a loser in this primary. We all should work together to take Nigeria to a higher pedestal,” the statement concluded.
Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU has won All Progressives Congress Presidential primary with One Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy One (1,271) to defeat former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi who polled 316 and incumbent Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who disappointingly got only 235 and incumbent Senate President, Ahmed Lawal who placed embarrassing 4th position with 152.
Pastor Tunde Bakare, who had before the presidential primary boasted of a huge following amongst the ruling party faithfuls performed dismally as he received no vote while Governor Yahaya Bello, incumbent Governor of Kogi State polled 47 vote to place 5th.
Other contestants in the presidential primary are: Engr. Dave Umahi – 37 votes; Professor Ayade got 37 votes; Senator Ahmed Sani – 4; Dr. Chris Onu had 1; Rochas Okorocha -0; Jack Rich -0; Mokelu, Buhari Praise singer received -0; Emeka Uwanjuba -0.
The peacefully organised and meticulously counted ballots had only 13 ballots voided.
Some members of All Progressives Congress, Ogun State Chapter have tasked Prince Dapo Abiodun to redress what they described as injustices meted to some aspirants of the party during the primaries held across the state.
According to the leader of the group, known as Concerned APC Members Platform (CAMP), Honourable Olushola Oyapidan who is also a chieftain of APC in the Ogun East Senatorial District, Honourable Olushola Oyapidan, some of the people who aspired for elective positions in the party were not given level playing fields to contest, some were discriminated against while others were completely disenfranchised and their teeming supporters were amongst the delegates could not cast their votes while the exercise lasted.
The group therefore called on the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and other leaders of the party in the state to urgently address the issue with the view to calm down fray nerves and forestall any moves by some self-centered and destructive characters whose machination is militating against the cohesion of the party.
He said, “we want things to be fair, orderly and peaceful. This is why we launched years ago APC Concerned Leaders and People in order to ensure that grassroot members of our party are given equal opportunities to operate within the party’s structure”.
Oyapidan added, “Our platform has, within the period of it existence operated as a conveyor belts between the leaders and other members of the party, adding that they believed, for true development of the party, it is only apposite to promote harmony within the party and steer clear anything that could intersperse it teeming members across the state.
The group said they tenaciously believed in the fact that the party’s decision superseded that of any individual, they however urged the leadership of the party to also realise that power resided with the people, and urged them to handle power with civility, because according to him, “ultimate power belongs to God”
He disclosed that the activities of the few but selfish individuals in Odogbolu Local Government has heightened the political temperature in Ogun State, which the group considered as inimical to the collective interest of the people of Odogbolu State Constituency who are frustrated with the so called status quo. “Their are crying for CHANGE”.
The leader said, “having been present on the day of the election, we heard and saw all that happened. We can confidently say the primaries have not been done. What was done was presided over by one of the aspirants who took advantage of her incumbency to subvert the will of the majority of persons in our constituency. We consider it a rape of our democracy.
It is unimaginable to submit our aspirant to a primary that is presided over by another aspirant, who showed up at the venue with a prepared result of the election that had not been held. We urge the Governor of our Gateway to listen to the voices of the people, which, according to a postulate is the voice of God – (Vox Populi, Vox Dei).
They urged the Governor of the state, Prince Abiodun to use his good offices to redress the anomalies that characterized the primaries of the party in the state, particularly Odogbolu, where some privileged aspirants held sway and controlled the procedures of the primary to their merit and demerit of other contestants
“All-Progressives Congress (APC), in Ogun State should ensure the needful is done. We know rule laid down by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the untiring efforts of our Peace-Loving, forward-looking Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been making to give the people an all inclusive administration in the last 3 years, it is unfortunate that some elements are trying to bungle it, hence all well meaning individuals in the party should stand up and ensure the illegality perpetrated was not allowed to stand.
Tinubu declared the elected candidates of All Progressive Congress must deliver victory at the 2023 election at both state and national levels, and must unite Nigerians from all walks of life.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday at the party’s special national convention holding at the Eagle Square, Abuja, organised to produce the party’s presidential candidate from 23 aspirants in the race.
He said the candidate to be selected by the party must have the experience, leadership and qualities saying, “Other aspirants are good men and women but I sincerely believe I am the person that fits that.”
The presidential aspirant assured delegates of All Progressives Congress (APC) that he is “a serious man with a serious purpose.”
He also described himself as a unifying leader who had put together structures that had delivered victory over the years.
“I cannot talk of a brighter future without declaring my intention to fight terrorism and insecurity. I am confident, competent and ready to start from day one,” he added.
ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S FULL SPEECH
OUR ENCOUNTER WITH DESTINY: Here comes a time in a nation when the hopes of the moment. Let not the destiny of this land be stolen because we did not do what was meant for us to do at this critical moment. Remember, we formed this party not simply to wrest power from a wrong and failing PDP.
We formed this party to give the people of this land the progressive good governance they deserve so that they may live as well and as peacefully as any people on the face of this earth. This corrective journey began with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. At this convention, we must take the next step toward the proper and necessary direction.
In 2015, the All Progressives Congress won the election to halt the drift in our nation’s governance, redirect our path, and make clear our national priorities We dedicated this party to the guiding principle that government must be for the benefit or each and every Nigerian before it is for the benefit of any single one of us. No one is above legal rule or regulation. Likewise one is too low for justice and compassionate governance cover or protect him.
Within this context, the APC under President Muhammadu Buhari has governed with patriotic and disciplined commitment this past seven years. The Buhari government has championed needed reforms, ranging from an innovative petroleum industry law to measures that are aimed at improving power and electricity generation for all Nigerians. Government has invested heavily in building modern airports and railway network and roads. Every Naira is better managed than in prior administrations.
This greater fiscal probity was achieved despite the vast reduction in national revenue caused by the COVID and recurrent global economic downturns. The Buhari government has done more with much less than its PDP predecessors did. The successive PDP administrations did next to nothing with the plenty they had. What they did with our nation’s abundance is no secret. But what they did not do was even a greater embarrassment.
They left abandoned infrastructure projects all across the nation. The APC completed them. They allowed ISWAP/ Boko Haram to erect strongholds. The Buhari government has been compelled to wage great war against these threats because of the decade of neglect by the PDP.
The PDP should have uprooted this evil when it was but a seed. The APC led government is now left to contend with the dangerous tree it has become. Yet, as surely as I can state my name, the next APC government shall uproot this evil such that, never again, shall it try to take hold in this land.
While fighting this evil with a purposeful hand, we remain mindful of the socio-economic and political inequalities that often spawn unrest and social instability. Despite economic difficulties wrought by protracted global recession, the APC led government has progressed in diversifying the economy, improving food security through intense investment in the agricultural sector.
But the long day for national rebuilding is not over. Even greater, bolder work is needed to beat back the hard challenge we face. Yet, my hope is high and that is hope not for myself but for you and this nation, My greatest trust and comfort reside in the innate goodness of the people of our beloved nation, Joiner in common purpose, with leadership informed by wise and correct policies, the things that we can accomplish are nothing less than historic.
We can change the very face of the nation Though this season of primaries has been abbreviated, I have talked to thousands of people across this land. Yes, there were crowds and jubilant receptions offered me. These were nice things, but they are not the most important factors to the task at hand. People approached me wanting to know if I had a plan to continue the fight against terror and violence.
They wanted to know if I cared about agriculture and the plight of the ordinary farmer. Youths asked me about jobs and their future in this world. The poor asked how and when they will be assured that they can daily place food on the table for their innocent children.
They did not ask for mage or for me to give them charming yet empty responses. Our people asked honest, serious questions and I gave then honest and serious answers I told them what we can achieve through hard work and dedication to a higher national purpose
I told them we must work harder than ever; but I also assured them that the average person shall not feel left behind, Building on the reforms of the past seven years and on the progressive ideals of our party, the coming APC led government, under my watch, shall place the welfare of the average Nigerian above that of any elite or special interest. Our progressive government must be for the people and never for the powerful.
The powerful already have. Let us give succour and an open door to the less privileged. Let us bring forth a society built on shared prosperity, belief in justice, compassion for others and an unshakable commitment to a form of governance that treats all citizens with equal respect and due regard. Let us not just open the door to the promise of a better society. Let us brick by brick and stone by stone build a new society that begets a greater nation.
Weighty matters now rest in the balance. A fateful decision awaits you the delegates to this convention. Choose that which most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.
My experience in office and the knowledge gained through hard work, tough trials and patient undertaking have prepared men for this hour. I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.
I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special nor great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself.
Now is a time for progressive vision and singular purpose. There is a general agreement that 2023 will be an encounter with destiny, when our nation shall need a certain type of leader to realise a better Nigeria.
We need to build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs for the urban population are available and lead to a good life most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.
My experience in office and the knowledge gained through hard work, tough trials and patient undertaking have prepared me for this hour. I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.
I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special or great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself. Now is a time for progressive vision and singular purpose. There is a general agreement that 2023 will be an encounter with destiny, when our nation shall need a certain type of leader to realise a better Nigeria.
We need to build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs for the urban population are available and lead to a good life.
We need to encourage and support our farmers so that they can car enough to maintain their families, while feeding a growing nation We must continuously invest in the modernisation and expansion of infrastructure, including power, to enhance the quality of life of our people. Additionally, we must continue to empower the states so that grassroots economic and political development is maximised.
Though our tribe and tongue may differ, we must build a united country , premised on equity, fairness and justice. True reform and progress lie not in copying others but in identifying our own opportunities. I have done this in Lagos. I humbly ask you to allow me to use these skills and experiences to advance the nation.
I come to you with a coherent vision on how to improve our nation such that our schools, industry, agriculture and infrastructure will become the pride of all. Ours shall be a land where all Nigerians will have an equal chance and no one is excluded because of his ethnic background, religious creed, place of origin or social station. We are all Nigerians.
By this statement, I seek your help and support to become our party’s nominee and standard bearer in the coming February 2023 elections. To lead Nigerians is a sacred trust, which I do not take lightly or seek selfishly. By giving me the party’s mandate, I hereby make solemn vow to make Nigeria the best home for its citizens.
As an indivisible, united country, we shall overcome the destructive forces attempting to steal our destiny. May the triumph of our democratic journey be complete and serve as an exemplar to Africa, our race, and the rest of mankind. We were born for this moment. Let us now make the most of it.
I thank you all for listening.
May God bless you all.
May God Bless our party, the APC.
May God bless our beloved nation, the Federal Republic of
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday afternoon dispelled the rumour making the rounds about his anointment of a consensus presidential candidate for APC as he declared, “I have anointed no one, there shall be no imposition”
The President, declaring before the party’s 14 Governors of Northern states at the State House, Abuja said he had no preferred candidate,” and had anointed no one, adding that he was determined to ensure that there would not be imposition of any candidate on the party.
This came on the heels of news in circulation by some online platforms and social media that APC had announced the President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan from Yobe State in North East, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
Buhari added that the party was important and its members must be respected, and made to feel they are important.
The President said he had a clear mind about what he was doing and asked the APC governors to feel the same way: “You were elected as I was. Have a clear mind as I have. God gave us the chance; we have no reason to complain. We must be ready to take pain as we take the joy. Allow the delegates to decide. The Party must participate, nobody will appoint anybody.”
Earlier in their addresses, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of the Progressive Governors Forum, said they had come to affirm the position of the Northern Governors that the party’s candidate in the presidential election shall come from the southern part of the country.
They apologised to the President for the leakage of their signed memorandum which was not in support of any particular candidate and gave assurances to the President on their readiness to accept his leadership on the matter.
Abiodun, Chairman of Accreditation and Decoration Committee of APC convention with other members
The Chairman, Accreditation and Decoration Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) convention who is also the Governor of State Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was set to conduct a convention which would be a reference for political parties in the country.
Abiodun, while speaking with newsmen shortly after he had inspected the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue for accreditation of delegates, said all things have been put in place for the success of the event.
According to him, the Committee made up of deputy governors, members of the National Assembly and eminent party faithful are working round the clock to ensure a hitch-free presidential primary election.
“The National Working Committee of our party constituted committees for this election and we are serving in the accreditation committee for this election, which is the most important for the election. We are charged with the responsibility for ensuring that only those who are validly elected delegates are allowed to go to the Eagles Square to vote.
“We are not working as an island; we are working in cooperation and collaboration with other committees, including the security Committee. The International Conference Centre will be the venue for accrediting the delegates who were elected from various states. We have other centres where we will accredit all non-delegates who will not be voting but will attend the convention.
“I want to say that we are ready for the exercise. All our tags are ready, we began our work ahead of our inauguration because of the importance attached to the assignment. We are ready and we believe that by the time it is over, it will become a reference point for conventions in the history of political parties in this country”. The governor stated.
Abiodun, however, noted that the convention would be different as everyone attending the convention must wear a tag that would have security features such as codes which could be read by a device.
“Everyone going into the Eagle s Square will be accredited. This will give us the idea of those that will be delegates and those that are just attending the exercise”, he explained.
The governor expressed satisfaction with level of work done so far at the venue, saying he looked forward to a successful primary election.
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the massacre of worshippers inside Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State as, “This act is ‘Heinous’, wicked, and unacceptable.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sternly frowned and condemned the killing of the Catholic Church members on Sunday, 5 June, 2022 on Sunday at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo Kingdom, Ondo State.
“Only friends from the neither region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act, adding that eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter”. President Buhari said.
According to the statement signed by Femi Adeshina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Sunday said that ” Buhari offered his condolences to the families of the deceased persons, the Catholic Church and Ondo government.
“President Buhari mourns the dead, condoles with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succour to the wounded.
“No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win,” the President said.
One of the priests at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, Rev Father Andrew Abayomi has narrated how the church was bombed on Sunday by the terrorists, killing many worshippers.
The cleric narrated, “suspected terrorists struck as the day’s service was about to end. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles.”
“We hid inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes. When we heard that they had left, we opened the church and rushed victims to the hospital.”
The Governor of the state, Akakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has described the incident which happened in his hometown as “vile and satanic”, saying it was a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state. I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.”
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
He commiserated with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack and also extended it to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday night met with all the aspirants for President on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), at State House, Abuja, urging them to hold consultations, and come up with a formidable candidate before the party holds its primary election between June 6-8, 2022.
According to a statement signed by Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity the President said the meeting was a continuation of the on-going consultative process aimed at ensuring a smooth and strategic emergence of a standard bearer, who will lead the APC to a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential polls.
“Looking at this assemblage of personalities and considering your rich pedigree of accomplishments in life, I have come to the conclusion that our party, the APC, is rich in human resources and also that our nation is blessed with capable people that can successfully steer the ship of state into the future,” President Buhari said.
He added that with his first-hand knowledge of the demands of the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the expectations of the citizens, “I must salute your courage and your selfless spirit, in volunteering to serve in the highest office of the land.”
The President added: “Our party, the APC, has won two successive presidential elections in 2015, first when we were in the opposition and in 2019 when I sought re-election. Both processes were achieved through unity of purpose, strategic alignment, consultation, fairness, determination and effective leadership. In both instances, national and party interests were overriding factors in our deliberations and decision-making.
“The 2023 General Elections are fast approaching in a global, regional and national environment that is constantly changing and challenging. This demands that our party should become more aware of the changing environment, be responsive to the yearnings of our citizens, re-evaluate our strategy and strengthen our internal mechanism so that we would sustain the electoral successes.
“I am pleased to note that the party, recognizing the significance of all these demands, has over time developed several democratically acceptable processes and policies, that promote consultation, internal cohesion and leadership to facilitate victories at the polls.”
The President recalled the consultation he had held with stakeholders “that would help the electoral fortunes of our party, beginning with the State Governors. This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.
“Amongst others things, I reminded the APC Governors of the need for the party to proceed to the 2023 Presidential elections with strength, unity of purpose and to present a flag bearer who will give Nigerians a sense of hope and confidence, while ensuring victory for our party. I extend a similar reminder to all of you distinguished aspirants.”
Saying the APC will on Monday June 6, 2022 commence its national convention during which one candidate will be picked by delegates to fly the flag of the party for the 2023 Presidential Election, President Buhari said he was aware that there is anxiety among party members about the outcome of the process.
“Given these circumstances, I charge you to recognize the importance of the stability and unity of the party, which cannot be overemphasized.
“Similarly, I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.
“Ahead of the Convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognizing this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.
“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members.”
The President assured that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and on-going consultations, “until we successfully make the choice on the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all important responsibility.”
Earlier, National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu had promised that all stakeholders of the party would be reached in the consultation process.
Responding on behalf of the aspirants, former Governor of old Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, and Vice President, ‘Yemi Osinbajo, thanked the President for his leadership and guidance, pledging that they would hold the consultations as counseled “for the unity and strength of our party, the APC.”
Government Planners and Schedule Officers involvedin Monitoring and Evaluating government expenditures and projects in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), have been tasked to embrace the Result-Based Monitoring (RBM) system, an evaluation mechanism used in tracking the impacts of government expenditures on the citizenry. Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan gave the charge in Abeokuta, during a 2-day capacity building on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Model and Result Frameworks, said the system is in line with the dictates of international best practices, towards enshrining Public Financial Management systems for improved service delivery. Olabimtan described RBM as a powerful public management tool that could be adopted by government officials and policymakers, to track the implementation progress on projects/programmes and policy, as well as demonstrate the impacts of government interventions on the people. “The idea of a virile M&E system is to make public officials and programme implementers accountable for the quantum of public spending and efficient utilisation of public finances”, he maintained. Olabimtan acknowledged the support of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World bank-assisted project for sponsoring and facilitating the training, conceived to strengthen the State's Statistical Masterplan and M&E apparatus, as well as ensure the effective implementation of all government programmes and projects, towards increased private participation at improving the business- enabling environment. The Commissioner added that the present administration had embarked on a series of project implementation mechanisms to move the State forward, which include, the creation of the State Technical Working Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation, Domestication of the National M&E Policy, as well as the creation of M&E Units across MDAs. Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Dada explained that the roles of M&E officers in quality service delivery cannot be overemphasised, hence the need to ensure proper implementation of projects for good governance. In her remark, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, represented by the OGSTEP TVET Specialist, Mr. Eyo Unyimeabasi, urged MDAs to adopt the mechanism, as it enables the public sector to focus on monitoring performance and evaluating long term result of projects and programmes in the State. Explaining the gains of the training, one of the participants, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Wellington Ogunsanya, said the capacity building has widened their knowledge on M&E intervention, promising that the skills acquired would be put to good use.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a master strategist, political warrior, mentor of men, builder of bridges and a serial winner.
Abiodun who gave this declaration while receiving one of the party’s presidential aspirants, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Lodge Abeokuta, as part of his nationwide tour towards the forth coming presidential primary of the party, noted that Ogun are capable of identifying quality leaders, emphasising that the Ogun APC delegates would do the right thing during the primary election.
The Governor, ahead of the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared delegates from the state would do the right to produce the presidential candidate of the party.
While lauding the APC National Leader for his passion for the growth of the southwest and the nation in general, Abiodun said “this time is an interesting period in the history of the nation which calls for all hands to be on deck”.
In his remarks, Tinubu, while addressing the state delegates, called on the southwest to support his aspiration in becoming the next president of the nation after President Muhammad Buhari for the unification and growth of all parts of the country.
According to the former governor of Lagos State, who described himself as the best candidate of the party, he had helped several Nigerians in achieving their political ambitions in the last 25 years, stressing that it was time to reciprocate his kind gesture by electing him as the presidential candidate of the party.
He further noted that with his experience in politics for many decades, he deserves to be given the chance to turn the fortunes of the country for better.
The event was attended by the governors of Lagos and Kano States, Mr. Babajide Sanwo- Olu and Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje as well as other party stalwarts from across the country.
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has warned the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) against giving its presidential ticket to a Northerner.
Akeredolu who is the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Akeredolu charged the party to work hard to retain power by rotating the Presidency to the South.
It was reported that APC governors are divided over the zoning of the 2023 presidential ticket.
Akeredolu had in May warned fellow members in All Progressives Congress against zoning the 2023 presidential slot to the northern part of the country, saying that would lead to a crisis. “APC must work to retain power. We must rotate power to retain power !!! Rotate to the South. …Shikena (That’s all),” he said.
Presidential aspirants on the platform of the ruling party are: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and former ministers Rotimi Amaechi, Ogbonnaya Onu, Godswill Akpabio, and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
Serving governors who are aspiring to be president are: Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa).
Others aspirants are: former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, and serving senators, Ibikunle Amosun, Ajayi Boroffice, and Rochas Okorocha.
DAILY DIGEST 