News / politics

Davido gifts Osun governor-elect uncle Rolex wristwatch worth N90M

The music star gifted the wristwatch to the senator who recently won the Osun governorship election at his palatial home in Ede, Osun State. A video of the gift presentation was shared on the Instagram page of Davido’s aide, Israel DMW.

This is coming barely 48 hours after INEC declared Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the July 16 gubernatorial election in Osun State.

Adeleke polled 403,371 votes to defeat the incumbent governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola, who polled 375,027 votes.

The PDP candidate won the governorship election with 28,344 votes.

…
Movies / News / politics

‘If you don’t have your PVC, you are part of Nigeria’s problem- Kanayo O Kanayo

The movie star made this known via a video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. “You and I have the power to save our country. No one can do it but you. Do not say your vote will not court. First, go and perform your civic responsibility of casting your vote. Going to vote is better than going to church or mosque. Do not misunderstand me,” he said.

“There is no In Jesus Name where they are voting that is why you have been saying In Jesus Name and these guys have been doing the same thing. There is no voting on social media. It is a physical exercise. If by now you have not gotten your Permanent Voters Card, you have become part of the problem of Nigeria. I tell you that.”

Kanayo O Kanayo joins the list of Nigerian celebrities who have been quite vocal about the need for Nigerians to get registered for the next general elections.

Other celebrities who have been quite vocal about voter education and registration include Peter Okoye, Mr Macaroni, Falz, Davido and Tacha Akide.

These celebrities have stood their ground about Nigeria getting it right in the next elections.

Some of these celebrities have even vowed to call out their colleagues who collect money from politicians to campaign for them.

While for some like Okon Lagos, they will be selling their votes to the highest bidder.

…
News / politics / Travel

Minister to NIS: Allow Nigerians with expired passports to return home

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to allow Nigerians in diaspora to return to Nigeria with their expired International Passports.

Ogbeni Aregbesola gave the directive while responding to a complaint by a Nigerian-American citizen, Jamui Kasumu.

The Minister spoke on Wednesday in Lagos at the Alausa Passport Office during his unscheduled visit to the facility.

He said Nigerians in diaspora were free to come back home with expired or non-expired Nigerian passports. The Minister said no Nigerian needed travel certificate to come back home, except children, whose parents were Nigerians, but their identity were yet to be established according to immigration rule.

“I am using this medium to instruct all Nigeria Immigration Officers worldwide to accord Nigerian travellers with expired passport use such passports to return safely back home henceforth,” he said.

The Minister also advised Nigerians in diaspora to update their travel documents ahead of time to avoid rush during emergency.

Earlier, Kasumu complained to the Minister that the Nigeria Immigration in America and Delta Airline prevented him from coming to Nigeria because of expired Nigerian passport.

Kasumu said he was able to return to Nigeria after he got a travel certificate he obtained through a relation in Nigeria.

“I am appealing to you sir that the Immigration should allow Nigerians with expired passport to come back to their country,” he said.…

News / politics

Ondo Commissioner resigns hours after Akeredolu reshuffles cabinet

The Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Yetunde Adeyanju, has resigned her appointment after a minor cabinet reshuffle by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

The Commissioner was on Wednesday redeployed from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation in the cabinet reshuffle.

Adeyanju, who was moved to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, tendered her resignation letter shortly after Akeredolu announced the reshuffle of his cabinet.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Akeredolu on Wednesday announced a minor cabinet reshuffle, where the former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora, Bamidele Ademola Olateju, was redeployed to the Ministry of Information and Orientation. Also, the former Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development, Fatai Olotu Aburumaku, was redeployed to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.

Adeyanju, in a copy of the letter, titled: “Resignation of Appointment,” made available to newsmen hours after the cabinet reshuffle, appreciated the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Ondo State.

The letter, directed to Governor Akeredolu, reads: “I hereby resign my appointment as a Commissioner in Ondo State with immediate effect.

“My decision is predicated on a personal conviction to explore other endeavors outside politics for now.

“However, I am grateful to you for the golden opportunity given to me to contribute to the growth of our dear state, especially with the Kamomi Aketi Rural Water Supply.

“You gave me the platform and I am proud that I used it well for the good of humanity. Kamomi AKETI water scheme remains the joy of thousands of rural dwellers today.

“Once again, I thank you for the opportunity to serve. Best wishes, Adeyanju Yetunde (Mrs).…

News / Oil & Gas / politics

Nigeria’s outgoing OPEC Secretary-General dies hours after meeting with Buhari

Nigeria’s Dr. Mohammed Barkindo, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is dead.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

Kyari spoke in a statement posted on his official Twitter page in the early hours of the day.

He tweeted: “We lost our esteemed Dr Mohammed S Barkindo. “He died at about 11.00 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community.

“Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Barkindo, who is the outgoing OPEC Secretary General, was in Nigeria where he delivered the Chairman’s Keynote Address at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

At his last official outing at the NOG, Barkindo was given a standing ovation by industry stakeholders for his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian and global oil and gas industry.

He had earlier in the day visited President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa (see photograph used for illustration), where he was hailed by the President for being a “worthy ambassador to Nigeria.”

Born on April 20, 1959 in Yola, Adamawa State, Barkindo served as the Secretary General of OPEC since August 1, 2016 and would have bowed out on July 31, 2022 following the completion of his tenure.

He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1981 and Masters of Business Administration degree from Washington University in 1991.

Prior to the MBA, in 1988 he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Oxford University.

Also, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Federal University of Technology Yola.

Barkindo previously served as the acting Secretary-General in 2006 and represented Nigeria on OPEC’s Economic Commission Board from 1993 to 2008.

He also led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation from 2009 to 2010 and headed Nigeria’s technical delegation to United Nations climate negotiations since 1991.

Barkindo will be replaced by Haitham Al-Ghais, a veteran of …

News / politics

PDP crisis deepens as Wike reportedly refuses to meet Atiku’s emissaries

Since the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar picked Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate last month, the PDP has been a divided house.

Atiku was said to have rejected Wike as his running mate, despite his recommendation by a 17-man committee set up by the party.

Following Okowa’s emergence as the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, some Wike loyalists dumped the party.

And in a bid to pacify Wike and his followers, the opposition party recently set up a nine-member committee to resolve the lingering crisis, but the Rivers state governor is reportedly not willing to meet the committee.

Also, his continuous silence over the crisis unsettles the party as nobody in the party knows his next move.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose are believed to be Wike allies.

Some of the party leaders like Fayose and Ortom had recently expressed their displeasure over the emergence of Atiku and Okowa as the party’s flag bearers for the 2023 presidential elections.

Criticizing the party on Twitter, Fayose recently opposed the PDP, insisting that power must return to the South in 2023.

Also, Governor Ortom during his interview on Arise TV said he had not made up his mind to support Atiku. He also called out the PDP for allegedly betraying Wike.

It would be recalled that in 2021, Southern Governors reached an agreement that power just shift to their region in 2023.

The governors vowed to oppose any political party that presents a northerner as its presidential candidate.

Despite the clamor for power to return to the south, the PDP decided to throw its presidential ticket open to aspirants from all regions, and Atiku, a northerner emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

Wike came second in the primary election that produced Atiku as the PDP flagbearer.

Speaking on the crisis, a PDP chieftain in Rivers State told Daily Trust that Atiku would be paid back in his own coin, adding that

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News / politics

Okupe speaks on viral photo of Peter Obi’s ‘son’ in Biafra attire, stepping on Nigerian flag

The Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organiation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has reacted to a photograph circulating on the social media said to be that of the son of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

The reaction of the former presidential spokesman was contained in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Sunday.

The photograph shows a young, fair in complexion man wearing a t-shirt with the color of Biafra and stepping on a Nigerian flag.

Those who sent the photograph out said Obi’s alleged son, whose name was not mentioned, was showing the Indigenous People of Biafra “in them….” The write up that came with the photograph said: “This is Peter Obi’s son, the IPOB in them is further confirmed by the clothes he wear and matching on our green white green flag and the same father is campaigning to rule Nigeria?”

Reacting, Okupe tweeted on Sunday: “THIS IS NOT PETER OBI’S SON. NO AMOUNT OF FALSEHOOD WILL DAMPEN THE CURRENT WAVE OF SUPPO FOR PETER OBI.

“See what they’re sharing in the north to scare people from Peter Obi.”…

News / politics / Transportation

PDP faults planned BRT fare hike in Lagos, wants reversal

The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State has faulted the proposed increase in the fare for Bus Rapid Transit across various routes in the state, urging reversal of the plan.

The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hakeem Amode, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The party berated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving such hike, saying it would add to the plight of the masses.

Amode said that the All Progressives Congress-led government blaming the hike on the pump price of diesel from N187 to N830 and the unavailability of spare parts for the increase were not justifiable. According to him, with the crippling economic situation being experienced by Lagos residents on a daily basis, the government showed lack of compassion and total disregard for the plight of the citizens of the state.

He said: “Sanwo-Olu-led APC administration has completely abdicated its responsibility to the people of the state, and turned a blind eye to their  predicament.

“The few ‘luxuries’ that the people benefit from the state is being taken away.

“Now is not the time for any form of increment, as the people of the state have suffered enough under this unsympathetic government.”

Amode said the proposed increase should be “shelved so as not to worsen the citizens’ situation in the face of dilapidated infrastructure, insecurity,  hunger, rise in crime”, among others being experienced by the people of the state.

Sanwo-Olu had on Thursday approved a flat rate increase by N100 in bus fares for all Bus Rapid Transit and Standard Routes with effect from July 13.

With the increase, a bus ride from Ikorodu-TBS will now cost N600 from N500, while Berger to Ajah is now N700, up from N600.

Also, Oshodi to Abule Egba will cost N450 from N350 and Abule-Egba-CMS-Obalende will attract a fare of N600.…

Music / News / politics

Charly Boy says Peter Obi’s candidacy has activated something unusual in Nigeria

Peter Obi is running for the office of president of Nigeria under the Labour Party.

The music star made this known via his Twitter page on Friday, June 24, 2022.

“I am smelling a “bloodless coup” in the making by ordinary Nigerians to retrieve their stolen future. Peter Obi may or may not become our President at the end of the day, but his presence has activated something unusual in our history and ordinary Nigerians. Wetin u think?” he tweeted.

The former governor of Anambra state’s candidacy has been greeted with a loud ovation by several celebrities across the country.

It would be recalled that about a week ago, veteran comedian, Okey Bakassi mocked those who criticised his trip to Egypt. “Peter Obi critics are angry he went to Egypt for serious business instead of medical checkup in London,” he tweeted.

Since the election season began, several Nigerian celebrities have been vocal about not just their choices but also about citizens’ participation in the forthcoming elections.

“I have just instructed my security and my management that No one is allowed to visit my house or my office without showing their PVC!” Peter Okoye of PSquare tweeted.

Okoye and some of his colleagues have been at the forefront of voters registration ahead of the 2023 general elections.

These celebrities have stood their ground about Nigeria getting it right in the next elections.

Some of these celebrities have even vowed to call out their colleagues who collect money from politicians to campaign for them.

While for some like Okon Lagos, they will be selling their votes to the highest bidder.

…
Movies / News / politics

Tonto Dikeh nominated as deputy governorship candidate of Rivers State under ADC

The announcement was made known by the governorship candidate of the party, Tonte Ibraye via his Instagram page on Friday, June 24, 2022. “After series of consultations with leaders of our party the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State and the national level, I’m glad to announce Amb. Tonto Dikeh ( tontolet )as my running mate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State,” he wrote.

“We are pleased to welcome her to the #RiversRescueMission2023 as we strive to improve the standard of living for everyone in our dear Rivers State. Please join our press conference at 11 am today. #TonteTonto2023.”

The actress also took to her Instagram page where she thanked Ibraye for nominating her for the office of the deputy governor of Rivers State.

“I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate,” she wrote.

“We are looking forward to investing massively in social protection, creating a social value system for young people, increased women’s inclusion in our governance system, supporting small businesses and strengthening our traditional institutions to be active players in the drive to bring sustainable development to the good people of Rivers State.”

“I am glad to be a proud member of the #RiversRescueMission2023 Please get your PVC and join the movement. You are the Future and The future is now! #TonteTonto2023.”

Dikeh is a Nollywood actress who hails from Rivers State. She is a trained Petrochemical engineer from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

…
News / politics

Governor-elect promises full recognition of traditional rulers

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised that his administration would give adequate recognition and respect to traditional institutions in the state.

Oyebanji made the pledge when he led some Ekiti leaders of the APC on a ‘thank you’ visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe in his palace in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the visit was to express appreciation to the Ewi and other traditional rulers for their support and the fatherly role they played prior to the election, especially in averting crises.

Oyebanji particularly described Adejugbe as “a father who has always shown interest in his career trajectory since their first meeting in the 1990s during the agitation for creation of Ekiti State. ”The traditional institution is an important stakeholder in Ekiti that should not be toyed with by anybody. The institution would be strengthened under me”.

Oyebanji said the visit was to appreciate the royal father for his support for him over the years.

“At a time when most elders would have dismissed a young man like me, Oba Adejugbe embraced me with both hands and gave me an opportunity to fly.

“That singular opportunity equipped me very well and prepared me for the other roles I played in Ekiti.

“Beyond his position as a traditional ruler, Oba Adejugbe put all he had into the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State for us to get the expected result. Again, thank you Kabiyesi.

“Also, I want to use our father as a contact point to other traditional rulers for their stabilizing roles during the campaign to make sure the election was conducted without any crises in our dear state.

“Even though there would still be other avenues to meet the traditional rulers to show appreciation, today’s meeting is necessary as a mark of honour for the traditional institution,” he said.

Oyebanji assured Adejugbe, the Ewi-in-Council and the market women of good governance that would transform Ekiti State.

“I appreciate all for trusting me with their votes on Saturday and I stand here today, assuring Ekiti people …

Law / News / politics

Breaking: Supreme Court dismisses Buhari’s request to alter amended Electoral Act

The Supreme Court has struck out the suit by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami seeking to void the provision of Section 84(12) of the amended Electoral Act 2022.

A seven-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed, was unanimous in holding in its ruling Friday that Buhari, having participated in the making of the law by assenting to it, could not turn around to fault its provisions.

The court, which upheld the objections raised by the National Assembly (NASS) and other defendants against the suit, declined to determine it on the merit but declared that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear it and that the suit was an abuse of court process.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment, held that it was an attack on the democratic principle of Separation of Powers for the President to seek to direct/request the Legislature to make a particular law or alter any law. The jurists held: “The President lacks the power to direct the National Assembly to amend or enact an act that violates the principle of separation of powers. “There is no part of the Constitution that makes the exercise of legislative powers subject to the directive of the President”.…

Lifestyle / News / politics

24 States get N477b refund on FG projects — Lai Mohammed

The present administration has so far reimbursed state governments to the tune of N447 billion for expenses incurred on Federal Government projects, Minister of Information and Culture,  Lai Mohammed, has said.

He disclosed this to Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Mohammed said in Abuja: “I think it’s important to say that well it’s true that we’re just reporting this particular memo, which is the refund being sought by Yobe State Government.

“Yobe State Government is asking for the sum of N18,663,843,109 as reimbursement for five federal roads, which they rehabilitated or constructed.

“A committee was set up to inspect the claim.

They were actually found to be true.

“They reviewed the N20 billion they asked for and certified N18 billion as refund due to Yobe State for undertaking the construction/rehabilitation of these federal roads on behalf of the Federal Government.

“But this is not the first time.

“We have, since 2015, made refunds to about 24 states.

“If my records are correct, and I want to put on record here, that but for the benevolence of this administration, many states would have sunk under.

“You will remember that by the time we came in, about 27 states of the federation were unable to pay salaries.

“They owed salaries and could not pay.

“It took this Federal Government to really bail many of them out so they could pay not only salaries, but also they could pay the arrears.

“When the price of crude crashed, this same government gave each state what is called a bailout and some of the states today that complain that they’ve never benefited from the Federal Government, especially the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) states, are the ones that have taken the lion share of this reimbursement.

“The records I have here say that Akwa Ibom got N61 billion from this Federal Government for works done on behalf of the government and especially before we came in.

“Rivers had upwards of N100 billion.

“But we show that …

Business / News / politics

Why Emefiele was not sacked as CBN governor – Buhari

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari said the presidential bid of Godwin Emefiele did not affect his role Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Emefiele sought to be the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and drew widespread criticisms for being partisan while heading the CBN.

While critics called for Emefiele’s sacking, Buhari said such decisions do not rest solely on him as Nigeria’s President.

“The CBN governor is appointed by the President. But this appointment is subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate,” Buhari said as quoted in a Q&A with Bloomberg.

Among other conditions for the removal of a sitting CBN governor, the CBN Act did not list political participation as part of the grounds for the removal of a CBN governor which some of Emefiele’s critics pointed to.

Buhari said such decisions can only be determined by the board of directors of the CBN.

“Ultimately, it will be for the CBN’s board of directors to determine whether a CBN governor’s actions have fallen foul of the laws in place to ensure he can most effectively carry out his duties,” Buhari said.

The president, however, noted that “there is a subtext to the accusations” of Emefiele being unfit to remain CBN governor.

“Because the governor follows a model outside of the economic orthodoxy, he is labelled political. But the orthodoxy has proved wrong time and again,” Buhari said.

“Instead, the governor is following an alternative economic model that puts people at the heart of policy. Nigeria should be free to choose its development model and how to construct our economy, so it functions for Nigerians.”

Emefiele stepped down his presidential ambition before the APC presidential primary election that was won by former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu in early June.

The CBN governor also withdrew a suit against the attorney-general and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged plan to disqualify him from contesting for the office of Nigeria’s president.…

News / politics

APC submits name of Tinubu’s running mate to INEC

The All Progressives Congress has submitted the name of the running mate of its presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This was confirmed by a source in the Tinubu Campaign Organization to The Eagle Online in the early hours of Thursday.

The name submitted to the electoral umpire was Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim Masari, who is said to be from Katsina State and a kinsman of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari.

 

But The Eagle Online was also told that the submission of Masari’s name was an interim measure in order to meet the deadline of INEC for the submission of names of candidates for national elections. The INEC had given the deadline as July 17, 2022 (today).

The source described Masari as a “place-holder” as the search for a vice presidential candidate for Tinubu continues.

As reported by The Eagle Online earlier on, the search for a running mate for Tinubu has been zoned to the North, with the likelihood of a Muslim from among serving or past governors clinching it.

This has largely given an inkling of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

This is as those said to be in contention are all Muslims.

Among them are the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai; Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; and former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.

The Peoples Democratic Party had on Thursday unveiled Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the running mate of Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 elections.…

News / politics

PDP panel okays Nyesom Wike as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate

A Panel has recommended Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as running mate to Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

It took the decision after a marathon meeting of the National Advisory Committee, an ad-hoc panel set up by the party leadership to recommend a suitable running mate for the candidate, took the decision yesterday.

It was gathered that Wike was picked following a voice vote.

He polled 16 votes out of 20. Three other governors: Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), were dropped for the Rivers State Governor.

The panel is chaired by PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Other members include PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).

Also on the panel are former Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).

Senator Philip Aduda (FCT), Reps Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu and former Senate President David Mark are also members.

It was gathered that Abubakar had on May 30 offered Wike the vice presidential slot, but the governor was said to have pleaded for time to enable him to make consultations.

It was further learnt that Governor Ortom was consulted by Wike.

According to sources, Ortom encouraged Wike to accept the offer.

The Nation.…

Entertainment / News / politics

‘Una get very long way to go’ – Daddy Showkey slams division among Igbos over Labour Party factions

The music star made this known following the emergence of a fractional presidential aspirant weeks after former Anambra State, Peter Obi. “When we talk, people will feel like we don’t know what we are saying. I always say that Igbos Igbos…I want you people to be united this time. Look why is that anytime you have somebody credible, anything involving you people, they will use you people against yourselves,” he said.

“This one don come now, them don go use an Igbo man to fight an Igbo man. Oh, una get very long way to go. If this man that correct Igbo man, he go forget about this thing. For once you people should use your head.”

Showkey’s comments came hours after a faction of the party led by Mr Calistus Okafor has held its National Convention to elect Ambassador Jude Ezenwafor as its presidential flagbearer.

However, Obi is the candidate of the INEC-recognized Julius Abure-led faction.

…
News / politics

2023: Atiku, PDP Governors, others meet after Tinubu’s emergence

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, on Wednesday met with governors elected on the platform of the party to strategize on securing victory for it.

The meeting was held just as the the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress emerged in Abuja.

A former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, won the presidential ticket.

Tinubu is an ally of Abubakar. The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, told newsmen after the meeting on Wednesday in Abuja that it was more of a consultative meeting.

Tambuwal said: “On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, let me commend the leadership of the party and members of our party for a very successful national convention.

“The National Chairman along with the candidate came to thank the governors for their roles at the convention.

“We talked about cooperation and collaboration in prosecuting a very successful electioneering campaign that will result into victories for the PDP at various elections from the state House of Assembly, national election, governorship and the presidential election come February 2023.

“It is more of a consultative meeting on matters concerning the way forward.”

On the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Tambuwal said: “It is part of the consultation.

“It is ongoing and governors are also being consulted on that.” At the meeting were the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and and Seyi Makinde of Oyo States.…

News / politics

Congratulations, Asiwaju Tinubu, the presumed winner of APC primaries – Osinbajo campaign spokesman

As the counting of the All Progressives Congress presidential primary election is winding up in Abuja, spokesman for the Yemi Osinbajo Campaign Organization,  Richard Akinnola, has congratulated the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, clearly in the lead, as the presumed winner.

Akinnola, in a post on his Facebook page, Wednesday midday, stated, “Congratulations, Asiwaju Tinubu, the presumed winner of the primaries.

“In any contest, there must be a winner. However, I’m very proud of my choice of support in the person of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

“I have no iota of regret over my support for him. It was a privilege to play a pivotal role for him during the process. I would gladly do it over and over again. It’s a matter of conviction. “And for all our supporters and other volunteers who worked assiduously, day and night on the PYO project, God bless you all. I’m so proud of all of you.

“As l often say, God rules in the affairs of men and He has a purpose for what just happened.

Understandably, many of you are dispirited and downcast but do not let your heart be troubled. There must be a reason God allowed this. It may not be manifest to us now but later as He is all knowing.

“I’m unfazed, unbowed and proud of PYO. Our supporters, abeg, make una shake it off. No be say person die, Life goes on. No yawa,” he wrote.…

News / politics

APC presidential primaries: Seven aspirants step down for Tinubu, one for Osinbajo

Seven aspirants on Tuesday night stepped down for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the ongoing presidential primaries of the party.

The aspirants announced their decisions in their speeches to the leadership of the party and delegates at the Eagle Square.

So also did one aspirant, Felix Nicholas, announce that he was stepping down for the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

Those who stepped down for Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, were a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; only female aspirant, Uju Ebeze Kennedy-Ohanenye; and Senator Ajayi Borofice. Other aspirants who went solo included Pastor Tunde Bakare, Rotimi Amaechi, Rochas Okorocha and Ogbonnaya Onu. voting, which started at past 2am on Wednesday, was ongoing as at press time after a disruption occasioned by encroachment.…