President Buhari Talks To APC Governors On Choice Of Successor, Mode Of Convention

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May 31, 2022

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be dissatisfied with the way the special National Convention of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) to pick its presidential flagbearer went.

There have been reports of alleged use of money by the PDP aspirants, and this probably facilitated the victory for one of them.

To ensure a more decent and rancour-free process by the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), especially coming up with a consensus candidate, President Buhari met with Governors of the party on Tuesday in Abuja, charging them to ensure that the forthcoming convention to pick a presidential candidate reflects all the values and virtues of the party.

A statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed that at the meeting, held at State House, Abuja, the President told the 22 Governors and the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu that:

“The processes for the 2023 General Elections have commenced in earnest and I note that the most successful political parties globally have always relied on their internal cohesion and a strong leadership brand to achieve bigger electoral fortunes.

“Our party, the APC, shall not be any different, more so as we are still implementing the blueprint for a more prosperous nation.

“As I begin the final year of my second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the party, I recognize the compelling need for me to provide stronger leadership to the party under this transition process and to ensure that it happens in an orderly manner.

“Such leadership is required so that the party remains strong and united. It is also needed to improve our electoral fortunes by ensuring that it retains power at the center, hold the great majority in various legislative chambers and also gain additional number of states.

“In a few days, the party will be holding its Convention during which primaries would take place to pick the Presidential Flag Bearer for the 2023 General Elections.

“This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.”

The President appealed to the Governors “to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens and the global community.

“Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.”

President Buhari assured that the consultation process will continue, to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention, stressing that it would also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control, “and that our party emerges stronger.”

Speaking on behalf of the States’ helmsmen, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, said the party must build on successes of its recent elective convention, and the primaries conducted so far, “and come up with a candidate who will walk in the footsteps of patriotism and love for the country, which Mr President has shown.

“We will support Mr President to have a very successful convention.”

Less Than A Million Voters Will Elect New Ekiti Governor Next Month As INEC Test Runs Facilities

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Ayodele Oni

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May 31, 2022

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By Ayodele Oni

Less than a month to governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has registered 988,923 eligible voters to participate in the election.

Of the figure, a total of 720,724 people have collected their permanent voters cards, as of 31st May, 2022.

These figures are extracts from the pre election report made available by the Head of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo.

YIAGA’s report is coming just as the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) ran a mock exercise with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in Ekiti, ahead of the state’s governorship election. BVAS facilitates the accreditation of voters on election day.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise, INEC’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu said the exercise had been a success.

“We said we are going to do a mock-test in a few local government areas to further test the functionality of the machines before the election. And so far, so good with the mock.

“We have visited one of the polling centres in Ado; we are here in Ikere. From there we go to Irepodun/Ifelodun local government for the same reason.

“And overall assessment is that we are happy with the functionality of the machines.”

The INEC Chairman added that the electoral umpire was also interested in the readiness of facilities for the election.

“As you can see, we have renovated the Ikere local government office, just as we have done with many other local government offices. These are not administrative facilities; they are also electoral assets.”

The Independent report, findings indicate ongoing preparatory activities by INEC and compliance with the Election schedule of activities.

“For instance, the official publication of voters register in all 16 LGAs from 19 May 2022, while the final candidate list was published in the capital and two other LGAs.

“The final list of registered voters as released by INEC to Political Parties in Ekiti on May 18, 2022, 988,923 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election of these 720,724 have collected their permanent voters cards as of May 18, 2022.

“A further breakdown of registered voters by demography revealed that 502,906 (51%) are female and 486,017 (49%) are male. The Youths (18-34) constitutes 38.56% of the total voters.”

Meanwhile, Yiaga Africa has said that the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, will provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), an opportunity to assess the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), for the conduct of elections.

The Ekiti governorship election will be the second governorship poll where the BVAS will be deployed for the accreditation of voters, having been deployed in the November 2021 Anambra governorship election.

The citizen-led group in its pre-election report, added that the Ekiti election will test INEC’s capacity to resolve all challenges observed with the BVAS deployment in Anambra and FCT.

The report, however, noted that while the BVAS achieved reasonable success in the bye-elections, their deployment in statewide elections like the Anambra governorship election and the FCT area council election was marred with widespread reports of the BVAS not functioning adequately and experiencing other challenges which led to the extension of voting time on election day.

“The Ekiti election presents another opportunity for the assessment of the functionality of the BVAS and the capacity of INEC to resolve all challenges observed with the BVAS deployment in Anambra and FCT.

“This is particularly important because the new Electoral Act in section 47(2)(3), makes it mandatory for the deployment of the technological device for accreditation of voters with a requirement to suspend the election in a polling unit where the device fails to accredit voters and to continue the process within 24 hours if the results from the polling unit will substantially affect the final result of the election.

“The BVAS now plays a central role in safeguarding elections and in guaranteeing that technical glitches do not disenfranchise every eligible voter who turns out to vote.

“Accordingly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is responsible for ensuring that the BVAS functions optimally in the Ekiti state election.

“This will need INEC’s commitment to ensuring the mock voter accreditation exercise to test the effectiveness of the BVAS is conducted ahead of the Ekiti election as stated during the quarterly stakeholders meeting held on May 11, 2022.

It added that beyond the deployment of BVAS, the Ekiti election will also serve as a test to assess INECs capacity to manage the perennial logistical challenges observed in previous elections and its ability to inspire confidence in the process.

PDP Convention: Angry Wike Blames Tambuwal

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James Orji

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May 31, 2022

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By James Orji

The just concluded PDP presidential primary has left anger and bitterness in the mind of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, the major loser in the shadow election which held last Saturday.

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president emerged as the PDP presidential candidate in the keenly contested election with 371 votes to beat Governor Wike who polled 237 votes, and had since congratulated the party’s flagbearer for next year’s presidential election.

In spite of this, Governor Wike is still reeling from the pains that those he trusted such as Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, to deliver the PDP presidential ticket to him, betrayed him.

The Rivers’ helmsman has a reason to be angry with Tambuwal, a close ally he had supported in the past.

In 2019, Wike stood by Tambuwal against some vested interest in the PDP who preferred Atiku to be the party’s presidential candidate. Even though the Sokoto helmsman lost the ticket, Tambuwal put up a good fight with the tacit support of Wike.

But last Saturday when Wike expected the gesture to be returned, Tambuwal pulled the rug under his feet by supporting Atiku to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

He withdrew from the race in the last minute to the surprise of many delegates and leaders of the party, and directed his supporters to cast their votes for Atiku.

“Haven’t consulted so many people across the country the time has come to make the sacrifice for the good of the country and the party and also to minimise rancour and justle for power among aspirants I have come to conclusion to step down the race. I urge my supporters to vote for Atiku Abubakar,” Tambuwal said to the chagrin of many Nigerians who have watched his antecedents with the Rivers’ Governor.

In his reaction on Monday, Governor Wike said Tambuwal violated the rule of engagement and does not deserve to be governor.

Wike said: “I’ve never seen how people can violate procedure, guideline. Somebody has spoken, it’s at that point he was speaking that he can say I’m withdrawing. You don’t call him back.”

“I just said, look, this our party must not be destroyed. I would have left where I was sitting down and say no, this convention can’t go on except you allow me to talk and I would have flatten that they say is a human being (Tambuwal), I would have flattened him.”

“When you see people, a sitting governor won election with 300 votes, which votes will he give? So it’s God’s will, let’s not bother ourselves so much”.

The Rivers’ governor had earlier took a swipe at state governors from the southern part of the country for not supporting him to clinch the party’s ticket.

He said the governors violated the agreement they all reached that power must shift to the south, after the end President Buhari’s tenure in 2023.

Meanwhile, close watchers of the opposition party insists that Governor Wike lost due to his failure to carry his counterparts along in his presidential aspiration.

The reason he lost, they say, is because of his arrogance and his inability to carry on well with other state governors, who have secretly brandished proud and rude.

Delta 2023: PDP Tackles Omo Agege, Ogboru; Says Both Unfit For Delta; Weigh Less Than 10kg Politically

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 31, 2022

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State Chapter, has vowed to remain in power in the State.

Since 1999, the PDP has been at the helm of affairs in the State, and is optimistic that as the 2023 Governorship Election in the State draws closer, it is not going to relinquish power to any opposition Party.

The PDP in a statement by one of its chieftains, Olorogun Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said that there is no Vacancy for Coup Financiers And Mace Runners In Government House, apparently references to the All Progressives Congress Candidate, APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and that of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Great Ogboru.

Oghenesivbe added that the governorship candidate of PDP in the State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, will effortlessly defeat Ogboru and Omo-Agege in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

He gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen during the 7th anniversary of the Okowa administration’s Praise and Worship Thanksgiving Service, held on Monday 30th May at the Event Centre, Asaba, saying that the total collapse of Ogboru/Omo-Agege political alliance was for the good of the state.

Oghenesivbe who is also the Leader of Sheriffied Delta Media Group and Executive Assistant to Gov Okowa on Communications, further asserted that the enviable achievements of his boss, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, in the past seven years and still counting, shall be the winning card for PDP in 2023, coupled with the political popularity, solid street credibility, competence, humility, visionary leadership and integrity of PDP governorship candidate, Rt Hon Oborevwori.

The PDP chieftain alleged, albeit without proof, that the duo of Ogboru and Omo-Agege went their separate ways because of uncontrollable greed, acute desperation and strong desire to take control of Delta State’s yreasury, so as to achieve their separate life time ambition of becoming multi-billionaires overnight through manipulation of public funds.

He recalled how Ogboru sponsored the Gideon Okah coup just to become a billionaire through the back door, since he could not achieve his objective in the private sector as a fish seller, while Senator Ovie Omo-Agege did the unspeakable at the National Assembly by allegedly masterminding the unlawful snatching of Mace during Senate plenary, all in a bid to become relevant politically.

“PDP Delta and our candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, won’t lose an ounce of sleep over Chief Great Ogboru and DSP Ovie Omo-Agege in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, come 2023.

“Governor Okowa’s superb achievements shall speak for our party, PDP, and for our governorship candidate in 2023. It’s truism that Okowa is the best governor since the creation of Delta State. This fact is not in dispute across the state.

“The 7th Thanksgiving Service of this administration is the last for him as governor because his tenure shall terminate on May 28, 2023.

“Okowa is our hero for life. He is the best thing that happened to Delta and Deltans in this political and leadership dispensation. But Oborevwori will listen more and do M.O.R.E for Delta and Deltans. The state will keep making substantial progress by the grace of God.

“APC and APGA are both forbidden fruits in Delta State. Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta State, they are conjoined twins, inseparable spiritually and physically. The connectivity is deep rooted and divine to a reasonable extent.

“The duo of Agege and Ogboru combined is less than 10kg in political electioneering weight, as far as 2023 governorship election contest is concerned. The other 90kg is Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

“Agege and Ogboru parties; APC and APGA, are both strangers to Deltans, they shall suffer humiliation and rejection at the polls in 2023. Their try your luck game shall exceed 2023 and beyond 2031.

“Agege and Ogboru are known to be political prostitutes, always jumping from one party to another, all in a shameful bid to take control of Delta treasury.

“Agege and Ogboru have no agenda, no manifestos and no clear cut reasons why they want to govern the state. As far as they are concerned, the state treasury is a life time ambition that must be achieved through any means possible. Too bad.

“Oborevwori is a divine project, a Pan Delta incoming governor who will build on the solid socioeconomic remodelling strides and overall development of the state, triggered by governor Okowa and his deputy, Deacon Barr Kingsley Otuaro.

“There is no vacancy for Military Coup financiers and mace runners in Government House, Asaba, come 2023,” Oghenesivbe said.

2023: Tinubu Fights To Retain Bid To Contest

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Uche Mbah

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May 31, 2022

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By Uche Mbah

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a frontline Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, is speculated to be having a tough battle in his quest to fulfill his ambition.

Tinubu has built bridges, especially, in the North, that he believes would give him the ticket.

But his high hopes may be dwindling, especially, in Kano with its usually unprecedented votes. He had Kano tied, based on his strong relationship with its Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. But a petition which could crash his ambition is before the PDP Presidential screening panel headed by former National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.

The petition written by one Mai Iyali, who claims to be an APC member from Kano state, is an indication that either Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has turned against Tinubu, or his grip on the party structure is slackening.

Ganduje was reelected Governor in 2019, using what has been variously described as “Tinubu’s Osun Template,” which used a few Local Government rerun to win.

Iyali, in the petition, asked the Presidential Screening Committee to disqualify Bola Tinubu over “questionable educational qualifications”.

In a letter dated May 17, 2022, Mai Iyali, who copied Abdullahi Adamu, APC National Chairman, and Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, pleaded with the party to disqualify Tinubu. He cited alleged false documents Tinubu tendered to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1998.

“We understand that Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has since procured his expression of interest and nomination forms and has submitted the same to the party has certain issues that clearly amount to a similar disqualification scenario,” Iyali wrote.

“From the information contained in prior submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly in 1999, Mr. Tinubu presented a false claim, on oath, of his attendance at University of Chicago from 1972-1976.

“It is clear now that these claims are false. Not only was this filed in the INEC form with a declaration on oath on December 20 1999, it was also contained in an affidavit of loss sworn to before the High Court of Lagos, Ikeja Registry, December 29th 1998.

“The latter claim that seeks to transpose history is untenable. Mr. Tinubu has to show proof he attended University of Chicago or he must stand disqualified as the opposition is in possession of these same documents. Over the years, the identity of Asiwaju Bola Anmed Tinubu has been shrouded in secrecy.

“In fact, no one can claim to know the identity of the man. Repeated efforts and demands by the general populace and the media to unravel the identity of Asiwaju Tinubu have all proved abortive and unsuccessful.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather chose and prefers an incognito lifestyle. Part of the man that has remained hidden is his educational background. Before now, so many reporters have launched discreet investigations to unravel the truth about the educational background of Asiwaju without success.

“We therefore urge the screening committee to invoke the powers vested on it by the constitution and guidelines of the party to disqualify Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from taking part in the APC primary election for the presidential election.”

Iyali attached copies of alleged Tinubu’s nomination form and affidavit in respect of lost certificates to back up his claims.

Though Tinubu previously admitted there were errors in his INEC filings in 1999, he was cleared by the Lagos state house of assembly of perjury on his qualifications.

He faced the Screening Committee at the Transcorp Hotel Abuja on Monday, May 30.

Sterling Launches Imperium Platform for Solar Energy Consumers

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James Orji

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May 31, 2022

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By Fola James

Lagos, Nigeria, May 30, 2022: Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading digital bank, has launched a new and innovative digital product, known as the Imperium Platform, in a bid to connect consumers and providers of renewable energy (solar solutions) as a viable solution to Nigeria’s electricity crisis.

The Imperium Platform was launched following the unveiling of the Nigerian electricity industry report entitled, “Powering Nigeria: How Solar Energy Can Become a Sustainable Electricity Alternative.”

The report was produced by Sterling Bank in partnership with Stears, a digital information company.

Dele Faseemo, Group Head, Renewable Energy at Sterling Bank, said in a statement issued by the bank that the Imperium Platform seeks to provide clean and affordable energy solutions to interested customers while providing different financing options to customers purchasing the solution outright or paying for the installation and operation of the solution.

Faseemo explained that Sterling Bank, in partnership with Stears Data, the data collection, analytics, and data access division of Stears, embarked on the study to tackle the problem of providing solar energy in the country.

The report showed that despite the privatization of Nigeria’s electricity industry, the country still has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, as 43 percent of its population has no access to grid electricity, an indication that 85 million Nigerians are not connected to – and cannot receive electricity from – the Nigerian transmission grid.

He said the Imperium would provide a range of purchase options to consumers because solar energy solutions are not one-size-fits-all, so purchasing options should not be either.

According to him, Sterling Bank employs several purchase models to provide renewable energy solutions for its customers. This ensures that customers with different needs and purchase abilities can access solar energy solutions.

He listed the options to include outright purchase, lease to own, and power as a service. Using outright purchase as an example, he said that energy consumers could purchase products directly from vendors via the Imperium Platform, a dedicated e-commerce platform hosted by Sterling Bank.

In lease to own, Imperium provides financing at competitive interest rates for consumers with good credit scores or clean credit checks who are keen to own the assets. Under power as a service, Imperium offers fixed monthly energy-charge options to consumers, but the underlying assets are owned by Imperium as it (Imperium) purchases and owns the assets.

This saves clients huge capital outlay and maintenance worries, while the monthly energy charge is based on the capacity deployed.

In this regard, the bank has recently partnered with the Nike Art Gallery to install solar panels at the gallery via the bank’s Imperium outlet as part of its commitment to a renewable energy-powered Nigeria and the development of the nation’s tourism sector.

The development is a sequel to recent partnerships with the gallery to drive an appreciation and spotlight the investment opportunities available in Nigeria’s arts and tourism sectors.

The Nike Art Gallery, owned by Chief Nike Okundaye, is one of the largest of its kind in the West African sub-region, with a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists.

Another Nollywood Actor, Osmond Gbadebo, Dies

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 31, 2022

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By Akinwale Kasali

Osmond Gbadebo, a Nollywood Actor of Yoruba genre is dead. He died Monday night, May 30, 2022.

The circumstances of his death was still sketchy as the time of filing this report.

The actor cum Movie Producer, Production Manager, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, Osmond Communications, was in his 30s before his sudden death.

Yoruba actress, Fausat Abeni, popularly known as Madam Saje, was among the first mourners late Monday.

The veteran actress shared an image of a burning candle on her Instagram page with the caption, “Goodnight Osmond,” accompanied by crying emojis.

Nollywood stars such as Yomi Fabiyi, Adeniyi Johnson, and others took to their Instagram pages to mourn the late actor.

Fabiyi wrote, “So so sad and a deep painful loss, Osmond Gbadebo. You are a fighter and sad to say you have gone to rest. Ever jovial, ever supportive and ever friendly. Rest in peace and power.”

Johnson wrote on his Instagram page, “This hits differently that I can’t even post your picture. Every soul around us knows I love you. How I wish…”

Ibironke Ojo-Anthony, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi Oke wrote, “It’s very hard for me to say goodnight, Gbadebo Osunmo, but God knows the best. RIP my darling friend.”

The month of May has been a sorrowful month for the Make-Believe Industry in Nigeria popularly known as Nollywood. The industry has lost a number of its good artist.

First, it was Chinedu Bernard, an upcoming actress that died in Enugu State. While the entertainment industry mourned Chinedu, it was dealt another blow as up-and-coming actress Francisca Choji’s death was announced.

Francisca’s body was found at Rayfield Resort hotel in Jos, Plateau State on May 1. Gabriel Ubah, the spokesperson of the Plateau state police who confirmed Choji’s demise said the fast-rising actress was found floating in the water at Rayfield Resort.

In the same week, on May 4, actor David Osagie, better known as Sir David, died after filming on set the previous day.

His death was announced by his colleague Ngozi Ezeh who noted that the actor was not sick.

Sir David was best known for his role as king. Some of his movies include My Sorrow My Pain, Agunna and Lost Battle.

Just a week after, Nollywood suffered yet another loss on Thursday, May 12 as veteran actor, Gbenga Richards was confirmed dead after battling an unknown ailment.

The once vibrant actor, who was a force to reckon with in the 1990s and early 2000s, according to reports, suffered from a series of ailments and raising money for his treatment became difficult because he had fallen on hard times.

Richards’ first appearance as an actor was to represent Nigeria with Hubert Ogunde at the Second World Black and African Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

He also featured in blockbuster movies like Sango, Mirror in the Sun, Betrayal by Love, Fighting Machine and a host of others.

Atiku On A Charm- Offensive; Visits Losers In PDP Presidential Race; VP Slot On The Cards B/w Wike, Anyim

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 31, 2022

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By Adesina Soyooye

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate in the 2023 is on a charm – offensive.

Atiku began barely 48 hours after he clinched the ticket at the Primaries held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, May 28, 2022. With a comfortable 371 votes, he defeated 12 others after the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, stepped down for him. The National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, on an apparent thank you visit to Tambuwal, hailed him as the “hero of the Convention.”

Atiku’s closest rival was Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who scored a respectable 237 votes. Feeling betrayed by, especially, Southern Governors, Wike left the venue before the end of the Convention.

Atiku, however, began fence-mending for a united front in order to defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the 2023 Presidential polls.

His first port of call, with his entourage, was Governor Wike’s Lodge in Abuja. After the visit, Atiku, who was a former Vice President and the 2019 PDP Presidential candidate, tweeted: “In continuation of my commitment to bring everyone on board in ensuring that the @officialPDPNig stands as one united, party, earlier today, I visited His Excellency Gov Nyseom Wike at his Abuja residence. This is a continuous process. -AA”

From Wike’s House, he went to visit former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki who scored 70 votes.

He also tweeted:

“To unify our country Nigeria, we have to start with bringing every member of the @OfficialPDPNig under the covering of the umbrella. My visit to @bukolasaraki not long ago underscores this commitment. More to follow. -AA.”

The Presidential candidate also visited another Presidential aspirant, Anyim Pius Anyim, who was a Senate President, and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

After meeting Anyim, Atiku tweeted:

“I was also at the residence of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim to pay him a courtesy visit and consult with him on strengthening the cohesion in our great party, @OfficialPDPNig. -AA #OneNigeria.”

With the Presidential Primaries out of the way, the attention is now focused on who Atiku’s running mate will be.

Two names have come up according to sources, Wike and Anyim.

Those rooting for Wike say he has made a lot of sacrifices for the Party, and did well at the Primaries.

However, those in favour of Anyim insist that the South-east should be given a feeling of belonging in the PDP, having not produced either the President or Vice President.

Consultations continue.

Ohaneze Ndigbo Denies Anger Against Atiku

By

The Source

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May 31, 2022

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By Charles Igbo

The apex Igbo Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has denied threatening not to vote for the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the 2023 Presidential election.

A statement attributed to Ohanaeze, signed by one Mr Ishiguzoro, a few days ago, had said that Ndigbo will not vote for Atiku in protest against his emergence as the PDP Presidential candidate instead of an Igbo.

But the officially recognised Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which President is Professor George Obiozor, has denied issuing any such statement, describing it as fake meant to deceive the public.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo denied the statement. It also dismissed those who issued it as “mischief makers, impostors, charlatans and unscrupulous social climbers”.

Regretting that such statement came out at all, the statement continued:

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor has not issued any press statement on the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“Ohanaeze awaits with keen interest, the full outcome of the ongoing primaries by all the political parties before it can issue a press release with respect to the Igbo position on the 2023 general election.”

The Ohanaeze spokesperson asked the public to ignore any statement which did not emanate from the Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okey Emuchay.

“Don’t Blame Tambuwal; My Brothers Betrayed Me; History Will Judge Them” – Wike

By

Adesina Soyooye

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May 31, 2022

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By Adesina Soyooye

In his first reaction to his loss of the Presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has exonerated the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, from his loss.

He put the blame on Southern Political leaders, especially those from the South-south who betrayed him. “Some Governors from the South were used to sabotage our victory. I have left them to God.”

Wike spoke when he addressed Rivers State Party Stakeholders on Monday. He spoke of the betrayal he suffered in the hands of those he called his brothers.

Wike said he entered the race on the basis of the agreement they reached that the Presidential seat rotates to the South. He said he thought the agreement was reached with human beings, but he noted: “Some people are no human beings,”

Wike: “As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to worry about. I contested that election based on the agreement with all the Southern Governors and the leaders of the South that the Presidency should go to the South.”

Sadly, Wike said, it is a shame that some people from the South were used to sabotage his victory, the victory of the South. “It is a shame.”

Wike: “We have done our own part. We never betrayed anybody because it is not in our blood to betray. But it is a shame to those people, some Governors from the South who are the people they used to sabotage our victory. But, however, we have shown them that we are not like them.

“There are people you think are human beings, but they are not.”

The Governor was proud of his performance in the face of the sabotage he suffered. Indeed, he was not humiliated. He placed a respectable second place by scoring 237 votes to Atiku’s 371. The third person, former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, trailed Wike with a score of 70 votes.

Wike: “We have made history, and for those betrayers, history will judge them. But as I have said earlier, I won’t abandon the party.

“They underrated us but that has changed. We made them not to sleep and eat.

“This country does not belong to any particular zone, it belongs everybody.”

Recall that just before voting started on Saturday, Tambuwal stepped down from the contest, and directed his supporters to vote Atiku. That changed the course of the race, and tilted the victory comfortably towards Atiku.

The magazine gathered that South- south states, with the exception of Rivers State which voted Wike, and Akwa Ibom which voted the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, others voted Atiku. Emmanuel’s 20 votes were a waste, many pointed out.

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