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2023: Why I support A Muslim-Muslim Ticket – El Rufai; Don’t Dare It – Babachir Lawal

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The Source
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Babachir Lawal and Nasir El-Rufai

By Gideon Njoku

Two prominent Northerners, both of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have disagreed sharply on who the Party’s Presidential running mate should be.

The APC’s Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, from Southern Region is a Moslem. He is, therefore, as is usual in Nigeria, expected to choose a Christian of Northern extraction as his running mate. But the choice of who to pick, and of which religion  has become a subject of controversy.

While a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, a Christian and an indigene of Adamawa State, has warned both Tinubu and the APC not to make the mistake of  choosing a Muslim, Kaduna State Governor, a Muslim, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai says there is nothing wrong with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

According to Lawal, such a ticket will be a monumental mistake, and could cost the APC the Presidential seat in 2023. He said no Northern Christian will vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

But El-Rufai says there is nothing wrong with it. He is in full support, and posited that Nigerians should go for competence and capacity rather than go for religion.

El-Rufai whose Deputy Governor is, like him, a Muslim, said in an interview  with Channels Television that: “I don’t look at people from Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian angle. Most of my closest friends are Christians.”

To buttress his point, he revealed: “It was Pastor Tunde Bakare, a Pentecostal  Pastor, that took me to CPC, not President Buhari. I am very close to Bakare. I’m very close to many Christians.

“I don’t think the business of governance has anything  to do with religion. I think we should look for the best person for the job. A person that will let the job done and let him do that.

“I am the wrong person to ask because in my State, I picked a very competent and qualified woman as a running mate in the 2019 election. But just because she happens to be a Muslim, people were calling it Muslim-Muslim ticket, and they said we were going to lose, but we won overwhelmingly.

“This fixation of Nigerians on religion instead of conscience, capacity and capability is quite sad and pathetic. We should take religion out of governance. I don’t think we should be looking at Religion.

“Let’s develop this country. Nigeria is at  crossroads. We face very serious dangers in security, in economic meltdown, but all people are concerned so far is who will be President or Vice President.  Their concern is  religion. It’s so sad. It’s not our religions that will solve our problems.”

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has also warned against a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

In 1993, a Muslim-Muslim ticket -the Social Democratic Party’s MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe – won the Presidential election. It was inexplicably cancelled by the Military Regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

At the time, however, Nigeria was not this divided along religious and ethnic lines.

Now, not  a few people insist that such a ticket is not likely to be viable.

Abuja-Kaduna Train Abduction: Sheik Gumi Negotiates Release of Abductees

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, the Medical Doctor-turned Islamic Scholar, has negotiated the release of the  victims of the tragic Abuja-Kaduna abduction.

About three months ago, Islamic Terrorists had planted explosives on the rail, close to Kaduna, blown up and derailed the train, killed eight of the passengers, and abducted dozens of them.

They had been releasing them one by one, or in pairs. But with 61 of them, including a family of six – father, mother, four kids,  a woman and her baby delivered in captivity, they stopped. They then gave the Government an ultimatum to meet their demands or, they would start a mass murder of the captives.

Their demands,  it is gathered, include the release of their children kept in an orphanage in Adamawa State, as well as the release of a number of their colleagues who are in the custody of the Government.

A few days after their ultimatum, they rescinded their threat of a mass murder of the captives. Nobody knew why they changed their minds.

But it has now been revealed that they may have done so on the intervention of Gumi who has a controversial relationship with bandits and terrorists.

He, and a couple of others who include retired Military Generals, have been negotiating the release of the remaining passengers still with the terrorists.

On Saturday, June 11, it paid off with the release of 11 out of the remaining 61. The released were made up of six females and five males. The males were released on health grounds.

The terrorists had, earlier, promised to release all the women, but they reneged and released only six of them.

The  negotuator, Alhaji Tukur Mamu, who is a media consultant to  Sheikh Gumi, confirms the 11 victims  were released on Saturday.

He also confirmed, according to  the Desert Herald  that: “Earlier commitment to release all the women in their custody, a total number of 11 victims were released on Saturday 11th June, 2022. They include six females and five males.”

Those released are:

Jessy John

Amina Ba’aba Mohammed (Gamba)

Rashida Yusuf Busari Hannah Ajewole

Amina Jibril, Najib Mohammed Daiharu

Gaius Gambo

Hassan Aliyu

Peace A. Boy

Danjuma Sa’idu

Mamu, who is also the Publisher of the Desert Herald said:

“We have succeeded in building confidence now (with the terrorists). We will do everything to sustain it in the interest of the innocent victims that are still in captivity.

“It’s a painful and frustrating process but it must be done if we are to secure the precious lives of the remaining victims.

“The good news is our collective efforts have succeeded in securing the release of 11 of the victims so far. With the continued support of the FG all the remaining victims will be released soon Insha Allah.

“President Buhari must be commended for understanding the gravity of the crisis and for giving directives to the security agencies. The CDS, Gen. Irabo has done excellently well under the circumstances. The Army and the DSS have played a crucial role. There is no military solution to this predicament.

“But behind the scene, Sheikh Gumi, by Allah’s will, made it possible. He was involved from the day I started. In fact, I accepted that role because of his directives to that effect. Even the final arrangement of how and the safest place to get the victims was arranged and coordinated by him.”

It is not known if the Government has fulfilled some of  the demands which led to the release of the (latest) eleven people, but those released have been flown to Abuja for medical attention.

The terrorists attacked the Kaduna bound Train which took off from Abuja on March 28, 2021.

Countdown To Ekiti Gov Poll: APC, SDP Trade Blames On Weekend Attack That Left Three Dead

By
Ayodele Oni
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Segun Oni and Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

It was a week of bloodshed in Ekiti as several people were shot at, leaving three persons dead in the State, just seven days away from the Governorship election.

There were clashes between supporters of Biodun Oyebanji, candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) and that of Segun Oni, flagbearer of Social Democratic Party, (SDP) reported at Ilejemeje, Oye an Ado local governments.

Death was recorded at Itaji Ekiti, Oye local government on Saturday during a bloody clash.

Leadership of the two political parties have been trading blames over the incident.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State bemoaned the bloodletting which occured in the state on Saturday 11 June, 2002, just a week to the governorship election.

APC described the unprovoked attack on the party’s campaign train by the miscreants of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), as not only condemnable but reprimandable.

Through a release issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, APC said while it would continue to prevail on its members to be of good conduct and toe the path of sanity, it will also continue to ring it in the ears of Segun Oni and his cohorts that they should be ready to bear the consequences of their unconscionable act.

Dipe said that it was apparent Segun Oni was a leopard that could not change its spot. “He is too desperate and will not stop at anything to get to power, though he won’t.

“We learnt he is now physically involved in the unleashing of mayhem, thus causing unrest in the state.”

Dipe said Oni’s action would not deter APC from fulfilling its pact with the people, which is to ensure a smooth transition from Gov. Fayemi to Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, “and Segun Oni will be exposed for who he truly is: a desperado.”

“If you think you have monopoly of violence, remember also that the hands of law is long enough to catch up with you and crime has no expiry date.”

Narrating what transpired on Saturday, Dipe said the APC train had embarked on a roadshow to canvas for the support of the electorates across the state for the party’s candidate, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, only for the SDP goons to unleash mayhem on them.

“First they were way-layed at Segun Oni’s town, Ifaki, but our people did not baulk. The SDP miscreants later open gunshots at them along Itaji road, killing and maiming.

“Even when the unarmed youths ran into the bush for their dear lives, they were pursued and shot directly at them, falling some of them.

 

“Even in times of war, you don’t shoot at unarmed innocent citizens, but in this case, the SDP goons were mindless of the consequences of their actions, and we implore the security operatives to roar into action, without minding whose ox is gored.

“As I write, no one can say with precision how many casualties have occured from the one-sided unprovoked assault.

“All we can say is that SDP has acted unconscionably and should be made to face the law.

“This is one war Segun Oni and those in cahoots with him cannot win. Their style of gangsterism is old fashioned and will not be condoned in a sane society like ours.

“Ekiti is not a banana republic where people can be killed or maimed anyhow. Lest he fails to know, Oni has successfully pushed himself to the wrong side of history.

“He will be judged, morally, spiritually and legally. The blood of those he is falling will also come in judgement against him and his cohorts, no two ways about this.”

SDP in its own account claimed that some thugs who are members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) wearing the All Progressive Congress (APC) vests and loaded in five buses belonging to the APC, shooting sporadically,

on Saturday, stormed the campaign rally venues of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) in Itaji Ekiti and Oye Ekiti all in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.”

Mr Jackson Adebayo, the Director of Media and Publicity of Segun Oni Campaign Organisation (SOCO)in a statement in Ado Ekiti explained that the thugs allegedly sent by Mr Rotimi Olanbiwoninu a-k-a Mentilo, the Ekiti State Chairman of RTEAN began to shoot as the SDP governorship candidate, Asiwaju Segun Oni was addressing SDP members and supporters at Itaji town.

According to Adebayo, three SDP members were shot and terribly wounded in Itaji but luck ran out for one of the RTEAN thugs who missed the bus and was arrested by party supporters who handed him over to the police.

The SOCO Spokesman said that it took the mobile police and some soldiers on patrol about 30 minutes to bring the situation under control.

The unlucky thug confessed that they were sent by Mentilo and that he( Mentilo) was working for the Biodun Oyebamiji Campaign Organisation.

At Oye, said Adebayo, the RTEAN drivers allegedly shot three members of the SDP who were waiting for the arrival of Oni who was due to address party supporters in the town.

He added that the thugs entered their buses and fled on seeing the mobile policemen that were following the campaign convoy of the SDP and the soldiers that were on patrol.

There has been no reaction from the state police command.

SERG Calls On INEC, Security Agencies, To Protect Igbos Seeking To Register As Voters

By
The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Leading pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure group, the South East Revival Group (SERG) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to protect Igbos in all parts of the country as they seek to register as voters ahead of the 2023 general elections in their state of residence.

The SERG in a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, equally urged INEC to extend the deadline for the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

The group was reacting to reports that a large number of Igbos in Lagos State and parts of the South East were being marginalised and targeted for disenfranchisement as they attempted to register as voters.

According to the SERG, “several videos on social media supporting these allegations call for concern as the claims that Igbos at Alaba International, Ojo, and in other parts of Lagos State were attacked by hoodlums who, in some cases, carted away biometric machines deployed by INEC.

“While we call on INEC and all security agencies in the country to protect Igbos who seeking to register as voters, the CVR exercise should be extended to enable all eligible voters to go to their respective local government area offices of INEC and register to vote or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in view of the current challenges.

“In most parts of the country, including South East, there is observable level of insecurity, and in some areas, military operations are ongoing in their communities. These justify the need for INEC to consider extending the CVR exercise.

“We also call on INEC to ensure that permanent voters cards of all registered voters, especially South earterners, are printed and distributed before the 2023 general elections.

“In the past, there were allegations that inadequate data capturing mechines were deployed in the South East while some Nigerians with southern names, particularly those with Igbo names, were disenfranchised in 2015 because their PVCs were either not printed as at when due or were allegedly sorted and kept away by unpatriotic citizens until after the elections.

“This is part of the marginalisation of Igbos across all the states of the Federation as being witnessed in Lagos State.

“It is unfortunate that while some Igbos were seeking the restoration of Biafra, those who believe in the use of their PVC to install the leadership that will unite and solve the numerous problems of the country are being attacked by hoodlums while performing their civic responsibility.

“It is therefore imperative that INEC and Security agencies put in place adequate security arrangements to protect the electoral umpire’s staff and law abiding citizens, especially Igbos who are seeking to register to vote.

“We also call on Igbos everywhere in the country to defy the intimidation and go out enmass and register to enable them cast their votes in the 2023 general elections for candidates of their choice”,the SERG said.

Terror Attack: Ondo Govt Cancels Democracy Day Celebration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Catholic Church in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

The people of Ondo State are to remain indoors on Sunday as Nigerians mark another democracy day celebration.

President Mohamadu Buhari had last year christened June 12 of every year as democracy day which was earlier being held on 29th May.

The June 12 new date is to commemorate the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by the late business mugul, Basorun MKO Abiola but annulled by the military under ex President Ibrahim Babangida.

He was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) that defeated Alhaji Bashir Tofa, a candidate of the National Republican Convention, (NRC).

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Richard Olabode reads “The Ondo state government has canceled this year’s June 12 celebration earlier slated for Sunday 12th June, 2022.

“This is consequent upon the terror attack on innocent worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on Sunday 5th June, 2022.

“The cancelation is to enable the entire people of Ondo State mourn their loved ones who lost their lives in the horrific attack.

“Recall that the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half -mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the terror attack.”

The Federal Government, has, however, declared Monday, June 13 as a public  holiday since June 12 fell on a Sunday.

Insecurity: Soludo Pounces On Kidnappers

By
The Source
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Demolision of Kidnappers Den in Anambra State

In his avowed determination to rid Anambra State of criminalities,  Governor Charles Soludo’s directive that all kidnappers and other criminal gangs’ hideouts be raided and buildings harbouring them be destroyed was effectively carried out in Oba, Idemili South local government area, on Friday, May 10, 2022

Anambra State Joint Security Task Force conducted the demolition exercise which lasted for more than five hours at the hideout of the notorious kidnappers, an old bungalow building at Oba, Idemili South Council Area.

A statement by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary,  Christian Abumire, said that the hideout has earlier been raided recently, where exhibits such as locally made pistol, shrine, charms, concoctions, indian hemp, among other incriminating materials were recovered at the building with some arrests also made.

However, it will be recalled that a gang of kidnappers were traced to the hideout by the Police, following an attack and subsequent kidnapp of two persons at Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, and another two persons in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area.

The gunmen had entered Oko through Nanka for a kidnap operation and were on the verge of succeeding before the prompt intervention of the police special force acting on a tip- off and subsequently engaged them in gunfire.

One of them was killed, but others escaped with various degree of injuries.

The gunman killed at Oko, whose video went viral on some social handles, was identified as a former vigilante who was part of a four-man gang who have been involved in high profile killings and kidnapping within that vicinity

The State police Command Spokesman, DSP  Tochukwu Ikenga had explained that the command received distress call about the kidnap of two persons at Oko, and while on their trail, they learnt that the gang had kidnapped two more persons at Ekwulobia, and quickly pursued them and were able to track them down.

He explained further that Police operatives working with the vigilante stormed the location, rescued the four victims and arrested one Emeka who was suspected of complicity.

When interrogated, he confessed to the crime and  led detectives to the hideout of his gang in Oba, Idemili South, where a shootout ensued.

According to Mr. Ikenga, the gang leader, one Chinedu Ajogu, AKA Sampolo was gunned down and five other persons including their native doctor were arrested for interrogation.

Addressing journalists later at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Governor Chukwuma Soludo commended the efforts of the State Joint Security Task Force saying the demolition exercise would serve as a deterrent to other criminals.

Governor Soludo explained it has been established that the building demolished was being used as a den for criminal activities, stressing that the government policy does not allow any criminality to reign in the state.

He warned that henceforth, in line with the law, criminals will have no place in any part of Anambra state, assuring that his government is fully determined to ensure that the state is safe for everyone, and that people can move freely around without fear or molestation

He also applauded the cooperation by some people in the state who have been volunteering information, adding that every stranger is suspicious until his or her job is confirmed to be legitimate.

Governor Soludo again re-emphasised that any building being used for any criminal activities will be brought down and confiscated by government.

He also appealed to the people to be security cautious at all times, stressing that they should always report strangers and criminals operating in their communities to Security agencies

Owerri: Professor Adiele Kidnapped From Radio Station

By
The Source
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Professor Jachimike Adiele

By Charles Igbo

Reports emanating from Owerri, capital of Imo State, indicate that Professor Jachimike Adiele was abducted Saturday morning from the premises of a Radio Station.

He had gone to Boss Radio to co-host a programme, THE FORUM.

Just as he stepped out, gunmen stormed the premises and abducted him. His whereabouts is not known.

A posted frantic message from the Radio station said:

“After the Program “THE FORUM”, some unidentified armed men stormed the premises of Boss Radio, Owerri, and abducted the co-host of the Forum, Prof Jachimike Adiele to an undisclosed location.

“We cannot confirm his whereabouts or his present state.

“We implore the law enforcement agencies to please, come to our rescue.

#bossradioowerri

#bossradio989fm”

At the time of filing this report, his abductors have made no contact, nor has the State Police Command confirmed the story.

Obi Is The Most Qualified Among The Aspirants – Labour Boss

By
The Source
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Peter Obi with Certificate of Return

Former Governor Peter Obi, was officially presented the certificate of return by the Labour Party as its official Presidential Candidate in the coming 2023 elections.

Obi was handed the certificate by the leadership of the Party in Abuja, yesterday.

Presenting the certificate of return to Obi, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr Julius Abure, extolled the leadership qualities of Obi. He expressed confidence in Obi’s candidacy, saying that the party will not only coast to victory in the coming general elections, but will remain committed to the development of the nation.

“We are, today, making another major step towards the rescuing of our nation. The Labour Party, with all its members across the nation, is ready and committed to the dream. Our candidate, Mr Peter Obi, is the most qualified among the aspirants and he is very passionate about building a better Nigeria. I urge every Nigerian to support him for the good of our nation,” Abure said.

In his reaction, Obi restated his resolve to rescue the nation from further collapse, and set it on the path of development. While stating that the nation had painfully retrogressed in all fronts, he said he was not intimidated by the decay in the Nigerian society, as he will leverage on his visionary leadership experience to move the nation forward.

“This is another major landmark in our journey to the rescue of our nation. I encourage all Nigerians to live above their tribal, religious and ethnic differences and join me to save our nation. We have no other country but Nigeria, we will not let it collapse,” Obi said.

He thanked the leadership and members of the party who, he said, have remained supportive in the journey of saving the nation.

2023: INEC Mute On Extension Of Voters Registration; Pledges Free, Fair, Inclusive Exercise

By
Akinwale Kasali
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INEC Yoiuth Vote Count

By Akinwale Kasali

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu,  has applauded the large turnout of Youths at the Voters Registration Exercise held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, under the Youth Vote Count Campaign organized by INEC, in partnership with European Union, EU, Yiaga Africa and other partners.

At the Youth Vote Count Mega Concert, which was the grand finale for the week long Voters Registration Exercise, where A-List Musicians like; Pasuma, Small Doctor, MI Abaga, 2Face Idibia, Broda Shaggi, Omawunmi, Teni the Entertainer, Waje and others thrilled the fans with their lyrics.

Yakubu said that the Voters Registration Exercise advocacy for the Youths was positive as over 5,000 Youths were registered, with a whole lot still yet to register.

He added that this has prompted INEC to deploy more machines to all States of the Federation. All the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State is affected to further make sure that a whole number of people are registered and not disenfranchised from exercising their rights.

The INEC Boss said that as regards the extension of the Voters Registration Exercise which elapses on June 30, 2022, the Commission will get across to Nigerians on the decision taken.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuella Isopi, said that Youth Vote Count Mega Concert is a success. The EU is happy with the huge success and the large turnout of youths, as it poses a sign of hope, trust and confidence in the nation’s electoral process, the Ambassador added.

“INEC has been cooperative with EU and it has brought about the confidence repose on the commission. We strongly believe that the Youth Votes will count at the 2023 election as INEC is now technologically advanced and there is need for every one to have faith in the nation’s electoral umpire.

“The Youths need to get their PVC and further make their votes count and make the difference in the nation’s electoral process”.

Lagos PVC Clash: Tinubu Afraid of Election – PDP; Says Nigerians Cannot be Deterred

By
The Source
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the disruption by thugs in Lagos, of the PVC registration exercise.

The Alaba International Market Traders had shut down the market on Thursday to enable them go for their PVCs.  But they were attacked by scores of thugs who disrupted and so, aborted it.

In a reaction to the incident, the PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the attack was the handiwork of the AII Progressives Congress, APC, and its Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The PDP alleged that the exercise was disrupted because Tinubu is afraid of election. The Party warned the incident portends serious threat and danger to Democratic process.

It said: “Asiwaju Tinubu has been in morbid fear of the soaring popularity of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, hence the attempt by the APC to stop Nigerians from obtaining their PVCs to vote in the elections; an action that portend serious threat and danger to our democratic process.”

Hereunder, the full text of the statement.

“Nigerians are disturbed by the dastardly action instigated by leaders of All  Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent citizens, particularly people of the South East region resident in Lagos State from collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to enable them vote in the 2023 general elections.

“That action by the APC in Lagos is part of its desperate design to use violence to sabotage free, fair and credible elections in 2023 having realized that Nigerians have rejected its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the polls.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has been in morbid fear of the soaring popularity of the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, hence the attempt by the APC to stop Nigerians from obtaining their PVCs to vote in the elections; an action that portend serious threat and danger to our democratic process.

“Is it not an irony that the party of the government of the day that pretends to have the support of the people and professes continuity is busy chasing away prospective voters?

“The APC is already suffering from Pre-Election Fever Syndrome in trepidation that it cannot win in a free, fair, credible and transparent process where Nigerians are allowed to freely express their Will.

“It is particularly disturbing that this pattern is a resurgence of previous attempt in 2019 where APC leaders harassed Nigerians, especially the people of the South East and threatened to throw them into the Lagoon should they vote for any other party other than the APC.

“It will also be recalled that similar act of violence was unleased on Nigerians in the Isolo axis of Lagos in the 2019 general elections, where the APC, upon discovering that it has been rejected at the polls, openly sponsored and unleashed terror on innocent citizens and destroyed all votes cast.

“The APC has again become chaotic and desperate because Nigerians have recognized it as what it is; a Special Purpose Vehicle which was hurriedly put together to defraud the nation.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC must know that they cannot surmount the determination of Nigerians who are now rallying on the platform of the PDP to use this 2023 general elections to take back their country from the stranglehold and misrule of the corrupt, incompetent, inhumane and rudderless APC.

“Our Party cautions Asiwaju and the APC to thread carefully and rein in their thugs, hoodlums and terrorists as they will be firmly resisted by Nigerians.”

However, not a few people insist that the disruption of the exercise was not because of Atiku, but because of the candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who most youths, country-wide, almost, are rooting for.

The Lagos incident sparked outrage and condemnation.

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