POLITICS
APC Names Lalong, Keyamo DG, Spokesman, Party Presidential Campaign Council
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has named the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong as the Director General of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, while the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo as the spokesman.
Adamu made the announcement while briefing State House correspondents after they met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja, along with the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senators Kashim Shettima.
He disclosed that the essence of the meeting was to intimate the President as well as sought for his approval on the party’s plans regarding the campaign council organisation.
Speaking on the constitution of the party’s presidential campaign organisation, Adamu said APC arrived at the choice of the Plateau State governor, Lalong, purely on reasons of ability.
Responding to questions, the APC chairman insisted that the Muslim Muslim ticket of the party would not hinder the party from winning the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the Tinubu and Shetimma have a track record of achievements and excellence, emphasizing that what the country needs at the moment was the right leadership with people who have the competence.
Adamu further said, it would be an act of sabotage for any member of the party to play up the issue of religion instead of supporting the party to ensure victory in the 2023 election, even as he strongly warned that there will be consequences for anyone who attempt to ply such route.
“We in the APC are talking to our members in relation to the issue of religion in the choice of candidates, saying that anything short of support for the candidates would be sabotage”, Adamu said.
“The person who is going to be the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organization is His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, he will lead campaign.
“We have an interim spokesperson of the campaign organization, in the person of Honourable Festus Keyamo. Deputy spokesperson will be Barrister Hannatu Musawa and we’re hoping and praying for your maximum cooperation in presenting us the best way possible”, he said.
“Yes, we have been hearing concerns being expressed. In the APC, we believe very strongly, that no matter what description, no matter what faith you will associate with any one of our candidates, we are first and foremost Nigerians.
“There is no doubt in the fact that we have people whose stock in trade on some of these religious issues. Just like you have people expressing fears, or concerns about a Muslim-Muslim ticket, there are Christians that welcome it as a positive development, in Nigerian politics. They are Nigerians,” he said.
He, however, disclosed that the party recognized the concerns and will “put them to rest” before the election which is seven months away.
“We are extremely sensitive to some of these sensitivities of fellow Nigerians or fellow members of our party, but the fact of the matter is, one issue does not determine a candidate or determine victory.
“The party has taken a very careful deep look at the Nigerian situation and the political space and we believe very strongly that notwithstanding the expression that we’re hearing, we will be working on amicable solutions to the sentiment and we’re very sure by the grace of God we’ll put them to rest before the elections,” he said.
On his appointment as the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign, Lalong said he would be able to discharge his duties considering his leadership positions as the Governor of Plateau state as well as Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum.
Shettima also spoke on the Muslim Muslim ticket, boasting that himself and Tinubu have track record of achievements and excellence, saying, “Let us discuss issues, how to propel the nation to greatness is what we should discuss.”
“We’re on the same page with Mr. President regarding our organogram and the individuals that are going to play different roles within the organizational structure of the campaign outfits.
Also speaking, vice presidential candidate of the party, Shettima, described the preoccupation of some people with the arguments on his party’s same-faith ticket as a distraction from the real issues facing the country, pointing out that both Asiwaju Tinubu and himself, as running mate, have track records that Nigerians ought to be consider ahead of religion.
Citing the Ribadu-Bafarawa presidential ticket of the Action Congress of Nigerian in the 2011 general elections, Shettima urged Nigerians to focus on issues and not the faith of the candidates.
According to him, “in 2011, the presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate of the ACN. Both of them were Muslims. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Now, the opposition have seen a winning combination and they are petrified, deep down to the marrow of their bones.
“What Nigeria needs right now is a leadership that will drive the transformation process. Sadly a section of the press is being used as conveyor belt for spreading lies and mischief, … on blackmail, or concoctions or exaggerated facts.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a track record of excellence. If you keep on stopping to throw stones at every dog that barks you, you will not reach your destination. We’re not trading insults and lies and mischief, we have established track records of excellence. Let our opponents show what they have done in their respective states.
“I brought forward Professor Babagana Zulum and I have ten others lined up, let’s discuss issues, how to propel this nation to greatness is much more important than playing on the sentiments of Nigerians.
“Poverty knows no religion or ethnicity, insecurity knows no religion or ethnicity. I’m appealing to you and besieging on you, the he members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to take the path of moderation and inclusivity and fairness”, he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the party’s campaign organisation, Governor Lalong argued that the party picked him because of his ability and not he is a Christian.
“I’m not a Christian candidate. I was not nominated as a Christian candidate. The party said I’ve been nominated because of my ability. I’ve been a very loyal member of the party. I joined APC because I believe in APC.
“Second, I’m not only the Governor of Plateau, I’m chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum. So I cannot carry out leadership in any capacity. I only want to express to you that I am surprised that I’m being announced now. I am sure we’ll not disappoint you.”
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bayelsa State, Dr Kojo Sam, has vowed to deliver 100 percent of the votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Dr Kojo Sam stated this during a consultative visit by the Chairman of Bayelsa APC, Hon Warman Weri Ogoriba, and members of the State Working Committee at his country home in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Kojo Sam, a businessman and philanthropist, declared that he is unwavering in his unalloyed support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress and would ensure Bayelsa East is delivered to the President.
He explained that his support for the APC, which dates back to its formation in 2013, is predicated on the ideals and ideological direction of the party, which is geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.
Dr Kojo commended President Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, which, according to him, are already yielding fruits, with stability in the macroeconomic indices in the country.
He dismissed efforts of opposition parties to make inroads in Bayelsa East, stressing that the people of Bayelsa East, especially in Nembe and Brass, are in full support of President Tinubu’s re-election.
Dr Kojo also applauded Governor Douye Diri for his leadership and peaceful disposition, which has strengthened the APC at the grassroots.
He seized the opportunity to commend Hon Ogoriba for conducting the affairs of the party in a transparent manner, which has given all members a sense of belonging.
‘’Today I have the privilege of hosting the APC Bayelsa State Executive Committee at my country home in Okpoama, Brass. We had a very productive and frank discussion on the future of the party in Bayelsa, strengthening our structures and promoting unity. I commend the leadership of Governor Douye Diri and the party chairman for the inclusive leadership which has strengthened the party. I want to assure the party that in 2027 President Bola Tinubu will coast to victory in Bayelsa East.
Hon Ogoriba, in his remarks, described Dr Kojo Sam as a critical stakeholder whose support for the APC has been instrumental in the several victories recorded by the party.
According to him, the consultative visit was to appreciate Dr Kojo Sam for his steadfast contributions, commitment and sacrifices towards the advancement of the party and its electoral fortunes.
Hon Ogoriba noted that the APC leadership in the state has total confidence in the ability of Dr Kojo Sam to galvanise the people of Bayelsa East towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that the visit allowed the party leadership to deliberate with Dr Kojo Sam on strengthening the party at the grassroots, fostering greater unity among party stakeholders.
From Godwin Okah, Abakaliki
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Emegha, has warned party stakeholders in Onicha Local Government Area against fractionalization, urging them to unite and work for the party’s victory in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
Emegha said the APC could only consolidate its political strength in the council if its leaders and members put aside personal interests, embrace peace and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of the elections.
The APC chairman spoke while addressing stakeholders and leaders of the party from Onicha LGA and the Southern Senatorial District at the party’s state secretariat on Waterworks Road, Abakaliki.
The meeting, attended by serving and former political office holders as well as community and opinion leaders from various autonomous communities in Onicha, reviewed the challenges confronting the party and prospects for the 2027 elections.
Emegha appealed to stakeholders to jettison personal political ambitions capable of causing division, stressing that the APC remained one united and indivisible family.
He said: “There is a need for peace and unity among all our stakeholders. We must put the overall interest of the party above personal political pursuits. There should be no further factionalization because APC is one united family.”
The party chairman also commended APC candidates from Onicha LGA for their efforts in reaching out to the electorate but charged them to intensify their grassroots engagements ahead of the commencement of campaigns.
He said stronger interaction with voters at the grassroots would make mobilisation easier and further strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
The Chairman of Onicha LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, applauded the state leadership for convening the meeting, disclosing that he had earlier met with stakeholders in the council, where they agreed to work together in peace and unity.
Ogbofia assured the state chairman that similar meetings would be taken to all electoral wards in the council before the commencement of campaigns to consolidate unity among members.
Former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Chigozie Ogbu, who spoke on behalf of Onicha stakeholders, promised that all outstanding issues among party leaders would be resolved amicably.
Ogbu also assured the APC leadership that the people of Onicha would vote massively for all the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
Former Onicha council chairman, Chidiebere Agwu Uzor, equally declared that the APC had no serious challenger in the local government.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory in all positions during the elections.
The meeting subsequently resolved that APC candidates from Onicha should immediately intensify grassroots engagement.
DAILY ASSETS reports that the party leadership explores further measures to strengthen its structures and resolve outstanding concerns ahead of the 2027 polls.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South senatorial district, Abba Moro, on Saturday launched a campaign for his reelection for the 2027 general elections, just as the Benue South All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsed his re-election bid.
Moro, who is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), received endorsement from the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC as their sole candidate for the 2027 senatorial election in the zone.
Speaking during the launching which was held at Otukpo, Otupko Local Government Area (LGA), Senator Moro dared, governor Hyacinth Alia to show any projects his administration has sited in senatorial zone
He explained that despite Alia collecting huge amounts from the Federation Account, he has failed in his responsibility to cater for the needs of the people of Zone C, adding that as the representative of the people he would not shy away from pointing out to the governor his shortcomings.
The lawmaker observed that due to the neglect the people of the senatorial district were now looking up to him, as their representative at the NASS, to provide their needs, which ordinarily should be provided by the Alia administration.
According to Moro, APC and PDP in Zone C, were in a strategic alliance to ensure his return and secure a second term for President Bola Tinubu.
In his speech, the immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the North-Central region, Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom, assured the people of Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) of the party’s capacity to provide purposeful and effective leadership for the zone and Benue State.
The former governor said the PDP had consistently delivered the dividends of democracy to the people of Zone C through the efforts of Senator Abba Moro, whom he described as a committed party man who has remained steadfast since the party’s inception.
He recalled that his administration executed and commissioned several projects across the state, stressing that some projects, including the Ochi Idoma Road, Commercial Road, and Armstrong Avenue were constructed and commissioned within his first term in office.
Chief Ortom further stated that his administration, during its eight-year tenure, completed and commissioned several landmark projects in Zone C, including the Ochi Idoma Palace.
He challenged the present administration in the state to showcase projects it had commissioned in Zone C, stating that the current government had relied heavily on “deceit and propaganda” despite receiving substantial allocations from the Federation Account.
Chief Ortom thanked the people of Zone C for identifying with the PDP and assured them that the party would not disappoint them.
He urged voters to support all PDP candidates, particularly the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, whom he described as a genuine and experienced administrator capable of providing effective leadership and tackling insecurity in the state.
According to him, the possibility of producing a governor from Zone C remains achievable if stakeholders, traditional rulers, and party leaders work together and make the necessary political arrangements.
The former governor also received a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zone C, Barrister John Attach Ochoga and his supporters into the PDP, describing their decision as a significant boost to the party’s strength in the area.
In his remarks, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, governorship candidate of the PDP, who described the neglect of the people of the zone, exclaimed the Zone C has suffered underdevelopment under the Alia administration.
He assured the people of Zone C that their needs would be addressed when he becomes governor, in 2027.
The immediate past governor of the state, Chief Ortom, assured the people of Benue South, of the capacity of the PDP to provide purposeful and effective leadership for the zone and Benue State.
He pointed out that the party had consistently delivered the dividends of democracy to the people of Zone C through the efforts of Senator Abba Moro, whom he described as a committed party man who has remained steadfast since the party’s inception.
Ortom further stated that his administration had completed and commissioned several landmark projects in Zone C, including the Ochi’Idoma palace.
Ezekiel Adaji, Benue State chairman of the PDP, sounded a note of warning to “mushroom parties that we are taking over”, the state.
He also presented Senator Moro, all candidates of the party for the House of Representatives (HoR), and the eleven candidates for the Benue State House of Assembly (BNHA) elections for the 2027 elections in the zone with the party’s flags.
He also said confidently, “With you (Abba Moro) as a candidate I know all other candidates will fly; go and conquer for PDP.
Receiving Barr John Ochoga, and other decampees of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP chairman, observed that there were no latecomers in PDP, and that they were all entitled to all privileges that every other PDP member is entitled to.
Speaking, Ochoga, noted that in the last three years, the Idoma people had not had it good, “why have the Idoma nation become the heavers of wood and fetchers of water.”
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