Politics
121 PAN YORUBA GROUPS ADOPT TINUBU
121 PAN YORUBA GROUPS ADOPT TINUBU
One hundred and twenty one Pan Yoruba groups Thursday endorsed the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The event organized by the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM) took place at the St Leo Catholic Church in Lagos where no fewer than 1,500 delegates representing various groups endorsed the former Lagos State Governor.
The AYDM said Nigeria, once again is at a crossroad, adding that troubled two-century old history again is being put to historic test come February 2023 when the people again, will go to the poll to choose a President that will stir the affairs of Africa’s most populous country, yet most poor, vulnerably and constantly on the brink.
AYDM said “For the past three months, the AYDM has held a string of consultations with organized groups, socio cultural and community based groups spread across the south west areas, from lowland to highland, valleys, seashores, mountains, tropical and savannah where our people, rich and poor, the wretched and haves reside. On Wednesday October 5, leaders of 121 groups capped the consultations with a meeting which took several hours,”
The group said it promises to campaign vigorously, “with all our strength, with all our sweat, our brain and even our brawl, through the streets, on the road, in the farms, on the sea shores, in the valleys, on the mountains, on the sea and on the land; on radio, on the social media and using all means of mass communications.”
The group said “We have no illusion that the victory of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu will lead to automatic transformation of Nigeria. The coming years will be very tough but there will emerge a better capacity and atmosphere to deal with the whirlwind and curtail its ruinous upsurge. Asiwaju will not totally resolve the problems facing Nigeria, however, we are clear in our perspective that his victory will lift Nigeria higher up from her present state of affairs to the benefit of all, irrespective of colour, creed, faith and religion.”
It noted that since 1914 when the great civilizations were merged by foreign interests, the country has been an atomic society in perpetual conflict with itself.
“In 1914, a thick cloud of anomie descended on the destiny of primordial nations -including the Oyo empire, the Bini Kingdom to Kwararafa multi ethnic state, the Borno Empire which extended to today’s southern Libya, the Wukari Kingdom, the Itsekiri Kingdom-when by fiat, the autonomous nations were forced to live under a one-dimensional philosophy squeezed into one inconvenient whole.”
The AYDM said in coming to this conclusion, it considered many factors, the capacity and political sagacity of the candidate; the rich history in anti-fascist campaign of the 1980s through the 1990s, the possession of raw courage, liberal investment in pro-democracy struggle, a tradition of tolerance for dissent and above all, the ability to transform and reengineer the current APC as a political party likely to provide the impetus that will lead to the restructuring of Nigeria, being the minimum condition necessary for the growth and prosperity of the country.
“It is on this basis, that we, representatives of 121 Pan Yoruba, civil society, community based groups in the South West hereby adopt Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our candidate and that of our people for the 2023 Presidential Election,” the declaration was signed by Mr. Popoola Ajayi
The group said there is no doubt that in the past few years, the image of the APC has been bruised by the draconian forces in Abuja seen in their acts of tyranny and the illness of the economy under its watch and the insistence on sustaining a garrison structure for Nigeria.
“It is naïve to assume that the biggest alternative for Nigerians is the PDP which had ruled Nigeria for 16 years characterized by rot, depression and melancholy. It is a mistake to think such a party would suddenly transform itself in 2023. This is not to diminish the fact that the APC has immense contradictions and should not be seen as an end in itself.
“It said in the context of Nigerian political framework and given the options available to the people, the APC is better but not the best, in our own opinion. Faced with a difficult situation in an extremely testy field, the Yoruba of the South West have to make a choice in 2023 considering the better possible options.
“From our own prior, informed consent and weighing the variety of choices available to the people of the South west, we have to pick a candidate near the prospect of allaying our fears as a people. In making this choice, we are not unaware of the rights of the people of the South West who may differ. We respect their opinions. We urge them to respect ours. Our choice is ours, their choice is theirs: On the field we shall meet.”
The AYDM said those who hate Tinubu candidacy do so for many reasons one of which is their cruel hatred for anything Yoruba which they continue to propel using false narratives to justify their anger against the dignity associated with Yoruba heritage.
“We have listened to those who argue that it is their turn. We posit that since 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, there have been 14 Presidents and Heads of State. Two of them ruled Nigeria twice. Out of the 12 Presidents and Heads of State, only one has been Yoruba, two were of Igbo extraction, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Gen Aguiyi Ironsi) two from Middle Belt (Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar) one is Kanuri (Gen Sani Abacha), while four are of Fulani extraction (Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Murtala Mohammed). It is mischievous not to admit that is the history.”
Present at the meeting were leaders of Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC New Era), South West Progressive Youths and Peoples Movement, Covenant Group, O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, South West, ANACOWA representing all Okada Riders in the South West, Okun Progressive Peoples Union, (OPPU), Oodua Descendants Union, ODU in Ivory Coast, Yoruba Peoples Union in Ghana, Kwara Progressives Alliance, (KPA) Itsekiti Peoples Liberation Movement, South West Hunters Union, Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NEYA), O’odua Peoples Congress, (Reformed), Yoruba Diaspora Coalition,(YDAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Progressives Movement, (SWPM), Ilaje Renaissance Movement, (IRM), Ibile, Yoruba Farmers Cooperatives, South West Vigilante Coalition, (SWVC) and all the 121 members of the coalition.
Groups in solidarity were Itsekiri National Front led by Oritsegbemi Temi, Supreme Egbesu Assembly led by Chief Digiwa Werenire, United Middle Belt Indigenous Peoples Congress, led by Barrister Abukar Onalor Onalo, Igbo Progressive Coalition, (IPC) led by former Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Dim Uche Okwukwu and Arewa Youth Forum led by Mallam Kudu Abubakar who was also the former Vice President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, (AYCF).
*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*
As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.
Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.
Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.
“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”
Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”
Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.
“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.
He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.
He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.
Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic
ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.
Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.
“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.
The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.
“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”
The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.
“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.
“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.
“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”
The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.
“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”
Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.
On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.
He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Source: Daily Independent
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