2019: Cabal Hijacks President Buhari’s Campaign – Vanguard

Published

6 years ago

December 22, 2018

Sahara Weekly

* Plots to shutout APC NWC members

*Underground battle for campaign funds control rage

*Why presidential campaign council is yet to be set up

*No one can hijack our campaign — APC

* Campaign may last for five weeks

By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

THE crises ravaging the All Progressives Congress, APC, across some states appear to be eating into President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign

Party sources told Saturday Vanguard that a cabal has hijacked the campaign and there is an intense plot to relegate National Working Committee, NWC, members in the scheme of things.

The plot, piloted by what a senior party official referred to as “presidency hawks” would see the party leadership attending campaigns like guests without strong inputs into the planning and organization. Indeed, it was gathered that some governors, who are at daggers drawn with the APC hierarchy over the recent primaries in which some of their loyalists lost out, want to teach the party leadership a lesson.

How? They can only contribute funds to President Buhari’s campaign if the funds would not be controlled by the APC leadership. President Buhari had months ago named Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi as Director General of his Presidential Campaign Council, with Festus Keyamo, SAN, as campaign spokesman. Since then, a full campaign structure had neither been named by the party nor the presidency.

Why campaign council is in limbo

While some presidency officials had attributed the delay in constituting a campaign council to paucity of funds, it was gathered that some members, who worked in the 2015 campaigns when contacted to serve on the council were not keen on taking up the job. “Many of those, who actually worked during the campaigns were sidelined.

Some people were the eggheads but others took the rewards because of their closeness to Mr President. So, some of those who were practically left in the lurch are not enthusiastic about taking up new tasks because of past experiences. In fact, even those of them who were contacted to be part of some of the various reconciliation committees in the party turned down the offer”, a party official told Saturday Vanguard. The development is in spite of President Buhari’s promise, last week, to reward those who will work for his re-election.

About two years ago, Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari complained about the hijacking of the presidency by a cabal and the neglect of those who worked for Buhari’s election in 2015 and threatened that she might not campaign for Buhari in 2019 unless the anomaly was addressed.

Now, the APC top shot added that the party leadership is not leading the 2019 campaigns because certain forces close to the president have hijacked the process. “One would have thought that with the pedigree of our National Chairman (Adams Oshiomhole) that some of these forces would give him a freehand to organize things, but that is not the case.

Except if the chairman has information on the role we are expected to play, I can tell you that many of us do not exactly know much about the campaigns. The party has only recently been able to convince the presidency on the need to at least kick-start the campaigns before the end of this year and that is why we might be going to Akwa Ibom soon for what might pass for the formal launch of our campaigns.”

Campaigns may begin second week of January, last five weeks The source added that some of the president’s handlers have designed a template that would see the APC presidential campaigns lasting for only five weeks.

Control of campaign funds

Speaking further, he said: “It is not about the capacity of the party leadership to drive the campaigns. I think some people just want to prove to the president that they can do it alone or perhaps some people want to be in control of campaign funds because there is nothing strategic about delaying the campaigns or not naming a campaign council less than two months to the elections.”

No one can hijack our campaigns — APC

However, in his reaction, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said no one can hijack the party’s campaigns. “Hijacked by who? If they hijacked it, to do what? Can they campaign without the president? Can they campaign without the party? We are all working together and there is no issue.

Very shortly, the campaign council will be announced and campaigns will start. Election is February 16 and I keep telling people that campaigns are not all about rallies. There are several platforms of engagement with the voters. Many other aspects are ongoing. Our activities are ongoing. Yesterday, the president commissioned the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.

That is campaign to show that the same country that was not working is now working. That is what Nigerians are going to vote for in February. Nigerians are travelling this season, they will see activities going on on the roads. The roads that were not free for several hours, they are now going to be spending fewer hours. That is part of campaign.

It is for people to go and see improvements and see possibilities and see that their country is now working. We are going to do rallies across the country. We are a party that is so proud of our achievements and we are very confident that our achievements are speaking for us already”, he said.

Governor Alex Otti Uncovers Real ‘Sponsors’ Behind Gunmen Attacks

Published

12 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Governor Alex Otti Uncovers Real ‘Sponsors’ Behind Gunmen Attacks

The Abia state governor Alex Otti has unveiled those behind the frequent gunmen attacks in the state.
“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” Otti said.

Governor Alex Otti accuses opposition politicians, with external support, of sponsoring violence in Abia State.

Attacks, including the killing of soldiers and police, aim to destabilize the government and distract from its development agenda

Otti promises a “counter-offensive” to eradicate criminal activities and maintain peace in the state

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has accused opposition politicians, in collaboration with external parties, of being behind the recent wave of insecurity in the state.

The governor’s statement comes amid rising gunmen attacks and violence in the region, which has raised concerns among residents and security officials alike.

Legit.ng reported that on Wednesday, 13, November two Nigerian soldiers were killed at a checkpoint on the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Ekeneobizi, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

Another attack occurred on Sunday, November 16, when gunmen killed a police officer during an assault on the convoy of a Nigerian lawmaker.

While the Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of orchestrating the violence, IPOB has denied any involvement.

Governor Otti says politicians responsible for attacks
In a statement released on Monday, November 18, by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti revealed that his administration has uncovered that opposition politicians in the state, rather than IPOB, are responsible for sponsoring the attacks.

He explained that the violence started in late May and has continued to escalate as part of a strategy to disrupt his administration’s focus on development.

“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” Otti said.

He further added that the opposition’s efforts to fabricate lies against the government had failed, and now, they were resorting to violence.

We will smoke them out, Governor Otti vows
Governor Otti vowed that his administration would not allow any group or individual to destabilize the peace in Abia State.

He stated that a “counter-offensive” was being launched to eliminate the terror structures set up by criminals.

“It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he asserted.

Previously, Legit.ng reported that police authorities in Abia state have confirmed the killing of Inspector Bala Mohammed, one of the security officials assigned to Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the house of representatives representing the Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency.

Mohammed was alongside his colleague, Inspector Dunna Jatau, when he was attacked by some gunmen.

Politics

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

Published

22 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

……Preaches All-inclusive Government

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

Ewekoro, 19th of November – The atmosphere was electric as Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay was inaugurated as the new chairman of Ewekoro Local Government in a ceremony marked by hope and celebration. In front of a gathered throng of enthusiastic supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries, Eskay articulated a bold vision for the future, promising to work hand-in-hand with the people to foster development and unity.

In his inaugural speech, Chairman Eskay expressed profound gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of Ewekoro. “This is not just my victory; it is a collective triumph for all of us,” he stated passionately. “Today, we embark on a journey to build a brighter future together, where every voice is heard, and every citizen plays a role in shaping our community.”

Hon. Eskay emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact their lives. “I believe that true leadership lies in collaboration,” he remarked. “My administration will prioritize transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with the people of Ewekoro.”

Central to his vision are initiatives aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure within the local government. Eskay underscored the importance of investing in the youth, assuring parents that his administration would work diligently to provide quality educational opportunities. “Our children are the future of Ewekoro, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive,” he affirmed.

In a direct appeal to political opponents, Hon. Eskay urged them to join his administration in pursuit of progress. “To those in the opposition, I extend an invitation to come aboard the winning team. Let us set aside our differences and work together for the greater good of Ewekoro,” he declared, emphasizing that unity is essential in addressing the challenges faced by the community.

The proposed initiatives received enthusiastic support from attendees, many of whom expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential. “Hon. Eskay has always been a man of the people, and we believe that he will lead us towards a prosperous future,” said a local business leader. “His commitment to inclusivity and community engagement gives us hope.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Hon. Eskay articulated a vision of Ewekoro as a model for local governance, where progress is made through collaboration and shared responsibility. “Together, we can transform Ewekoro into a thriving community that meets the needs of all its citizens,” he concluded.

With a clear mandate and a vision for inclusive governance, Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay embarks on his tenure with the support and hope of the people of Ewekoro, ready to lead them into a new era of development and unity. As the community looks forward to the changes ahead, they remain united in their commitment to building a brighter future together.

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

3 days ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.