news
APC Primaries : 18 states dare Oshiomhole, opt for indirect primaries
The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the method to be adopted in the election of its candidates for the 2019 general elections is assuming a frightening dimension as more state chapters of the party continue to dare the party’s leadership by opting for indirect primaries rather than direct primaries as directed by the National Working Committee (NWC).
Sources told this newspaper that the governors elected on the platform of the ruling party are leading rebellion against the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC. APC presently has 21 governors. No fewer than 14 of the governors have adopted indirect primaries in the selection of candidates for the 2019 general elections.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling party had, on August 30, adopted the direct primary method for the selection of its presidential candidate, while states were empowered to choose which of the methods best suits their peculiarities. But the NWC, in a counter directive, ordered that all primaries must be by the direct method. So far, 19 state chapters of the party have rebuffed the directive of the Adams Oshiomhole-led APC NWC.
They include Imo, Sokoto, Plateau, Yobe, Ekiti, Kogi, Enugu, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Delta and Bauchi. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also adopted indirect primary. Some of the states, which adopted indirect primaries, also agreed on consensus arrangement. Eleven states opted for the direct primary option as directed by the party leadership.
They are Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Kano, Abia, Niger, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue and Cross River. Six state chapters are yet to decide on which option to adopt.
They are Anambra, Edo, Taraba, Jigawa, Gombe and Kwara. But major stakeholders have kicked against the adoption of indirect primaries in Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Ondo, Adamawa, and Borno. In Imo, the state chapter of the party arrived at the option of indirect primaries at 6th State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Owerri, the state capital, on Thursday.
It is the same story in Sokoto, where APC leaders also adopted the indirect primary election and consensus as the process to select candidates for all positions in the state after a stakeholders’ meeting. In Yobe, the state APC adopted both indirect primaries and consensus to choose its candidates for the election.
This was arrived at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Damaturu, under the chairmanship of the deputy governor of the state, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu. The meeting drew participants from across the 17 local government areas of the state. Also adopting the indirect primaries, the Plateau State chapter of the party cited security challenges in the state.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the state working committee of the party, stakeholders, elders, lawmakers and local government chairmen chaired by the state APC chairman, Hon. Letep Dabang and attended by the deputy governor, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, who represented Governor Simon Lalong.
Ekiti APC Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, who confirmed that the party in the state has opted for indirect primaries, said: “For the last, governorship election in the state, APC operated indirect primaries and it still subsists.” In Kogi, the party’s stakeholders also adopted indirect primaries during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Yahaya Bello.
The stakeholders, in rejecting the direct primary method approved by the party’s NWC, said it would be too expensive. They also cited lack of record of party membership. Another state chapter of the APC, which opted for indirect primaries and consensus, is Enugu.
The decision was reached during the state executive committee meeting of the party. The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs. Kate Offor, explained that consensus would be used where there is agreement among aspirants, while indirect primaries would be used where there is serious contention.
Also opting for indirect primaries, the Kaduna State chapter of the party cited lack of a comprehensive register of party members. The Zamfara APC chairman, who also justified adoption of indirect primaries by party stakeholders in the state, said the decision was not a deviation, but in line with the directive of national headquarters of the party.
But, a faction of the party in the state, led by senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, rejected the decision. The factional APC state chairman, Surajo Maikatako,who spoke with journalists, said since the government’s side of the party’s leadership decided to adopt indirect primaries, they would as well conduct direct primary to select their governorship candidate as well as for other positions.
Also citing lack of comprehensive register and security issues for adopting indirect primaries, the Borno State APC chairman, Hon. Ali Dalori, said: “We are adopting the indirect primaries because as I am speaking to you, we don’t have authentic register of members of the party in the state or national secretariats and because of insecurity facing the state.”
However, a faction of the party, led by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, rejected the decision of the party stakeholders, saying it was unconstitutional and a breach of the party’s constitution.
The Adamawa leadership of the party and stakeholders also cited security issues as reason for adopting indirect primaries to candidates for the election in the state.
The state chairman of the party, Ibrahim Bilal, who spoke with our correspondent, particularly listed Madagalli, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South councils as areas affected. Similarly, the leadership of Ondo State APC cited security and lack of authentic membership register as reasons for adopting indirect primaries to pick the party’s candidates in the state.
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE
You must be logged in to post a comment Login