A group of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing the North Central zone has submitted a letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) urging the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s national chairman.

The letter, titled “Vote of No Confidence and Request for the Removal of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from Office as National Chairman of the APC,” was signed by Mohammed Mahmud Saba and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday.

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In light of the recent turmoil surrounding Ganduje’s purported suspension, North Central APC members have intensified their calls to “retain” the leadership slot within the party.

The correspondence, copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, highlights a stark contrast with the vote of confidence passed by APC state chairmen in favor of Ganduje on Tuesday.

Mahmud Saba emphasized that unlike the state chairmen’s stance, the North Central populace has expressed a vote of no confidence in Ganduje’s leadership, demanding his immediate resignation.

Saba further argued that Ganduje’s ascendancy to the national chairmanship position contradicted the principles outlined in the APC constitution, as it “betrayed” the North Central region, which was rightfully positioned to retain the office following Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s removal.

Th letter reads in part, “We the North Central APC Concerned Stakeholders have resolved to unanimously agitate for our right and reclaim our mandate which was handed unto us by the National Convention of our great party the APC in 2022.

“Various sections of our constitution have clearly established the procedure of replacing an Executive member at all levels of the party in an event of death, resignation, incapacitation or expulsion from party by any executive member.

“This singular act has impacted negatively on us as a people in the North Central, we feel betrayed and spited because we gave His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR the third highest votes after North West and South West in the country which put us on better position to enjoy the fruit of our labour.

“The North West where Ganduje comes from has the Speaker and Deputy Senate President zoned to them, the North East have Vice president and Deputy National chairman North, but the North Central which has only the SGF appointed from the zone should naturally produce the National Chairman of the party.

“We therefor make the following demands;
That Dr. Umar Ganduje resigns immediately and stop parading himself as the National Chairman of our great party. That the zoning arrangements made by the National Convention in 2022 which zoned the office of the National Chairman to the North Central be respected by the NEC and all other organs of the party.”

Former Senator Ayogu Eze, a prominent figure in Enugu politics and a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has passed away at the age of 66.

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He represented the Enugu North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2015.

Eze breathed his last in an Abuja hospital following a prolonged illness.

During his tenure in the Senate, Eze played a significant role, particularly as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, where he served as the official spokesperson.

He was also a member of the Constitution Drafting and Amendment Committee, contributing to significant changes in Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.

In addition to his legislative duties, Eze chaired the Committee on Works after his reelection in 2011 and served on various other committees, including Police Affairs, National Planning, Marine Transport, and Federal Character & Inter-Governmental Affairs.

His contributions to Nigerian politics and governance will be remembered by many.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, has expressed confidence in the LP’s ability to overcome its internal challenges and emerge stronger.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obi compared the internal struggles within the LP to those faced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the issues in the latter parties were more severe.

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Obi acknowledged the ongoing attempts by the Nigerian Labour Congress to unseat the LP’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the factional disputes within the party.

However, he remained optimistic that the LP would address these challenges and focus on its objectives.

He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of ordinary Nigerians and urged political parties to prioritize serving the people rather than focusing solely on internal matters.

Regarding speculation about his presidential aspirations in 2027 and criticism he faced for questioning the timing and prioritization of government projects, Obi clarified that his main concern is improving the lives of Nigerians, not personal ambition.

Obi highlighted the urgent need to address infrastructure challenges, particularly the state of existing roads, before embarking on new projects.

He emphasized the importance of completing ongoing road construction projects and prioritizing repairs on existing roads to improve transportation and connectivity across the country.

In response to questions about the LP’s financial management, Obi confirmed that a forensic audit of the party’s accounts is underway, following his request for an independent audit firm to probe the allegations raised by former National
Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah.

He assured that updates on the audit would be provided once it is completed.

In Ondo State, 627 delegates from its 18 Local Government Areas convened to choose the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for the upcoming November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The primary, set in Akure, saw seven aspirants vying for the candidacy, including notable figures like former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi and Chief Sola Ebiseni, former General Secretary of Afenifere.

Overseen by a 7-man committee led by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the election took place at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), with a directive for non-delegates to maintain distance.

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Meanwhile, Chief Olusola Oke of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contested the validity of the APC primary, urging the election appeal committee to annul it due to alleged irregularities.

On another front, leaders from Ondo State’s Movement of Truth implored President Bola Tinubu to intervene and nullify the APC Governorship Primary Election, denouncing it as a sham devoid of legitimacy.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has reaffirmed his commitment to conducting an issue-focused campaign.

Promising a departure from the current administration’s governance style, Okpebholo emphasized his dedication to addressing key concerns affecting the people of Edo State if elected.

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In a statement released by his Media Office, Okpebholo outlined his agenda, which includes prioritizing quality and affordable healthcare, education, road infrastructure, security, food security, social welfare programs, housing, ICT, and agriculture.

He assured voters that his administration would rely on his extensive experience to propel Edo State into becoming an economic powerhouse in Nigeria.

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Highlighting his interventions alongside APC leader Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo mentioned the return of contractors to federal road projects abandoned by previous administrations.

He pledged further collaboration with the federal government to bring more development initiatives to the state.

Encouraging supporters to maintain focus on issue-based campaigning, Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to inclusivity, promising to address concerns from all segments of society.

He particularly emphasized the importance of respecting traditional institutions, contrasting his approach with what he described as the current administration’s disregard for them.

Asserting confidence in victory, Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, pledged direct engagement with the electorate to address their grievances and garner support.

Refuting challenges from opponents, he dismissed them as inexperienced “baby politicians” and expressed readiness to teach them a lesson on Election Day.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the APC cautioned against moves to resist individuals seeking to join the party, following protests against the potential re-admission of former party members.

Reacting to objections raised against figures like former Speaker Kabiru Adjoto and former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu returning to the APC, party leaders emphasized the need for unity and inclusivity within the party.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reaches a conclusive end.

Speaking to journalists at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja’s Jabi area, Olukoyede pledged to step down from his position as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.

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He also vowed to hold accountable anyone who obstructed Bello’s arrest.

The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.

Olukoyede stressed the importance of support from Nigerians for the EFCC’s efforts, emphasizing that the agency’s success is integral to Nigeria’s well-being.

He highlighted the positive impact of the agency’s current initiatives on the nation’s currency value and foreign market stability.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has delivered a copy of the charge sheet detailing the alleged fraud amounting to N80 billion against Bello to his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.

This action follows a court order by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompted by Bello’s absence during his scheduled arraignment.

The court, citing the Administrative and Criminal Justice Act 2015, authorized the delivery of the charges through substituted means due to Bello’s non-appearance.

Despite initial reluctance, Bello’s lawyer ultimately accepted the charges on his behalf.

In response, Bello’s legal team argued against the ex-parte order of arrest issued earlier, citing concerns over fair hearing and justice.

They emphasized Bello’s willingness to appear in court and address the charges brought against him by the EFCC.

The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Phinheiro, urged the court to uphold the arrest warrant until Bello makes himself available for trial, dismissing his legal challenges while evading court appearances.

Justice Nwite had previously issued a bench warrant against Bello following repeated non-appearances in court and his evasion of criminal charges, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted.

The Katsina State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the nomination fees for aspirants vying for various positions in the upcoming local government elections.

At a meeting attended by state executives and party officials from all 34 local governments, it was revealed that the fee for local government chairmanship nomination forms is set at five million naira. Meanwhile, those aspiring for councillor positions will need to pay 1.5 million naira.

Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, the Deputy Chairman of the Katsina APC, stressed the importance of direct payments into the party’s account for transparency.

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The sale of nomination forms will commence from May 1st to May 4th, with a strict deadline for submission by May 9th to the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

According to the election timetable issued by SIEC, primary elections for council chairmen are scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, followed by councillor elections on Wednesday, May 22nd. The finalized list of candidates from the primaries must be submitted to the electoral commission by Monday, May 20th.

Alhaji Bala Abu urged all contestants to adhere to campaign guidelines diligently, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process.