2023 Election: NBC Sanctions 25 Radio/TV Stations, Gives Final Warning To Others

 

Not less than 25 radio and television stations has been Sanctioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for the contravention of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in their coverage of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, at a press conference in Abuja added that 16 stations were also given final warnings for their unprofessional conducts during the polls.

He said some broadcast stations allowed their platforms to be used by some guests, callers and analysts to score unhealthy political points inimical to the nation’s corporate existence.

Stressed that ethnic and religious profiling became awfully rampant; while invectives and counterblasts were thrown freely by guests on the platforms of broadcast stations at the detriment of Nigerians.

He also said subversive discussions and reckless comments capable of tearing Nigeria apart were broadcast freely without proper gatekeeping; and ethics and professionalism, thrown overboard.

 

2023 Election: Governor Ben Ayade Loses Senatorial Seat To PDP Agom-Jarigbe

Governor Ben Ayade has lost his bid to return to the Senate following his defeat by the incumbent senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe.

Mr Ayade, who was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, lost the National Assembly elections conducted on Saturday with 56,595 votes against Agom-Jarigbe’s of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 76,145 votes.

The returning officer, Emmanuel Emanghe, who spoke on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the result for the polls around 3:05 a.m. on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Agom-Jarigbe, a two-time member of the House of Representatives, was elected into the Senate through a bye-election in September 2021 following the death of Rose Okoh.

Mr Ayade, who is serving out his two-term as governor of the state, sought to

replace Mr Agom-Jarigbe as the Senator representing Northern senatorial district of Cross River. However, the re-elected senator could not be issued the declaration form after his declaration by the retuning officer.

Buhari Has Promised Me He Won’t Rig 2023 Election For Anyone – Atiku Says

 

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said that he has the assurance of President Muhammadu Buhari that the 2023 general election will be free and fair.

 

 Mr Atiku told Financial Times in an article published on Monday that he had a sit down with Mr Buhari where he was assured that the outgoing president intends to leave a legacy of credible elections.

“I’ve gotten a commitment from the president personally, because I sat down with him twice, that even if it is the only legacy he will leave, he will make sure he conducts free, fair and credible polls,” Mr Atiku said.

Mr Atiku added that he is confident about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an election void of manipulation, owing to the recent reforms and technological improvement in the electronic transmission of result that the agency has deployed in the last gubernatorial elections.

Despite fierce defence from Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress and strong contest by third-force Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Mr Atiku’s associates continue to boast of a clear path to victory, citing his popularity in the northern part of the country and dependable allies in the south.

According to them, the former vice president’s neo-liberal leaning makes him the most qualified to govern the country due to the feasibility of his proposals.

 

2023 Election: I’ll Develop Nigeria Same Way America, Others Were Developed – VP, Yemi Osinbajo Says

Vice president of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has said that In choosing leaders into elective positions, Nigerians must put sentiments aside and elect the best, especially in 2023.

 Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his interactions with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday in Akwa Ibom State, the 16th State the VP has since visited in his nationwide consultations with party delegates.

Restating that his aspiration to become president is hinged on giving his best in service to the country, the VP said, “this coming election (2023), beginning with primaries, maybe the most significant for our generation, and generations to come.”

“I am sure that God helping me, if I am given the opportunity to do the job, I will give my best. By God’s grace, I believe that this country will be better. Each and every one of us will know that difference.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that he chose to offer himself in service to the country as president come 2023 because of his firm belief in, and dedication to Nigeria’s great future and destiny.

Calling on delegates and Nigerians alike to partner with him to make the country better, the VP added, “what I am offering as an individual is a commitment to developing this nation in the way that other nations of the world have been developed, the pace that other nations of the world have been developed.”

The Vice President’s presidential aspiration has continued to garner commendations both from party delegates and stakeholders, including traditional rulers, state governors and prominent individuals and politicians.

Prior to his meeting with the APC delegates, the Vice President had on arrival in Akwa Ibom State, received a warm welcome at the airport from the State Governor, Emmanuel Udom. He was also accompanied by a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former MD, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere; Senator Ita Enang, among other senior state government officials and notable political leaders.

As is now common with the VP’s trips, he also received a robust welcome from large crowds, with dancing and singing by the traditional troupe, while waves of excited support groups and residents, some hoisting huge banners and flyers showing support for the VP’s aspiration to become president, lined the roadsides and curbs.

The VP acknowledge the cheers as his convoy drove into the state capital, Uyo, where he first paid a courtesy call on members of the State’s Traditional Council of Chiefs, who were led by the Council’s President General, who is also the Paramount Ruler, Nsit Ubium LGA, His Eminence Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk (JP).

The Vice President who formally informed the Council of his intention to run for president in 2023, thanked the Council for the warm reception and hospitality.

In his remarks, His Eminence Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, described Prof. Osinbajo as a cherished one, who is cherished where ever he goes, adding that the VP is “a symbol of love, peace and unity of this country.”

“The Vice President is a cherished personality; he is cherished at home, cherished abroad, and cherished everywhere he goes. He is a good friend of the State. He’s also here with us.

“What I want to say, on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Council, is that the Almighty God that knows the beginning also knows the end. He knew you before you were born. He will protect you, guide you right, and show you the way to go. When you become the president, please remember us.”

Offering further support for the VP’s aspiration, the paramount ruler said, “Your excellency sir, you are a symbol of love, peace and unity of this country. You must continue to be… Whatever you want to do, may the Almighty God open the door for you to succeed. Because if you succeed, Nigeria succeeds. If you succeed, Akwa Ibom succeeds. May Almighty God be with you and your entourage.”

 

2023 Election: President Buhari Bids, Akpabio, Amaechi, Others Farewell After Their Resignation

President has bid farewell to Ministers seeking elective poltical offices in the 2023 general elections after they have resigned their portfolios

 The meeting was announced by Tolu Ogunlesi, special assistant to the president on digital media, on Twitter.

“President Buhari hosting outgoing Ministers this morning, at the State House. #AsoVillaToday. Nine (9) Ministers attended this valedictory meeting with President Buhari. One Minister, who was the first to resign, was absent,” Mr Ogunlesi tweeted.

On Wednesday, the meeting came on the heels of Mr Buhari’s directive, directing all ministers, ambassadors, and political appointees seeking elective offices to resign their appointments.

Junior minister for mines and steel Uche Ogar; petroleum minister Timipre Sylva; labour minister Chris Ngige; transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi; women affairs minister Pauline Tallen; Niger Delta affairs minister Goodwill Akpabio; AGF Abubakar Malami; and innovation minister Ogbonnaya Onu attended the farewell meeting.

 

Breaking: PDP Reschedules 2023 Election Timetable, Shifts Primaries

 

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rescheduled its primary elections.

A statement by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the party, said the Governorship Primaries is now slated for Monday, May 23, 2022, while the Senatorial District Primaries comes up on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Part of the statement also said the House of Representatives Primaries is now set for Friday, May 20, 2022 and State House of Assembly (State Constituency Congress) is for Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

The party also said the Local Government Area (LGA) Congress to elect one National Delegate per LGA and one Person living with disability in the 774 Local Government Areas is for Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

The party disclosed that “all aspirants to various positions, critical stakeholders, members of our Party across the country as well as relevant agencies of government should please take note.

2023 Election: Only Osinbajo Can End Corruption, Give Nigerians Free Education – RCCG Political Department

 

The Directorate of Politics and Governance, a political department set up by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has begun canvassing support for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential bid.

Over the weekend, Timothy Olaniyan, the head of the department that had previously denied mobilising support for the vice president’s ambition, said Mr Osinbajo, being a “child of God,” remained the only aspirant capable of changing the governance narrative in Nigeria.

“As of today, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo is not just a pastor; he is still a child of God,” he said.

Speaking to journalists at the inaugural conference of a political movement called New Era Nigeria (NEN), Mr Olaniyan said the country deserved an honest leader.

“It is high time our eyes were opened. What we want is not those baits, we want somebody that would make a promise to our children and fulfil it,” he explained. “If you tell me education will be free, I want you to get there and make it free so that we will not continue to build up youths who have no future.”

Be Careful Of Osinbajo’s Presidential Ambition, He’s Trying To Retain Immunity To Avoid Prosecution — Arewa Group Tells Nigerians

 

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, a coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigerians to be wary of the presidential aspiration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The coalition alleged that Osinbajo would be contesting for President to continue enjoying immunity against prosecution, after 2023.

Though Osinbajo has not publicly declared his intention to run for President, there have been indications that he intends to join the race for the office in 2023.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the convener of the group, Comrade Musa Attah, alleged that the vice-president mismanaged funds under his control and office.

He alleged that funds for the various intervention programmes: The N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, among others were all mismanaged by Vice President causing President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to create the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to handle such.

Attah further described Osinbajo’s Presidential ambition as an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians and a means of escape from prosecution for the corruption allegations against him.

The statement reads, “The leadership of the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups welcomes you all to this significant press conference, which has become a child of necessity, given the recent clamour for the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to vie for the highest political office in the country.

“As a group representing a vast interest of critical stakeholders in northern Nigeria, and some other parts of the country, we are constrained to lend our voice to an ambition we consider misplaced and against the interest of the generality of Nigerians, in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

“The presidential aspiration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo does not suit the purpose, given his track record in the mismanagement of the various Social Intervention Programmes of the Federal Government hitherto domiciled in his office, before the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“It is instructive to ask questions about how Vice President Yemi Osinbajo managed the National Social Investments Programmes (NSIP), intended to tackle poverty and hunger across the country.

“For the records, the suite of programmes under the NSIP focuses on ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources to vulnerable populations, including children, youth and women, under the supervision of the Office of the Vice President.

“The N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, the Home Grown School Feeding Programme and the Tradermoni Empowerment Scheme, were all intended to bring succour to the vulnerable groups in the country.

“Therefore, it is curious how such laudable initiatives were mismanaged by the Office of the Vice President, which warranted the President to create a new ministry and transfer the responsibility of managing these programmes to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“What Nigerians might be aware of is that, under the supervision of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Social Intervention Programmes became an avenue for corrupt enrichment by the Vice President and his cronies. They diverted funds meant for the vulnerable groups to private pockets.

“The heist committed by the Vice President and his cronies in implementing the programmes is quite despicable and a shame, given the multitude of evidence pointing to gross mismanagement and abuse of office.

“Therefore, it is unimaginable for the Vice President to indicate interest to rule this country. The implication of a Yemi Osinbajo’s presidency in Nigeria is that the country’s resources would be diverted to private pockets most brazenly, as we saw in the NSIP.

“It, therefore, amounts to an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians for Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to want to lead Nigeria. He lacks morals and uprightness, as evident in his corrupt tendencies and lack of sincerity of heart and purpose.

“At this point, we are tempted to state in unequivocal terms that the attempt by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to seek the highest political office in the county is an attempt to shield himself from the probe after the expiration of his immunity.”

Forget Zoning, Give Ticket To Who Can Win 2023 Election For You – Tambuwal Tells PDP

Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal says the Peoples Democratic Party should give its presidential ticket to a candidate that can win election not minding what part of country the candidate comes from.

“I’m appealing to my party that we should be talking about how to win the election. Not just not zoning of where the President is coming from,” Mr Tambuwal said.

He added that “The President can come from wherever provided he has the capacity and competence to fix Nigeria of the moment. The Nigeria of 1998 is different from the Nigeria of 2023.”

Mr Tambuwal made this statement in an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday, citing how the All Progressives Congress won 2015 election by strategically picking President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate.

“As I said before, APC in 2015, deliberately out of strategy sort out President Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina state. Meanwhile the last president from Northern part of Nigeria was Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from same Katsina State.

“Because they believe they can win election with him. It is now the APC is talking about zoning. When they were looking for Presidency and power, they didn’t talk about zoning. They got someone they believe could check the box at that moment and deliver,” Mr Tambuwal said.

The governor’s comment comes amid agitation for the PDP to zone its presidential ticket to the south.

Last year, Southern governors, regardless of party affiliation, in a communique, said Southern Nigeria must produced the next president.

Like Mr Tambuwal, former vice president Atiku Abubakar has kicked against the PDP zoning its presidential ticket.

Should the PDP zone its ticket to the south, the likes of Messrs Tambuwal and Abubakar and other northerners in PDP could be schemed out of the contest.

2023 Election: Money Will Not Work For Some Party, Mark My Word – Oby Ezekwesili

 

Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has said that money will fail politicians during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

She stated this on her Twitter handle while reacting to Bola Tinubu’s Presidential declaration.

”Money will fail in the 2023 elections.

Mark my word.”

“I watched one of those so-called “public analysts” boast that “ Bola Tinubu has consulted the President. It is a given that Bola Tinubu will be the next President of Nigeria.

“In a democracy oh, it is not your fault.”

“It is citizens that have the power to collectively tell the likes of Mr Bola Tinubu that the season of lowest common denominator of political leaders doing “turn-by-turn” incompetent governance of Nigeria is over.

“The question is, ‘are citizens ready to collectively do so?’ A country like Nigeria cannot keep digging deeper into the labyrinth of failure because of a low degree of public leadership.

“The 21st Century is racing fast to an end. Just look at where our continent lies prostrate at the feet of bad governance.”

Ogun State Youth Charge VP OSinbajo To Run For President In 2023 Election

 

A Caolition of youth in Ogun state under the aegis of Ogun youth network has called on Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to contest for the Presidency in 2023.

The group argued that Osinbajo, having worked closely with President Muhammadu Buhari in the last six years, remains the best candidate to succeed Buhari, in order to carry on with the policies and programmes of the administration.

The Chairman of the Ogun Youth Network, Oluwagbenga Odumosu made the call on Friday, while addressing newsmen, alongside members of the group, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Odumosu noted that Osinbajo has what it takes to govern Nigeria because of his “competence, experience, fairness, youth friendliness and open-mindedness”, saying that the group had zeroed in on Osinbajo after a critical review of the present state of the nation and those aspiring for the presidential seat.

He said  “The diligence and exceptional transformation we always experience in the country whenever President Mohammed Buhari is not around and his been given privilege to act as the President showed he is capable to transform this nation if given the chance. His rich profile isn’t just a make-up, but one with high pedigree and as such considering that he’s more qualified”.

“There is no doubt that we need someone who has what it takes to calm the tribal and religious crises we are experiencing in the country. One man who has shown that he has the capacity is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo because he has proved over the years that he is neither tribal bigotry nor a religious fanatics”.

“He is always open to all sides without any sentiment which is borne out of his profession. Despite being a pastor, he had continually promoted religious tolerance and harmony in the country”.

 

“The points highlighted are few out of many reasons we are calling on the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to please throw his hat into the ring to contest for the President  come 2023. As we do not need a soothsayer to tell us that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the beacon of hope for the Nigeria future.”

He alleged that some political jobbers “are trying to tarnish the image of the Vice President because they know it won’t be a business as usual if he emerges as President.”

The Chairman said, “We must sound a note of warning to some perpetual political jobbers in the South West who are planning to defame the vice president despite his unblemished antecedents, we can only warn then to desist as it won’t be business as usual for them as the progressive youths in the country won’t stop at nothing to fight and stop them.”

APC Will Be Swept Out Of Office In 2023 – Prof. Jerry Gana Boasts

Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would be swept out of office in 2023.

Gana maintained that the ruling party had committed a lot of injustices against humanity and that Nigerians were fed up with their leadership.

Gana bared his mind over the weekend in Effurun, near Warri, where he delivered a lecture titled “Raising 21st Century Leaders for Nigeria” at Youth Arise Conference 2021.

He lamented that there were too many hypocrites in and out of offices in the country and stressed the need for a change of attitude in order to move the nation forward.

The former minister urged Nigeria youths to imbibe the culture of truth and honesty in all their dealing since truth and honesty were the hallmark of good leadership.

He challenged the youths to show interest in politics and good governance and advised them to create a culture of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

“Be honest and speak the truth always. Truth is the foundation of all knowledge. It can liberate a society. Good leaders do not emerge; they are raised, groomed and nurtured. We should celebrate good leaders. Be a leader with a good reputation,” he said.

Road To 2023: Badagry Rulers Drums Support For Tinubu, APC

Traditional leaders from Badagry have pledged support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The royal fathers pledged the commitment in Lagos in a communique issued at the end of a parley organised by the Lagos APC chairman-elect Cornelius Ojelabi.

Reading the communique after the meeting, Tolani Sule, assistant secretary of Badagry Division Leaders’ Forum, said the royal fathers thanked APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, for Mr Ojelabi’s emergence as chairman in Lagos.

“The entire kingdoms in Badagry division recognise and appreciate the goodness in the choice of our son, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, as the chairman of APC in Lagos state. We resolved that we are strongly behind the All Progressives Congress. The entire traditional leaders from the Badagry division pledged our continuous support for the ruling APC,” said the statement. “We are grateful for all the developmental projects ongoing in our division, and we call for more.”

According to the statement, the meeting will hold at least once every year.

“We also agreed that there should be unrestricted communication between Obas and governments,” it added.

In interviews after the meeting, the traditional leaders promised to mobilise support for APC in the 2023 general elections.

Momodu Afolabi-Ashafa, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, told journalists that the meeting availed the royal fathers the opportunity to understand more about the party and the government.

He called on the party to do more for Badagry, saying efforts should be intensified to complete the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, among other projects.

Oladele Kosoko, the Oniworo of Iworo, expressed confidence that Mr Ojelabi’s wealth of experience and traditional leaders’ prayers would make him succeed.

Rabiu Oluwa, the APC Apex Leader in Badagry, and the APC West senatorial leader said, with the choice of Mr Ojelabi, APC would be better.

Adebisi Sosan, ex-Lagos deputy governor, pointed out that the royal fathers had to support the party by ceding the party’s topmost seat to the division.

“This is the party obas must put in everything to cooperate with. No matter the challenges anyone is going through, we need to stand and identify with this party and make this party to be successful,” she said.

Mr Ojelabi thanked Mr Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APP leaders for the mandate.

“Charity begins at home, I am from Babagry Division, and I think it is important to come and present myself to my people and appreciate their commitment and prayers in the course of attaining this position,” Mr Ojelabi explained. “That particular mandate belongs to them. I am only holding the mandate for them. I am soliciting their support. Badagry Division must invest in APC in terms of votes.”

No fewer than 30 royal fathers attended the occasion.

We’re Mobilising 50,000 Rivers APC Members For You – APC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

Former chief of staff of the Rivers State Government House, Chief Tony Okocha, has said leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, were mobilising 50,000 members of the party for the emergence of former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate.

Okocha, who was the chief of staff during the administration of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He applauded the National Assembly on its decision on direct primaries for political parties in the country, saying that by that singular act, the federal lawmakers have taken the power back to the people.

The APC chieftain said: “We thank the National Assembly for approving that power should go back to the people. By their decision on direct primaries, they have naturally taken power back to the people.

“We are here to mobilise for Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2023 and our mission is to mobilise a minimum of 50,000 APC supporters in Rivers State so that we will all participate in the primaries that will make him the candidate of the party and subsequently the president of Nigeria.

“All the groups that support Tinubu in Rivers State have agreed to coalesce together and we are working towards his emergence. All the groups met and agreed to coalesce all our interests because we are not going to do Tinubu one and Tinubu two.

“We are all working together to ensure that Tinubu becomes the candidate of APC first and foremost. Then, at the general election, we shall all go out and elect him as President of Nigeria.”

Okocha, who is also the coordinator of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Support Vanguard (BATSV) in Rivers State, described Tinubu as competent, experienced and detribalised leader.

He said, “We are supporting Tinubu because we know that he has a Midas touch. We know Tinubu is competent; we know he is experienced and we know that he is detribalised.

“If you have a nationalist like that, why won’t you support him? He has a track record of performance and we know that he is going to transform Nigeria as he did in Lagos State.”

 

Media Guru, Dele Momodu Returns To Politics, Joins PDP

Chief Dele Momodu, former Presidencial candidate, Media mogul and businessman, has returned to politics, joins the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Momodu announced his move to the PDP in a statement on Friday.

He explained that his decision was based on the need to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

The journalist accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians, maintaining that the PDP has landmark achievements to show for their 16-year rule.

He said, “I have consulted widely. And it is clear to me that given the dangerous and disastrous drift that our nation has experienced in the past six years, the only party from which amends can be made to rectify our situation is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This accords with my vehement opposition to the policies and practices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its leadership, which has denuded our country of everything we hold dear – national unity, cohesion, security, economic prosperity, educational advancement, social infrastructure, and above all, our cherished moral values.

“For these reasons, I am happy to declare that I am now a full-fledged participating member of the great and patriotic Peoples Democratic Party.

“It is deeply saddening and regrettable that some of the biggest and landmark achievements recorded under the PDP administration have been diluted, wasted, or diminished by the present APC government.”