Tag: 2019 Nigerian Elections

Nigeria: Press Statement by APC President Campaign Council on Atiku’s Clandestine Visit to the U.S
News, Nigeria, Press Statement

Nigeria: Press Statement by APC President Campaign Council on Atiku’s Clandestine Visit to the U.S

In our press release issued on Sunday, December 30, 2018, titled “WHEN THE THIEF IS SHOUTING THIEF”: THE CASE OF ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR”, we correctly predicted as follows: “By running for President of Nigeria, Atiku intends to get some immunity from prosecution. Already he is hoping to obtain a visa to visit the US, as a guest of the State department, a concession that the US will grant to a Presidential candidate of Africa’s biggest Nation”. Therefore, we were not surprised by his visit to the U.S. For us, this visit is really a non-event considering the issues involved in the forthcoming election. However, we have bad news for those who think this is a momentous event for Atiku Abubakar: the visit was nothing but a downright catastrophe because rather than dispel the fact of indictmen...
Opinion: Points for Concern and Action by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
News, Nigeria

Opinion: Points for Concern and Action by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

I am concerned as a democrat who believes that with faithful and diligent practice of democracy, we can get over most of our political problems and move steadfastly and surefootedly on the course of stability, unity of purpose, socio-economic growth and progress for all. Democracy becomes a sham if elections are carried out by people who should be impartial and neutral umpires, but who show no integrity, acting with blatant partiality, duplicity and imbecility. For all democrats and those carrying out the process of elections, there must be the red line that must not be crossed in tactics and practices of democracy. I personally have serious doubt about the present INEC’s integrity, impartiality and competence to conduct a fair, free and credible election. And if the INEC is willing,...
Opinion: Can Buhari Still Hold On Beyond 2019?
News, Nigeria

Opinion: Can Buhari Still Hold On Beyond 2019?

The battle for the Presidential power of Nigeria is on. There are the main front runners like President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as well as a number of ‘’lesser’’ power seekers in the race who are equally capable of causing a major upset. The race is on against the backdrop of some core issues in the polity. For instance, prospects for enduring electricity supply in the country are still not appearing very positive. With the current power situation, the obvious implication is that poverty and unemployment will continue to bit harder except government determines to take the bull by the horn. Electricity demand in Nigeria is estimated at 297,900MW by 2030, less than 12 years from this outgoing year. To meet that target, investors in the sector are expec...
Nigeria: South-East Endorsement of Atiku Carries No Weight – Buhari
News, Nigeria

Nigeria: South-East Endorsement of Atiku Carries No Weight – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buahri on Friday said that the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, carried no weight as he was advised by well-meaning leaders from the South East to disregard the endorsement. President Buhari specifically said that the split within the Ohanaeze Igbo socio-cultural group over the reported endorsement of Abubakar, for the 2019 election did not surprise him. Speaking at a meeting with a select group of South-east leaders led by the National Chairman of the United Progressive Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, Buhari said that the moment the so-called resolution was announced, he got calls from well-meaning leaders from the region asking him to disregard it as it was wit...
Nigeria: Use Of Security Forces For Partisan Politics Worries Opposition
News, Nigeria

Nigeria: Use Of Security Forces For Partisan Politics Worries Opposition

The frequent deployment of armed security forces in Nigeria for partisan political activities is becoming a major source of worry for the opposition ahead of the 2019 general elections billed for this coming February. Already, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a leading opposition party in the country, has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a ruling party, to perish the on-going plot to use the police as a tool to intimidate voters and rig the Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin Federal Constituency by-election, in Kwara State, scheduled for Saturday. This is coming as officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government are alleging that the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) is meddling in the affairs of the state. Since the defection of t...
Opinion: 2019 – The Only Option Available to Buhari is Rigging  by Reuben Abati
News, Nigeria

Opinion: 2019 – The Only Option Available to Buhari is Rigging by Reuben Abati

There has been some clarity about Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential election, with the end of the October 7 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries at all levels. On Saturday, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at its convention held in Abuja, ratified the choice of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari as its flagbearer, with a curious vote tally of 14. 8 million. President Buhari and his supporters have continuously left no one in doubt that they intend to have a second shot at power and office. The number of party members across Nigeria who endorsed the Buhari candidacy has however raised eyebrows. 14. 8 million! In the 2015 elections, that was a little less than the same number of total votes that the incumbent got in ...
Nigeria: Why I am Running for President – Oby Ezekwesili
News, Nigeria

Nigeria: Why I am Running for President – Oby Ezekwesili

Why I am running for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Ladies and gentlemen, it is with profound gratitude, humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept this nomination for the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Let me express my thanks to the leadership and members of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) for your belief and wholehearted response to my vision for Nigeria, which has brought us here today. To the love of my life, Pastor Nedu Ezekwesili, and my children, I would not be taking this step without your support and inspiration. Your love makes me a stronger and better person everyday. I am grateful to God for the Divine Providence that has brought us to this point and placed us in this nation in this season of great opportunit...
Nigeria: PDP Elects Atiku as its Presidential Flag Bearer
News, Nigeria

Nigeria: PDP Elects Atiku as its Presidential Flag Bearer

Former Vice President under the Obasanjo administration has emerged PDP's Presidential candidate. In a keenly contested primaries which saw heavy weights like Tambuwal, Dakwambo, Saraki and others, he garnered 1500 votes to emerge the winner. Below is the result of the polls in ascending order: Datti Baba Ahmed - 5 Votes Jonah Jang - 19 votes David Mark - 35 votes Attahiru Bafarawa - 48 votes Tanumu Turaki - 65 votes Ahmed Makarfi - 74 votes Sule Lamido - 96 votes Ibrahim Dankwambo - 111 votes Rabiu Kwankwanso - 158 votes Bukola Saraki - 317 votes Aminu Tambuwal - 693 votes Atiku Abubakar - 1500 votes There were a total of 68 voided votes. With this result, the speculations that the PDP will have a tough time choosing its candidate has been put to rest.