Buhari’s Aide, Bashir Bashes Peter Obi, Says Ex-Gov Left PDP Over Fear Of Zero Vote
Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad on Sunday berated Peter Obi, stressing that his Labour Party (LP) has no chances in the 2023 general elections.
Bashir, who also accused Obi’s supporters of ranting on social media, added that their principal deserted People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for fears of getting zero vote in the presidential primary
In a series of tweets, Bashir stressed that opponents in the LP are unaware of how Nigerian politics works, adding that the major parties always triumph.
He wrote: “The Peter Obi supporters never fail to remind me about the results of my primaries, forgetting that the fear of getting 0 vote made their supreme leader, Peter Obi, to run away from PDP to a tiny LP, which I’m sure with my influence I would be begged to accept its presidential ticket.
“One thing I am happy about is that our opponents, especially in the Labour Party, completely don’t know how to play the game when it comes to number. They are the minority (fact), but their sole job here is insulting and blackmailing the majority non-stop and that makes ours easier.
“In my state Kano and neighboring Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa and Bauchi the Labour Party doesn’t even have a whole gubernatorial candidate. If you don’t know what that means, then congratulations!”
Wike Or Okowa: Atiku, PDP Fix Date To Decide On Running Mate
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the party’s leadership must decide on who to select as its running mate as the deadline by the nation’s electoral body draws nearer.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 17th of June for political parties to submit a list of all presidential candidates and their running mates.
INEC had warned political parties that it does not plan to extend the deadline for the submission of the names of the candidates and their running mates, giving the parties about six days to submit the list.
Recall that the PDP had set up a committee to advise on who should be selected as Atiku’s running mate, reports have now emerge revealing that the panel, which comprises of governors, National Working Committee members, former governors and Board of Trustees members, will hold its last and decisive meeting on Tuesday.
A reliable source told The PUNCH that the panel had adjourned its last meeting to continue with consultations.
Other sources disclosed that the party might take a final decision on the issue on Tuesday.
“Our presidential candidate will be part of the meeting on Tuesday and the major organs of the party are represented as well, so the decision there is as good as final. The announcement may be delayed to ratify the choice and of course we will watch what the other parties will come up with,” one of the sources stated. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa are the two individuals leading the race for the PDP VP ticket.
Why We Changed Democracy Day To June 12 – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in his Democracy Day speech revealed why the yearly celebration was shifted by his administration from May 29 to June 12.
According to Buhari, Democracy Day was reviewed to remind Nigerians of a free and fair election of the MKO Abiola which was annulled.
The president further stated that Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice following the annulment of the election.
He noted that Nigerians must not forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993.
Buhari in his statement said, “From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.
“In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from the 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians was denied their rights and their choice.
“On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.
“We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993.”
Democracy Day: I Grief Daily Over Insecurity In Nigeria – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in his Democracy Day speech lamented security challenges in Nigeria.
President Buhari called on Nigerians to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities.
He further stated that we can only have a safe country if we prevent the crime before it is been committed.
The President called for prayer for victims of terrorist attacks, adding that he lives with grief every day for the victims of terrorism and kidnapping.
Buhari said, “To achieve this, however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of the government alone. I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies. We can only have a safe country if we can prevent a crime, not after the crime has been committed.
“On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers. I am living daily with grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.
“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.”
“Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed. Our cyber security and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements. We are also recruiting and training new personnel across all our security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s overall security.”
Tinubu May Pick A Muslim As Running Mate, Considering Atiku, Shettima, Ganduje And El-Rufai
The camp of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reportedly ruled out Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, as running mate.
It was gathered that the ruling party and its presidential candidate might settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket as no Christian APC member in the North have the capacity to pull votes for the party.
One of those involved in the search for a running mate for the APC presidential candidate said the party will settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket if they fail to find a stronger Christian from either the North-East and North-West.
According to reports, Tinubu is consulting with President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and others in his search for a ‘number two.’
It was gathered that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; a former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima; Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State are also in contention if the ruling party decides to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
A source told The PUNCH that, “the President and the members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum will play key roles in deciding the running mate. You will be surprised to know that Zulum made a case for Shettima when Asiwaju visited Borno during the campaign. He said, ‘Jagaban, please I am going to ask for two favours from you. I want you to pay attention to my state and also consider my principal, Senator Shettima, as your running mate. He has good things to offer and you will enjoy him’.
“For now, the running mate may have to come from these four men.”
The source revealed that Lalong’s closeness to the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, may affect his selection as Tinubu’s running mate.
According to the source, Boss Mustapha is also not actively involved in the presidential campaign despite being a former member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The source said, “From fresh considerations, we cannot pick Lalong or Boss Mustapha. Apart from his closeness to Amaechi, a factor we are not very comfortable with, Lalong is from the North-Central, which is not a core northern state. Plateau is also considered not to be strategic enough to win elections in northern Nigeria. Using him will be like alienating the entire northern Nigeria.
“Concerning Boss Mustapha, well, he is not with us. Though he belonged to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria like Tinubu, he does not identify with him. He was not part of our campaign and has yet to visit the aspirant (as of Saturday afternoon) since he won the primary.
“In his home state of Adamawa, it’s known that Mustapha cannot win an election there. So, why will you impose such a man on an aspirant that needs the huge votes from the northern region?”
PDP Blasts APC For Undemocratic Practices, Demands Credible Polls In 2023
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday blasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for stymieing Nigeria’s process since its return to democracy in 1999.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of festering insecurity in the country.
It added that APC suppressed freedom of speech on which the principles of democracy stand.
The opposition party asked the APC to stop trampling on the rights of Nigerians, saying the 2023 elections must be free of manipulations.
The statement read: “PDP urged Nigerians to use the occasion of June 12 to reaffirm their determination to vote out the anti-democratic, inhuman, lawless and rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.
“The party also calls on President Muhammad Buhari to go beyond his usual rhetoric and take practical steps to guarantee the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in 2023.
“The party reminds Buhari that Nigerians are no, more than ever before, determined to fully entrench the democratic demands of credible elections, which is at the core of the democracy day celebration.
“June 12 embodies the struggle by Nigerians against corrupt, suppressive and dictatorial forces, against lawless, insensitive, anti-democratic and terrorism-promoting regime, against injustice, high-handedness, recklessness and incurable impunity, all which the APC has come to represent.
“It’s unpardonable that the APC administration has arrogantly continued to violate and trample on the substance, value and quintessence of June 12 Democracy Day; the democratic principles of constitutional order, freedom, justice, fairness and equity as well as the much-desired national cohesion and tolerance which Chief MKO Abiola personified and died for.
“Our party cautions the APC to stop testing the will of Nigerians with its continued abuse of process, violation of human rights, nepotism, electoral manipulation, stifling of freedom of speech, promotion of violence; the very pattern of the dark era of military of dictatorship in our country, which MKO fought against.
“The PDP demands that President Buhari should take steps to check the use of security agencies and thugs to suppress voters in addition to guaranteeing that only votes cast at polling units are transmitted and declared. President Buhari should know by now that Nigerians have rejected his party the APC and that the outcome of the 2023 general elections must not speak otherwise.”
2023: INEC Rejects Akpabio As APC Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial Candidate
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared that it does not recognize former Minister of the Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district.
According to INEC, it will only recognize the candidate produced from the party primaries it monitored.
Recall the former Minister of Niger Delta stepped down for the National Leader of the ruling party, Bola Tinubu in the just concluded presidential primary of the party.
Akpabio then went ahead to clinch the senatorial ticket after gathering 478 votes.
512 delegates were accredited for the primary, of which Joseph Akpan had one vote, DIG Ekpo Udom who initially won the first primary had three votes, while 11 votes were voided.
While explaining the reason for the fresh primaries, the State APC Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, had said he was directed by the party at the national level to carry out a re-run over alleged infractions.
However, reacting to the development, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Mike Igini said the electoral umpire would only recognise the winner of the primaries monitored by INEC.
According to him, the re-run APC senatorial primaries, where Akpabio emerged winner was not monitored by INEC.
“The primaries was concluded on the 27th of last month, so I don’t know what you are talking about. The one that was conducted was monitored by INEC and the report has been submitted to Abuja.
“INEC is not aware of any senatorial primaries conducted on Thursday (June 9) that was monitored by INEC, none,” he stated in a chat with Daily Trust.
Igini added in his submission that the APC has no governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State as the governorship primary where Mr Akanimo Udofia emerged winner was not monitored by INEC.
Kwankwaso Reveals Who He Will Pick As Running Mate
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has revealed that a southern Christian would be picked as his running mate for the 2023 election.
There have been debates on who presidential candidates pick as their running mate as the June 17th deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of the list of candidates draws nearer.
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in the news lately over who he will decide to pick as running mate.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Kwankwaso said the NNPP is currently making consultation to choose a credible southern Christian.
He said: “A committee will be constituted to help get the best Nigerian, who will be a Christian from the southern part of the country, as the running mate. The Kwankwasiyya National Movement is already in the southern part of the country and we will get someone who is widely accepted in the southern part of the country as my running mate.
“I am sure they will come with their own benefits to be added to the NNPP for the success of the party. When we come together, no candidate of the APC or the PDP will be able to defeat us.”
Burna Boy: IGP Takes Action On Shooting Incident At Club In Lagos
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has ordered a full investigation into circumstances involving a recent shooting at Club Cubana in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The shooting incident which is said to have involved some operatives of the Nigeria Police happened on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
It was gathered that some police escorts attached to Grammy-award-winning singer, Damini Ogulu professionally known as Burna Boy had shot two people.
The singer was said to be at the Club alongside his police escorts when the chaotic incident happened.
According to a preliminary police report by the Bar Beach Police Division in Lagos State, Burna Boy was said to have entered the VIP section of the Cubana Club with one of the escorts while four others hanged around outside the club. Where he was seated, the singer who was already with three women reportedly spotted another woman and immediately sent for her.
Burna Boy according to reports, summoned Inspector Ibrahim, the officer with him in the VIP section and told him to invite the woman to come to join him.
However, the lady snubbed the invite as her husband who was said to be present, lambasted Burna Boy, insisting that it was disrespectful for any man to make advances on his wife.
A few minutes later, Burna Boy reportedly made fresh advances toward the woman and the development stirred commotion. This infuriated her husband further and his friends who had gathered at the club and the matter soon degenerated.
Reacting in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, June 12, the IGP disclosed that the police operatives fingered in the shooting incident have been arrested and taken into custody for investigation.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, IGP Baba also directed the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi to carry out a detailed investigation into the matter.
The statement titled RE: CLUB SHOOTING IN LAGOS, reads in full: “The Police personnel alleged and identified in the shooting incident at Club Cubana in Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, have been taken into custody and are being investigated for their involvement in the incident.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba NPM, psc(+), fdc, who describes the circumstances surrounding the incident as unbelievable, has however condemned, in the strongest terms, the unfortunate incident.
Consequently, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and forward his report as urgent as possible for further action.
Ekiti Guber: IGP Deploys DIG, 4 AIGs, 3 CPs, PMF Commanders, Operational Assets
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has approved the deployment of one DIG, four AIGs, three CPs, PMF Commanders and operational assets for the 2022 Ekiti Governorship election.
The governorship election in Ekiti State is scheduled to hold on 18th June 2022.
The IGP in a statement on Sunday through the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that he has ordered the deployment of personnel and operational assets to provide security before and during the polls.
The team, will be headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) who is the supervisory DIG for the South-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo.
He will be assisted by 4 AIGs, 3 CPs, PMF Commanders.
The team will also include five (5) Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and eighteen (18) Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) who will coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three (3) Senatorial Districts, sixteen (16) Local Government Areas and the 2445 polling units in Ekiti State.
Also, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine, Mounted Troops, K-9 Section, and other operational assets have been approved for the Ekiti State Gubernatorial Elections.
The Police statement titled “EKITI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION: IGP DEPLOYS ADEQUATE PERSONNEL, OPERATIONAL ASSETS’ reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered the mobilization and deployment of adequate police personnel, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine, Mounted Troops, K-9 Section, and other operational assets for the Ekiti State Gubernatorial Elections slated for 18th June, 2022.
“This includes the deployment of selected seasoned Strategic Commanders from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above for effective supervision of security personnel and operations in the Election.
“The IGP noted that the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) who is the supervisory DIG for the South-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, psc(+), mni, has been deployed to Ekiti State as the Coordinator of the security component for the Election.
“DIG Kokumo is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment devoid of violence and to guarantee law abiding citizens of secured freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.
“DIG Kokumo will be assisted by four (4) Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), three (3) Commissioners of Police (CPs), five (5) Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and eighteen (18) Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
“The Senior Officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three (3) Senatorial Districts, sixteen (16) Local Government Areas and the 2445 polling units in Ekiti State.
“The IGP noted that the Force has carried out these necessary operational deployments as part of actions aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment that will guarantee the peaceful and proper conduct of the election in Ekiti State. The IGP further noted that the personnel, comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Public Relations Department (FPRD), as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground to guarantee free, fair, credible and acceptable election. In addition, five (5) Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol as well as four (4) helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational capabilities.
“The IGP reassures the nation and the international community that the Force is adequately prepared for the Gubernatorial Election in Ekiti State which is scheduled to hold on June 18, 2022. He reiterates that the Force will do everything within its powers to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC officials, equipment, accredited observers, both domestic and international, and other key players in Ekiti State.
“The IGP therefore admonishes the good people of Ekiti State to be law-abiding and comply with the restriction of movement order which will be announced by the Commissioner of Police as and when due. The IGP equally calls on the Good people of Ekiti State to come out en masse and exercise their franchise as adequate security has been emplaced by the Police and other security agencies to protect them before, during and after the election.”
2023: Former Governor Reveals APC Chieftains, Others That Dislike Bola Tinubu
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has revealed some people and groups that dislike the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain disclosed this in an interview with Vanguard.
According to Lamido, a socio-cultural organization, Afenifere doesn’t like the former governor of Lagos State and has been saying it openly.
He further stated that governors under the ruling party also do not like the APC National Leader.
Lamido disclosed that they dislike Tinubu because he is domineering and he is a dictator.
The former Governor claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari will never support Tinubu because he knows the man’s mentality and psychology.
He said, “Fine if southern governors now would say they are all going to APC, let them say so. And then let’s have somebody like Amaechi as President. Do you think Wike will agree? Right now, Tinubu is going through hell from whom? His fellow brothers! Afenifere doesn’t like Tinubu and they have been saying so openly. The governors of APC also don’t like Tinubu.
“They say he is too domineering and he is a dictator. I mean, he is their son, why can’t they make him? So, let’s have some degree of honesty and sincerity in what we are doing. If southern Nigeria is going to come together and say “we want to produce President from the South”, then they should collapse their political boundary into one political party and then say, for instance, Amaechi emerges as the candidate, I don’t think Wike will agree.
“Mark my point, Buhari will never support Tinubu because I know the man’s mentality and psychology. He will never support Tinubu. People didn’t believe me and I say wait and see. Right now, APC governors are against Tinubu. So this issue of having our own as the demand from South, APC governors are the first to gang up against Tinubu.
“The whole thing is all about interest, it does not have anything to do with the South per se. Issues of poverty and security cut across the North and South but people don’t talk about it. It’s all about power, to do what with the power? Buhari has the power and in what way are the North and the Fulani better off? But some few individuals, it is interesting, not the bigger picture called Nigeria.”
June 12: MKO Abiola’s Family Makes Fresh Demand From Nigerian Government
The family of the late Chief MKO Abiola has asked the Nigerian government to implement the manifesto of the late politician.
The call was made on Sunday, June 12 by the head of the Abiola Family, Murtala Abiola while speaking with newsmen during the annual prayer session for late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annuled 1993 presidential election held at the family compound of Gbagura, Abeokuta.
According to him, if the manifestoes are implemented, it will make life easier for Nigerians and will put an end to poverty and suffering in the country.
He said, “Nigeria’s money belongs to all Nigerians, whether Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba. And everyone must benefit from it.
“That’s why in MKO Abiola’s manifesto, there is provision that allowances should be given to students and the unemployed Nigerians.
“As an older man, If I leave Nigeria tonight, and I get to the US, they will take me to an old peoples’ home. They will take care of me medically, feeding and all that. Even if I die and nobody claims my corpse, they will take care of the funeral.
“All these programmes should be made accessible in Nigeria. We all travel abroad and see what is obtainable there, but when we return home, we find it difficult to replicate it.
“All the funds end up in their (referring to the political class) pockets. The money will finish, and he, who is keeping the money, will finish.”
Breaking: Odengene Declares Support for Barr Peter Mbah as Enugu PDP Guber Flagbearer, Hosts Him to Reception.
By Prince Ejeh Josh
…We’ll accommodate all your supporters, Mbah assures
An aspirant and one of the foremost contenders in the recently concluded Peoples’ Democratic Party’s governorship primary election in Enugu state, Captain Evarest Nnaji, popularly known as “Odengene” has thrown his weight behind the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer, Barr. Peter Mbah and other PDP candidates against the forthcoming general elections slated to hold in 2023.
Odengene made this known to his teeming supporters across the 17 local government areas of the state in a grand reception organised in honour of Barr. Mbah on Sunday, 12th June, 2022 in his compound at the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Enugu.
Addressing the mammoth crowds, Odengene stated that the party was supreme and bigger than individual’s interest to a collective interests. He underscored the struggle that took place in the run up to the party’s primaries and appreciated his supporters for the decorous and civilized ways they conducted themselves through the campaign period.
While recounting the intrigues that played out before the primary elections, Odengene recalled his several meetings with Barr. Mbah and their mutual agreement to support each other should any of them emerge the party’s flagbearer.
According to him, the reception was necessary in order to inform his different support groups the new direction and to also assure the party’s flagbearer that he was solidly behind him.
Adding that he would leave no stone unturned until the PDP is declared winner in 2023, Odengene pledged to mobilize for Barr. Mbah’s campaign tours both financial and human resources and even after his emergence as governor of the state. He, therefore, charged his cheering supporters to join hands and work with the flagbearer.
“I thank you all for your support. I was overwhelmed with the level of support I received from you across the 17 local government areas throughout our journey until the election day. Even after that, you kept faith with our mission. I’m honoured and we shall continue to work together for the development of our state.
“Let me inform you that our journey has not ended with the outcome of the primary election. We are still in the race but in a different dimension. We are going to channel all our support and energy to see that our brother, friend, kinsman and ally, Barr. Mbah is given a resounding victory in 2023. We must, therefore, continue to mobilize for him. We must support the PDP. It’s our great party. It’s time to harness all our resources towards the electoral victory of Barr. Mbah.
“Barr. Mbah is my brother and we are from the same local government area—Nkanu East. He is competent and qualified for the job. Like myself, he is a successful industrialist and businessman. He will be bringing his wealth of experiences to bear in the transformation of our state. It’s time to give him total support and ensure his total victory,” the pilot-prenuer added.
On his part, the party’s flagbearer, Barr. Mbah expressed his delight at what he saw. He described the struggle to the Lion Building come 2023 as a collective project that entailed the contribution of everyone.
According to Mbah, nobody in Odengene’s camp would be discriminated against, assuring that all interests would be accommodated and treated with equal priority.
Mbah who further said that the primary election of last month was a like a family affair among siblings added that he was only nominated to represent the interests of others. He, therefore, called for merger of all interests groups in order to deliver his candidacy in the general elections.
“I want you to understand that we are all going to merge because we’ve been together and we’ll always be together, and you’re not going to be discriminated. You’re all going to be part of the campaign going forward. Nobody is coming to say to you that you’re not one of us or that you don’t belong to our team.
“We are all one. We are one big PDP family. That umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody.
“I want to tell you also in that line, and to remind you that we still have a task ahead. That task is one we have with the adversaries. Those adversaries are the ones we must defeat. It’s not the type we had on the 26 of last month. That one was Umunna dialogue. The one ahead is a serious task and we have to begin to mobilize. We have to begin to put our people together to get them ready for that task ahead. That’s the one we have to go as a family and defeat the adversaries.
“I’m delighted that this is happening now because we are all going to be together. There’ll be no discrimination. I’m going to talk to my people, and everybody is going to be well integrated.
“I’m going to be meeting with whoever is the head of your organization, and we’re going to make sure it’s an integral part of what we are doing; from the hierarchy—state, zonal, local government and ward levels are all going to be integrated,” the 2023 governorship hopeful assured.
Meanwhile, members of the Odengene People’s Movement have indicated their readiness to give Mbah 100 percent victory in the forthcoming election by harnessing their grassroots mobilisation strength to draw voters towards his transformation agenda for the state.
PUBLISHED BY LEADERSHIP SCORECARD MAGAZINE.
