Anger in APC over non-refund of nomination fees – Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Anger in APC over non-refund of nomination fees

Published

3 years ago

on

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu

Four months after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a refund of nomination fees to aspirants who stepped down during the All Progressives Congress (APC) March 26 consensus National Convention, the party is yet to comply.

Investigations also showed that the party is indebted to members engaged to conduct the congresses (ward to the National Convention) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The party, in the last two months, has also failed in the payment of staff salary as at when due. June salary was paid mid July and workers only received their July pay last Friday, as against payment on the 25th of every month.

President Buhari, at March 24 meeting with eight national chairmanship aspirants, persuaded them to step down for a consensus candidate, with a promise to refund their nomination fees.

Each aspirant for party offices paid between N20 and N2.5 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms, depending on the office contested for. Investigations showed that the party raked in over N700 million from about 170 persons.

It was also learnt that the party generated over N3 billion from members who purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for tickets ahead if the 2023 general elections.

READ ALSO:

But despite the huge receipts, affected party members are complaining about the non-compliance with the presidential directive.

Other members who may soon launch an attack on the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) are those engaged to conduct screening and party primaries that produced  candidates for the 2023 election.

Aside from the non-payment of their allowances, it was gathered that the members are irked by the NWC decision to slash the yet-to-be-paid allowances by 40 per cent

An affected member who stepped down for one of the national vice chairmanship candidates, who was also involved in the conduct of primaries in the Northwest, complained bitterly.

He said: ‘When the president gave the order on March 23, one will think the first assignment of beneficiaries of the consensus arrangement would be to effect an immediate refund of our nomination fees, having asked us to write our bank details for refund.

“The party is buoyant. The Governor Buni-led Caretaker Committee left money, the NWC equally realised a huge sum, running to billions of Naira. What excuse will the NWC give for this delay? When the committee (NWC) has since paid their allowances.

“Individually we applied for a refund and we have collectively sent a formal letter through the Forum of National Convention Aspirants but all have gone unattended to. The irony of it is that when we failed to honour a promise made to our members; when the party engaged members on sensitive assignments like the screening and conduct of primaries and the assignment was carried out, using our money, one would not expect the party to honour us with non-payment of our dues. To add salt to our injury, we learnt that the yet-to-be-paid allowances have been slashed by 40 per cent.”

National Vice Chairman (Northwest) Salihu Lukman regretted the delay, but said the matter is being looked into.

“It is part of the unfortunate internal challenges. Administratively, this should have been resolved long ago. For instance, in my case, about four people stepped down for me and they have been talking to me. I have been drawing the party’s attention and I think now it is clear that the party has to resolve it as quickly as possible. I can assure you it will happen soon.”

The Nation

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Politics

Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027

Published

14 hours ago

on

April 17, 2025

By

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027

In a bold show of political strength and regional solidarity, the Northern Nigeria Youths Union (NNYU) has pledged to deliver a staggering two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking after a high-powered strategic meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the Chairman of the group, Hon. Abubakar Aliyu, who also holds the traditional title of Galadiman Takai, made the dramatic announcement, describing the union’s commitment as “unshakeable and rooted in patriotism.”

“This declaration follows a massive convergence of passionate Northern youths – both male and female – united by one cause: the continued leadership of Tinubu,” Aliyu declared in a fiery statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He credited the President’s “unrelenting commitment” to infrastructure and national development, particularly the North, for inspiring the movement. Highlighting Tinubu’s flagship project, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano superhighway, he said:

“It’s a three-lane marvel on each side. That road alone is a symbol of hope, progress, and a better tomorrow for the North and beyond.”

READ ALSO:

Aliyu also pointed to what he described as the “miraculous crash” in the prices of food and fuel during the just-concluded Ramadan, noting:

“The impact was clear to every Nigerian. For once, the markets breathed. The people felt relief. And they know who made that happen.”

With over 65,000 registered members across the 19 Northern states – both Muslims and Christians – the group insists it is powered solely by volunteer energy and nationalist zeal.

“We didn’t collect a kobo from anyone. This is pure patriotism. We are the people, and we will mobilise voters en masse. The 2027 votes will shock the doubters,” he asserted.

He added that the group’s mobilisation efforts would focus on ensuring that thousands more are registered and equipped with valid voter cards before the polls.

In a pointed appeal to the President, Aliyu urged Tinubu to place his appointees under tight scrutiny to ensure effective governance.

“Let those in government know they are there to serve, not to squander. The people deserve to feel the presence of government at all levels,” he stated.

With this powerful declaration, the political temperature in the North may have just been turned up – and President Tinubu could be looking at a major electoral advantage as 2027 draws near.

Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027

Continue Reading

Politics

Buhari’s men pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

on

April 17, 2025

By

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu

The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.

The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.

“We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”

Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.

Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.

Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.

READ ALSO:

“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.

“We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.

“We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.

“We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”

Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu

Continue Reading

Politics

Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy

Published

17 hours ago

on

April 17, 2025

By

Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy

Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has denied summoning suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
There were claims that the sole administrator had summoned Fubara to appear before a panel of inquiry regarding the appointments he made before his suspension.
President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, citing the protracted political crisis in the state.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The President appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the office of the secretary to the Rivers State government,Dede Friday, described the report as a malicious fabrication.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.”
Friday urged the public to disregard the report, adding that it is the work of “troublemakers”.

Continue Reading

Trending