2023: Why I’m backing Obi against Tinubu, Atiku — Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2022

Pa Ayo Adebanjo

The Leader of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has again declared his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi.

Chief Adebanjo made his position known in an interview he granted Sunday Sun on the 2023 general election in Nigeria.

He restated his support for Obi over the candidates of the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.

Offering reasons for his decision, he told Sunday Sun: “I still stand firm on the position of Afenifere on power rotation.

“The South West has had its own fair share of power rotation.

“Power has been in the North.

“When former President Musa Yar’Adua died, it moved to the South South.

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“Former President Goodluck Jonathan from the South South left and (President Muhammadu) Buhari came in.

“Now, if it is coming back to the South, is it the South West that is supposed to come in?

“Are we the only region in the South?

“What is the equity there?

“Is the South East not in the South?

“Those who accept naira and dollar from him (Tinubu) can say what they like, but they should attack me on the basis of justice and equity.”

On why he prefers Obi to the candidate of the All Progressives Grant Alliance, which has a strong root in the South East region, Adebanjo told Sunday Sun: “That is a question of choice.

“In fact, I don’t even know that APGA is putting up a candidate.

“Even if at all I am going to consider other candidates, I will still consider Obi.

“I have a right to choose a candidate.

“Those I won’t consider at all are the candidates from the South West and that of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

“It is a matter of principle.”

Asked if he foresees Obi defeating Abubakar and Tinubu, the elder statesman told Sunday Sun: “I am talking of politics of principle.

“I know that Peter has not got the dollar of Tinubu neither has he got the dollar of Atiku.

“All I am saying is that he is better than the two other candidates.

“And I am not talking of the baggage Tinubu or Atiku may be carrying now.

“I am talking of the principle of fairness and justice.

“The moment you deviate from the politics of principle in this country, you won’t get anywhere.”

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CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

Published

18 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a warning over the fractured state of Nigeria’s opposition parties, cautioning that their lack of unity could allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the organization expressed fears that Nigeria may drift towards a one-party state if opposition parties fail to align their efforts.

“The opposition parties are currently working at cross-purposes, scheming to undo each other ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” Ezema said. “This lack of unity and focus is detrimental to the democratic process and the future of Nigeria.”

The CNPP also advocated for a rotational presidency, emphasizing the need for each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to have a constitutionally guaranteed turn at the presidency. The group believes such a system would promote fairness and ensure stability.

“The presidency must rotate between the northern and southern regions to ensure equitable representation,” Ezema stated. “This is crucial for the long-term stability of our nation.”

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The CNPP underscored the importance of unity among opposition parties if they hope to challenge the APC effectively. “The opposition that can win the 2027 presidential election must be united, strong, focused, purposeful, and daring,” Ezema stressed.

“They must demonstrate a commitment greater than what the APC displayed in 2014.” he noted.

Ezema further described the APC as “a very hard nut for the opposition to crack,” warning that a divided opposition would make the ruling party’s victory inevitable.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s New Year message, the CNPP urged the President to go beyond rhetoric. “Words alone are not enough. The President must take concrete steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation,” Ezema said

The CNPP called on opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. “Unity is not just desirable; it is essential,” Ezema concluded.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the CNPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for political cohesion among opposition parties.

CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

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2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

Published

1 day ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has again commented on the next presidential election, coming up in 2027.

The former Kano State Governor expressed his discontent with individuals which he said claimed to be Northern leaders, who interfere in the selection of candidates, especially for the presidency, under the guise of representing the region.

Kwakwanso made the remarks in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service. He stated that such actions cause division among the people, disrupt democracy, and, most importantly, lead to the election of unqualified leaders.

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He emphasized that the lessons from past elections should serve as a warning to these so-called leaders, urging them to steer clear of interfering in candidate selection and imposing their will on the people.

Kwankwaso also emphasized that Northern elders, particularly those from the Northwest, should refrain from displaying favouritism in the selection of candidates.

It will be recalled that some time ago, the former governor dismissed rumours of an agreement between himself and former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, suggesting that each would serve a specific term in office.

Kwakwanso came fourth behind the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu, Atiku and Obi, in the 2023 polls.

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

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APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

Published

1 day ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

The former Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, Mr Ayoola Lawal has condemned the inclusion of President Bola Tinubu in the recent global corruption ranking by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

Lawal, the immediate past Chairman of the APC in Scandinavian countries in a statement on Saturday.

Questioned the basis and fairness of the ranking, which placed Tinubu amongst the world’s most corrupt leaders of 2024.

He described the ranking as “unjustified” and “lacking in merit,” emphasising that many of their allegations against Tinubu, cited as reasons for his inclusion, were historical and remained unproven.

According to him, Tinubu’s inclusion somewhat seems to be a mistake influenced by bias.

“It is utterly perplexing that the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu is being ranked based on allegations that predate his presidency and are still to be substantiated in any court of law.

“The OCCRP’s decision to include him in such a ranking appears to be more about perception than proven factual evidence,” he said.

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Lawal argued that the ranking failed to consider Tinubu’s current leadership and policy initiatives, which he described as bold and focused on economic reforms.

While acknowledging that some of Tinubu’s policies have sparked public debate, Lawal maintained that these should not overshadow his efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“ One will expect the OCCRP to focus on leaders whose actions in office have been proven to undermine public trust through corruption.

“Targeting President Tinubu with historical and unresolved allegations not only undermines his leadership but also, casts Nigeria and Nigerians in a negative light on the global stage,” he said.

Lawal urged the OCCRP to provide clearer criteria for its rankings and to avoid what he described as “selective judgment” that could harm international perceptions of developing nations.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused on holding their leaders accountable through constructive dialogue and democratic processes, rather than relying on controversial rankings that could easily be seen via bias

.“True leadership accountability comes from within, through our institutions and collective voice as a people.

“We must not allow external assessments that lack convincing standards to define our narrative without critically examining their validity.

“I hope the OCCRP will respond to criticisms of its methodology and the inclusion of Tinubu in its 2024 rankings,” he added.