Our N100m nomination form to shut out unserious aspirants – APC Women leader - Newstrends
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Our N100m nomination form to shut out unserious aspirants – APC Women leader

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Dr Betta Edu

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Women Leader Dr Betta Edu has explained why the party pegged its presidential nomination form at N100m.

She said it was to shut out serious aspirants and prevent form syndication.

The party at its emergency extraordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday announced N100m for the purchase of presidential nomination forms, the governorship form at N50m, Senate N20 million, House of Representatives, N10 million and House of Assembly for N2 million.

Shedding light on the cost of the forms, APC National Women Leader on ‘Good Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel on Thursday in Abuja said it was a mechanism by the National Working Committee (NWC) to curtail the activities of some people who obtain forms just to constitute an hindrance in the entire electoral process.

According to her: “Everywhere around the world, running for elections has never been cheap and the party must be able to have means to guard several other issues that may arise.

“You find people who are not interested in running for elections just standing up, picking up forms and just waiting to constitute a kind of barrier or put a sturd in the entire process as it goes on.

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“These are not things that we want to see as a party. We are the ruling party, the largest party in Africa, a party where if you pick their nomination form and you are the candidate, the probability of you becoming the elected person for that position is almost hundred percent.

“So, we cannot afford to dabble or joke around or gamble around. So, we want only serious people who are interested in running and representing different persons to run.”

She also justified the cost of forms for the House of Assembly aspirants at N2m.

According to her: “For all we care, N1.5 million for a House of Assembly nomination form is fair to the general population. It’s very fair and for women it’s free, for disabled, it is free; for young people, it is 50 percent off, that’s really very fair.

“And of course, going for the other positions, we know what it was before and what it is now and we are trying to prevent certain persons who sometimes are not the members of the party.

“They just get their way in or they’re being used as syndicates to pick up forms at the beginning to constitute a kind of clog in the way of the whole electoral process and they pull the party backwards.”

When challenged that over 98 percent of Nigerians cannot boast of N500,000 in their bank accounts in the face of the high cost of the party’s nomination fee, the woman leader noted governorship and presidential elections are not all-comers affairs.

“So, let me say this and say that very clearly. Coming to run for a governorship election is not an all-comers affair.

“Governorship election is serious business, for you to run through all the local governments, consult people, reach out to people and indeed be able to campaign through the local governments requires a good amount of resources.

“And when you make up your mind that you want to run, you should be able to prepare adequately for that race.

“Beyond that, there are many ways for young people to generate funding for elections. It must not be your money and they are not paying the same amount others are paying.”

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ADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election

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Election polling unit

ADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded its first polling unit victory in the ongoing Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory, defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in what supporters have described as a symbolic breakthrough.

The opposition coalition secured the win at Polling Unit 076, Sani Abacha Estate, Wuse Zone 4, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where the ADC chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, cast his vote.

Out of 10 ballots recorded at the polling unit, ADC polled seven votes, while APC received two votes, with one vote declared invalid, according to results announced by electoral officials at the unit.

Low Voter Turnout Observed

The election across several parts of the FCT was marked by notably low voter turnout, a development that has drawn reactions from candidates and observers. Dr. Paul attributed the situation to movement restrictions announced ahead of the poll by the FCT authorities.

He argued that the directive caused confusion among residents and discouraged voter participation, describing the atmosphere as unusual and unsettling.

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“I have lived in AMAC for about 40 years and I have never witnessed anything like this,” Paul said, adding that the situation felt like “a state of emergency” over what he described as unwarranted restrictions.

Allegations of Intimidation and Vote Buying

While commending electoral officials at his polling unit for what he described as professional conduct and adherence to due process, the ADC candidate raised concerns over alleged intimidation of his party’s agents in other locations.

According to him, reports reaching his campaign indicated that ADC agents in Takum Shara and parts of Kabusa Ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, were allegedly threatened and intimidated during the voting process.

Paul alleged that some agents were told they could be maimed or killed, claiming such actions were aimed at suppressing voters and influencing the election in favour of the ruling party.

He also accused political actors of engaging in vote buying, describing the practice as criminal and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic process. These allegations, however, had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Confidence Amid Challenges

Despite the challenges, Paul expressed confidence that the ADC would perform strongly in the overall election, insisting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.

He urged residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large to resist intimidation, reject electoral malpractice, and demand accountable and people-centred leadership.

As collation continues across wards and area councils, observers note that while a single polling unit win does not determine the final outcome, the ADC’s result against the APC in the heart of Abuja carries symbolic political significance amid growing voter dissatisfaction and calls for alternatives.

ADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

Supporters of former Peter Obi have unveiled a new grassroots political initiative, the “Village Boys Movement”, in Abuja ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The movement is designed to mobilise rural and local communities and offer a value-driven alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s “City Boys” network, promoted by his son, Seyi Tinubu.

The movement was launched as a platform to engage grassroots supporters, promote ethical leadership, and advocate accountability in Nigerian politics. Its convener, Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, introduced himself as the “Village Headmaster” and described the group as a disciplined and principled organisation built on responsibility, honesty, and transparency.

Speaking at the Abuja launch, Ezeoke emphasised that the Village Boys Movement is not designed to target urban populations. Rather, the name is symbolic, reflecting the movement’s focus on values such as ethical leadership, productivity, and community-driven accountability. He said, “The issue is not geography but the source of wealth, the ethics of leadership, and the structure of accountability. We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends.”

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Organisers highlighted that the initiative will primarily operate in rural communities, advocating civic engagement, political education, and grassroots mobilisation. The platform aims to strengthen Peter Obi’s outreach beyond urban centres, complementing existing youth networks while encouraging active participation in the democratic process.

Political analysts note that the launch of the Village Boys Movement signals a strategic effort by Obi’s supporters to counter the influence of Tinubu’s City Boys, which has historically rallied urban youth support. The initiative underscores the growing importance of grassroots campaigns in Nigeria’s 2027 elections and reflects an emphasis on values-based politics as a tool to attract voters nationwide.

The movement has pledged to expand operations across multiple states, engage community leaders, and empower citizens at the local level, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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Zadna Dantani

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

Less than 48 hours before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zadna Dantani, has pulled out of the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Dantani’s withdrawal follows a similar move in Bwari Area Council, where the PDP candidate, Hon. Julius Adamu, stepped down in favour of APC’s Joshua Ishaku Musa, signalling a major shift in political alignment ahead of Saturday’s elections.

In a formal declaration, Dantani explained that his decision was influenced by high-level intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as both “party leader and FCT leader.”

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“I want to sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. This decision is not about personal interests. The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, emphasized that this is a brotherhood election. I am aligning with APC in support of the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dantani said.

Dantani also confirmed that he had completed all legal formalities, including submitting a letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the move was entirely voluntary and made after consultations with family and stakeholders.

He called on his supporters across AMAC’s 12 wards to vote for APC’s Christopher Maikalangu, describing the alignment as a step toward unity and effective governance in the territory.

Political analysts note that these high-profile PDP withdrawals in both AMAC and Bwari have reshaped the FCT political landscape, increasing APC’s chances of sweeping the elections and stirring debates about PDP’s internal cohesion ahead of upcoming local and national contests.

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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