The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its presidential primaries to June 6th and 7th.
This decision comes only a few hours before the original date of the exercise, which was earlier slated for Sunday, May 29.
APC’s announcement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accepted appeals by political parties to extend the dates for the conduct of primary elections.
INEC in a statement on Friday, extended the dates for primaries by six days.
Earlier, political parties had requested for 37 to 60 days extension of the timeline for primaries and the nomination of candidates but the commission refused the plea.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused to admit a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, to bail pending the determination of a suit he filed against the Federal Government.
Justice Inyang Ekwo declined to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to release him on bail.
Okorocha representing Imo West in the Senate had filed an ex parte application in which he predicated his bail request on the grounds that he is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and that his political ambition would be jeopardised unless granted bail.
Justice Ekwo in a brief ruling on the ball application said he was not inclined to admit him to bail.
Instead, the judge ordered Okorocha to put the Federal Government on notice to come and defend his detention.
Okorocha has been slated for arraignment on N2.9 billion money laundering charges before the same judge twice but refused to honour the same court.
Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has described children as the nation’s most valuable asset.
While urging parents and guardians to instill good moral values in their children and wards, the former Governor stressed that the importance of raising responsible children cannot be undermined in national development.
Kalu, who called on the political class, policy makers and other stakeholders in protecting the rights of children, advocated child-friendly policies aimed at identifying and building talents among children, adding that in order to build a decent society, children must be properly raised by parents.
Kalu cautioned against child trafficking, child labour, child marriage and other social vices while admonishing parents and guardians to be vigilant.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, made these assertions in commemoration of 2022 children’s day.
He said, “as we celebrate children’s day, I congratulate parents and children on yet another remarkable feat.
“The role of children in national growth and development cannot be undermined.
“Parents must live up to expectations by imbibing good moral behaviour in their children.
“As parents, we must show good example to our children by demonstrating exemplary qualities in our daily lives.
“We must continue to mentor and support our children so as to bring out the best in them.
“The society can only be better by raising well behaved children.
” Government at all levels, must stand firm in sanctioning violators of children’s rights.
“The protection of children should be seen as a collective goal of all and sundry.
“Children remain our proud asset and as such, deserve quality life with access to health, education, balanced nutrition, clothing and housing among others”.
The former Governor wished parents and children a happy celebration, while calling on government , civil society organizations and other stakeholders to increase awareness on children’s rights.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has finally caved in to the request of political parties to adjust the timetable for the 2023 polls.
The Commission agreed to extend the deadline for the conduit of party primaries by six days.
This was coming after a closed door meeting with the leadership of the political parties under the auspices of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
The parties during a meeting on Friday made a fresh appeal to the Commission to reconsider its earlier position and alter the timetable.
The Commission, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Festus Okoye, said it has decided to allow the request of the political parties since the six-day period does not conflict with the next scheduled activity which is the submission of the list of nominated candidates or any of the subsequent timelines which remain sacrosanct.
It however stressed: “This request is granted in respect of outstanding primaries only without prejudice to those already concluded by political parties. The Commission will not monitor already concluded primaries.”
It added: “The Commission has decided to allow the request of the political parties since the six-day period does not conflict with the next scheduled activity which is the submission of the list of nominated candidates or any of the subsequent timelines which remain sacrosanct. However, this request is granted in respect of outstanding primaries only without prejudice to those already concluded by political parties. The Commission will not monitor already concluded primaries.
“After the conduct of primaries, the next critical activity for political parties is the online submission of the list of the candidates the party proposes to sponsor which shall be accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the candidates indicating that they fulfilled all the constitutional requirements for election into the various offices via the INEC Candidates Nomination Portal.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has bowed to pressure by political parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress APC for the extension of the June 3 Primary Election deadline.
After twice failing to arm-twist INEC into extending its June 3 deadline for the conduct of political parties’ primary elections, the nation’s 18 registered political parties have now asked the INEC to consider a one-week extension.
The parties under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council IPAC had earlier asked for a 37-day extension and when it was not granted, they asked for a two-month extension.
However, at a meeting with INEC on Friday, the parties through the IPAC Chairman, Yabagi Sani, requested the electoral umpire to allow them to utilize the one week period of inactivity between the earlier June 3 deadline and June 10 when they are expected to begin uploading the names of their candidates unto the Commission’s Candidate Nomination Portal.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu however requested a closed-door session with the parties after which INEC also met as a commission and granted the extension.
“Earlier, the political parties had requested for a 37 – 60 days extension of the timeline for primaries and the nomination of candidates. The Commission was emphatic that this request could not be granted because it would disrupt other scheduled activities on the Timetable. This position of the Commission has not changed”, said Barr. Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee.
He said that based on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election, the parties have now pleaded with the Commission to use the 6-day period between 4th and 9th June 2022 to conclude outstanding primaries and prepare to upload the list of candidates and their affidavits on the INEC Candidates Nomination Portal.
“The Commission did not schedule any specific activity during this period. The idea is to simply give parties time to compile the list and personal particulars of their nominated candidates before uploading the same to the INEC Candidates Nomination Portal from 10th – 17th June 2022.
“The Commission has decided to allow the request of the political parties since the six-day period does not conflict with the next scheduled activity which is the submission of the list of nominated candidates or any of the subsequent timelines which remain sacrosanct. However, this request is granted in respect of outstanding primaries only without prejudice to those already concluded by political parties. The Commission will not monitor already concluded primaries”, he stated.
After the conduct of primaries, INEC said the next critical activity for political parties is the online submission of the list of the candidates the party proposes to sponsor which shall be accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the candidates indicating that they fulfilled all the constitutional requirements for election into the various offices via the INEC Candidates Nomination Portal.
“In addition, the Commission, based on past experience, has decided to train the political party officials to make efficient and effective use of the portal. The Commission will train four officials from each of the 18 political parties, making a total of 72 in all.
“Unfortunately, some of the political parties are still yet to submit their nominees for the training. The Commission hereby reminds such parties to do so immediately. The Commission wishes to reiterate that only electronically submitted nominations will be processed.
“Political parties are therefore advised to ensure that their primaries are free of rancour in order to meet the timelines for the remaining activities embodied in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election”, he stated.
The hope of the member representing Bende Federal Constituency Abia state, Rep. Benjamin Kalu of returning to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly has received a boost as he has emerged All Progressives Congress APC candidate in the constituency ahead of 2023 general elections.
Out of the 66 total number of accredited votes, he polled 54 votes at a primary election conducted in Bende on Friday to emerge winner while 12 were invalid.
Result sheet
His main challenger, Theophilus Onye Ubani however did not participate in the election as he was not cleared by the national screening before the election.
The Chairman of the primary election committee Hon. Chibuike Jonas therefore decleared Hon. Ben Kalu as ruturned unopposed.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Kalu who doubles as Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said “I am happy that Bende knows what they want, today you all came out to say that this good thing going on in Bende should continue. My promise to you is I am going to this fight to bring back your share.
“Whatever name they like, let them call their party, whoever they like let them bring out, the most important thing is what have you done? Show us.
“APC has a very good report card, when you go to Bende you will see it, you go to Ozuitem you will see it, you go to Umuhu you see it, you go to Itumbuzor, you will see it, you go to Uzuakoli, and Item including Umuayemba you see it in all communities that make up Bende. It’s time to go to Abuja and this time around we are going to gather it.
“My message to those contesting for this position in this, in this forthcoming election, they should prepare well enough because the people of Bende will eat your money and still vote their conscience.
“it’s not poster or billboard that is going to make anyone win, it’s evidence of the work done that will stand out, the road, water, hospital, Schools who did it? Is a question we will ask them,” he said.
Abia State House of Assembly aspirant, Mr. Azubuike Kelechukwu has polled 3,800 to defeat his closest rival, Ejike Chukwu to clinch the APC ticket for Umunneochi state constituency of Abia State.
While a total number of 4,509 voters were accredited, Ejike Chukwu garnered 709 votes to come second.
In a chat with ABN TV on Friday in Umuahia, while expressing gratitude to the people of the constituency for their confidence in him and support, Mr. Kelechukwu said he is honoured with their presence at the various wards to vote for him.
He was elected through a direct mode of primary which took place in all the wards in Umunneochi.
This he said is in adherence to the directive of the national leadership of APC.
Mr. Kelechukwu while expressing confidence that he will emerge victorious at the polls, he assured that he will entrench transparency and accountability in his assignment of serving Umunneochi state constituency.
He emphasized that as a young people, he would be at the forefront of initiating policies that will meaningfully get young people in Umunneochi gainfully engaged so that their enormous potentials could be put into good use.
While decrying that infrastructure has remained a great challenge in Umunneochi, he said due attention will be paid to reviving roads, classrooms, pipe-borne water, health care and others to make the life of the people better.
He urged his constituents to sustain the support and trust, assuring that he will do them proud if elected their representative come 2023.
Days after dumping the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Peter Obi has officially joined the Labour Party, (LP).
Obi made the announcement of his new part via his Twitter handle, Friday.
He said, “I thank all Nigerians, especially our youths who have joined me in the mission of taking back and reuniting Nigeria.
“This project is yours and for the future of your children. I am just a facilitator,” he said.
Current member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and eminent business mogul Chief Daniel Chimezie Okeke have both been announced winners of the House of Representatives primary election of the All Progressive’s conducted on Friday in Abia North Senatorial district of Abia state.
While Benjamin Kalu currently representing Bende Federal constituency is seeking a second term in office, his counterpart Daniel Okeke also aims to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal constituency as a first-time legislator if he eventually emerges.
According to the result as declared and authenticated by APC Chairman primary election committee, Joe Eze Aruh a total of 96 votes as polled by Daniel Okeke to emerge winner while his opponents; Daniel Imo, Ikokwu Mary, Ibe Okwara, and Iroy Orji received 3, 1, 1 and 3 votes respectively.
110 delegates were accredited for the exercise. The total votes cast stood at 110 with 104 of the votes valid and 6 votes invalid. With Daniel Okeke’s victory, the business mogul is set to replace Rep Uko Nkole who currently represents the Federal constituency at the green chambers but will cease to in 2023 having lost his Senatorial bid to elevate to the Senate to Mao Ohuabunwa both from the same the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, Daniel Okeke’s opponents from the state’s ruling PDP Party are yet to emerge due to no non-conduct of elections, as Dr. Sam Anya and Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu an incumbent member House of Assembly representing Ohafia was said to have both declared themselves winners of the House of Representative’s primary even as no electoral officers were reportedly present to conduct the election.
Similarly, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives Hon Benjamin Kalu also emerged winner of the APC Bende Federal constituency primaries. Benjamin’s closest opponent Theo Onye Ubani was disqualified during the screening exercise after failing to meet the requisite qualifications to contest the primaries.
Ben Kalu’s victory was sealed after securing 54 valid votes as declared by the presiding Officer Hon. Chibuike Jonas after the final collation of total votes cast by delegates who voted at Agbamuzu, Bende.
According to the results out of a total no of 70 delegates, 66 were accredited while 12 votes were voided 54 votes were cast and declared valid.
The spokesman of the green chambers will however at general elections slated for the next year 2023 face a final contest with a former House of Representative member, Nnenna Ukeje of the PDP who is seeking a chance of returning back after several years of absence at the green chamber.
Business mogul and entrepreneur Chief Dan Okeke has been elected the House of Representatives candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State.
At the primary election conducted in Arochukwu on Friday, out of a total of 110 accredited voters, Chief Okeke polled 96 votes to trounce four other contestants.
Declaring him the winner of the primary election, chairman of the election committee, Joe Eze Aru said the outcome of the election is the collective will of delegates.
In his acceptance remark, Chief Okeke said the victory will be a watershed towards making the constituency great. مراهنات رياضية
He expressed displeasure that the people of Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency have for years been neglected due to poor representation at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, a development he said he is committed to reversing.
He said, “It is a collective task for us all to reposition our communities in a bid to build Arochukwu/ Ohafia federal constituency of our dream. We must all work together across board to take our constituency to enviable heights.
“I am strongly convinced that with the support of the people of Arochukwu/ Ohafia federal constituency, I will come out victorious in the 2023 general elections. لعب قمار حقيقي
“Let us remain committed and determined in mobilizing support for the APC at all levels. اون لاين بلاك جاك ”
He applauded the national, state and local government leadership of APC for ensuring a level playing field for all the contestants at the primary election, assuring loyalty and commitment to the development of the party.
Abia State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, has expressed concern over what he described...
