Politics

Supreme Court Judgement: Atiku to Address Press on Monday

By Web News 344

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar will  address the press on national issues on Monday.

The PDP Publicity Office disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

This comes on the heels of the Supreme Court judgment, which dismissed the former vice president’s appeal for lacking in merit and affirmed President Bola Tinubu the winner of the February presidential election.

According to the statement, Atiku will address issues of serious importance to the nation.

The statement reads, “The presidential candidate of our great party, the PDP, in the February 25, 2023, presidential election and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of NigeriaAtiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, will address a crucial press conference on issues of serious importance to the nation.

“Date is Monday, October 30, 2023 at PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The time is time is 11am prompt.”

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

Atiku Abubakar Clears Air on Certificate Forgery Allegation

By Web News 428

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has explained the discrepancies in his Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, certificate.

Atiku offered the clarification through Dele Momodu, one of his aides, on Tuesday in a post on his social media platform, X.

According to Momodu, the clarification became necessary following allegations of forgery against his principal by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Some members of the APC had questioned the name ”Sadiq Abubakar” in Atiku’s WAEC certificate as against his other credentials.

However, Momodu said he forwarded the accusations to the former Vice President, who also provided an answer for the discrepancy.

Momodu wrote, ”The APC busybodies have been bombarding me with allegations of forgery against my Principal, ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR (GCON), which I immediately forwarded to him and here is his copious response: ‘Yes I used Sadiq Abubakar to sit for my WAEC and after passing my exams I went to swear an affidavit to say I am the same person as ATIKU Abubakar. I went to ABU as Atiku Abuakar and passed my Exams as Atiku Abubakar. Interviewed as Atiku Abubakar by the Federal Civil Service Commission and hired into the Customs Service as Atiku Abubakar. So where is forgery there?’ – ATIKU ABUBAKAR

”CAN THE APC social media bullies forward the deluge of questions in circulation to their boss and get instant and direct response…
I SALUTE ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR…”

Daily Post / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Atiku Rejects PEPT Verdict, Heads to Supreme Court

By Web News 317

Former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to approach the Supreme Court to set aside the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, said he was dissatisfied with the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, that affirmed President Tinubu as the valid winner of the presidential election held on February 25.

Speaking through his team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, the PDP candidate, said he only got a judgement from the court and not justice.

“Judgement has just been delivered but we have not received justice. Luckily, the Constitution has given us the right to go on appeal.

“This is the court of first instance. We still have the right to go on appeal to the Supreme Court and you see, this is a struggle that is not just for our client, but for the Constitution of this country, for the rule of law and democracy.

“We were expecting an outcome that will improve, encourage the use of technology to enhance election management, to enhance transparency, to enhance accountability, so that Nigerians will believe in democracy.

“So that Nigerians can come out in their masses like they did, to vote. We don’t want Nigerians to be discouraged.

“There are certain things and principle of law that he know that we need to explore and we strongly believe that when we get to the Supreme Court, it will have the opportunity to review a number of things that have been said.

“We have the instruction of our client to go to the Supreme Court. So, we have asked for the records. We have asked for the judgement. We are going to apply for the transmission of the records because we have a very limited time to push this.

“So, the struggle continues and as it is said, it is not over until it is over,” Atiku’s lawyer added.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

Ruling on Atiku’s Petition against Tinubu’s Election Reserved

By Web News 389

The Presidential Election Petition Court has reserved judgement in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the February 25 election victory of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, reserved judgement to a date to be communicated to the parties.

Atiku, Nigeria’s Vice-President between May 1999 and May 2007, was physically present in court Tuesday.

The petitioners, PDP and Atiku as well as Labour Party (LP) and its flag bearer, Peter Obi are praying for the nullification of Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 poll.

They are both praying to be named the winner of the election, or that a rerun to be conducted.

In their final arguments, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abubakar Mahmoud, said it would amount to absurdity for the Tribunal to accept the argument of Atiku that one must secure 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to emerge winner of a presidential election.

Citing Section 134 of the Constitution, Mahmoud said the FCT has no special status.

He added that it would amount to absurdity for residents of the FCT to be deemed as being more special than other Nigerians elsewhere who voted during the keenly contested election.

On Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing portal (IREV), Mahmoud argued that the evidence before the court showed that all the information generated by the BVAS in relation to transmission of results were stored in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) and it was the most secured and publicly available cloud service in the world.

He held that there was a test of vulnerability and application of the AWS.

He further held that INEC showed good intention to make the election credible as manifested by the evidence before the court.

Mahmoud submitted that the major plank of the petitioners’ case is non-compliance with the electoral act, regulations and guidelines.

On his part, the counsel for Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, Wole Olanipekun, described the petitioners as meddlesome interloper.

He held that uploading of results to the IREV, either manually or electronically, played no role in the election process.

He added that collation was physical and also manual.

Citing pages 10-11 of their address, he drew the attention of the court to the difference between transfer and transmit, the vertical, horizontal and the continuous use of the word or by the petitioner.

On the FCT, Olanipekun held that the FCT is the 37th state in Nigeria for the purpose of the presidential election.

He added that the President won one quarter of the votes in two-third of the FCT.

On his part, counsel for the APC, Lateef Fagbemi, also prayed the court to dismiss the petition on the grounds that all the points raised in the petition has been ruled on by other court.

On the issue of 25% in Abuja, he said treating Abuja specially would be undue privilege, discrimination and elevation of a state, above others.

On the issue of election results, he noted that the petitioners did not prove that election did not hold in any area, neither did they prove that the results were proported as their witnesses did not disagree with the results of the election, as the only complain they had was the uploading of results.

On the issue of forfeiture, he noted that it was a civil forfeiture not a criminal one.

Channelstv / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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News

Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Seriki is Dead

By Web News 790

…Atiku mourns Seriki

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Ademola Seriki, has died in Madrid, the capital of Spain at the age of 63.

According to reports Seriki died of cancer.

Born November 30, 1959, Seriki was a former Minister of State for Defence, teacher, businessman, and public administrator.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain died on Thursday in Madrid, Spain.

In the meantime, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has expressed his condolences over the loss of Nigeria’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ademola Rasaq Seriki.

According to a statement signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Thursday described the late Ambassador Seriki as a patriot who served the country meritoriously in different capacities.

The statement notes that Ambassador Seriki was a consummate politician whose genteel mannerisms bore a distinguishing trademark in all assignments he undertook.

The Wazirin Adamawa prays for a gentle repose of the deceased soul and beseeches God to give his family, associates, the good people and the government of Lagos State the fortitude to bear the loss of an outstanding son.

Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

2023: Atiku Visits Osun Monarchs

By Web News 537

The Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has visited royal fathers in Osun state in his quest to actualize his presidential ambition.

Alhaji Abubakar who moved in company of his host governor,  Ademola Adeleke paid homage to the  Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun..

Alhaji Abubakar assured the royal fathers of his competence and preparedness to bring an end to all challenges facing the nation and ensure unity.

In his words, Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke said the visit became imperative considering the efficacy of royal blessings.

In their separate remarks, the royal fathers urged the PDP presidential candidate to remember the masses  and formulate policies that will end their sufferings if he is voted in as President.

In the entourage of Alhaji Abubakar were PDP national Chairman, Dr.Iyorchia Ayu, Alhaji Abubakar’s running mate and Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, former State Governors and chieftains of the party.

Abiodun Adeoye

Security

Police Knock Orderly Carrying Atiku’s Wife Handbag

By Web News 732

The Nigeria Police has knocked the action of a yet-to-be-identified policewoman, who was carrying the handbag of Titi, the wife of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

Mrs Abubakar on Wednesday unveiled a women-focused initiative in Abuja and her husband shared photos from the event, which showed her orderly standing with a handbag behind her.

When a tweep brought the attention of the police to the incident, the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, faulted the action of the policewoman and said appropriate sanctions would be meted out.

He said, “This is not acceptable. We have commenced necessary action on this. We will fish her out and get across to the principal. The AIG Special Protection Unit has been contacted to assist us get the woman police. Gradually, we will sanitise the system.”

Responding to another tweep, Adejobi added, “To us in the police, it’s an absurdity and should not be allowed to continue. To you, it might not be serious but to us, it’s serious for many reasons some of which are known to you as well. We don’t need any sentiment if at all we are serious about reform.

“My brother, this is bad for an orderly to carry bag for her madam, more so that the madam is not a service(sic) police officer. How does she defend her if there is any attack on her?”

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Fayose Withdraws Suit against Ayu, Atiku

By Web News 1014

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Isaac Fayose says he has decided to discontinue a lawsuit he instituted against the party; National chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu and the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Mr Fayose recently instituted a lawsuit against the defendants following the party’s insistence that both the national chairman and its presidential candidate emerge from the same northern geopolitical zone.

While giving reasons for dropping the case, Isaac Fayose, a younger brother to the former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, said it was in the interest of peace, hearkening to the voices of reasoning that he decided to sheath sword and for the party to move forward. 

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Fayose said the decision to approach the court was a personal conviction contrary to belief in some quarters that he was being sponsored against the party by some forces of destabilization.

The letter reads in part ” embedded in me as a person is an instinct for Justice, equity and fair play, I have remained committed to this virtue all my life with the firm belief that justice is the only requirement for peace, progress and orderliness in any society or organization “

“Perhaps, it is this conviction that led me to institute a lawsuit against the people’s Democratic Party, PDP, and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”

“There is indisputable evidence from credible sources that major stakeholders within the party, especially Mr Iyorchia Ayu agreed among themselves to change the party leadership if Atiku emerged as the presidential flagbearer”

“Thank God, Atiku emerged to the glory of God, but it is annoying and provocating that the party top hierarchy has backed down on the earlier agreement, though unwritten.”

“I consider it a clear case of injustice for both the national chairman of the party and its presidential candidate to come from the same northern geopolitical zone”

“However, Moments of reactions and counter-reactions have enveloped me since I instituted the court action. I have been under severe pressure from friends, well-wishers and family members, especially from my brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state and my mother”

Mr Isaac Fayose however expressed hope that the raging battle for the control of the PDP would not be allowed to put it asunder as the 2023 elections draw near.

“It was my desire as an erstwhile party man, that with the 2023 general election few months away, the raging battle for the control of the PDP would not be allowed to put it asunder”

“I thought that the game the PDP was going into with the incumbent APC, and the rising LP was a tough one that required unison of purpose and sense of mission.”

“This hope and eager enthusiasm now belong to the past as I HAVE DECIDED TO MOVE ON to a more serious political party that is people-centred.”

He said the coming days, weeks and months will test the ability of PDP to either sail or sink with the raging intra-party squabbles.

It would be recalled that Mr Isaac Fayose had last week decided to drag the PDP, its National Chairman Iyorcha Ayu and the party’s Presidential flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to court over the inability to honour a gentleman agreement reached before primary election. 

The National Chairman Iyorcha Ayu had promised to step down should a northern candidate emerge at the primary but failed to fulfil it.

Ridwan Fasasi

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Politics

Just In: Atiku, Okowa Arrive Ibadan

By Web News 1192

The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has arrived Ibadan,Oyo state capital for the interactive session with PDP members in the southwest.

The presidential candidate who came in company of his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and other top hierarchy of the party were received by the Deputy Governor of Oyo state,Chief Bayo Lawal at the Alakia Airport,Ibadan.

Ahead of the interactive meeting, the PDP presidential candidate and the former vice president were later received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Agodi Government House,Ibadan.

Among the dignitaries for the South West meeting include Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, Osun State Governor -elect, Ademola Adeleke and the Guber candidate of Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

I Am Open to Meeting Wike- Atiku

By Web News 453

Atiku Abubakar presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says he is open to meeting with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state. 

Abubakar said this while fielding questions from journalists in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

When asked if the party is divided into factions, Abubakar said: “It is a social media drama. There is nothing like a Wike camp or Atiku camp. There is one PDP family.”

Atiku was also asked if there is a plan to meet with Wike for reconciliation, and he responded by saying: “Why not? I am open to that.”

The former vice-president added that the party will surmount its present challenges.

“Some people get angry when things don’t go their way and so on and so forth. We will overcome that. I have every belief that we are going to do that,” he said.

The opposition party has been embroiled in rancour since Abubakar named Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta state, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

Some party stakeholders, including Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, had expressed concerns over Atiku’s decision to overlook Wike, who was recommended for the position by the party’s national working committee.

Wike placed second in the party’s presidential primary election which took place in May.

A few days ago, Abubakar had said actions are being taken to address the grievances of party members.

“We are taking action to address the feelings of all party members,” the former vice-president had said.

“The unity in our community is my priority. Our resolve to unify Nigeria starts in our party and moves to the community, then on to society.”

Cable/Taiwo Akinola

Politics

Politics without Bitterness: Atiku Congratulates Tinubu over Victory

By Web News 454

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former vice-president took to his social media pages to congratulate the former governor of Lagos State, describing the APC presidential primary as a hard-fought contest.

“Congratulations, @officialABAT, on your emergence as your party’s presidential candidate. It has been a hard-fought contest, but that you prevailed confirms your tenacity,” he wrote.

Abubakar emerged as the candidate of the opposition party at the PDP special convention in May, after defeating Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, among others.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu, describing him as a “dogged fighter” who stood his ground to compete in the presidential primary in “a democratic manner”.

In a congratulatory message, the speaker said the presidential candidate remains a hero.

Mr Gbajabiamila said he was elated that his political mentor won the APC ticket, which he called a “well-deserved” one, considering Mr Tinubu’s years of working for the entrenchment and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.

The Speaker said with Asiwaju Tinubu’s victory, APC stood a good chance of retaining power in 2023, maintaining that Nigerians across board “recognize his contributions to our nation’s development”.

He said: “I congratulate my mentor for this victory. This is a victory for democracy and Nigerians as a whole. With the manner he went about his campaigns, Asiwaju has proved to be a hero of our democracy.”

Mr Gbajabiyamila urged Asiwaju Tinubu to be “magnanimous in victory”, as that has been his attitude, and to “carry other aspirants along” for the party’s victory at the general elections.

He also advised other aspirants at the just-concluded primary to join hands and support the party’s presidential candidate.

He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the party for providing the enabling level ground for all aspirants to present themselves to the party delegates.

In his own congratulatory message, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, described the process that led to the emergence of Mr Tinubu as one of the most transparent in the country.

“Your emergence in a transparent process is a testament to the fact that the APC is now more united and stronger and has sent a strong message about our resolve to bring about the desired national transformation needed to turn around the fortunes of our beloved country, Nigeria,” Mr Wase said in a statement.

He expressed confidence that the APC will have emerged from the just-concluded primary election as one that inspires hope, harness the nation’s potentials as well as lead Nigerians to prosperity.

While calling for all hands to be on deck to ensure the success of the APC in the 2023 general election, Mr Wase commended all the aspirants who contested against Asiwaju Tinubu “for their maturity and sportsmanship”.

Similarly, The APC gubernatorial candidate in Niger State, Alhaji Muhammad Umar Bago congratulated Mr Tinubu on his victory.

Alhaji Bago, who is also a member representing the Chanchaga constituency at the National Assembly from Niger state, told Radio Nigeria in Minna that Asiwaju’s was “a well-deserved victory”.

Mr Tinubu, he said, has the “capacity and much-needed exposure and experience” to reposition Nigeria to the next level through good governance.

According to him, the emergence of Senator Ahmed Tinubu as APC flagbearer for the 2023 general elections is an indication that the party and indeed delegates have gotten it right.

He added that Asiwaju Tinubu was the only candidate capable of matching former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar come 2023.

Ibrahim Shehu / Aliyu Lawal/ Adebukola Aluko

News

Soun Was A Colourful Monarch Whose Reign Was Impactful, Remarkable- Atiku Abubakar

By Web News 772

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has expressed sadness over the death of the long reigning  Soun of Ogbomosho land, Oba Oyewumi Oladunni Ajagungbade III.

The former Vice President in a statement by his media office on Sunday said that the news of the demise of the famous monarch early Sunday came with a rude shock, even when he died at the ripe age of 95 and 48 years reign on his traditional throne.

Atiku said that the late Soun was a colourful monarch whose reign impacted positively on Ogbomosho land in many remarkable ways.

“I join other friends and admirers of Ogbomosho land to mourn the transition of  Oba Ajagungbade III. Although we are sad that his exit will deny us of his elderly counsels and admonitions, it is remarkable that the late king lived a life of accomplishments as a foremost businessman and a traditional ruler whose reign was remarkably outstanding.

“While I condole with his immediate family and the good people of Ogbomosho land, I also express my deepest condolences to the Oyo State government on the loss of a traditional ruler with towering credentials. I pray that God grants his soul a peaceful repose.”

Adewumi Faniran /nationaiinsightnews.com