Former Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday emerged All Progressives’ Congress (APC), candidate for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District. This is coming barely 48 hours after the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State stepped down his presidential ambition to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu who went on to win the ticket of the presidential ticket of the APC. According to Jackson Udom, Chief Press Secretary to Senator Akpabio, emerged at the Senatorial Primaries which held at the Skill Acquisition Centre, Ikot Ekpene on Thursday. Akpabio polled 478 votes to defeat Retired DIG Udom Ekpo Udom, who polled 3 votes, while Engineer Joseph Akpan had just 1 vote. Earlier, the state chairman of the party, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, informed party delegates that the fresh election was ordered by the NWC of the party as a result of the cancellation of the last Primaries which took place on the 28th May, 2022, due to security infractions by some hoodlums. Four aspirants were billed to take part in the rescheduled election, namely; Senator Godswill Akpabio, former member House of Representatives, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, DIG Udom Ekpo Udom and Engineer Joseph Akpan. Before the commencement of voting, former member House of Representatives, Hon Ekpo, announced his voluntary withdrawal from the race and urged all his delegates to cast their votes for Senator Akpabio, whom he described as his leader and mentor. Addressing the delegates, Senator Akpabio thanked the delegates for trooping out in their hundreds to cast their votes for him, assuring them that his return to the Senate in 2023, will bring in more infrastructural development, human capital development and youth and women empowerment. Announcing the result which was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police and other relevant agencies, the Returning Officer, Mrs Bunmi Imolehin, declared that Total registered delegates were 540 but only 512 delegates were accredited, while 11 votes were void votes.

  The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday stepped up moves to choose running mates for their presidential candidates. The PDP set up a committee comprising its governors, the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees members as well as former governors with the mandate of picking its vice-presidential candidate. The committee met on Wednesday and Thursday in Abuja. The PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the setting up of the committee to The PUNCH last night. It was gathered that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, had intensified lobby of the PDP stakeholders as part of moves to clinch the post. On his part, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, began the search for his running mate with a meeting with northern governors. As Tinubu met northern governors, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday gave parties June 17 deadline to submit the names of their presidential candidates and running mates. The commission had on May 27 extended the deadline for parties to conduct primaries from June 4 to June 9. It also fixed June 17 as the deadline for parties to submit lists of their candidates. At the PDP primary held on May 29, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the presidential candidate, polled 371 votes while his closest challenger, Wike, came second with 237 votes. On Wednesday, Tinubu defeated aspirants including a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. The PUNCH had on Thursday reported that Atiku met with the PDP governors as part of efforts to pick his running mate. Ologunagba in the interview with The PUNCH, indicated that the PDP would announce its vice-presidential candidate next week. He, however, declined to reveal the names of those being considered as the running mate. He said, “Yes, we have set up a committee on the running mate; when it comes out with its decision, it would be announced. We don’t do things by speculations. There is a process, we don’t work without planning. We would follow due process, we consult, that’s what we are doing. “When we are done with consultations, you would hear the outcome. Whether they met today (Thursday), whether they didn’t meet, that’s not relevant. When they have done their work, you would know the outcome.” When asked about the names of the committee members, Ologunagba stated, “You don’t need the names. All the organs of our party are represented: the National Working Committee, the Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the Former Governors Forum are all represented. All the organs of the party and relevant stakeholders are involved in the consultations.” On the efforts to reconcile the aspirants who lost during the primaries, the party said a reconciliation process was ongoing. Wike It was gathered that Wike and Okowa had reached out to their fellow governors as part of efforts to clinch the post. A close source to Wike told The PUNCH that the governor was in Abuja lobbying to be named Atiku’s running mate. The source stated, “The governor is not in town as we speak. It is not out of place if he is pushing to become the running mate of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. “But it will be unfair if he (Wike) is not picked as Atiku’s running mate going by his contributions to the party, both in terms of finance and other levels of support. “Don’t forget that he came second in the PDP presidential primary in Abuja, so that tells you his pedigree,” he stated. Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant on Media to Wike kept mum over the choice of running mate for Atiku. When contacted by one of our correspondents if his principal should be picked as the vice presidential running mate, although Ebiri picked his call, he did not speak.He also did not reply a text message sent to him Okowa On his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, confirmed that the governor was one the people being tipped as Atiku’s running mate. Ifeajika said Okowa was eminently qualified for the post. He said, “Yes, they (governors) met yesterday and today, Thursday, in Abuja. Of course, it is no longer news that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is among the people being tipped as the running mate. “Okowa is one those being considered. He is not only eminently qualified but acceptable by all. If there is an election, all governors, even those in the APC, will attest that Okowa is the best man for the position. He has worked hard for it.” A source close to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, told The PUNCH that the governor believed the party should pick somebody who could mobilise votes for the party. Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate on Thursday met with some former PDP governors. Those who attended the meeting included Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Achike Udenwa (Imo); Theodore Orji (Abia); Celestine Omehia (Rivers); Ibrahim Idris (Kogi); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Boni Haruna (Adamawa) Others were Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) Lyel Imoke (Cross River) Jim Nwobodo (Enugu); Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger). The meeting which was held at Jimmy Carter, Asokoro, Abuja, focused on how to strengthen the opposition party amidst the crisis rocking some state chapters of the party. The PUNCH also gathered that Atiku was also scheduled to meet with former ministers who served under the PDP administrations as part of moves to present a formidable front and get the input of stakeholders on the choice of a running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential poll. Atiku’s spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, confirmed to one of our correspondents that the Thursday night parley was part of the ongoing consultations by the former vice-president to build a formidable party ahead of the polls.

  Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has hailed Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying President Muhammadu Buhari will hand over to a worthy successor. Uzodimma, who is also Chairman of the just concluded APC Special Convention/Presidential Primary, called on other presidential aspirants to close ranks and work hard towards Tinubu’s victory in next year’s general elections. He also commended President Buhari for the role he played in the smooth conduct of the party’s primary election.   “I will also want to use this medium to congratulate our dear President, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR who has always shown great leadership qualities in all situations,” the statement read. “In my capacity as the Chairman of the APC Special Convention and Presidential Primaries 2022, I want to call on my brothers who were aspirants during the presidential primary to close ranks; the primary election is over and a winner has emerged, now is time to work together to support our flagbearer to win the 2023 presidential election.” Read the full statement below: PRESS RELEASE On behalf of the Government and good people of Imo state, I heartily congratulate His Excellency the Former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu on his victory at the just concluded Presidential primaries and his emergence as the Flag bearer and Presidential candidate of our great party the ruling All progressives congress for the Forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections. By this Victory, our great party has once again demonstrated to Nigerians that the APC is dedicated and committed to the tenets of democracy and upholding all democratic principles by conducting a free, fair and credible primaries that brought in His Excellency Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. This victory has also reiterated and demonstrated the strength, tenacity, experience, credibility and integrity of our Flag bearer Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu who is one of the founding members of our great party, and no doubt his huge support and contributions to the growth and development of our party the APC and the Nation’s democracy over the years cannot be overemphasized. With this Victory, we are confident that the APC will definitely cruise to victory in the 2023 Presidential elections and other elections at all levels. I therefore call on all our party supporters in Imo state, South east and across the country to come together irrespective differences and support His Excellency Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to emerge the next President of our dear country as his wealth of experience, doggedness and sincerity of purpose is needed to move our country forward at this time. I will also want to use this medium to congratulate our dear President, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR who has always shown great leadership qualities in all situations. We are glad that you are exciting strong and handing over to a worthy successor who will continue your good works for our dear country. To the APC National working committee led by our amiable Chairman Senator Abdulahi Adamu, thank you for creating a level playing ground at the primaries and also thank you for all the support given to see that our party conducted one of the most credible, free and fair Presidential primaries in the history of our party and in the country. In my capacity as the Chairman of the APC Special convention and Presidential Primaries 2022, I want to call on my brothers who were aspirants during the presidential primaries to close ranks, the primary election is over and a winner has emerged, now is time to work together to support our flag bearer to win the 2023 Presidential elections.   Signed: HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR IMO STATE AND CHAIRMAN APC SPECIAL CONVENTION/PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES 2022

  The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress APC, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has paid a surprise visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at his Abuja residence on Thursday night. A source in the presidency said Tinubu had earlier visited the President at his residence in the Presidential Villa and afterward decided to make a surprise call on Osinbajo alongside Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu. According to the source, Osinbajo was in a meeting with Senator Kabiru Gaya, former Defense Minister Rtd Major General Dan Ali, and other associates.

  At least 11 northern governors met with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting held amid the search for Tinubu’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election. Being a Southerner, Tinubu’s running mate is expected to come from the north. On Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman of Tinubu Campaign Organisation, told Trust TV that the Vice-Presidential slot of the APC for the 2023 election has been ceded to the governors. Onanuga said: “When Tinubu met the progressives governors at their forum, he told them that ‘you are going to be the people who will pick my running mate’.” The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties a week deadline to submit the names of running mates of their presidential aspirants.

  Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to the late Sani Abacha, has secured the presidential ticket of the Action Alliance (AA) to participate in the 2023 general election. Al-Mustapha won the election with a total of 506 votes, defeating Samson Odupitan, his only opponent. He was declared the party’s flagbearer at the AA presidential primary held on Thursday in Abuja. According to NAN, two aspirants — Tunde Anifowose and Felix Osakwe — withdrew from the presidential race for Al-Mustapha. A total of 972 delegates were expected to participate in the exercise, but 851 delegates were accredited and 721 votes were cast. Speaking on his victory at the primary, Al-Mustapha thanked the party’s electoral committee for the successful conduct of the exercise. “From all indications, this was a very transparent exercise and I commend other aspirants for their efforts to ensure that the party remains united,” he said. “I also commend Mr Odupitan for contesting, because if everybody withdrew, there won’t be victory as we have seen today. “I appreciate all party delegates, supporters, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who have all defied the rain to witness this event. “I promise that our votes cast today would not be in vain and I indulge us to please obtain a permanent voter card (PVC), because that is the surest way to be victorious come 2023 general election.” On his part, Kenneth Udeze, AA national chairman, congratulated the presidential candidate and other aspirants for contesting, and called for synergy among all the aspirants to enable the party win at the 2023 election.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 poll, Bola Tinubu, that they are now his soldiers. Tinubu had polled 1,271 votes to emerge the APC candidate at a special convention of the party held at Eagle Square, Abuja. He defeated 13 other contenders to clinch the party’s presidential ticket The NWC members led to Tinubu’s residence in Abuja on Thursday by the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, assured the Lagos born politician that the party leadership would work assiduously to deliver him as president. “We are here visiting you to join you in thanking God for giving you to us and to all Nigerians, by making you the presidential flag bearer of our party for the 2023 election. “You have come a long way; you have seen it all. I can tell you that we have a commitment beyond description, a commitment to deliver you as president. Our party has spoken loud and clear, and delivering the will of the people, our delegates have given you the mandate to lead. “We are all now your soldiers. We will follow you to the nooks and crannies of this country. We will not rest on your oars until we have delivered you as president,” Adamu said. Responding, Tinubu thanked members of the NWC, saying he was honoured by their visit. He said: “I am honoured by this visit. We are all members of the same party, and as such, belong to the same progressive family. I appreciate your visit, I truly feel as if I am with family members. “I want to thank every one of you individually and collectively. You have formed a very dynamic team in a short period of time. You have sent jitters to other parties that our party remains united and you must continue to live up to expectations. “Today, as I have done throughout my campaign, I assure you that I am ready to reciprocate and vindicate our efforts in making the ultimate sacrifice: relentless public service to our beloved nation. “We have begun a new story of greatness, prosperity in the history of our nation. You helped me to complete the introduction, we must now work together to etch the substance of the book itself. Our book will not be complete until you have delivered me as president.”