Politics
Anambra Ex-Chief Judge Emerges APGA’s Presidential Candidate
A former Chief Justice of Anambra State, Prof Peter Umeadi, on Wednesday emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 election.
Umeadi, who was unopposed, clinched APGA’s presidential ticket at the party’s convention held in Abuja and was attended by its leaders and members from the nation’s six geo-political zones.
The Tide source reports that the party delegates affirmed his candidacy by a voice vote.
APGA National Chairman, Dr Victor Oye, who expressed optimism that Umeadi would be sworn in as President in 2023, said that the party would also produce more than 30 senators.
Oye said that APGA would take Nigeria by storm, adding that Umeadi having served in the judiciary for 35 years was well equipped and was the candidate to beat in the presidential election.
“APGA is a realistic party; we do not build castles in the air. the emergence of Umeadi shows that APGA is united and would spring surprises by being elected president by Nigerians in 2023.
“We are here to do the needful. APGA does not believe in imposition, we gave everybody a level playing field to come and purchase the form.
“At the end of the whole process, our brother former Chief Judge of Anambra, a life changer, a man of irrepressible character, a man who has shown capacity in many ways intellectually and otherwise is today being presented to all of us for affirmation as our candidate,’’ he said.
Oye reiterated that there was no crisis in AGPA, pointing out that no faction existed because his leadership was the one INEC recognised.
In his acceptance speech, Umeadi said that he was stepping out with the triple banner of rule of law, separation of power and due process if elected.
He also promised to make Nigeria a great country which every Nigerian would be proud of.
“Our triple banner should form the structure for a new Nigeria which an APGA government at the centre under my watch would bring about.
“Uppermost in my mind is how to reconcile Nigerians across the length and breadth of our dear country.
“In a new political culture, I undertake to galvanise the old, young, rich, poor, literate or not, from different religious persuasions and from all six geopolitical zones, to deliver a new Nigeria where justice would reign for all citizens equally, irrespective of tribe or status.
“Our next task as a political party is to secure votes at the polls from the majority of Nigerians. We would work hard to secure as many legislative seats as possible across the country. Nigerians should respect the ballots, “he said.
Umeadi urged Nigerians to allow only valid votes to count and, in the most vocal manner possible, enforce the extant laws such that no person below the age of 18 years is allowed to vote.
He expressed worry that Nigerians were traumatised daily by wanton killings, displacements, and disorganisation of business and social life with attendant difficulty to sustain economic, commercial and domestic life.
According to him, Nigeria can not achieve economic, educational, scientific, sporting or food sufficiency breakthroughs when the citizens are hungry, insecure, and unstable.
Also in attendance were a former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr, who emerged the APGA governorship candidate for Enugu State, and a former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinayya Abaribe, who recently defected from the PDP.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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