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Anambra 2025: Pressure mounts on APC over zoning agreement
The All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a challenging situation ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.
Anambra has an unwritten zoning arrangement for the governorship, rotating among the state’s three senatorial zones. This arrangement became more significant in 2012 during the end of then-governor Peter Obi’s administration. Obi insisted that the ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), select a candidate from Anambra North to ensure balance after governors from the South and Central zones had served. Obi’s push resulted in the election of Obiano from the North, solidifying the zoning practice.
As Governor Chukwuma Soludo nears the end of his first term, the demand for governorship candidacy has intensified. However, the APC appears to be considering abandoning the zoning arrangement by opening the contest to all zones. In June, the APC Elders Forum, led by Chief Innocent Obi, reinforced the importance of maintaining the zoning formula, arguing that the APC must field a southern candidate to have a chance in the election. Obi emphasized that breaking this agreement would harm the party’s prospects.
Despite this, some party members argue against zoning. The APC Progressives Media group claims that zoning arguments are misleading and that the party should focus on the popularity and acceptance of candidates regardless of their zone. They pointed out that previous APC candidates were selected based on these criteria, not zoning.
The Anambra State Chapter of the APC also dismissed zoning, stating that the party has no such arrangement and provides a level playing field for all aspirants.
Political analysts warn that disregarding the zoning agreement could harm the party’s chances. Chijioke Eze, a political analyst, noted that the APC has consistently lost elections with its current strategy and suggested that the party needs to change its approach. Dr. Justin Ogoo Nwankwo added that the APC should focus on equity and capacity by selecting a strong candidate from the southern zone to challenge Soludo.
Currently, two APC members, Senator Andy Ubah from Anambra South and Paul Chukwuma from Anambra North, have expressed interest in the governorship ticket.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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