2023 elections: Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Omo Agege others clinch APC’s guber tickets
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins primary elections across the country, winners that will fly the party’s flag in the next general elections have started to emerge.
The likes of the current Governors of Lagos State and Ogun State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun have emerged victorious in the elections for gubernatorial primary elections that took place yesterday.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was declared winner at the primary held on Thursday at Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Mr Sanwo-Olu secured 1,170 of 1,182 votes cast.
His contenders had complained that they were disallowed from participating in the primary.
Speaking with the Press just after he was declared, Sanwo-Olu said, “I am grateful to God, the distinguished delegates and the leadership of the APC for the chance to continue the good work of governance that we have begun in our great state.
“With this resounding victory in the primary election, I am confident that we are united and ready to continue to be a beacon of hope and service to this great state.
“To the other contestants, I congratualte you for being a part of this very democratic process and invite you to join hands with me #ForAGreaterLagos.”
Meanwhile, his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun has been declared winner the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which was held in the State last week.
Abiodun recorded 1,168 to defeat five other contestants who scored zero vote.
The defeated five aspirants are Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, Modele Sarafa — Yusuf, Chief Remilekun Bakare, Arc. Owodunni Opayemi and Biyi Otegbeye.
They were absent but sent agents to represent them.
A total of 1,180 delegates from 236 wards spreads across the 20 Local Government Areas were accredited for the primary.
Hon. Wale Ohu, Chairman of the five-man APC Governorship Primary Committee in Ogun State, announced Abiodun as winner.
He said, “Having scored the highest valid votes, he is hereby declared winner and Governorship candidate of the APC in Ogun State for 2023 Governorship election.”
Party’s big wigs who were present at the primary were former Governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, former Deputy Governors Gbenga Kaka and Makanjuola Badru, Senator Gbenga Obadara and Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa among others.
Former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was visibly absent at the venue.
Also, Arch. Tonye Dele Cole emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Cole, was declared winner in the keenly contested primaries of the party at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omuagwa, Rivers State after polling 986 out of 1308 votes.
Five contestants, Tonye Cole, Magus Abe Michael West, Bernard Mikko and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree had contested to be the candidate of the party.
The scores were recorded as followed, Tonye Cole — 986 votes, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree — 190, Sokonte Davies — 49, Micheal West — 43, Bernard Mikko – 2, and Magnus Abe -1.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general elections.
Omo-Agege, who was the sole governorship aspirant, polled 1,190 votes to emerge the candidate of the APC.
The APC governorship primary, which was held at Federal College of Education, Asaba witnessed a large turnout of party faithfuls.
Speaking after emerging the party candidate for 2023 gubernatorial election in the state, Senator Omo-Agege thanked delegates for their patience while the programme lasted and electing him the candidate of APC for 2023 election.
He promised to work together with the party members to put an end to PDP reign in the state.
Meanwhile, three prominent members of the party in Delta State , Rt. Hon Victor Ochei, Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour And Productivity and Cairo Ojougboh were, however, conspicuously absent at the event. No reason was aduced for their absence.
Accreditation of voters and voting commenced at about 2 p.m at the primary election being held at the Federal College of Education (Technical).
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who is the sole governorship aspirant, arrived at the venue at about 1 p.m amidst cheers from stakeholders, leaders and delegates.
There was a heavy security presence at the venue of the primary election, being witnessed by officials of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC.
Chairman of the electoral panel, Mrs Oyibo Nwaneri, who declared the results, gave a total number of delegates as 1,235, adding that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege polled 1,190 votes with one invalid vote.
Speaking to journalists moments after his declaration, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege thanked the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him by making him the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer.
Omo-Agege said the 2023 election is about the liberation of Deltans, adding that candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was welcome into the arena.
Saying that, “There is no structure other Deltans and what Deltans want,” he disclosed that he has reconciled with the Minister for State for labour, Chief Festus Keyamo and others.
Speaking to journalists moments after his declaration, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege thanked the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him by making him the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer.
Omo-Agege said the 2023 election is about the liberation of Deltans, adding that candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was welcome into the arena.
He said, “There is no structure other Deltans and what Deltans want,” he disclosed that he has reconciled with the Minister for State for labour, Chief Festus Keyamo and others.
He said, “I want to thank my brother, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who by the grace of God on Saturday will be our Senatorial flag bearer and a returning Senator. I want to also congratulate in Advance, our other two Senatorial flag bearers who are already Senators in the waiting.”
Olorogun O’tega Emohor on his part said for the first time the party was prepared to win elections in the State.
The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Revd Francis Waive, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Ayiri Emami, Delta Central Senatorial aspirant, Chief Ede Dafinone, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Chief Lucky Okperi, Comrade Frank Kokori, Chief Ngozi Olejeme and a host of others.
In Rivers State, Arch. Tonye Dele Cole clinched the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Cole, was declared winner in the contested primaries of the party at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omuagwa, Rivers State after polling 986 out of 1308 votes.
Five contestants, Tonye Cole, Magus Abe Michael West, Bernard Mikko and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree had contested to be the candidate of the party.
The scores were recorded as followed, Tonye Cole — 986 votes, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree — 190, Sokonte Davies — 49, Micheal West — 43, Bernard Mikko — 2, and Magnus Abe -1 vote.
Meanwhile, Sen. Magnus Abe had in the wake of yesterday announced that he would not take part in the Primary elections of the party, noting he would be on the ballot for the main governorship election in the state.
The Chairman of the Governorship Primary in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Larry Ode, while declaring the process that started at an hour past noon yesterday had stated the process would be transparent and peaceful.
He said, “Today is another history-making day. We are fortunate to be alive. We are about to witness another process in the circle of the 2023 elections. We have delegates from the 23 LGAs who have been accredited.
“Since we arrived yesterday, we have witnessed an atmosphere of peace. We see that everything is in place. We are expecting an exercise that will end in peace.
In his acceptance of speech, Cole thanked the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him.
Cole extended an olive branch to Sen. Abe, urging him, Abe, to sheath his sword and work for the APC to emerge victorious in the 2023 elections.
Cole his emergence is a process that started long ago, noting that his rule would ensure equitable development and opportunity for all.
He said, “I will like to God for making this possible. I will like to thank the leadership of the party for their confidence in me. I also want to thank the leader of the party, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. We will bring dignity to this state. We will open up an environment where talents can thrive.”
