General News
ANPP BLOC IN APC DEMANDS AUTOMATIC TICKET FOR SHETTIMA IN 2027
By Akpo Ojo
The Association of former members of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded an automatic ticket for Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general polls
Also, the group demanded that the APC presidential ticket for the 2031 general polls be reserved for the ANPP as the second-largest political party that birthed the APC.
National Coordinator of the association, Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, made the demand at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
Prof. Ajumbe urged President Tinubu to ensure the vice presidential ticket for the 2027 general election is reserved for the ANPP block in the APC to reward millions of party members who voted massively for him in 2023.
He asserted that since the formation of the APC, the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) has ruled the country for eight years under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, while the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is currently occupying the Presidency through Tinubu.
“Fairness and equity demand that our president should hand over power to the ANPP bloc when his tenure expires in 2031.
“We are aware that Mr. President is too busy and may not be aware of the exclusion of the former ANPP bloc from the scheme of things, and that is why we are bringing it to his notice,” Prof. Ajumbe said.
The national coordinator further bemoaned the exclusion of members of the ANPP bloc in the appointments of ministers, ambassadors, board members, and heads of government agencies by the Tinubu administration.
He warned that the ANPP bloc in the APC may be tempted to seek greener pastures elsewhere should the bloc be rejected by the Tinubu administration.
Prof. Ajumbe said the ANPP bloc in the APC thought the coming of Tinubu as president in 2023 would erase the bad experience under the Buhari administration, but expressed dismay that the trend has continued under the current government.
“The bone of contention is that, out of the appointments so far given out, ranging from ministerial, managerial, and executive directorship among several other plum/juicy appointments under the Tinubu-led government, the ANPP bloc in APC has been conspicuously left out.
“There was never a time we doubted the political shrewdness of President Bola Tinubu as a thoroughbred politician whose coming was seen as the coming of the Messiah, to set democracy free, by ensuring that equity, justice and fair play are given the free hand to flourish, unlike what we witnessed throughout the eight years of his predecessor,” he added.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.