Northerners in Lagos Promise Ambode Block Vote

Akinwumi Ambode 

Northerners living Lagos State have promised to give the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Akinwumi Ambode, all the votes available to them during the coming April 11 election. Speaking through Chairman of the North Central United Group, Alhaji Kpatako Mohammed, the group, which is the umbrella body for all ethnic nations in North-central Nigeria resident in Lagos State, are firm in their belief that Ambode would emerge winner in the Lagos governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mohammed said, “We are promising Ambode block vote as members and of the North-central United because we believe in continuity, as we have benefited so much from the previous and current governments in Lagos which has thrived on same ideology that prides its progress on the people.”

Mohammed also disclosed that the North-central group is not alone in this resolve, saying, “The Arewa United, to which we all belong as well, has also made similar resolution; and from the way we mobilised for the presidential, it is eminent that the governorship will be a walk-over.”

On strategies they intend to use to make this happen, Mohammed said, “From the structure which we have laid since 2007, courtesy of the magnanimity of Bola Tinubu, mobilising our people for Ambode would not be a big deal. We have people across most Local Government councils in Lagos.”

The North Central United comprises of ethnic groups like, TIV, Idoma, Nupe, Igala, among others that are of North-central origin living in Lagos.

Mohammed used the opportunity to hail successive governments in Lagos, which he said have helped in empowering their members through job provisions and other aids. It would be recalled that the President-elect, Mohammadu Buhari, was hosted by the Arewa community, including the Arewa United and the North-central United groups.


CAPTION:  President-General of Ndigbo=Lagos, Prof Anya O. Anya
Ndigbo Pledges to Support Buhari’s Government
Anayo Okolie

Ndigbo-Lagos, an apex body of South-east States Town Unions and other Igbo socio-cultural associations in Lagos, has promised to support the incoming government of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd.), the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 28 Presidential election.

The statement signed by the group’s President-General, Prof Anya O. Anya and the Director of Communications and Strategy, said: “We wish to seize opportunity to also congratulate you on your victory as the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the group, “We particularly commend you on your doggedness, persistence and states-manly candor in your pursuit of your presidential ambition since 2003. The fact you finally won in your fourth consecutive attempt is a life lesson to young Nigerians who tend to be frustrated by the vicissitudes of life.”

However, before the March 28 presidential election, the group had endorsed the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The reason for the decision, the group said: “Having studied the manifestos and promises of the candidates, that of President Goodluck Jonathan responded better to the critical issues and challenges bedeviling the Igbo nation and indeed the growth, stability and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

“As history beckons on you to write your name in gold, Ndigbo Lagos wishes you the best and hopes that at the conclusion of this your term in office, there will emerge a truly Federal Nigeria in which the Igbo nation and other federating nations will now have quality infrastructure, equitable federal investment, a more secure country that is economically strong with values and higher democratic credentials.”

SOURCE: This Day