A United States-based political
strategy firm, AKPD Message and
Media, engaged by the opposition
All Progressives Congress to
improve its electoral fortunes is
still active, SUNDAY PUNCH has
learnt.
It was gathered in Abuja on Friday
that the Chicago-based firm has
been behind several of the party’s
campaign messages and strategy.
The firm is best known for its
leading role in President Barack
Obama’s presidential campaigns in
2008 and 2012.
AKPD Message and Media is known
to have worked with key
Democratic Party candidates
throughout the US.
It has also earned a reputation for
supporting leading populist
movements across the globe.
The APC had at the beginning of its
contract, stated that, “we shall
leverage on the firm’s skill,
experience and expertise
throughout the upcoming
campaign cycle.’’
According to the party, the
company’s track record could be
seen in political climate similar to
Nigeria’s, including Kenya, Tanzania
and Ghana.
It said the partnership with the firm
was an indication that the process
of change in Nigeria had already
begun and would not be stopped
A highly placed member of the APC,
who pleaded anonymity because
he was not authorised to speak to
the media, explained that the firm
is working behind the scene.
The source said, “They have been
doing their work; they were
involved in surveys and polls,
looking at areas of our strengths
and weaknesses, and advising on
measures to be taken to
consolidate on our gains.
“They are helping to guide our
campaigns to address our needs
and we are getting value for our
investments.”
When contacted, the National
Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lai
Mohammed, told SUNDAY PUNCH
that, “They (the firm) are political
consultants; they are still with us.
“I believe they will remain with us
till we win the elections. I don’t
think the contract is out.”
Meanwhile, the US Government has
said it is assisting the Federal
Government and the Independent
National Electoral Commission in
providing adequate security for the
February general elections.
The US stated that an American
election security expert had visited
Nigeria sometime in 2014.
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
