Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso

Widespread anger and condemnation have followed the Federal High Court’s judgement, which dismissed a case challenging the defection of 27 sacked members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, declared the decampment as a pre-election matter and dismissed the suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP). The APP had sought to replace the lawmakers, who were loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the grounds that they had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level playing field in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024. Jonathan made the call in a statement on Thursday, emphasising the need for peace before, during, and after the polls. The former president stressed the importance of free and fair elections, calling on political actors and stakeholders to prioritise the peace and security of Edo State, in line with efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan highlighted the…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has accused the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) of deliberately hindering opposition parties in the lead-up to the local government elections scheduled for 22 February 2025. This accusation follows revelations by OSSIEC, led by its chairman, Hashim Abioye, which the APC claims have undermined the chances of its candidates in the forthcoming election. It was earlier reported that OSSIEC raised concerns over the improper nomination of candidates by three political parties, including the APC, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Peoples Party (APP). According to Abioye, during a presentation of the…

The Chairman of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Charles Ejiogu, has announced that the Commission has successfully trained 15,000 ad-hoc staff in preparation for the upcoming local council elections scheduled for 21 September. Speaking to journalists at the ISIEC headquarters, Ejiogu assured that the Commission is committed to conducting a free and fair election, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties participating in the polls. The election is set to take place across all 305 wards and 4,758 polling units in the state. Ejiogu reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to deliver a credible and transparent election. He…

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to recent allegations made by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Governor Lawal had accused his predecessor, Matawalle, of sponsoring banditry, a claim that has sparked controversy. The accusations arose after a memo surfaced on social media, allegedly showing how the government has been making payments to bandits. In a televised interview on TVC, Lawal suggested that Matawalle should resign to clear his name, citing his involvement in bandit activities. In response, HURIWA, through a press release signed by its National Coordinator,…

With just two days remaining before the Edo State governorship election, concerns have been raised about the continued arrest of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Police. The Edo Collectives, a socio-political group, sounded the alarm on Thursday, calling attention to the detainment of several PDP members. In a statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Ese Ipboba, the arrested individuals were identified as PDP chieftains Chief Ehikioha Clifford, Friday Adams, and Obehi Stanley. According to the statement, they were apprehended by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on Thursday. The group expressed concern that the reasons for…

The International Press Centre (IPC) has issued a call for journalists and media professionals covering the upcoming Edo governorship election on 21 September to prioritise their safety. The appeal was made by the IPC’s Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade, through a statement released by Melody Akinjiyan, the Press Freedom Officer of the centre. Arogundade stressed the importance of journalists taking extra precautions while covering the election, citing the persistent risk of attacks on media personnel during election periods. “It is crucial for journalists covering the Edo election to remain safety-conscious and avoid situations that could jeopardise their well-being,” he warned.…

The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s dedication to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians. He made this statement while addressing a large gathering of APC supporters during a zonal rally campaign held ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Gumel, Hadejia, and Jahun. Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Namadi emphasised that the APC-led administration, both at the federal and state levels, is fully committed to mitigating the current economic difficulties affecting citizens across the country. “The APC is doing everything within its capacity, both at the Federal and state…

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has expressed strong confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) achieving a sweeping victory in the upcoming local government elections slated for Saturday, 21 September. Speaking at the grand finale of the party’s campaign rally held at Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, the governor addressed a large gathering of party supporters and candidates for various elective positions. He firmly stated that the APC’s popularity, particularly at the grassroots level, coupled with its people-oriented policies, would ensure a resounding success at the polls. “The APC has worked hard to connect with the people through meaningful policies. With…

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Thursday, submitted a comprehensive report on transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector to President Bola Tinubu. Jega was appointed as the co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms by the Tinubu administration in July 2024. The report is expected to provide strategic recommendations to revamp the livestock industry in the country. The submission took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking a significant step towards addressing challenges in the livestock sector, including conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as improving productivity and sustainability. Further…

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, announced on Thursday that the Senate would work on amending the constitution to support the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. He made this statement while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to former Interim National Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A statement released by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted the Senate President as expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in advancing local government autonomy through the Supreme Court. Akpabio emphasised that under his leadership, the Senate would make…

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr Hajiya Zubaida Umar, has disclosed that 1,061,254 Nigerians have been affected by floods across the country this year. Of these, 634,035 individuals have been displaced, while 94,741 houses have been submerged. Dr Umar, represented by Dr Daniel Obot, NEMA’s Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, made this revelation during the “2024 Downscaling of Flood Early Warning Strategies for Early Actions” event held on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi. She also warned that 16 local government areas in Kebbi State are expected to be severely impacted by floods in the coming months. …

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has organised a prayer session to ensure a violence-free and successful electoral process. The prayer session, held on Thursday in Benin City, was organised as a response to the tensions and threats that have emerged during the political campaigns leading up to the election. Speaking at the event, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, the State Chairman of CAN, urged the electorate to vote for the candidate of their choice, while also emphasising the importance of peace. “The prayer has become necessary given the political atmosphere. We…

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately planting moles within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State to create internal divisions for political gain. The governor made this claim during a visit from the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) on Wednesday. The visit came just a day after the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) met with the governor, who also serves as the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Mohammed voiced concerns about the ongoing rift within the Rivers State PDP, which has seen a power struggle between the incumbent governor,…

The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with armed robbery and acts of thuggery in Minna, the state capital. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the arrests were made following a report on September 14, 2024, at around 10:45 pm. The Chanchaga Police Division received information that a group of six hoodlums, armed with cutlasses and knives, had attacked individuals near the Old City Gate, by Eastern Bypass in Minna, robbing them of mobile phones and other valuables. Upon receiving the report, police patrol teams and local vigilantes were swiftly deployed to…

The Osun State Police Command has apprehended suspected members of the proscribed Yoruba Nation movement. The arrests were made known by the Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Giwa-Alade Emmanuel, during a parade of the suspects at the police headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday. Among those paraded were 61-year-old Fagbayi Oluwafemi, 63-year-old Joy Faseyiku, and 64-year-old Alabede Janet. According to Emmanuel, the suspects were arrested for alleged conspiracy, unlawful assembly, secessionist activities, and treasonable felony while addressing traders at the Obada Market in Ikire. The police spokesperson revealed that the trio had been encouraging traders to abandon their allegiance to Nigeria…

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has responded to allegations circulating in the media, accusing the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of hypocrisy for endorsing the party’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata. Peter Obi recently visited Edo State to campaign for Akpata ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday. In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, POMR refuted claims that Obi’s support for Akpata contradicts his long-standing principles on power rotation. The media team argued that critics are attempting to divert attention from key election issues by attacking Obi’s backing of…

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has made it clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not have a preferred candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election. Musa made this statement on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, which included representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies. Musa emphasized that President Tinubu’s stance is for the will of the people to prevail. “The President’s favourite will be the candidate that the people of Edo State choose,” he said. He further highlighted the President’s directive to ensure…

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 21st September 2024, a socio-political group, Edo Collectives, has issued a stern warning against the importation of thugs into the state. The group expressed concerns about the potential for violence during the election, following reports of the influx of hired thugs. In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the group’s secretary, Musa Osagie, Edo Collectives cautioned that any attempt by external forces to disrupt the election would be met with resistance. “There are reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought in thugs from Kogi and Imo…

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged members of the dissolved National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, formerly led by Julius Abure, to put aside their differences and work with the National Caretaker Committee to strengthen the party. Obi, represented by Datti Baba-Ahmed at the inaugural meeting of the caretaker committee in Abuja on Tuesday night, clarified that it was the party’s constitution that brought an end to Abure’s tenure, not the actions of any individual. He said, “No governor unseated Abure, the constitution unseated him. His tenure came to an end. As of…