On Friday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja firmly rejected an appeal from governorship aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua. The duo had sought to disqualify the PDP’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, scheduled for September 21. The appeal, designated CA/ABJ/CV/863/2024, aimed to overturn a previous decision made by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. On April 17, Justice Omotosho had dismissed their case, ruling it as statute-barred, meaning it was filed outside the legally permitted timeframe. The court also found that Esene and…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has highlighted the challenges faced by Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, in bringing his refinery to operational status. Atiku’s comments come amid his broader criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led governments, which he accuses of implementing policies detrimental to the private sector. In a statement posted on X, Atiku emphasised the resilience and determination required for private sector success in Nigeria, using Dangote’s journey as an example of overcoming significant hurdles. He noted that if Nigeria is to achieve economic growth through private investment, the…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided detailed updates on its ongoing preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. During a press briefing held in Abuja, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr Sam Olumekun, represented by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Mary Nkem, emphasised the commission’s commitment to conducting the elections with the utmost integrity and transparency. Mr Olumekun highlighted the critical role of the media in the electoral process, stressing that journalists serve not only as conveyors of information but also as key…
In a significant update ahead of the upcoming local government elections, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has amended the age qualification for candidates, reducing the minimum age from 30 to 25 years. This change, announced by the Commission’s Chairman, Babatunde Osibodu, aligns the state’s electoral guidelines with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, allowing a younger cohort of candidates to participate in the democratic process. According to Osibodu, the adjustment follows a comprehensive review of the laws governing local government elections in Ogun State. The decision was made to bring OGSIEC’s guidelines in line with Section 7(4) and…
The Lagos State Police Command has taken custody of Adeleye Ayomide, a 23-year-old accused of murdering Idowu Christiana, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Ayomide was handed over to the police by the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade Headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, 5th September 2024, marking a significant step forward in the investigation of the tragic incident. The transfer of the suspect was confirmed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who made the announcement via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye has been handed over to…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has strongly condemned the recent surge of violence perpetrated by unidentified gunmen, which has left several security personnel dead and public facilities destroyed. The attacks targeted the council headquarters of the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area (LGA), resulting in the death of security guards. Additionally, the Divisional Police Headquarters in Obowo LGA was set ablaze, and a policeman was brutally killed in his home near the NEPA junction in the Umulogho community of the same LGA. In a press statement, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Lancelot Obiaku, expressed the party’s…
The Delta State Police Command announced on Thursday that a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, has died following a gun battle with police operatives in Ewu community, Ughelli South Local Government Area. The incident occurred during an investigative operation led by the police, aiming to crack down on a kidnapping ring operating in the area. Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed details of the encounter that led to the suspect’s demise. He explained that the police had previously arrested Ofoye on 18th July as part of an ongoing investigation into a…
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has taken decisive action to dissolve its executive committees in Taraba, Benue, Oyo, Bauchi, and Gombe states. This decision, announced in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ladipo Johnson, followed an emergency meeting held by the NWC in Abuja on Thursday. The dissolution affects the entire executive structure of the party, from the state level down to the ward level in the affected states. According to Mr Johnson, the dissolution is part of a broader strategy to revitalise and reposition the NNPP in these key…
The political crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) continues to deepen as the party’s National Chairman, Edozie Njoku, issued a stern warning to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Njoku expressed his growing frustration with Soludo’s stance on the leadership tussle, cautioning that his patience is wearing thin. Despite multiple court rulings affirming Njoku’s position as the legitimate National Chairman of APGA, the dispute remains unresolved. Njoku emphasised that while there is still an opportunity for reconciliation, this hinges on Governor Soludo’s willingness to engage constructively. The…
In a significant legal victory for opposition parties, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from imposing exorbitant fees on candidates contesting in the upcoming local government elections. The ruling comes after KANSIEC announced that chairmanship and councillorship candidates would be required to pay N10 million and N5 million respectively as part of their election bid. This decision sparked widespread criticism, leading to legal action spearheaded by several political parties. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, granted the restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by the…
Prominent South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In a strongly worded petition, Clark urged the IGP to arrest and prosecute Wike for his incendiary statements threatening to incite violence in states governed by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Clark’s petition, read aloud during a press briefing at his Asokoro residence, was a direct response to comments made by Wike during a PDP state congress in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. At…
A wave of panic swept through Ogun State when a 29-year-old passenger, identified as Anuoluwapo Aderemi, tragically collapsed and died while travelling on a commercial bus. The incident occurred during a journey from Papalanto Motor Park in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, throwing both passengers and the driver into shock. Reports indicate that the unfortunate event unfolded at approximately 7:45 pm on a Tuesday evening, as the bus made a brief stop at a filling station in Itori to refuel. The situation escalated rapidly when Aderemi, who was initially showing signs of distress, collapsed suddenly,…
Traders, transport operators, and artisans in Umuahia, Abia State, are expressing deep concerns over the recent surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many warned that the rising cost of fuel threatens to cripple their businesses and exacerbate the already difficult economic conditions faced by ordinary Nigerians. The recent removal of the fuel subsidy, which was intended to stabilise fuel prices, has instead led to skyrocketing costs at the pump, forcing many small business owners to make tough decisions to stay afloat. Many in…
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has firmly dismissed attempts to persuade Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, to leave the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Umeh, addressing an extended stakeholders’ meeting of the Labour Party in Umuahia, stated that such efforts are futile and reflect a misunderstanding of Obi’s political journey and commitment to the party. During the meeting, Umeh highlighted the pivotal role that the Labour Party played in elevating Obi’s political profile during the 2023 presidential elections. He emphasised that Obi’s significant traction and popularity among Nigerian voters were largely due to the…
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has strongly endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as a worthy successor who possesses the competence needed to steer Edo State towards continued progress. Obaseki, who made this statement during the PDP’s campaign in Etsako East Local Government Area, emphasised the importance of electing a capable leader to build upon the achievements of his administration. Obaseki’s endorsement of Ighodalo is rooted in his belief that the state requires a leader with proven skills and a strong track record. He warned that electing an incompetent governor would not only halt the…
Two men, Kola Peters and Lasisi Mustapha, have been arraigned before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges related to the alleged theft of stone-breaking machines valued at N12 million. The court proceedings, which took place on Thursday, involved serious allegations of conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen goods, all in violation of the state’s criminal laws. Peters, 53, and Mustapha, 40, both of whom did not disclose their addresses, are accused of orchestrating the theft and handling of stolen machinery belonging to ENL Construction Company, located in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan. According to the prosecution, represented by Corporal…
In a disturbing incident that has raised concerns about security in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, gunmen have abducted a man identified as Benedick Akika. The abduction occurred on Wednesday evening at Akika’s residence in Olorunda Aba, located within the Lagelu Local Government Area of the state. As of Thursday, Akika’s whereabouts remain unknown, and there has been no communication from the kidnappers regarding his release or demands. According to sources, the gunmen stormed Akika’s home under the cover of darkness, seizing him before escaping without a trace. The incident has left the local community in shock and fear,…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep disappointment over the Nigerian government’s failure, under President Bola Tinubu, to honour the late Taiwo Michael Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, with a state burial that he was rightfully promised. Abubakar’s comments highlight growing discontent regarding the treatment of a national hero whose contributions symbolise Nigeria’s unity and identity. The late Taiwo Michael Akinkunmi, fondly known as “Mr. Flag Man,” passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that is woven into the very fabric of Nigeria’s national identity. Despite promises made to his family, the Federal…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected the recent increase in the pump price of petrol in Nigeria, labelling the move as reckless and ill-timed. In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Thursday, the PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to reverse the latest fuel price hike, warning of its severe socio-economic implications for Nigerians already struggling with rising costs of living. Ologunagba condemned the fuel price increase, describing it as a thoughtless decision that exacerbates the existing economic challenges faced by millions of Nigerians. He argued…
urged the government to instruct the NNPCL to reverse the price increase immediately, warning of the severe socio-economic consequences if the decision is not overturned. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere highlighted the pressing economic challenges currently faced by Nigerians. The organisation criticised the timing of the price hike, noting that citizens are already burdened by a severe socio-economic crunch that has made daily living increasingly difficult. “This is the wrong time to implement any policy that would exacerbate the hardships Nigerians are currently enduring,” Afenifere stated. “If the NNPCL fails to reverse the latest…