In a sweeping triumph, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a resounding victory in Taraba State as they clinched all 16 local government chairmanship seats and 168 ward councilorship positions during the recently concluded local government council election on Saturday. The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) officially declared the results on Sunday in Jalingo, the state capital. Dr. Philip Duwe, the Chairman of TSIEC, disclosed that only six out of the 19 registered political parties actively participated in the keenly contested election. Duwe emphasized the legal validity of the results announced at the local government collation centers, underscoring the…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Aisha Yesufu, a prominent rights activist, has affirmed her commitment to supporting the presidential ambition of Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi. Yesufu clarified that her support for Obi is based on his potential to lead Nigeria, emphasizing that political allegiance should be rooted in the ability to provide good governance rather than shared religion, tribe, or gender. In a statement on X, Yesufu stated, “‘Your own’ in politics is not one you share the same religion, tribe, or gender with. ‘Your own’ is one who can give you good governance.” Expressing her stance on Obi, she continued, “I will…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, has expressed criticism towards former President Goodluck Jonathan for his comments on the recently concluded governorship election in Bayelsa State. Sylva described Jonathan’s remarks as unfortunate after Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured his reelection during last Saturday’s governorship election. Jonathan had congratulated Diri, stating that his victory would enhance the security situation in the state and humorously added that he would have relocated his mother to Abuja if Diri had lost. In response, Sylva questioned the authenticity of Jonathan’s statement, expressing hope that the former president…
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to initiate a comprehensive investigation into allegations of electoral bribery and violence during the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. In a letter dated 11 Nov., signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged Yakubu to take decisive actions, including identifying, arresting, naming, and shaming suspected perpetrators and their sponsors. SERAP emphasized the importance of ensuring effective prosecution, regardless of political status or affiliations. The organization also requested INEC to disclose spending details on the…
The Osun State Government has refuted reports suggesting that Governor Ademola Adeleke appointed an acting Chief Judge after dismissing Chief Judge Oyebola Adepele Ojo. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Oluomo, the government clarified that Governor Adeleke formally communicated the House of Assembly’s resolution and recommendation for an acting appointment to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Governor Adeleke’s notification to the CJN outlined the House of Assembly’s resolution, prompted by numerous petitions against Chief Judge Ojo. The statement emphasized that the governor recommended the appointment of Justice Olayinka David Afolabi in an acting…
In a closed-door meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Lokoja, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State expressed vehement anger towards cabinet members he accuses of betraying him in the recent gubernatorial election. Governor Bello accused some of his allies of betrayal, citing their opposition to his chosen successor, Usman Ododo, who emerged victorious in the election, defeating contenders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). During the meeting, Bello used strong language to describe those he perceived as disloyal, stating, “Shame on you all. I was fighting known enemies while enemies within were pulling…
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has announced a groundbreaking commitment, revealing that his administration plans to allocate 30% of the 2024 state budget to the education sector. Governor Mbah emphasized that education serves as the paramount tool against poverty and underscored his determination to provide world-class education to every child in the state, regardless of their socio-economic background. Addressing the audience at the 19th convocation of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Agbani on Saturday, Governor Mbah, who is also the Visitor to the University, outlined the significant changes expected in the realm of basic…
The Labour Party in Imo State has raised allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of obstructing access to certified true copies (CTCs) of documents related to the concluded November 11 election. The opposition party made these claims in a statement released on Saturday, signed by Chibuikem Diala, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation. In the statement, Diala expressed concern over what the party perceives as a deliberate delay by INEC in providing the requested documents, as mandated by law. The Labour Party had officially requested access to…
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emphasized the importance of graduates creating job opportunities for themselves and others during the third combined convocation ceremony of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, held on Saturday. Inaugurating key projects at the polytechnic, including a 350-capacity lecture hall, volleyball and basketball courts, a multi-purpose court, and an ICT Microsoft Certification Centre, the governor, represented by his deputy Monday Onyeme, urged graduates to view graduation as a moment to set new goals and targets. Governor Oborevwori highlighted the significance of graduates applying the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey, stating, “The public and private…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently conducted off-season elections in three states, fueling concerns among stakeholders about the increasing frequency of such polls in Nigeria. The trend of off-season elections gained momentum after the Supreme Court’s decision to oust Chris Ngige, who contested the 2003 Governorship election in Anambra State. This led to the declaration of Peter Obi, then a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as the winner. Nigeria now witnesses eight off-season governorship elections, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo, each following distinct election timetables. Imo State, for instance, deviated from…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Ondo State Executive Council for passing a vote of confidence in Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing the move as “ridiculous and senseless.” The main opposition party expressed its disapproval in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei. According to the PDP, the action of the 33 cabinet members is not only absurd but also subjects the state to mockery. Peretei urged the executives to be more attentive to their responsibilities, particularly as the state faces challenges in the absence of the governor. The statement highlighted the disarray in Ondo State…
Adekunle Aderibigbe, a Lagos State chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has condemned the recent verdict of the Appeal Court that removed the NNPP’s elected governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf. Aderibigbe, who was also an NNPP candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2023 general elections, expressed his concerns to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), characterizing the decision as an attempt to deprive the majority of Kano citizens of their mandates. In his statement to NAN, Aderibigbe argued that the court’s ruling undermined the fundamental democratic principle of majority choice and citizen participation…
In a resolute address during the 33rd convocation ceremony at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu pledged unwavering dedication to preventing student dropouts in tertiary institutions due to financial constraints. Represented by Professor King-David Terna Yawe of the National Universities Commission (NUC), President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges confronting the education sector and assured that his administration would provide essential resources to enable educational institutions to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Highlighting the commitment to student welfare, President Tinubu pointed to the recent enactment of the Student Loan Bill shortly after his inauguration,…
Governor Yahaya Bello asserted that the recent elections in Kogi State transcended ethnic considerations, emphasizing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory on November 11 by presenting a popular candidate rather than relying on tribal affiliations. He communicated this perspective during an APC stakeholder meeting at the Government House in Lokoja on Saturday. Bello emphasized the need for unity, stating, “Kogi must develop as one united state; under no illusion must any tribe think it could vote for itself and become governor without the support of other tribes.” Reflecting on the 2019 election, where he won without an ethnic…
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced its intention to appeal the recent judgement by the Court of Appeal, which overturned the victory of Governor Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. Following the nullification of the governor’s election on Friday, citing his alleged non-membership in the NNPP during the March 18 poll, Alhaji Abba Ali, the acting national chairman of NNPP, expressed discontent during a news conference in Abuja. Ali labeled the court’s ruling on Yusuf’s membership status as “mischief” and decried it as a miscarriage of justice, asserting that Governor Yusuf had received a popular mandate from the people…
Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), a human rights advocacy group, has strongly criticized the removal of the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, by Governor Ademola Adeleke, deeming it illegal and unconstitutional. In a statement released on Saturday, SPANCI denounced the removal as an executive-legislative conspiracy that undermines democracy, the rule of law, and the essential separation of powers. Governor Adeleke’s recent announcement of the removal sparked concerns about the independence of the judiciary, as SPANCI President, Yemi Ezekiel Bello, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Bello asserted that such actions pose a threat to…
Alhaji Umaru Adamu, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, has expressed apprehension regarding the party’s ability to navigate significant challenges if a governorship rerun becomes necessary. Adamu pointedly addressed the internal divisions within the party, emphasizing that the same internal crises led to a resounding defeat in the 2023 general election. He underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “There is no doubt that there are serious internal crises rocking the party in the State due to the political supremacy of the party leaders.” Speaking to reporters in Gusau, the state capital, Adamu…
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has expressed profound disappointment in the recent Appeal Court ruling that overturned the victory of Gov. Abba Yusuf in Kano. Reacting to the Appellate Court’s decision, Aniebonam conveyed his dismay, considering it a “rude shock” to the party. He emphasized the party’s autonomy in determining its members and questioned the court’s interference in this internal matter. Aniebonam stated, “I do know that it is only the NNPP and its members that can determine who is a member of the party.” He underscored the party’s authority to admit members…
In a recent statement, Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), expressed confidence in the party’s stronghold on the governorship seat. Dismissing concerns about potential opposition, particularly from the Obidient movement linked to former governor Peter Obi, Obi-Okoye asserted that APGA remained resilient. Addressing journalists in Awka, the state capital, Obi-Okoye stated that APGA wasn’t intimidated by the Obidient movement, predicting its eventual fade. Emphasizing past victories over candidates backed by Peter Obi, he conveyed optimism that APGA would repeat its success in the upcoming 2025 election. Referring to Peter Obi’s potential candidate, Valentine…
Socio-political activist Reno Omokri has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is now guaranteed, following the ouster of Abba Yusuf as the Kano State governor. The Appeal Court found that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf was not a member of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) at the time the elections were held, as reported by the media earlier on Friday. Even though Yusuf of the NNPP won the election, the governorship election tribunal’s ruling that he is unable to serve as governor was upheld by the court. In addition, the judges ruled that Governor Yusuf, the…