Politics
Ondo guber: Anxiety mounts as 1.7 million voters decide governorship race
Published
Ondo guber: Anxiety mounts – INEC and security agencies…
INEC and security agencies face immense pressure to deliver a transparent, credible, and peaceful election in Ondo State.
An atmosphere of anxiety grips Ondo State as 1,793,914 registered voters head to the polls today to elect their next governor.
The race pits incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a contest marred by last-minute controversies and heightened security concerns.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approved 17 political parties for the election, but a court ruling on Wednesday, November 13, disqualified Olusola Ebiseni of the Labour Party, the third most prominent contender, disrupting the party’s campaign strategy.
Justice Adebukola Banjoko, chairing the Court of Appeal panel, ruled that Ebiseni’s candidacy was invalid, reinstating Olorunfemi Festus as the Labour Party’s standard-bearer less than 24 hours before the polls. This decision led to confusion among Labour Party supporters.
“The appeal brought by the Labour Party is allowed,” Justice Banjoko declared. INEC swiftly complied, replacing Ebiseni’s name with Festus on Friday, November 15.
Vote Buying Allegations Surface
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring organisation, recently flagged these activities as part of growing vote-buying concerns in Ondo. [Getty Images]
As election day unfolds, allegations of vote buying threaten to overshadow the democratic process. Hon. Samuel Boniface, the Labour Party youth leader in Ondo State, alleged that PDP stakeholders attempted to bribe him with over ₦100 million to dismantle the Labour Party’s structure.
“I declined because I have a goal. I can’t sell my conscience like that,” Boniface stated, adding that similar offers were made during his 2023 House of Representatives campaign.
Observers fear these inducements could undermine the credibility of the election, with both major parties accused of voter manipulation.
Security and Violence Concerns
Angry protesters. [Getty Images]
Election day also brings heightened security risks following reports of attacks in Idanre and Owo. In Idanre, suspected armed thugs assaulted PDP members, hospitalising six individuals. PDP officials accused APC supporters of orchestrating the violence.
In Owo, memories of the 2022 terrorist massacre that claimed over 70 lives loom large, fuelling fears of election-day unrest.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced the deployment of over 22,000 officers to safeguard lives and property. Security personnel have taken positions at strategic locations across the state.
“Effective security measures are in place to ensure voters can exercise their rights without fear,” the police assured.
Critical Test for Democracy
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials sort and count ballots during the vote counting process at a polling station in Kano on February 25, 2023, during Nigeria’s presidential and general election. [Getty Images]
As voting begins, Ondo residents remain hopeful that the election will reflect the will of the people despite the challenges.
The outcome is seen as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience amid allegations of corruption and threats to voter safety.
INEC and security agencies face immense pressure to deliver a transparent, credible, and peaceful election in Ondo State.
#Ondo #guber #Anxiety #mounts #million #voters #decide #governorship #race
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Politics
Nigeria’ll get much better in 2025, APC assures
Published
6 days agoon
December 16, 2024By
JohnNigeria’ll get much better – Nigeria’ll get much better…
Nigeria’ll get much better – The All Progressives Congress…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Nigeria will get much better in 2025 with the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to reposition the country and set it on the path of development.
The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, gave the assurance at the party’s Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons on Sunday evening.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the programme,tagged “Christ In You, Hope of Glory”was held at the party’s secretariat at Ogba.
Ojelabi, who noted that 2024 had been challenging economically and politically, said that the President had ,nonetheless, been able to stabilise the country.
“We thank God for giving us a president who is bold, courageous and able to take some decisions that will make things better for everyone in the long run.
“As we gradually move into 2025, I want to reassure Nigerians that the Renewed Hope of the Tinubu-led administration is still very much on course, and we have no doubt that things will get much better next year,” the chairman said.
According to him, the party has cause to appreciate God for the remarkable achievements of both Tinubu and Gov.Babajide Sanwo-Olu .
Ojelabi said that the Carol was organised to appreciate God for all He had been doing for the ruling party in the country.
“With all the efforts Mr President is putting into developing the economy and the efforts of the governor of Lagos State, we need to thank God for everything. These flag bearers of our party are doing wonderfully well.
“We don’t have anything to give than appreciate God for what He is using this gentleman (Tinubu) to do in the country.
“Through his reforms, he is gradually revamping the economy and making life much better for the people.
“Generally, APC has every cause to thank the Almighty God for what we are seeing. Today, we are increasing in membership.
“This shows that the people are pleased with the philosophy of the All Progressives Congress.
“So, it (Carol) is our own little way of showing appreciation and reaching out to vulnerable members of the public ,” he said.
According to him, as 2025 approaches, Nigerians must remain focused and united in supporting the party’s efforts to rebuild the country and set it on the path of sustainable development.
He said that Nigerians must believe more in the philosophy and the reform agenda of the President.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration is in the best interest of our nation”,he said.
In his short remark, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, assured residents of his commitment to achieving his administration’s THEME Plus Agenda.
Commending the people for their continued support for APC, Sanwo-Olu said that the government would not rest on its oars but be more dedicated to impacting lives in the state.
Urging residents to be optimistic and committed to the growth and development of the state, Sanwo-Olu called them to set aside their differences and embrace peace and unity.
He said, “ We have every reason to be thankful for what God has used our party to achieve at the centre, state, and local governments.
“The journey of the APC is by resilience and we should also remember the value that binds us,” he said.
Speaking at the programme, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, commended the party’s leadership for organising the Carol.
He prayed God to continue to guide leaders to further the state’s progress.
NAN reports that hundreds of party members ,leaders as well as members of Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet attended the programme.
Wife of Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Wife of Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamotu Gbajabiamila, were also present.
Also at the event were some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, traders’ associations and religious and ethnic groups.
NAN reports that the party distributed 25kg bags of EKO RICE to no fewer than 2000 people from across the different electoral wards at the event.
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Politics
We have competent people – PDP denies wooing Jonathan for 2027 presidency
Published
1 week agoon
December 15, 2024By
JohnWe have competent people – We have competent people…
We have competent people – The main opposition, the…
The main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shot down reports that it invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to jostle for the 2027 presidency on its platform.
The PDP said that though Jonathan, as a member, is eligible to contest and needs no invitation, it boasts 12 governors and many competent people eligible enough to represent the party in the next presidential election.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made this known during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he vehemently denied that the party had offered its ticket to Jonathan.
According to him “The report that PDP has issued its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest the 2027 presidential election is not true.
“What happened is this: I had an interview with a journalist where we discussed some issues. But in the course of the interview, he mentioned President Jonathan, asking about our opinion of him, because there are reports that he is being urged to run for the presidency.
“I responded by saying that he (Jonathan) is eligible to contest the election, because he is a Nigerian and has the right to do that by the provision of the law, and he still has one more term left. So, there is nothing wrong about him contesting the presidential election because he is eligible in the face of the law.”
PDP says no need to woo Jonathan
Abdullahi stressed that PDP had done enough for Jonathan and as a member of their party, there was no way they would woo him.
While reiterating that the party has yet to discuss the issue with the former President, the spokesman noted that Jonathan’s wife recently declared that nothing would convince her husband to contest for the presidency again.
“It wasn’t long ago that his wife said nothing would make her husband run for the presidency, that he didn’t leave behind or forget anything in the Villa for people to think that he’d come back to contest the position again. How then can we consider him? A ticket is given to someone who has shown interest,” he added.
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Politics
It's insensitive to declare Tinubu's intent to contest in 2027 – CUPP slams Presidency
Published
1 week agoon
December 14, 2024By
JohnIt's insensitive to declare – It's insensitive to declare…
It's insensitive to declare – The Conference of United…
The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the Presidency for what it described as an insensitive and premature declaration regarding President Bola Tinubu’s intent to seek re-election in 20207.
According to the group, such a declaration is out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerians amid the prevalent economic challenges.
CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said this in reaction to a statement attributed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Akume reportedly stated that President Tinubu would contest and win the 2027 election.
Ameh described the statement as a boastful and ill-time tone-deaf remark considering the plight of millions of Nigerians amid ongoing hardship.
“The recent declaration has sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the administration’s priorities and sensitivity to citizens’ plight. Given the current economic hardships, Tinubu’s victory seems unrealistic,” the CUPP National Secretary said in a statement on Friday, December 13, 2024.
He noted that the Tinubu administration’s policies have worsened issues such as poverty, inflation, and unemployment, eroding public trust.
Speaking further, Ameh observed that Akume’s declaration could be a diversionary tactic, intended to shift focus away from the pressing issues Nigerians are contending with.
He advised the administration to concentrate its energy on resolving the identified problems, including insecurity and infrastructural decay, instead of boasting about electoral victories.
ALSO READ: 2027 Presidency: APC responds to rumoured Atiku, Obi alliance against Tinubu
The CUPP official also questioned the administration’s understanding of democracy, stressing that democracy is about responding to the needs and aspirations of the people.
While urging that more focus should be on governance rather than electoral outcomes, Ameh warned that such statements undermine the democratic process and ignore the possibility that Nigerians might have a different choice in 2027.
“Nigerians deserve a more inclusive and responsive governance that prioritises their needs and aspirations,” he concluded.
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