Politics

Adeleke is Osun State Governor – Supreme Court

By Web News 2215

The Supreme Court has affirmed Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the elected Governor of Osun State.

Mr Gboyega Oyetola and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, approached the apex court in a suit numbered, SC/CV/510/2023, praying the court to set aside the decision of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which voided the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Oyetola as the winner of the November July 16, 2022 governorship election.

Mr Oyetola and APC in their case filed to Supreme Court by their lead counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), want the apex court to determine whether the appellate court was right “in declaring as nullity the judgment of the tribunal delivered on January 27 notwithstanding the earlier resolution of the same court that Section 294(1) of the Constitution is inapplicable to a tribunal”.

The Justice Tertsea Kume led-tribunal, had on January 27, in a split decision of two-to-one, voided the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election held on July 16, 2022.

In the majority judgment, the tribunal upheld a petition filed by the former governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC who came second in the election.

It held that Adeleke did not score the majority of lawful votes, adding that the conduct of the election was not in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

However, in his dissenting judgment, the third member of the panel, Justice P. Agbuli, affirmed Senator Adeleke as the valid winner of the election and struck out the petition that was lodged by Oyetola and the APC.

The development triggered the Adeleke and his party, to approach the Appeal Court, and prayed the appellate court to set aside the verdict of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sacked him from office.

The court, which found Adeleke’s appeal meritorious and allowed it held that the lower tribunal was “wrong to reach the conclusion that there was over-voting during the state governorship election held on 16 July 2022″.

Justice Mohamed Lawal Shuaibu, who prepared and delivered the unanimous judgment held that “the lower tribunal was wrong to have come to the conclusion of overvoting based on the document presented by the first and second respondents (Oyetola and APC) and also on Exhibit BVR, which requires demonstration in public court”.

The Court of Appeal noted that Oyetola and the APC “did not tender the voters’ registers and Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines,” which captured data of eligible voters at the Osun governorship election and held that the foundation of what transpired at the polling units would only be established by the evidence that is contained in the voter register and BVAS machines, which are the foundation of any election”.

Aside from setting aside the judgment of the lower tribunal, the appellate court awarded 500,000 naira cost against the APC and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola.

Similarly, the court dismissed the cross-appeal filed against the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal by the former Osun State governor and his party.

The cross-appeal which centred on the educational qualification of Governor Adeleke was thrown out for lacking in merit.

Culled/Tribune/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Politics

Four Aspirants To Contest Chairmanship Position Of Oyo APC

By Web News 719

Four aspirants from the Oke-Ogun axis have been cleared to contest for the chairmanship position of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State at this Saturday, 23rd October’s congress of the party.

They are Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Honorable Bolade Yekini, Honorable Isaac Omodewu, and Honorable Dele Akinleye.

Secretary of the screening committee in Oyo State, Honourable Afeez Bolaji-Repete stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria. 

He explained that 73 aspirants were screened for 36 available state executive positions of the party, out of which all the 4 aspirants for the position of Deputy Youth leader were disqualified because of being over-aged.

Honourable Bolaji-Repete who is also the Deputy National Youth Leader of APC said 15 women also participated in the screening exercise.

He said the screening revealed that the party has in stock, quality, competent, and brilliant people, who were ready to consolidate on the gains of Chief Akin Oke’s outgoing State Executive.

Honourable Bolaji-Repete gave the assurance that the party’s congress on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly Liberty Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan would be hitch-free and carnival-like as the APC has the mechanism to settle their differences.

Ridwan Fasasi

Politics

Osinbajo Revalidates APC Membership in Ikenne

By Web News 659

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has encouraged state government to continue to train, educate and formalize their local security structures to enable them to complement the Federal law enforcement agencies.

Professor Osinbajo made the call during the revalidation and registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ikenne local government area of Ogun state.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who stressed the need to strengthen the community policing structures expressed optimism that the new service chiefs would adopt fresh strategies in the fight against insurgency in the North East as well as banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country

The Vice President pointed out that with the collaborative efforts of the Police, State and Federal Ministries of Justice, those that have been arrested for kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminalities would be prosecuted .

Professor Osinbajo also said that the party registration and revalidation exercise was an opportunity to reach out to members from the polling booth level towards, Local Government, and Federal constituencies

The Vice President who acknowledged that the country was facing challenges, said the APC led administration was working hard to ensure that the problems are addressed.

Professor Osinbajo who pointed out that apart from various microcredit schemes, payroll support programmes, Npower, and the 774000 jobs programme, the Federal Government had launched a mass housing scheme, mass agriculture and solar home systems for 5millions homes.

Also, the state Governor prince Dapo Abiodun who revalidated his membership at Iperu 1, ward 3, Ita Osanyin, in Ikenne Local Government area of the state enjoined members of the ruling party to accommodate and receive all new members from other parties with love.

In a remark, the Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Bello who is the National chairman Registration and Revalidation committee, said that doors were open to others who want to join the party, adding that the exercise would be conducted in a very peaceful manner.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Osun APC Kicks-off Registration Of New Members

By Web News 831

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has canvassed mass participation in the All Progressives Congress, APC, membership registration and revalidation exercise.

Governor Oyetola stated this at the flag-off of the APC membership registration and revalidation exercise in Ila-Orangun and Iragbiji, the headquarters of Ila and Boripe Local Governments.

The governor said the registration exercise became necessary as it would afford the leadership of the party the opportunity to update the membership register of the party by accommodating new members while also enabling existing members to revalidate their membership.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola after revalidating his membership of the APC

He noted that the exercise would further help to expand the membership base of the party which, according to him, was in tandem with the reform that National Caretaker and Extra-ordinary/Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) put in place.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Osun State and pioneer interim APC National Chairman, Chief Abdul-Kareem Adebisi Akande, expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the party for the honour of being the second person to register after President Muhammadu Buhari.

While urging the party leadership to make a huge success of the registration exercise which he said would determine the success of the party in future elections, the former governor charged the Governor Buni-led Caretaker Committee to resist all temptations of sit-tight syndrome.

Earlier, the leader of the APC Membership Registration and Revalidation Monitoring Committee in Southwest, Senator Lawali Shuaib, commended Chief Akande for being resolute and committed to democratic tenets and party’s principles since its establishment.

Senator Lawali noted that the choice of Ila Orangun, the home town of Chief Akande, as the venue for the southwest flag-off registration exercise, was a deliberate decision.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

The New Year will bring blessings for all – Otunba Alao-Akala

By Web News 1043

As people the world over still bask in the euphoria of the New Year, a former governor of Oyo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala has felicitated with the entire people of the state.

Otunba Akala in his New Year message congratulated the people of Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Oyo and Ibarapa zones for enjoying God’s mercy to witness another year.

 Former Governor Akala also wished traditional rulers in the state, religious and socio-political organisations as well as market men and women groups a happy and prosperous new year.

He however appreciated the support of his party, APC, and his political associates, praying that the New Year would bring about enviable achievements for all.

Chief Akala also urged Oyo state residents to stay safe and be hopeful for better days.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

Armed Mobile Policemen Take over Ondo Assembly

By Web News 655

Armed Mobile Police Officers have taken over the Ondo State House of Assembly premises ostensibly to commence the impeachment of the defected deputy governor Hon. Agboola Ajayi may be impeached today.

No fewer than 10 police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps patrol vehicles were stationed at the entrance of the Assembly. Visitors were turned back by the stern-looking security personnel manning the gate.

 Journalists were asked to call the chairman of the House Committee on information, Hon Gbenga Omole who will give express permission for them to gain access into the complex. Only lawmakers and workers in the complex were allowed into the premises.

Recall that the lawmakers were asked to return from their recess through a paid advertisement in a national newspaper last weekend.

The paid advert was signed by the clerk of the Assembly Bode Adeyelu, who said that legislative duties would commence immediately. Adeyelu said their recess expired on Friday, July 3.

Meanwhile, reports had it that the lawmakers were recalled to commenced the impeachment of the defected deputy governor. The embattled Deputy Governor, Ajayi, however, sensing danger had late yesterday (Monday) approached the court to halt his planned impeachment.

 Ajayi through his lawyer has filed a suit seeking to stop the impeachment proceeding and enforce his fundamental right of association. Other defendants in the suit filed by his lawyers, aside from the House of Assembly, include the Inspector General of Police, State Commissioner Of Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr David Oloyelogun.

 The suit filed by Mr I. Olatoke SAN seeks to enforce the fundamental right of the Deputy Governor to retain his position having defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Media aides to Ajayi said that the assembly had since been served with the court papers.

Vanguard

Politics

Reconciliation Moves: APC Caretaker Committee Meets Akande in Ila-Orangun

By Web News 863

The National Caretaker Committee members of the ruling All
Progressives Congress, APC, have visited the former interim National
Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande in Ila Orangun, Osun State.

The chairman of the committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mr Mala Buni
led who led other members said the meeting was to begin the
reconciliation process and find a lasting solution to the crisis has
rocking the party.

Receiving the committee members, Chief Akande advised them to carry
all members of the party along in the resolution of the internal
crisis.

Those who attended the over one-hour meeting include, the Secretary of
the caretaker committee, Mr Akpan Udoedehe, Osun State Governor, Mr
Gboyega Oyetola and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Sani Bello.

Gold FM

Politics

Osun Former SSG Rejoins All Progressives Congress

By Web News 708

The candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP in the 2018 governorship election in Osun State, Alhaji  Moshood Adeoti, has returned to the fold of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Alhaji Adeoti, who returned to the party with his supporters in Osogbo, said APC was most ideological and progressive party in the country.

The former secretary to Osun State Government said he rejoined the party with the sole aim of building and strengthening it.

He said his intention was to join forces with other members of the party in order to reconcile some of the aggrieved members of the party as well as resolving internal crisis rocking the party in the state .

Alhaji Adeoti  enjoined his supporters to formally join and actively participate in all activities of the APC in their respective wards.

Receiving the former S.S.G and his supporters, the APC Director of Publicity and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi who described the return of Adeoti as home coming, said the former SSG was a progressive minded politician who shared progressive ideology and principles 

Mr Oyatomi promised that the party would continue to accord all members equal opportunity in the party.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

Court Strikes out Appeal against Ondo APC Lawmaker

By Web News 910

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital has dismissed an appeal filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osulowo Tibetan against the election of a lawmaker representing Okitipupa State Constituency -2, Mr James Ololade-Gbegudu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, Appeal Court and the Supreme Court had upheld the sack of Akinwunmi of the APC as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and declared Ololade-Gbegudu as the winner of the 2019 APC assembly primary.

Months after the case had been settled in favour of Ololade-Gbegudu, the PDP assembly candidate in the 2019 general election, Osulowo approached the Appellate Court to grant him the permission to appeal against the court’s decision and asked the court to declare him the winner of the poll.

Osulowo noted that since Akinwunmi who participated in the election had been sacked for not winning his party’s primaries, he should have been declared the lawmaker instead of Ololade-Gbegudu.

Delivering the lead judgment of the Court through a virtual proceeding with all the Counsel to the parties in attendance in the open Court, Justice O. F Omoleye agreed with the lawmaker’s Counsels, Femi Emodamori and Ifedayo Olanipekun that the application of the PDP candidate contravened Section 285(11) and (12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The court held that the constitution stipulates that an appeal in a pre-election matter must be filed within 14 days from the date of the judgment, and that the appeal itself must be heard and determined within 60 days after same is filed. 

The Court consequently struck out the application with N100,000 costs awarded against PDP and Osulowo Tibetan, in favour of Mr Ololade-Gbegudu.

Leke Adegbite

Politics

Oshiomhole’s National Working Committee (NWC) of APC Dissolved

By Web News 741

The Adams Oshiomhole-led national working committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been dissolved.

Victor Giadom, acting National Chairman of the party, announced the development at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party at the state house in Abuja.

Governor of Yobe state, Mai-Mala Buni, was named Chairman of the caretaker/extra-ordinary convention committee while the governors of Osun and Niger were appointed as members.

He was immediately sworn in by the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami.

Speaking after his appointment, the APC caretaker chairman said:”Today’s NEC meeting is a continuation of the last adjourned NEC meeting. So we are in no way in any aberration regarding the party constitution.”

President Muhammadu Buhari recommended the dissolution of the NWC which NEC accepted.

But the council ratified all decisions taken regarding the Edo governorship primary election.

The APC was thrown into a leadership crisis after the court appeal upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the party.

Gaidom declared himself as acting national chairman but the NWC loyal to Oshiomhole called him an impostor and tussled with him over the leadership of the party.

But President Buhari threw his weight behind Gaidom — an action which rankled the NWC.

The Oshiomhole-led NWC had announced it would boycott the meeting, describing the president’s decision to support Gaidom as ill-advised.

FRCN Abuja

Politics

Ajimobi will Resume as Acting National Chairman Soon- Oyo APC Spokesperson

By Web News 841

The Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr Abdulazeez Olatunde, on Saturday assured Nigerians that the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Abiola Ajimobi will resume office as the acting National Chairman very soon.

Olatunde disclosed  this in a telephone interview with Newspeakonline.

Olatunde also said there is no  crisis in the party at national level, saying the National Working Committee(NWC) of the party has done the right by appointing Hilliard Eta to act as National Chairman until Ajimobi resumes.  

“There is no crisis in our our party, Etta is the one acting on behalf of our leader, His Excellency, Abiola Ajimobi.

 “By the grace of God, you know the ultimate power belongs to God, but I can assure you that our leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will resume office as the acting National Chairman very soon. He is recuperating very fast.” 

Recall the internet went into frenzy on Thursday night over the health status of the former governor. 

Some online media outlet  had published that Ajimobi had died while others reported he was on life support. 

The news of Ajimobi’s death was eventually debunked by his spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, who said the former governor was alive but needs “our prayers.”

Akinwande Soji-Ojo(Adewumi Faniran)

Politics

LG Crisis: We will deal decisively with any law-breaker – Oyo Govt.

By Web News 689

Oyo state government has appealed to the teeming people of the state to remain calm, law-abiding and patient, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the dissolved local government chairmen in Oyo state slated for 19th of February, 2020.

The government of Oyo State also said it would bring the full weight of the law to bear on the criminal and violent takeover of some Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas’ Secretariats by the sacked chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC). 

A statement by the Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Babatunde Oduyoye, says the purported action of the sacked chairmen amounted to criminality and unwarranted provocation.

The statement notes that reports from different parts of Oyo State confirmed that the chairmen resorted to break-ins and vandalisation of government properties.

It maintains that the court should be allowed to make its decision on who is right or wrong on the matter on ground, insisting, however, that the government, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would not sit down and watch some desperate elements destroy the state and create fear in the minds of the people.

It explains that a drastic measure will be taken on the reports of destruction and violence which characterised the resumption of the sacked chairmen.

Oyo state government added that as a law-abiding and peace-loving Government, the 68 caretaker chairmen appointed by Governor Makinde were directed to stay away from the secretariats in order to forestall an outbreak of violence. 

The statement urges the chairmen to keep peace and order in their respective local councils.

Iyabo Adebisi