Governance

Adeleke Warns Political Appointees against Corruption

By Web News 277

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned political appointees against corruption and abuse of office in their various ministries and agencies.

The governor gave the warning at the 2024 prayer programme of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State where he was also endorsed as the governorship flag bearer of the party for 2026 guber polls.

Addressing party stakeholders and top officials of the state government, Governor Adeleke advised the political appointees to be mindful of public service regulations and beware of self-serving postures as they are in office to serve the people.

“Let me use this opportunity to warn our party members holding various offices to be good representatives of the party. We are a party of law and order, due process and rule of law. We must comply with the law in all our doings.”  Senator Adeleke said.

“Appointees must know their rights and responsibilities. As board members, you are not to be involved in the day-to-day running of the agency. That is the turf of the management of the agency. But as a board, you have supervisory roles on the management in line with policies you set at your board meetings and in line with laws setting up the agency. All appointees must take note of this separation of functions.” He said.

Governor Adeleke maintained that his administration would not tolerate corruption and abuse of office and powers either by appointees or management of the agencies declaring it will impose heavy sanctions on those who breach state laws.

While calling on PDP party members to unite for the good of the party and the state, the governor said the reconciliation process has commenced stressing that there would be no more segregation.

Speaking on behalf of the State Working Committee, the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayodeji Areola, said the party has declared that the 2026 governorship ticket of the PDP in Osun State is for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Also, the Osun State chairman of the party, Mr Sunday Bisi, eulogised the state governor for making the party proud since the assumption of office, noting that the prayer session was to thank God for the past’s successes and the future’s victory.

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Politics

Ondo PDP Suspends Chairman

By Web News 391

By Olumide Abudu

The state working committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Ondo has announced the suspension of its chairman, Alhaji Fatai Adams, over alleged anti-party activities.

According a to communique signed by nine members of the party’s state working committee, made available to newsmen, the suspended chairman is also alleged to have engaged in activities likely to bring the party to disrepute.

Alhaji Adams was also advised to present himself before a disciplinary committee within the next week.

Meanwhile, the suspended Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ondo State, Alhaji Fatai Adams says his alleged Suspension Plots were Politically Motivated.

Alhaji Adams in a telephone interview with Radio Nigeria described the purported suspension by some of the State Executive Council members of the party as illegal and unfounded 

He emphasized that it was a plot to remove him so that they could hatch their plans for the Akoko North East/North East Federal Constituency Bye-election.

While stating that he remains the chairman of the party in the State, he maintained that the party will not be taken over by unscrupulous elements who are out there to destroy the democratic values which the party is known for.

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Politics

Oyo LP Governorship Candidate Congratulates Tinubu on Supreme Court Victory

By Web News 430

By Olawale Asake

Oyo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Tawfik Akinwale has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, signalling the end of litigation.

In a statement, Mr Akinwale urged the appellants, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, to rally behind the president and support his administration with valuable suggestions on policies and ideas that could be crucial in the journey of making country thrive.

The former governorship candidate implored every Nigerian to unite in support of the government through prayers for the success of the administration and its dedicated team.

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Politics

Ondo PDP Secretariat Allegedly Under Lock

By Web News 392

The State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akure, Ondo State, has allegedly been sealed by the security agencies in the state.

There was a heavy presence of armed security personnel, which included the men of the state police command and their counterparts from the Directorate of State Security, at the entrance of the secretariat on Monday morning. Their vehicles were seen parked at the entrance of the secretariat.

As a result of fear of possible harassment, members of staff of the party did not enter into the secretariat to resume work.

It was gathered that the police alleged deployment in the place was not unconnected with the planned protest by the party youths, over the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the state.

The protest was reportedly scheduled to take place Monday.

Efforts to get the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, on the matter were not successful, as she did not pick up at the time of filing this report.

Details later

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Atiku Abubakar Clears Air on Certificate Forgery Allegation

By Web News 417

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has explained the discrepancies in his Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, certificate.

Atiku offered the clarification through Dele Momodu, one of his aides, on Tuesday in a post on his social media platform, X.

According to Momodu, the clarification became necessary following allegations of forgery against his principal by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Some members of the APC had questioned the name ”Sadiq Abubakar” in Atiku’s WAEC certificate as against his other credentials.

However, Momodu said he forwarded the accusations to the former Vice President, who also provided an answer for the discrepancy.

Momodu wrote, ”The APC busybodies have been bombarding me with allegations of forgery against my Principal, ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR (GCON), which I immediately forwarded to him and here is his copious response: ‘Yes I used Sadiq Abubakar to sit for my WAEC and after passing my exams I went to swear an affidavit to say I am the same person as ATIKU Abubakar. I went to ABU as Atiku Abuakar and passed my Exams as Atiku Abubakar. Interviewed as Atiku Abubakar by the Federal Civil Service Commission and hired into the Customs Service as Atiku Abubakar. So where is forgery there?’ – ATIKU ABUBAKAR

”CAN THE APC social media bullies forward the deluge of questions in circulation to their boss and get instant and direct response…
I SALUTE ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR…”

Daily Post / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Adebutu Vows to Appeal Tribunal Judgement

By Web News 437

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The Governorship Flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the March 18th General Election, Chief Ladi Adebutu has promised to continue to fight for the rights and aspirations of its supporters and the citizens of the State.

Chief Adebutu who was reacting to last Saturday’s judgement through his Director of Media, Campaign Organisation, Mr Afolabi Orekoya described the verdict and process as worrisome and disheartening.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate noted that the Party and its legal team would take the matter to the appellate courts to seek a more equitable and just outcome, while assuring the good people of the State that he would not be deterred by the setback.

He solicited the continued support of all the Stakeholders to join the party in its unrelenting quest for justice and in upholding the principles of democracy.

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Politics

Tribunal Sacks Nasarawa Gov, Declares PDP’s Ombugadu Winner

By Web News 506

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state, declaring PDP’s David Ombugadu as the winner.

Delivering the judgment virtually, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, declared Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP as the lawfully elected governor of Nasarawa State

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

Politics

Ogun PDP Poised for Appeal after Tribunal’s Verdict

By Web News 395

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, has advised members to regard the verdict of the State’s Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal as a temporary setback that would be challenged. 

Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Mr Adekunle Akinlade, who gave the advice in Abeokuta, said the party would proceed to the Court of Appeal, while exploring and deploying the necessary resources towards getting justice.

Speaking through his Media Aide, Mr Adelani Azeez, the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate urged the members to remain calm and take solace in the fact that the Tribunal was the court of first instance, pointing out that the party was blessed with a resolute leader in its flag bearer, Chief Ladi Adebutu.

The Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal had dismissed the petition filed by Chief Ladi Adebutu and the PDP against the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun for lack of merit.

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Politics

Tribunal Affirms Gov. Abiodun’s Victory

By Web News 389

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has affirmed the election of Prince Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the duly elected Governor of the State.

At the end of the proceeding which lasted about 11 hours, the three – member panel, led by Justice Hamidu Kunaza, dismissed the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Chief Ladi Adebutu, challenging the victory of Dapo Abiodun in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

The PDP and its candidate, Chief Adebutu had petitioned the Tribunal, accusing the INEC, Governor Abiodun and the APC of non compliance with the Electoral Act and corrupt practices during the election, alleging that the governor did not win the majority of votes cast during the election.  

Justice Kunaza who read the lead judgment at about 8.15pm during the Tribunal sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, held that the petitioners did not successfully prove the allegations of non compliance with the Electoral Act and had not discharged the burden of proof. 

Justice Kunaza maintained that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubts, the allegations of non compliance, over voting, disenfranchisement of voters, non qualification of Prince Dapo Abiodun and corrupt practices during the polls.

In separate reactions, Counsels to the APC, Professor Taiwo Osipitan and that of the INEC, Dr Remi Olarubora said the indepth judgement was a landmark and the best history. 

Counsels to the petitioners declined to speak to newsmen as they made their way out of the venue with many party chieftains and supporters while the state deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako – Oyedele who thanked the people for standing firm with the present administration led those who thronged the court in support of Governor Abiodun and the APC. 

Politics

Parties Await Tribunal’s Verdict on Lagos Governorship Poll Monday

By Web News 465

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will deliver judgment for Lagos State on Monday, September 25, Punch Online reports.

Via a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the governorship flag bearer for the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, said that he has been informed that the judgment of the election petition at the tribunal will be delivered on Monday.

He posted, “We have just been informed that judgment on our election petition at the tribunal will be delivered on Monday, the 25th of September.”

On April 11, the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate, Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, known as Jandor, and the Labour Party candidate, Rhodes-Vivour, had separately asked the tribunal to nullify governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s re-election and declare them the winners.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, May 24, the tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the Allied Peoples’ Movement and the Action Peoples Party against the victory of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, in the March 18 governorship election.

Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival, Rhodes-Vivour, who polled 312,329.

The candidate of the PDP, Adediran, came third with 62,449 votes while the candidate of APM, Funmilayo Kupoluyi, polled 884 and the candidate of APP, Abiola Adeyemi, garnered 259 votes.

The petitions of the APM and APP were dismissed by the Chairman of the three-man Tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, after the petitioners withdrew them.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Power

Adeleke Hails Ogundoyin on Emergence as Conference of Speakers Chairman  

By Web News 554

By Olawale Asake

The Chairmanship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State in the forthcoming Local Government Election, Mr. Sola Adeleke has congratulated the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin on his election as the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

The PDP Candidate congratulated Ogundoyin, describing the accomplishment as icing achievements of his political career with many milestones.

Mr. Adeleke acknowledged Mr. Ogundoyin’s brand of leadership, which he noted had endeared him to many political leaders across the Country. 

He reaffirmed his belief in Speaker’s capacity to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear in his new role as the Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Speakers.

Meanwhile, the Chairmanship Candidate also congratulated the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the State, Miss Wasilat Adegoke on her appointment.

Mr. Adeleke emphasized the Governor’s readiness to offer deserving opportunities to the youths, as embodied by the recent appointment of Miss Adegoke as a Commissioner in his Cabinet.

He expressed complete confidence in Miss Adegoke’s capacity to lead the Ministry to achieve new height of successes 

He expressed delights in the opportunities presented to the political leaders from Ibarapa Zone by the Governor.

Mr.Adeleke commended the Governor’s progressive positions towards creating a government that was accountable, inclusive and beneficial to all. 

He pledged his unwavering support to the Governor towards the actualization of his developmental goals for the State, particularly as the Local Government election draws closer.

” I want to appreciate the Governor for the opportunity open to political leaders arising from his leadership.

The PDP Candidate pledged readiness to work collaboratively as an active participant within the Ibarapa political landscape towards realising a prosperous, peaceful and integrated Ibarapa Zone. 

Mr Adeleke urged all citizens to actively participate in the State’s socio-economic and political activities and contribute their quota towards the advancement of their communities and the state at large.

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Politics

Tribunal Verdict: Atiku, PDP to Address World Press Conference Thursday

By Web News 412

The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate during the February 25, 2023, presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, will today address a world press conference.

This is coming after the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal threw out his case and upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

The PUNCH reports that Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, rejected Wednesday’s judgment of the tribunal affirming the election of Tinubu.

The Legal Adviser to the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.

Also, Atiku’s Lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, said he had received instructions from his client to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

He said “The judgment has been delivered but we have not received justice. Luckily, the law has given us leverage to go on appeal to the Supreme Court. We have instructions from our clients to go to the Supreme Court. The struggle continues.”

The PEPT, which began sitting at 9.40 a.m. at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, ruled that the petition filed by Atiku and Obi, and their parties had no merit and unanimously upheld Tinubu’s electoral victory in the February 25 presidential election.

The five-member panel took turns to dismiss the petitions presented by Atiku and Obi against the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission on March 1, 2023.

The judgment was delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, assisted by other members of the panel-Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo and Abba Mohammed

Not satisfied by the ruling, Atiku, who is a former Vice President, alongside the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, said they will be addressing a world press on the development.

The conference billed to hold at the NEC Hall, located on the ground floor of the PDP National Headquarters,  will start by 2:30 pm

The invite sent to journalists by the party’s National Director of Publicity read, “Hello Gentlemen of the Press, good evening.

“This is to invite you to a press briefing to be addressed by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun and PDP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

Presidential Tribunal Sets September 6 for Verdict

By Web News 707

* Allows Live Broadcast

The much-anticipated verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPT, is expected to be delivered on Wednesday, September 6th.

The Court of Appeal Registrar, Umar Bangari confirmed this to Channels Television on Monday, saying the proceedings will be open to live broadcast by interested television stations.

The Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as well as their presidential candidates, had petitioned the tribunal seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Judgement is also expected to be delivered by election tribunals in 25 states for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions.

The results of the polls announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are being contested in no fewer than 25 states out of the 28 states where elections were conducted.

 ChannelsTv / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Human Angle

Makinde Promises to Donate Building in Honour of Late Adagunodo

By Web News 380

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has promised to immortalize former National Vice Chairman Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP Southwest, late Olasoji Adagunodo by donating a party regional office in his honor. 

Governor Makinde, who stated this at a commendation service held in his honor at the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan said the building would be handed over to the PDP within the next one year before the deceased one year remembrance anniversary. 

While describing late Adagunodo as a stabilizer, a committed leader, Governor Makinde said he impacted positively not only in the political terrain in the South West but Nigeria as a whole. 

Governor Makinde urged the family to take solace in the fact that late Adagunodo lived a life of Integrity. 

In a remark, the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun said the deceased was a team player, who would be missed dearly for selflessness, noting that he left a legacy of perseverance and truthfulness

Others who spoke at the commendation service including former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy National Chairman, PDP, South, Taofeek Arapaja and the PDP Chairman in Oyo State, Dayo Ogungbenro stated that late Adagunodo was a fearless and courageous human. 

Late Olasoji Adagunodo was born in 1961 in Osun state and represented Obokun State Constituency at the Osun State House of Assembly. 

He was the state chairman of PDP in Osun State between 2003 and 2007 and elected as the National Vice Chairman of PDP in 2021.

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Politics

Court Quashes Nnamani’s Expulsion from PDP

By Web News 462

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the expulsion of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  and described the action of the party as null and void.

Justice James Omotosho in his ruling following a suit filed by Senator Nnamani after the erstwhile National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu led National Working Committee expelled him for alleged anti-party activities, said the party lacks the power to expel him.

Having rejected the expulsion, Nnamani took to the court claiming the Ayu-led NWC had no right to expel him from the party.

The court, however, held that the plaintiff was not given a fair hearing besides the fact that only the National Executive Committee and not the NWC has the power to discipline a member of the National Assembly.

It also held that the NWC cannot validly conduct a disciplinary hearing without according to the plaintiff fair hearing adding that “the NWC cannot validly conduct a hearing and reaching a valid decision of suspending or expelling the plaintiff from membership of the PDP”.

The court, however, noted that the NEC has the power after having given the plaintiff opportunity to be heard insisting “the decision suspending the plaintiff is null and void. The decision expelling the plaintiff is nullified and set aside.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

INEC Mounts Defence at Presidential Poll Tribunal

By Web News 467

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has opened its defence of the February 25 presidential election before the Presidential Election Petition Court sitting in Abuja.

This is coming after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Labour Party, LP, and their presidential candidates had successfully closed their cases penultimate on the 23rd of last month, at the Court.

When the matter came up, INEC’s lead counsel and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Abubakar Mahmood informed the Court of his plan to call three witnesses to counter the allegations of the Labour Party and its Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Mr Mahmood argued that none of the witnesses was in court due to domestic reasons for him to open the defense and pleaded for an adjournment.

The lead counsel for the petitioner, Dr Livy Uzuoku expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the electoral body.

However, Chief Wole Olanipekun, who stood for President Bola Tinubu and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, who represented the All Progressives Congress APC did not object to the request for adjournment by INEC.

The Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Tsammani subsequently adjourned until tomorrow for the electoral body to commence its defence.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Politics

We Will Double Our Pace to Attain Development, Makinde Tells Residents

By Web News 387

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that his administration will double its pace on the path to attaining sustainable development in the state. 

Governor Makinde made this known while playing host to Muslim leaders in the Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, who visited him  in his house on the occasion of 2023 Ileya festival.

The governor, who appreciated the Muslim community in Oyo State for standing by his administration during Omituntun 1.0, promised to roll out the names of some new appointees very soon.

He said, “First, I want to thank the Almighty for keeping all of us up until this moment; for us to witness another Sallah.

“About three months ago, we were all still out there campaigning and some people tried to sow the seed of division by introducing religion into the politics in Oyo State. But thankfully, they failed as our people did not listen to them, and we have a united Oyo State.

“We are all here celebrating another Sallah. So, I use this opportunity to greet my brothers and sisters of the Islamic faith for standing by this administration and also to wish them many more Sallah.” 

While appreciating members of his cabinet for their contributions to the success of his administration during the first term, the governor implored everyone to play their part to make Oyo State better and more united.

He said further: “Our people are expectant and they want us to move as fast as possible and we have started. The House of Assembly, on Tuesday, cleared some of our commissioner-nominees. 

“The structure of government will start taking shape in days. So, our people should not despair or think we are moving slowly this time around. No, we are not. We will even double our pace.”

Earlier, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, thanked the governor for empowering the people of the state and executing laudable projects.

He also lauded him for exemplifying the virtue of Prophet Ibrahim, who kept his vow to Almighty Allah. 

Ambassador Arapaja said Governor Makinde kept his promise to the people of Oyo State in his first term. He expressed confidence that he would not deviate from that style in Omituntun 2.0.

The delegation included the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi; Member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; Director-General, Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation, Chief Bayo Lawal; PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; PDP State PRO, Engr. Akeem  Olatunji; and the PDP State Women Leader, Alhaja Wulemat Ibitoye, among others. 

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Politics

Tribunal Strikes out Adebutu’s Petition against Abiodun

By Web News 708

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had strucked out the vote-buying allegation levelled against Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress, APC, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate, Mr. Ladi Adebutu.

Adebutu had dragged Governor Abiodun and the APC to the tribunal, challenging their declaration as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

But the governor’s lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, in their defence to the petition, made weighty allegations backed up by a police report, establishing that Adebutu and the PDP engaged in vote buying during the election.

On May 22, 2023, Adebutu and the PDP filed a reply to the defence by Governor Abiodun and the APC, also levelling the vote-buying allegation against the ruling party.

The Governor’s lawyers, represented by Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, however, filed an application asking the Tribunal to strike out the reply in its entirety or the alternative, to strike out offending paragraphs from that Reply.

Osipitan argued that the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP contravenes paragraph 16(1) (a & b) of the Electoral Act and the rules of court pleadings.

While ruling on the matter, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice H.N. Kunaza, agreed with the submissions by Prof. Osipitan.

In the ruling, supported by the other two members, Justice J.B. Egele and Justice Sannusi Shehu, the Tribunal overruled Adebutu’s lawyers, led by Chief Goddy Uche, SAN, saying that the application filed by the Governor’s lawyers was not the kind of application that the Constitution requires to be determined at the end of proceedings in judgment.

Relying on relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Tribunal held that only applications that challenge the tribunal’s jurisdiction or the competence of a petition will be deferred till judgment whereas the application filed by Governor Abiodun’s lawyers was not that kind of application.

The Tribunal also held that the Reply by Adebutu and PDP was incompetent for multiple reasons.

The Tribunal identified some paragraphs which contained unnecessary and repetitive allegations, others, which contained arguments and legal conclusions (which are not allowed in replies), and some paragraphs which were an improper expansion of the petition earlier filed.

The Tribunal noted that in their petition, Adebutu and PDP alleged that Governor Abiodun and APC committed corrupt practices during the gubernatorial elections.

The Tribunal further noted that vote buying is a specie of corruption and that if PDP and Adebutu truly believed that APC engaged in vote buying, the petitioner ought to have included those allegations in their petition from the start, which they did not do.

The Tribunal noted that if the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP was permitted, there was a risk of prejudice, surprise, or even shut out Governor Abiodun and APC on the issues raised in that Reply.

The Tribunal denounced Adebutu and the PDP for coming up with the vote-buying allegation only after APC and Governor Abiodun had done the same against them.

With this backdrop, the Tribunal unanimously concluded that Governor Abiodun and APC would be prejudiced if the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP is allowed.

The Tribunal held that when Governor Abiodun and APC filed their defence, they joined issues with Adebutu and PDP; that by joining issues, the parties fixed the dispute; and that it was improper to go outside those issues in the Reply.

The Tribunal also found that it was unnecessary to file a Reply in the circumstance, as held in several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court.

The Reply was accordingly struck out.

Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, represented INEC, while the APC team was led by Chief Onyeazu Ikpeazu, SAN.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Lifestyle

Adeleke Condoles with Adagunodo’s Family

By Web News 557

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has expressed shock at the news of the death of the South West Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Honourable Soji Adagunodo.

In a condolence message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke describes his passage as a big loss not only for the party, but also for Osun State.

The governor noted that the news of the death of Hon. Adagunodo was devastating stressing that he contributed a lot to PDP as the Chairman in Osun State and impacts he effected as the South West Chairman of PDP.

Governor Adeleke says the loss of Hon. Adagunodo is a huge one and difficult to express in words, conveying his heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and everyone touched by his sudden demise.

The PDP South West Chairman passed on to the great beyond on Monday during a brief illness in the United States of America.

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Judiciary

Osun National Assembly Election Tribunal Begins Sitting Tuesday

By Web News 1688

By Adenitan Akinola 

The inaugural sitting of the Osun State National Assembly and House of Assembly election petitions tribunal will commence Tuesday.

38 petitions have been filed by various political parties and candidates challenging the outcome of the 2023 elections.

The Tribunal consists of 2 panels with one handling petitions connected with the National Assembly elections, while the other one will adjudicate on matters with respect to the House of Assembly elections.

The Secretary of the tribunal, Alhaji Mohammed Mogaji told Radio Nigeria that there were three petitions in the Senatorial contest, nine for the House of Representatives seats and twenty-four for the state House of Assembly seats.

Alhaji Mogaji said some of the parties filed applications and were granted reliefs to inspect election materials, but did not eventually bring any petition.

Surprisingly, the major opposition party during February and March elections in Osun State, the APC only presented petitions in federal and state House of Assembly constituencies, while the ruling PDP is challenging the only House of Assembly seat won by the APC.

Thirty-four of the petitions were filed by the Action Alliance Party which finished in a distance 5th position in the election, while the NNPP filed only one.

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Education

UNIOSUN is a shining light among universities – Gov. Adeleke

By Web News 1886

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described Osun State University, UNIOSUN, as a shining light among other universities in the world.

Governor Adeleke stated this while receiving the management team of the College of Law of the university, led by the Provost, Professor Mojeed Alabi in his office at the State Secretariat, Abere.

He said he is proud about the institution being a Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP’s legacy under the administration of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The governor reiterated his commitment to support the growth and development of the university so as to further produce first-class graduates that will be generally acceptable and marketable in the labour market.

Governor Adeleke called on the university administrators to sustain the tempo of best practices and professionalism, stressing that the institution and its colleges must continue to be run transparently and responsibly. 

Earlier, the Provost, College of Law, Osun State University, Ifetedo Campus who commended the governor for his style of governance which he said has touched every sector in the state, invited him to the third in the series of distinguished personality lecture of the College of Law of the university slated for the 31st of May, 2023.

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Politics

APC’s Babatunde Wins in Ekiti, PDP’s Adigun Clinches Oyo Reps Seat

By Web News 604

By Amos Ogunrinde/Mosope Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ekiti State has declared the APC candidate for Ido Osi Constituency 1 of the State House of Assembly, Mr Fawekun Babatunde as the winner of the Supplementary Election held on Saturday in the area.

A statement by the INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Temitope Akanmu in Ado Ekiti says the APC candidate, Mr Babatunde Fawekun polled four thousand, seven hundred and sixty-four (4,764) votes to beat his closest rival from the SDP, Mr Fadahunsi Ishola Who got four thousand, two hundred and four (4,204) votes to come second.

According to the statement, seven political parties fielded candidates for the Supplementary Election.

The statement appreciates the people of the Ido Osi constituency one for their peaceful conduct which led to the success of the exercise.

Similarly, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and the incumbent lawmaker representing Ibadan Northeast/Southeast Federal Constituency, Mr Abass Adigun has been declared the winner of the Supplementary elections held on Saturday in Oyo State.

Mr Adigun polled a total number of twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and eleven votes (28,111) to defeat his closest rival, a one-time House of Reps member, Mr Dapo Lam Adesina of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled twenty-seven Thousand three hundred and thirty-eight votes (27,338).

Declaring the winner, Professor Benjamin Olley of the University of Ibadan, said Mr Abass Agboworin, having satisfied the requirements of the law was returned elected.

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Politics

Controversy as INEC Declares Binani Winner Of Adamawa Guber Poll

By Web News 459 Post a comment

By Olaolu Fawole

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Aisha Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress, APC, popularly known as Binani, as winner of the Adamawa Governorship election.

Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa, declared Binani as winner midway into the collation.

Results from 10 out of the 20 local government areas had been declared while the exercise was adjourned till 11am.

However, Ari made pronouncement an hour before the scheduled time.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading before the pronouncement was made.

BREAKING: INEC Suspends Adamawa Gov Poll, Summons REC

Some PDP supporters in the hall had protested why the announcement was made by the REC instead of the returning officer.

INEC had declared the 18th March, 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State inconclusive due to violence recorded in some polling units

Politics

Ondo Election Tribunal Receives Petitions from PDP Candidates

By Web News 448

The Election Petition Tribunal in Ondo State says it has received two petitions on the March 18 house of assembly election in the state.

The Secretary of the tribunal, Mr Musa Adam, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Akure on Friday that the two petitions came from the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party against the candidates of the All Progressives Congress.

Adam explained that the candidate of PDP of Idanre Constituency, Aderemi Oyewole and the PDP, filed a petition against the APC’s candidate in the constituency, Mrs Tosin Ogunlowo, and the Independent National Electoral Commission and the APC.

He added that Babatunde Fadare, a candidate of PDP in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo constituency, and PDP, filed a petition against the candidate of APC in the constituency, Mr Nelson Akinsuroju, INEC and APC.

The secretary said that by the provisions of the Electoral Act, any dissatisfied candidate had a period of 21 days from the date of election to file a petition to challenge the outcome.

Adam explained that once a petition had been filed, the law provided for 180 days or six months for it to be concluded and determined.

NAN reports that the tribunal had earlier received nine petitions on the national assembly elections in the state out of which two petitions had been withdrawn by the petitioners, remaining seven.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

PDP Reverses Fayose, Anyim Others Suspension

By Web News 383

In a bid to reconcile the waring factions in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of the acting Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, has reversed the suspension of some leaders of the party. 

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this at the end of the NWC meeting held at the national secretariat of the party, on Thursday.

He gave the names of those whose suspension were reversed as former Governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina State) and Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State).

Others are former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim (Ebonyi State), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State) and Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State).

The NWC also reversed the referral of Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, to the national disciplinary committee by the Dr Iyorchia Ayu-led NWC.

The move, according to Ologunagba, followed an extensive discussion about the recent developments in the party and the fact that the “NWC recognised the imperativeness of a total reconciliation among party leaders and critical stakeholders for a more cohesive party in the overall interest of our teeming members and Nigerians in general.”

Ologunagba said the decision of the Damagum-led NWC is “without prejudice to the powers of the NWC to take necessary disciplinary action against any member of the party at any time pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).”

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party across the country to be guided by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as well as the new spirit and necessity of reconciliation, unity and harmony in our party at this critical time.

“The PDP must remain focused as we continue to take every necessary action to recover the stolen mandate freely given by Nigerians to our party and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal,” he added

Newspeak/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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