Politics

Tribunal Strikes out Adebutu’s Petition against Abiodun

By Web News 755

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 593

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 1724

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 1963

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 646

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 500 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 489

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 423

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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Security

APC, PDP Tell DSS to Arrest Interim Government Plotters

By Web News 493

The presidential campaign councils of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have challenged the Department of State Services to get tough with plotters of the interim national government.

The councils, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Wednesday in Abuja, said the push for the ING was unconstitutional, adding that the plotters should be arrested.

They spoke against the backdrop of a statement issued by the security agency that some people were plotting the ING.

The DSS had earlier on Wednesday raised the alarm over a plot by some Nigerians to thwart the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The DSS, in a statement in Abuja by its Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, alleged that those behind the plot planned to undermine civil rule and foist an interim government on the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had on March 1 declared Tinubu the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

The APC presidential candidate polled 8,794,726 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who got 6,984,520 votes and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi that had 6,101,533 votes.

A day after the result was declared, Atiku and Obi at separate press conferences on March 2 rejected the outcome on the grounds that the election was rigged.

Also, a former Anambra State Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, stated that Tinubu would not be sworn in as President.

Speaking on Channels Television on March 23, the vice-presidential candidate of the LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed, said the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, must not swear in Tinubu on May 29.

Some protesters under the aegis of the Free Nigeria Movement on Tuesday last week, asked the President, Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to annul the February 25 presidential election and set up an interim government.

But hundreds of pro-Tinubu protesters, under the aegis of ‘The Natives’, stormed the streets of Abuja on Monday, warning against the imposition of an ING.

However, in the statement it issued on Wednesday, the DSS said it had identified some key players in the plot for an ING.

It stated, “The service considers the plot, being pursued by these entrenched interests, as not only an aberration but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis. The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace-loving Nigerians.’’

The security agency alleged that the plot was taking place after the peaceful conduct of the elections in most parts of the country.

It added, “The planners, in their many meetings, have weighed various options, which include, among others, to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency. Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the federal and state levels.

“The DSS supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction. It also supports the Presidential Transition Council and other related bodies in the states.’’

The DSS added that it would collaborate with PTC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations in May.

Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.

“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the Civil Society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.

“While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions,’’ it further warned.

Commenting on the plot, the Director of Strategic Communications for the APC PCC, Idris Mohammed, said the DSS should arrest the plotters.

Mohammed warned that the APC PCC would go all out to ensure nothing hinders a smooth swearing-in of Tinubu.

He said, “The APC PCC is aligned with the position of the DSS, which we believe is doing its job. If this statement is coming directly from the DSS itself, it means that it is not an empty allegation. In any case, we believe the security agencies are also there to deal with this kind of situation. That is why they are there. Their duty is to thwart any threat against the Nigerian nation. They should react to it and go the extra mile to pin down those also responsible.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Ayu: PDP Appoints Damagum as Acting Chairman

By Web News 1070

By Olaolu Fawole

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting on Tuesday, appointed the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Ililya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the Party with immediate effect.

According to a statement by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, the National Working Committee of the party acknowledged the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of the great Party.

The statement called on all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of the Party to remain calm and united.

A Benue State High Court had on Monday, restrained Iyorchia Ayu, from acting as the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a ruling by Hon. Justice W. I. Kpochi, the estranged party chairman was ordered to stop parading himself as the national head of the party.

Politics

Adeleke Knows Fate on Mandate

By Web News 642

By Adenitan Akinola

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, will today, by 12 pm, deliver judgment on the appeal filed by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to challenge the nullification of his election by the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The appellate court had, on March 23, 2023, reserved judgement in the appeal after parties in the matter adopted their written addresses and announced that, the date for the judgement will be communicated to parties.

Adeleke, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are praying to the appellate court to set aside the verdict of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sacked him from office.

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

The Tribunal 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.

According to the tribunal, the petitioners, Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress, APC, successfully established that there was overvoting in 744 polling units in the state.

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Politics

Ortom won’t appear before Disciplinary Committee, Wike Replies PDP

By Web News 457

By Victorson Agbenson

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says his Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not appear before the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities.


The Governor has also described the suspension of former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose and others for alleged anti-party activities by the PDP as a nullity.


Governor Wike stated these in Government House, Port Harcourt while reacting to the PDP National working committee’s decision to punish Governor Ortom, Mr Fayose and others.


 “I want to state clearly and let members of the party and Nigerians hear it clearly, the National Working Committee made up of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they say is the chairman of the party; Sam Anyanwu, the National Secretary and other members of NWC cannot suspend Ayo Fayose, not to talk about referring Governor Ortom to the national disciplinary committee”.


Governor Wike explained that the decision of the NWC to refer Governor Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee is the height of all insults.


Governor Wike emphasized that the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom would not appear before the PDP National Disciplinary Committee.


The Rivers State Governor said if anyone deserves to be suspended from the party, that person is Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who he accused of contravening the PDP constitution on the zoning of elective and appointive offices.


 “If there is any person deserving suspension it should be you (Ayu), who played anti-party by refusing to obey the constitution of the party on the zoning of political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”
Governor Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension.


According to him, Ayu has by his recent action opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.


“You cannot cage any of us, Ortom will not appear before any of your so-called disciplinary committees. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.” He said.

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Politics

PDP Suspends Fayose, Shema, Anyim from Party

By Web News 517

By Victorson Agbenson

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has suspended a former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayo Fayose , a former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and former Senate President Pius Anyim from the party.


A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba says that also suspended for alleged anti-party activities were Professor Dennis Ityavyar from Benue State and Dr Aslam Aliyu from Zamfara State.


The National Working Committee also referred the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.


In a related development, the PDP has set up a Caretaker Committee for its Katsina State chapter.


The Members of the Caretaker Committee include Dr Abdulrahman Usman; Chairman, Halima Abdulhamid who is Secretary; while the members are Nura Giwa, Haruna Jamila, Lawal Safana , Sanusi Fari, Nura Kurfi amongst others.

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Politics

LP’s Otti Emerges Abia Governor-elect, PDP’s Mbah Clinches Enugu

By Web News 777

The Labour Party candidate, Alex Otti, has been declared the winner of the abia state governorship election following the eventual declaration of the controversial Obingwa Local Government Area results.

With the conclusion of the collation of the outstanding results of the election, the Peoples Democratic Party scored 9,962 votes the Labour Party, 3,776 votes.

Consequently, the LP has won in 10 LGAs, the PDP in six LGAS, and the Young Peoples Party in one LGA.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Abia State, Chief Alex Otti, was, consequently declared the winner of the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.

Otti polled a total of 175,466 to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the PDP who scored 88,526.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Nnenna Oti, declared the LP candidate the winner at the headquarters of the independent national electoral commission in Umuahia, the state capital, Wednesday afternoon after completing the suspended collation of results.

In Enugu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state, Dr Peter Mbah, has been declared the March 18 governorship election in the state.

Dr Peter Mbah scored 160,895 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP), who polled 157,552 votes.

Frank Nweke Jnr of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) scored 17,983 while Chief Uche Nnaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 14,575 votes to come a distant third and fourth respectively.

The returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe declared Mbah the winner, Wednesday evening, at the resumption of the final collation of governorship election results in Enugu, the Enugu state capita, 48 hours after INEC suspended the exercise in the state.

Punch/ Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Ogun PDP Storms INEC over Governorship Result

By Web News 400

By Wale Oluokun

Ogun State Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the concluded governorship, Dr. Ladipupo Adebutu has led protesters to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Ogun state governorship candidate and the protesters were however dispersed with gunshots by the security personnel guarding the INEC office.

Hundreds of members of the PDP had stormed the INEC office to submit a petition, demanding a re-run election at polling units where elections were cancelled during the poll. 

The protesters with placards carrying inscriptions such as: “INEC should save our democracy”, “INEC betrayed the people of Ogun”, “Electoral fraud will not stand” and INEC should respect people’s wish”, among others were also chanting songs to drive home their demands.

Dr. Adebutu while speaking with newsmen said the protesters would not leave until INEC officials attend to them.

He stressed that the party had submitted several protest letters to the commission demanding the review of the results of Saturday’s election and re-run where the elections were either cancelled or disrupted.

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Politics

Tegbe Congratulates Makinde for Second Term

By Web News 1033

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a candidate in the just concluded general elections, Chief Joseph Tegbe has attributed Governor Seyi Makinde’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election to hard work and commitment to the welfare of the people of Oyo State.

In a congratulatory message personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Chief Tegbe said that the victory recorded by Makinde at the poll was well-deserved.

He said that the governor has also demonstrated his commitment to the general improvement of the standard of living of the people in the last four years.

Chief Tegbe noted that Makinde’s stance to stay firmly on the side of the people had paid off with his re-election, adding that, the issue-based campaign he ran during the electioneering had reassured people like him who believed in the governor that, he was indeed a leader worthy of following.

“It is with great delight that I, Mogaji Olasunkanmi Tegbe, the PDP Oyo South Senatorial candidate in the last election, write to congratulate you on your well-deserved re-election as the governor of Oyo State in the March 18th gubernatorial election.

“Your victory is a clear indication that the people of Oyo State recognized your hard work and commitment to their welfare as well as the general improvement of their standard of living in the last four years.

“This you have demonstrated through prompt payment of workers and pensioners’ salaries, a continuation of infrastructural projects, initiated by the last administration and commencement of new ones, among other people-friendly policies you introduced,” he said.

“I have no doubt that you will continue to lead Oyo State towards a brighter and more prosperous future and I wish you all the best in the years to come.

“Be assured of my support and expertise in whatever capacity that they may be required in the new dispensation to add value to our people and our dear state.

“Congratulations once again, Your Excellency, on your well-deserved re-election and thanks for your consistent courage, tenacity and steadfastness,” he said.

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Folarin Congratulates Makinde on Election Victory

By Web News 475

Oluwakayode Banjo

Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State Senator Teslim Folarin has congratulated governor Seyi Makinde on his victory at the 2023 governorship election.

In a statement by Senator Folarin, he appreciated members of the APC, friends and political allies for their support

“I Appreciate Oyo State Voters, APC Members & Other Supportive Stakeholders.

“All Glories and Adorations are due to Almighty God for His Grace and for preserving our lives throughout the 2023 electioneering process.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Oyo State electorates for their support for all APC candidates on the February 25th and March 18th elections respectively. May God Bless you all.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. It is on this note that I am offering my solemn gratitude to leaders and members of our great party – APC; the coalition parties, candidates of other political parties that worked for us, volunteers, the press as well as individuals that contributed to the Itesiwaju Ipinle Oyo 2023 project. 

“Furthermore, I give kudos to members of the 2023 Oyo State APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council for the best-ever issue-based campaigns. Thank you for your absolute loyalty, dedication and commitment to the struggle.

“I also laud the overwhelming support from my friends and political allies across the country. Thanks for being there always.

“To our teeming party members and support groups, I appeal to you to remain calm as we study the results of the just concluded Governorship and House of Assembly elections held on Saturday, March 18th 2023.

“It is God that Gives Power and Takes Power! May Oyo State and our people continue to prosper.

“In conclusion, in line with the official pronouncement of the Independent National Electoral “Commission, INEC, I hereby congratulate Engineer Seyi Makinde. Long live Oyo State! Long live APC!!”

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Politics

Breaking: Makinde Declared Winner of Oyo Guber Race

By Web News 630

Oluwayemisi Owonikoko/Mosope Kehinde

Governor Seyi Makinde has been declared the winner of the Oyo state Gubernatorial election.

Declaring the result, the returning officer for Oyo State, Professor Adebayo Bamire announced that Engineer Seyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP polled a total of 563, 756 votes to defeat his closest opponent Senator Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 256,685 votes.

675votes while Accord governorship candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu garnered 38,357

Professor Bamire who is the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife gave the number of total votes cast to stand at 88,9592 and Rejected votes to include 14,920

According to the results as announced, Governor Seyi Makinde won thirty-one out of the thirty-three local government areas of Oyo state, while Senator Teslim Folarin won two local governments

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Politics

Guber Poll: Makinde Clears 31 out of 33 LGs in Oyo

By Web News 551

By Simeon Ugbodovon/ Maxwell Oyekunle

The incumbent governor who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in March 18, 2023, Governorship election in Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has won 31 out of the 33 Local Government Areas of the State.

Details of the result as announced by INEC are as follows:

 Ibadan North West:

APC 5947,

LP 74

PDP 19007

Ibarapa East:

APC 7094

LP 10

PDP 11125

 Afijio:

Accord 1357

APC 5588

PDP 13139

LP 10

Oriire:

Accord 1895

APC 9216

LP 17

PDP 13767

Atisbo:

Accord 1188

APC 6955

LP 16

PDP 9199

Oluyole:

Accord 1386

APC 6592

LP 62

PDP 21700

Surulere:

Accord 271

APC 8882

LP 173

PDP 15554

Itesiwaju:

Accord 2036

APC 4597

LP 09

PDP 8034

Saki East:

Accord 188

APC 5519

LP 07

PDP 8374

Ogo Oluwa:

Accord 50

APC 5570

LP 17

PDP 10930

Ibadan South West:

Accord 18

APC 9194

LP 166

PDP 31273

Irepo:

Accord 388

APC 9785

LP 03

PDP 7193

Olorunsogo:

Accord 998

APC 4851

LP 04

PDP 5838

Atiba:

Accord 1113

APC 7484

PDP 18389

Ibadan North East:

Accord 15

APC 8486

LP 61

PDP 29396

Ona Ara:

Accord 1212

APC 5510

LP 36

PDP 17326

 Ogbomoso South:

APC 8256

LP 58

PDP 17693

 Oyo East:

Accord 571

APC 6999

LP 16

PDP 15751

Ibarapa Central:

Accord 1455

APC 6287

LP 21

PDP 10491

Ibarapa North:

Accord 563

APC 5678

LP 07

PDP 10845

Oyo West:

Accord 431

APC 7599

PDP 15084

Ogbomoso North:

Accord 562

APC 10661

LP 89

PDP 20387

Ido:

Accord 822

APC 7825

LP 86

PDP 19284

 Kajola:

Accord 1710

APC 9523

PDP 13562

Iseyin:

Accord 501

APC 9694

LP 34

PDP 25740

Egbeda:

Accord 3072

APC 7377

LP 77

PDP 30444

Ibadan North:

Accord 2120

APC 11883

LP 174

PDP 39658

Lagelu:

Accord 886

APC 7432

LP 44

PDP 19104

Saki West:

Accord 607

APC 13753

LP 32

PDP 17452

Orelope:

Accord 1602

APC 7077

LP 10

PDP 6483

Akinyele:

Accord 1287

APC 9445

LP 66

PDP 28920

Iwajowa:

Accord 269

APC 6441

LP 6

PDP 9029

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Crime

Councillor, Two Others, Shot Dead in Ibadan

By Web News 1273 Post a comment


By Abisola Oluremi

The councillor representing Ward 10, Ibadan South East Local Government Area in Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Sulaimon Ariyibi and two others (yet-to-be-identified) have been shot dead.

A source said the trio were allegedly shot by some hoodlums suspected to be working for a political party.

Mr Ariyibi was said to have been attacked and killed in his house at Ile Tuntun area of Ibadan in the presence of his wife and children.

The councillor and the other two others were confirmed dead upon arrival at the State Hospital, Adeoyo, Ring Road in Ibadan.

Speaking with journalists at the hospital, the Federal lawmaker representing Ibadan South East/North East Federal constituency, Mr Abass Adigun explained that the deceased men were earlier with him on a campaign tour around Ile Tuntun- Idi Arere, Ibadan.

Mr Adigun who said he noticed some people suspected to be hoodlums pelting them with sachet of water and stones, explained that the next thing he saw was lifeless bodies of the trio.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP. Adewale Osifeso said investigations had begun to unravel what really went down.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased persons have been deposited at State Hospital Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan.

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Politics

Oyo: SDP Guber Candidate Endorses Makinde

By Web News 783

By Iyabo Adebisi

Ahead of this governorship and house of assembly election, governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, Michael Lana has stepped down his ambition and endorsed the candidacy of Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.

At a press conference in Ibadan, Mr Lana alleged that some of those at the helm of affairs within the SDP at the state level sold out for a pittance and declared for the opposition without the consent of other stakeholders in the party.

According to him, as a result of that action, other stakeholders decided to take a decision that will be in the best interest of the neglected, aggrieved party members, the candidates and the generality of the people of Oyo State.

Mr Lana concluded that after several consultations, the party stakeholders resolved to align with Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP.

The statement read in part: “We have also consulted widely. We have talked with some national officers of the Party and my supporters among the trade unions, traditional rulers, market associations and religious bodies.”
“As you are aware, in almost all radio interviews I attended, I was asked whether, as it had become the habit of this party, I too would step down at the end of the day. Believing I was in the midst of ideologically sound members, and knowing myself as a principled person, I always answered in the negative.”
“I believed fervently that my gospel of preaching issues and ideas would earn me the victory that the people of Oyo State deserves.”

“However, events of the past few weeks proved me wrong. Some people believed only in money politics and victory by vote buying. In fact, I became persona non grata, the moment some people within the party realized that monies sourced solely for the purpose of electioneering would not be shared among them.”
“I thank God that this attitude came to the fore now and not after we might have won the election as I wondered what they would have done to the Oyo State treasury. Their interest is not in winning the election and elevating our people from their suffering but in enriching themselves now.”
“Those who contributed to my campaign did so selflessly out of conviction of my character and traits and my desire to serve the people. And even with what we got, we worked tirelessly to make the Party very competitive and grew it to become the fastest growing party and major contender for all elective positions in the State.”
“Now that some of those at the helm of affairs of the Party within the State have sold us out for a pittance and declared for the opposition without our knowledge or consent, we had to sit down and rethink and take a decision that will be in the best interest of the neglected and aggrieved party members, the candidates and the generality of the people of Oyo State that we set out to serve.”
“After several consultations, we resolved that the best thing for Oyo State right now is to align ourselves with a really progressive candidate.

We were in fact captured by an emotional statement by a 70 year old woman who said Governor Seyi Makinde not only paid her pensions promptly but also took care of the aged women and men during the Covid 19 Pandemic.”
“This is the trait of a person that has set out to write his name in history and ensure an upliftment of the downtrodden in our State.”

“After discussing with him, we decided that His Excellency Emeritus Engineer Seyi Makinde needs help from all capable hands within and outside the State to achieve his dreams for our State and we have resolved to assist him in doing this.”

“We have therefore resolved to inform all our teeming supporters to vote massively for His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday 18th March 2023 and get him elected as Governor of Oyo State.”

In his remark, the People’s Democratic party state chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro warned politicians in the state not to turn the state into battle ground of violence due to their ambition but allow People’s will to decide who will be the governor of the state.

Politics

Obey Court Order, PDP Tells INEC

By Web News 622

By Ifeoma Nwovu

The legal team of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has requested the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately comply with the court order of March 3.

The court had directed INEC to allow the Party and its Presidential Candidate and their Representatives to inspect, scan, make copies, forensically audit and obtain Certified True Copies of all electoral materials which were used in the conduct of the February 25 Presidential Election.

In a statement by the Party, the lead counsel Joe Gadzama says that the enrolled court order was duly and promptly served to the commission on the same March 3 by the court bailiff accompanied by his clients’ representatives.

Gadzama further stated that on March 6, his clients’ representatives led by the PDP National Legal Adviser, Adedamola Fanokun, returned to the commission to commence inspection, examination and obtaining of the electoral materials as ordered by the court but they were informed at the commission’s legal registry that there was no instruction yet from the commission on the court order.

The lead counsel described it as disturbing, the attitude of INEC on orders of the court and cannot choose if, when and/or how to comply with same.

While demanding that the commission immediately complies with the subsisting orders of the court, the counsel also demanded daily access to all polling documents, voters register, ballot papers and electoral forms/materials for purposes of scanning, forensic audit, expert examination and inspection; daily access to the BVAS machines/devices and server/IREV/backend/clouds for purposes of forensic examination and analysis as well as CTCs of all BVAS accreditation reports, forms EC40A, EC8A, EC8AVP, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E and all other electoral forms/materials on a state by state basis.

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Politics

March 11 Election: Tegbe Canvasses Support for Makinde

By Web News 446

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Oyo South Senatorial District Candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP, at the just concluded election Chief Joseph Tegbe has urged his supporters to put the disappointment of last weekend behind them and ensure the reelection of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Speaking at a meeting with members of his campaign council and his supporters, Chief Tegbe called for the overall success of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship and state house of assembly elections.

A cross-section of Chief Tegbe’s supporters at the meeting.

He described Governor Makinde as a statesman who prioritized the development of the state and the welfare of the people in his first term, leading to many milestones achieved in the past four years. 

Chief Tegbe admonished the good people of Oyo State people not to be intimated to vote for politicians, who are only desperate to win elections, but rather to vote for good governance in the 11th March governorship and the house of assembly election.

The Oyo South PDP senatorial candidate, however, noted that his team had started taking the necessary steps required to correct every anomaly in the National Assembly election to reclaim his mandate. 

Members of the Chief Tegbe Support Group from various zones of the state took turns to eulogize the Ibadan Mogaji and restated their commitment to his cause.

They affirmed their readiness to double their efforts next weekend, as directed by their principal, Chief Tegbe.

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Politics

Avoid violence during March 11 election – Adeleke

By Web News 538

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called on residents of the state to remain peaceful and avoid political violence in the countdown to the March 11th House of Assembly election. 

Addressing stakeholders and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, at his residence, Governor Adeleke commended the support for the party in last Saturday’s election, urging all political parties to continue to maintain the peace as democracy is about making choices at the polls.

In a statement by Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor specifically warned against incitement, political violence and any other conduct that may breach the peace the state is currently enjoying. 

Commenting on last Saturday’s election, Governor Adeleke said there is no winner, no vanquished, calling on voters to prepare again to perform their civic responsibility come March 11.

He noted that Osun people and Nigerians have voted and have made their choices, and leaders have emerged, advising the winners to serve the best interest of the voting public.

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Politics

Tegbe Lauds Turnout of Voters

By Web News 500

By Iyabo Adebisi

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Chief Joseph Tegbe, has lauded the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ibadan and its environs.

He gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Lanioka Ward 5, Unit 7, in Ibadan South East Local Government Area. 

He commended the electorate for turning out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and INEC for making the materials available on time. 

This, he said, was a signal that the exercise would be free and fair. 

“I had no hitches with the BVAS. INEC has done so well so far. For those who have yet to vote, I want to encourage them to go out and perform their civic responsibilities,” Tegbe said.

He appealed to INEC to build on its preparations for this election in order to record more successes in the March 11 governorship and House of Assembly polls in the state.