The Nation Newspaper

Category: Election

  • APC, PDP trade accusations over Imo poll

    APC, PDP trade accusations over Imo poll

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) support group–Imo Progressives Movement (IPM)– and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sam-Jones Governorship Campaign Organization are on each other’s throat.

    While the APC supporters claimed they have made a shocking discovery of how the opposition party was planning to import 2,000 militants from Rivers and Edo States into Imo State ahead of the November 11 governorship election, the PDP supporters alleged that the result of the election may have been “written, kept secret and awaiting to be smuggled into INEC BVAS and IREV by election riggers.”

    Briefing reporters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the APC IPM Director-General,  Comrade Jeff Nwoha accused the agents of the PDP of allegedly sealing a deal with two warlords in Rivers and Edo states to invade Imo State on November 11 with over 2000 armed militants with the intention to stop the governorship election from holding.

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    He said:  ”About two months ago, our ever-vigilant election surveillance has intercepted credible intelligence about some secret meetings being held by certain PDP chieftains in Abuja, Owerri and Lagos, which sole agenda was to figure out ways to stop the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election in Imo and cause an unconstitutional change of government in the State.

    “The agents of PDP have also sealed a deal with two warlords in Rivers and Edo states to import 2,000 militants on the day of election.”

    On their part, Imo PDP (Sam-Jones) Governorship Campaign Organization, alleged that it has intercepted credible information of plan by the APC government in the state to manipulate the election.

  • S’Court clears Kogi APC candidate Ododo, dismisses Adeyemi’s appeal

    S’Court clears Kogi APC candidate Ododo, dismisses Adeyemi’s appeal

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Senator Smart Adeyemi against the judgments of the two lower courts on the April 15 All Progressives Congress (APC)  primary.

    The apex court, in a unanimous decision, held that the appeal lacked merit, having failed to challenge the concurrent findings of both the High and Appeal courts, or demonstrate that the same were perverse.

    The apex court also held that the two issues raised in the appellant’s brief were unreasonable, vexatious, not triable and against the provisions of Section 132 and 133(1) of the Evidence Act 2011.

    Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the Ninth Assembly, had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, seeking to nullify the primary that produced Usman Ododo as the party’s candidate for the state’s governorship poll slated for November 11. The case was dismissed by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal for lacking in merit.

    Read Also: Supreme Court: You are under another delusion, APC tells PDP, Atiku

    Delivering judgment yesterday, the apex court first struck out the appellant’s first notice of appeal and described as contemptuous, the practice of parties appearing on TV stations to discuss pending appeals.

    Justice E. A Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, said: “You go to say on television that if the court is a court of justice, the appeal should go in your favour.”

    “The court frowns at this practice. Once you’ve engaged a lawyer, go and rest.

    “I am giving this elaborate talk so that you don’t go out and say things that are not reasonable. The court is manned by reasonable persons.”

    He went on: “On the whole, this appeal fails. The appellant shall pay the cost of N1 million each to the 1st and 3rd Respondents (the governorship candidate and the APC),” the Supreme Court ruled.

  • Kogi: Abejide promises local council autonomy

    Kogi: Abejide promises local council autonomy

    The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has promised to ensure local government autonomy.

    He also promised to return the “lost glory” of the traditional institution in the state.

    Abejide promised to bridge infrastructure decay while also addressing the menace of flooding in the affected communities in Igalaland, Kogi East Senatorial District of the state, if elected governor.

    The ADC campaign train rolled into Idah, Ibaji, Ofu, Olamaboro and Ankpa councils in Kogi East Senatorial District at the weekend where the candidate canvassed  autonomy for the local government.

    Abejide paid a courtesy call on the Attah of Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, Matthew Opaluwa, in Idah, Idah Local Council, and promised to tackle flooding and power failure.

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    Speaking against the background of recent grading and upgrading of 300 traditional stools by Governor Yahaya Bello, the ADC candidate said he will halt the rudderless grading of traditional stools without the accompanying perks and incentives.

    He said that the system has lowered the image of the royal institution in the eyes of the public.

    Abejide noted that the anomalies can be partly addressed through granting autonomy to the local governments.

    He said: “Our administration would grant autonomy to the third tier of government, thus giving fresh breath of air to the people at the rural communities particularly at the grassroots, which would free the traditional institution from its present bondage.”

    Abejide assured that his commitment to alleviating the suffering of the people of Kogi State has been rekindled by the endorsement of his aspiration from across the sections in the state.

  • Supreme Court judgment: Remain calm, Imo Govt urges electorate

    Supreme Court judgment: Remain calm, Imo Govt urges electorate

    • Governor promises party leaders to deliver

    The Imo State Government has urged the people of the state to remain calm over a purported attempt by the opposition to seek an enforcement from the Supreme Court on its judgment of 2020 concerning the double nomination of Uche Nwosu for the 2019 gubernatorial election.

    It described the latest suit by the opposition as a distraction and mere academic exercise, adding that the apex court had rested all issues pertaining to the election when it affirmed Senator Uzodimma as the validly elected governor of the state.

    Commissioner for Information and StrategyDeclan Emelumba declared in a statement in Owerri, Imo State, that since it was obvious to the opposition parties that they were losing the upcoming governorship election to Uzodimma, they have contrived the suit to cause confusion and distract the electorate.

    He described the latest effort as an exercise in futility because the so-called ruling on Nwosu was on nomination and not as the candidate of the APC in the said election. 

    The statement reads: They have forgotten that Uche Nwosu later went to the Federal High Court to challenge the candidature of Senator Hope Uzodimma, and he lost. That judgment was never appealed.

    At another event, the governor expressed delight over the cordial relationship existing between the leaders of the autonomous communities in Owerri, saying their desire to come together in the interest of their area will make his work easy for him.

    He also assured them that he will not disappoint their expectations as far as implementation of the Charter of Equity is concerned.

    Read Also: Supreme Court: You are under another delusion, APC tells PDP, Atiku

    “I will enforce it. I won’t disappoint your expectations,” the governor said.

    He spoke on Sunday when he met with leaders from Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Ikeduru and Mbaitoli local government areas of the State at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chamber and at Agbala respectively.

    The leaders from Owerri North, Ikeduru and Mbaitoli were led to the meeting, among others by APC chieftains – Chief Charles Amadi, Chief Henry Amadi and Dr. Macdonald Ebere – who brought some of their leaders, hitherto core opponents of the APC, to plead loyalty to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

  • Kogi Accord campaign council to INEC: be transparent

    Kogi Accord campaign council to INEC: be transparent

    The Kogi State Accord Campaign Council has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a free, fair and rancor-free process.

    The charge is coming on the heels of the recent allegations and counter-allegations by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the electoral umpire.

    A statement by the Accord Party   council youth’s spokesperson,  Samuel Danjuma underscores that the outcome of the election will be a testament to the President’s unyielding commitment to upholding the sanctity of credible elections in the nation, adding that it serves as an opportunity to demonstrate that the electoral process is “a cornerstone of our democratic ideals, where the voice of every citizen is respected and counted.”

    Read Also: Supreme Court: You are under another delusion, APC tells PDP, Atiku

    The statement reads partly: “Accord party and its distinguished candidate, Rear Admiral Jibrin, place unwavering trust in the capability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct this exercise with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. We believe that INEC, as the custodian of our democratic values, will ensure that the people’s will prevails.

    “We pledge our commitment to this process, vowing to follow through with the utmost dedication and sincerity, and ultimately secure a victory that reflects the aspirations of the people. Our collective goal is to usher in an era of progress, prosperity, and inclusive governance for all.”

  • Propaganda won’t guarantee your victory, APC council tells Diri, PDP

    Propaganda won’t guarantee your victory, APC council tells Diri, PDP

    • I’m committed to APC’s victory in Bayelsa, says Lokpobiri

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Bayelsa State National Governorship Campaign Council on Monday told Governor Douye Diri and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that no amount of propaganda can save them from the impending electoral defeat at the November 11 governorship election in the state.

    The council also described it as a ruse, the rumour of a crack in the party, insisting that all members of the party are solidly behind Hon. Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate.

    The Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the Campaign Council, Hon. Yekini Nabena, in a statement in Abuja on Monday faulted what he called “sponsored media reports” in some quarters suggesting that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, and 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, are working for Governor Diri.

    Nabena, who was APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, described the report as propaganda sponsored by the PDP camp to cause disaffection within the winning APC team.

    Media was awash at the weekend of an unholy alliance between Governor Diri, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the PDP, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon.

    Quoting sources, the reports said Diri had conceded 50 slots of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) each to Lokpobiri and Lyon and has also promised them some measures of influence on decision-making.

    But Nabena in the statement attached with recent pictures where both Lokpobiri and Lyon recommitted themselves before the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to deliver Timipre Sylva and the party in Bayelsa debunked the reports.

    The former APC spokesman said the propaganda tactics being employed by the PDP in Bayelsa towards the governorship election will not work because people have made up their minds to sack the PDP administration for under developing the state.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a sponsored propaganda in some quarters suggesting cracks in the solid camp of the Bayelsa APC ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the State.

    “We will not be distracted because we are fully aware how desperate the incumbent Governor Douye Diri has become, therefore employing all manners of tactics including propaganda and lies just to confuse. But, sadly for the PDP, it is just too late because Bayelsans have made up their minds to sack under-developer of an oil-rich state.

    “For the benefit of the doubt, the attached pictures will tell doubters that the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, most recently held a strategic meeting with our candidate in the presence of our National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, where everyone recommitted themselves and massive mobilisation has since begun.

    “We, however, sympathise with the restless Governor Diri and his camp for acting too late, bearing in mind that their days are numbered in the Bayelsa state government House.

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    “We urge all our party members, supporters and Bayelsans, in general, to remain calm, expectant of a landslide victory and disregard lies suggesting cracks in our camp,” Nabena said.

    Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has denied reports of alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in Bayelsa State headed by Governor Douye Diri.

    Media reports had alleged that there is a crack in Bayelsa APC as top leaders, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon engage in talks with PDP’s Governor Diri.

    A statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser on Media and Communication aide to Lokpobiri, debunked the allegations describing it as “handiwork of unscrupulous elements and individuals, groups who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart, especially threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

    Nneamaka said: “Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wish to set the records straight and debunk these malicious claims.

    “It has come to our attention that certain false allegations are being circulated in various media outlets in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch supporter of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC Governorship candidate in the upcoming November 11, 2023, Governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “These baseless allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda. Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State.

    Nneamaka noted that: “Senator Lokpobiri has consistently championed unity and cohesion within the State chapter of the APC and has been at the forefront of promoting the party’s agenda in Bayelsa State. Any insinuations to the contray are unfounded and untrue.”

    Nneamaka pointed out that these individuals behind the unfounded allegations are threatened by the strong and cordial relationship between Tinubu and Senator Lokpobiri which is yeilding positive developments in Bayelsa state.

    “These false allegations against Senator Lokpobiri are the work of individuals and groups who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart. They are threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), a relationship aimed at bringing progress and development to the people of the state.”

    “Despite his demanding global and national assignments in boosting the nation’s oil production, Senator Lokpobiri remains fully committed to the All Progressives Congress. He is confident that, by the grace of God, the APC will emerge victorious at the polls on November 11, 2023.”

    “We urge the general public to disregard these baseless allegations and remain steadfast in their support for Chief Timipre Sylva’s candidacy. Any attempts to sow discord or spread false information will be met with resounding unity from both Senator Lokpobiri and Chief Sylva.”

  • Owerri West leaders root for Uzodimma’s re-election

    Owerri West leaders root for Uzodimma’s re-election

    The political leaders of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Hope Uzodinma in the November 11 governorship election.

    At a ceremony weekend, hosted by the Commissioner for Lands, Noble Atulegwu Abiaso at his Irete country home, the de la crème in the Owerri West politics said they are backing Uzodinma for continuity of good governance.

    Speaking, Atulegwu, who appreciated the leaders for their decision, urged them to encourage all party members within their wards to collect their PVCs.

    He offered to assist those finding it difficult to go to the council headquarters to pick their PVC.

    Former Council Owerri West Council Chairman, Prince Victor Muruako, who noted that Uzodinma had done a lot for the state, said supporting him was a debt of gratitude that must be paid.

    For a former governorship contestant, Chief Gibbson Achonwa popularly known as OYIGA the governor has done extremely well to deserve re-election, noting that Owerri West in particular has benefited tremendously in the good governance offered by the governor.

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    “Our Governor has done well, Owerri West alone is the only local government with the number of highest appointees in the state and that is why Owerri West is giving Gov. Hope Uzodimma 100 per cent of our votes.

    Also speaking, former NUJ Imo State Chairman, Sir. Fidel Onyeneke informed the attendants that Owerri West is sealed for the re-election of the governor.

    Also, the immediate past federal lawmaker who represented Owerri federal constituency, Hon. Ikenna Elizieanya said that although the Governor has done very well, more work must be done in sensitizing the masses at the grassroots about the good works of the governor.

  • Eight defectors back Diri

    Eight defectors back Diri

    Ahead of the November 11 poll in Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri has received seven new defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one defector from the Labour Party (LP).

    They were received by the Governor at Amassoma and Amatolo communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state when his campaign train went to SILGA.

    The leader of the new defectors, Mr. Suoyo Ebi Omonibo, said they took the decision to join the PDP in order to support the good work of the current administration in the state.

    Other defectors from the APC are Biebo Pino Oyinki, Igo Akpobolokemi, Evans Zidi Ambaiowei, Igo Eyibigha, Karikarisei Sunday, Kemepade Warri.  Mr. Samson Ogugu joined PDP from the LP.

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    Also, the PDP governorship campaign train landed in Ogbia Constituency 3 on Monday with visit to some communities to seek support for the governor’s re-election as well as inaugurate some projects in some communities.

    The team, led by the Director-General of the Diri/Law Campaign Council, Hon. Mitema Obordor, was in Oruma, Otuasega, Emeyal and then Kolo, headquarters of the Constituency.

    Many party faithful thronged Kolo to receive the candidate, Governor Douye Diri, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

  • Sack bad leaders, Bayelsa LP candidate’s wife urges women

    Sack bad leaders, Bayelsa LP candidate’s wife urges women

    Wife of the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mrs. Teslima Abubakar Eradiri, has urged voters in Bayelsa State to back her husband’s bid and sack Governor Douye Diri in the next month governorship election in the state.

    She made the appeal yesterday during the official launch of her campaign to mobilise women for her husband, Udengs Eradiri.

    Speaking after a meeting in Yenagoa with the LP women leaders in the eight local government areas, Mrs. Eradiri appealed to them to begin grassroots mobilization in their areas to support her husband.

    She said there was a need for the women to close ranks, understand her husband’s vision for the state and take the message to their various communities.

    She insisted that the LP candidate remained the best for the job, adding that Eradiri would transform Bayelsa from a spending state to an income-generating state for a better life for residents.

    She said: “He wants a better life for children. He wants a Bayelsa State where people will come to, a state that has something that will attract people. We are not going to be a spending state, by God’s grace we are going to be an income generating state.

    “There must be something bringing people to Bayelsa State, where people will, ‘say there is this hospital in Yenagoa, if you are looking for the best cancer doctor, it’s in Yenagoa’. If you are looking for the best orthopedic surgeon, it’s in Yenagoa. If you are looking for a rice factory, it’s in Yenagoa, if you are looking for a sugar mill, it’s in Yenagoa.

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    Mrs. Eradiri lamented that Bayelsa had been plagued with bad leaders, adding that it was time to issue them a red card.

    She said: “Then you will realize that Bayelsa State has been plagued with bad leaders, with greedy people who only want to come in and fend for themselves and their families. They will come and marry ten wives while they are in office with state resources, living lavish lifestyle.

    “A lot of these our leaders in the state, their children cannot come back to this state to speak. What are you speaking on? Did you go to school in Bayelsa?

    “It is these things that have caused deep pain in our heart that has made Udengs come forward and say this is what he wants to change in the state. He wants a state that will be better for all of us, it may not be for us today, it will be for the generations coming. It will be for our young children and your grandchildren.”

    She also advised the women on the need to continuously sensitize the electorate especially at the rural areas on the processes of voting to avoid unnecessary mistakes that would lead to cancelation or voiding of votes on the election day.

  • Why we’re backing Uzodimma’s re-election bid, by Awaka indigenes

    Why we’re backing Uzodimma’s re-election bid, by Awaka indigenes

    Hundreds of Awaka indigenes from Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State yesterday vowed to support Governor Hope Uzodimma’s re-election bid come November 11.

    They hinged their support on two legs:  One, to allow the Imo Charter of Equity, which specifies rotation of governorship office among the senatorial districts and two, they maintained that the incumbent has performed creditably to earn a second term.

    The residents who defied the heavy downpour to attend the ground-breaking rally at the Awaka Primary School ground said re-electing Uzodinma will balance the political equation in the state.

    In line with the Charter, if Governor Uzodimma, who is from Orlu zone wins, the Owerri zone will produce the governor in 2027.

    A chieftain of the community and an elder of Nzuko Owere General Assembly, Chief Jerry Chukwueke said, the rally was the conclusion of Owerri North tour championed by a group to ensure  Uzodimma’s victory at the November governorship election.

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    “Now, the Imo Charter of Equity is real. Our people have decided that just like Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu and Abia,  Imo will now join the business of equity, meaning the rotation of the position of governor between one senatorial zone and another.

    So, we have agreed that Governor Hope should complete his second term and all other candidates from Orlu and other zones should step down.

    Besides, Chukwueke said Uzodinma deserves re-election judging from the work he has done.

    “The truth of the matter is that our governor has done a great job for our people. Only few days ago the last batch of a thousand pilgrims returned from Jordan and Jerusalem all paid for by this government,  the roads,  infrastructure, education,  healthcare,  or as in project that would create hundreds and thousands of jobs to skill-up Imo,  rural healthcare at the 305 wards in Imo,  267/of the rural healthcare centres are working and active.

    He appealed to the people to put aside everything else and vote for Hope Uzodimma to make way for the Owerri zone in 2027.