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  • APC’ll win 18 councils, says Commissioner

    APC’ll win 18 councils, says Commissioner

    Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), yesterday  said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the governorship poll in the 18 councils.

    He also said the future of the state would be guaranteed, if the people vote for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    In a statement entitled “Nov. 16 is a Lucky Day,” Ajulo said the election would be a huge win for the ruling party.

    He said: “Ondo2024: It’s going to be 18-0; Ondo’s future is lucky.  With the wisdom that flows from my modest age and a lifetime of service, I stand today not as a mere observer but as a dedicated advocate for Ondo State’s progress.

    “I have walked the path of challenge and triumph which made me clearly understand the full spectrum of victory and defeat.

    “This journey has taught me the heart of our people and the essence of what true leadership demands.”

    Ajulo said the experiences gave a clear lens and provided   unparalleled insight through which to understand the socio-political landscape of Ondo state.

    Read Also: Governorship: APC ‘ll win all 18 councils of Ondo – Attorney General

    He added: “I therefore approach this moment with deep conviction rather than frivolity.

    “The upcoming Ondo election is not merely a contest; it is a certainty.

    The APC, under the steadfast leadership of Aiyedatiwa, is poised to secure a sweeping victory across all 18 local governments- All, this I affirm.” 

    “This is not mere optimism but a clear recognition of the collective will of the people, who seek continuity, stability, and progress.

    “Aiyedatiwa’s leadership has ignited a fire of hope, and together, we will carry this flame forward,”  he said.

  • Abiodun on council poll: Opposition on holiday, APC remains party to beat

    Abiodun on council poll: Opposition on holiday, APC remains party to beat

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared that based on the performance of his administration in the last five years, opposition parties are unpopular and invisible in the coming local government election.

    He said the quality of candidates the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was presenting would make it the party to beat, adding that it would record landslide victory in the 20 local governments. 

    Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, at the weekend, Prince Abiodun said his administration had changed the hitherto volatile political environment in the state and made it conducive for opposition parties to operate without hindrance or intimidation.

    He said instead of the primordial machinery of intimidation, his administration had dwarfed opposition parties through sterling performance and creative ideas for development.

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    The governor urged APC members to show more commitment and work in harmony, to sustain the feats attained in the past years and ensure resounding victory during Saturday’s local government poll.

    “With the quality of candidates our party is presenting in the forthcoming local government election, APC remains a party to beat; we have assiduously and consistently made remarkable impacts in the lives of our people and this is indeed our selling point.

    “Without going through the primordial route of physical intimidation of opposition parties, our administration has silenced them by our intimidating projects, creative ideas and prudence, which have earned us a leading status among other federating units.

    “It is now incumbent on every APC member across the 20 councils to sustain the enviable feats our party has recorded in the last five years by showing more commitment and work in unity for the victory of our party on November 16,” Abiodun said.

  • APC chief commends lawmaker’s health empowerment programme

    APC chief commends lawmaker’s health empowerment programme

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Governing Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has commended an empowerment and health programme for the elderly, sponsored by Dr Enitan Dolapo-Badru, a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1.

    Olusi stressed the need to care for the elderly so that they would be healthy and happy in old age while appealing to other lawmakers to borrow from the laudable initiative.

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    The federal lawmaker,  revealed that about 1000 elderly beneficiaries, aged 70 and above,  had been selected across the ten political wards in his constituency to participate in the health and empowerment programme.

    Badru added that additional provision running into millions of naira had been made to procure drugs prescribed for the elderly people after the health programme.

    The lawmaker appealed to those who did not benefit from the empowerment to wait for the second round that would come up in December.

    Also speaking, at the occasion, the Deputy State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, in Lagos Prince Moshood Maiyegun commended the lawmaker for being a good ambassador of the party in Lagos State. 

  • Ondo: APC, PDP intensify campaigns for Saturday’s guber poll

    Ondo: APC, PDP intensify campaigns for Saturday’s guber poll

    • INEC steps up preparation

    Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,  yesterday pledged to complete projects initiated by his late predecessor, Olusegun Agagu, as the clock continued to  tick ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

    Aiyedatiwa is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Agboola Ajayi, met with various segments of the society including traditional rulers  and retired top civil servants.

    He promised to give them a prime place in his administration if elected.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which is organising the election is also stepping up its preparation with training of ad-hoc staff.

    Aiyedatiwa, who took his campaign to Okitipupa and Ondo West Local Government Areas said he would facilitate  development of  Ikaleland by building  an airstrip in Okitipupa Local Government Area to make it easier for investors to access the oil rich region, boost economic opportunities and growth

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said work would commence on the proposed deep seaport project next year.

    He said his administration has awarded a 20-kilometre road project in the Southern Senatorial District.

    In Ondo town, Governor Aiyedatiwa said he would address the demands of the people and appealed to them to come out en masse on election day to vote for the APC.

    On his part, Ajayi told members of the Ondo State Association of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries that he has the kind of  experience needed to run a successful administration.

    He promised to create an avenue for them “ where your wealth of experience would still be needed and tapped into.”

    President of the association, Chief Fioye Bajowa, said the state needed a man that could put things right.

    ” We have all contributed our quota to the state at our individual levels while in service but now out of service we feel very much obliged to know and contribute to how we are being administered in Ondo State ,” Bajowa said.

    Also, over 2000 volunteer groups pledged their loyalty and support to the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Hon Agboola Alfred Ajayi ahead of the  polls.

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    The volunteers who gathered at Akungba Akoko said they came together to canvas votes and ensure victory for the PDP.

    They said their decision was based on economic hardship in the country and in Ondo State.

    Spokesman for the volunteers,  Idowu Adewale, said the track records of the PDP showed it to be a party with a human face and could really put things on the right track

     INEC steps up preparation

    Chairman of  INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, visited key training centers in Akure South to evaluate the ongoing preparation of election officials.

    The chairman’s visit included stops at Aquinas College and St. James Mega School Irowo, where he observed hands-on training for Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).

    These officials are responsible for implementing the voting process and maintaining order at polling stations on election day.

    Addressing the trainees, Prof. Yakubu said they have a critical role to play in delivering a credible and transparent election, emphasising their responsibility in upholding the integrity of the November 16 governorship poll.

    He reiterated INEC’s unwavering commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State.

  • ZLP, APC, SDP candidates commend Ondo REC

    ZLP, APC, SDP candidates commend Ondo REC

    Some governorship candidates have praised the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, for showing commitment to the conduct of a free and fair election.

    The candidates spoke in Akure yesterday at a stakeholder’s consultative meeting. The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr. Abbas Mimiko said the Ondo REC has shown diligence and dedication to the electoral process.

    Dr. Mimiko said Mrs. Babalola has been transparent in handling processes leading to the polls. He said: “Mrs. Babalola has shown great diligence and commitment to her duties. We in the ZLP are not calling for her redeployment, as we have full confidence in her impartiality and the integrity of her work.”

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    “I am confident that INEC will deliver as expected. We believe they are fully prepared to ensure a transparent, credible election that will truly reflect the will of the people. I urge all stakeholders to have faith in INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.”

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is also the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it was imperative to maintain peace during the electoral process.

    He said: “Elections will come and go, but Ondo State will remain. It is our duty to preserve the peace we currently enjoy. I appeal to my fellow candidates to see beyond the immediate contest and focus on the long-term peace and prosperity of our state.”

  • Ogun APC mourns Egunjobi 

    Ogun APC mourns Egunjobi 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has bemoaned the loss of former Special Adviser on Housing to Ogun State Governor, Tajudeen Egunjobi, describing the unfortunate incident as a “painful death of a core party loyalist.”

    In a statement issued and signed by the Publicity Secretary of Ogun APC, Tunde Oladunjoye, in Abeokuta yesterday, the state party Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, was quoted as saying that “Egunjobi’s death is a rude shocking loss of a party leader at a time the party really needed him.”

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    The statement further said: “The news of Egunjobi’s death hit us to the marrows. We have lost a loyalist, humble and unassuming personality, who will be greatly missed by our party. We have lost him when we needed him most.

    “As a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Egunjobi distinguished himself as a public servant and community leader known for his accommodating and non-assuming disposition. He was hardworking and a good representative of his people and the state.

    “We pray that Almighty God will repose his wonderful soul, comfort his family and associates; and grant all of us the fortitude to bear the loss.”

  • Itesiwaju Mainland to mobilise voters for APC

    Itesiwaju Mainland to mobilise voters for APC

    A new political pressure group, ‘Itesiwaju Mainland,’ in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, has promised to mobilise voters for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Hundreds of residents drawn from all the 11 wards in the local government attended the group’s inaugural meeting held at the Hubert Macaulay Primary School in the Adekunle area.

    The interim Chairman of the group, Prince Aliyu Momoh, said the purpose of forming the group was to mobilise residents of the ruling APC, especially in the coming local government elections.

    He also said leaders of thought in the local government mobilise themselves to engage in meaningful consultations.

    They visited party elders in the state to complain about marginalisation and the need to address grievances among people.

    “Our elders agreed with us. They gave us their support to go ahead with the mobilisation of people for active political participation.

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    Another purpose of forming the political group, according to him, is to cater for the welfare of the people by ensuring the delivery of meaningful dividends of democracy.

    Momoh dispelled the rumour of being sponsored by a certain lawmaker.

    “Nobody is sponsoring us. Leaders of the group have been pulling personal resources together to mobilise the people. They have suffered neglect for a long time in the scheme of things in Lagos State. These people are a new set of people that we are just grooming into politics and to better their welfare. We are sure that with the support of our notable elders in the local government, we will be able to attract democratic dividends to the area,’’ Momoh said.

    He assured that the formation of the group, would end the marginalisation and ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

    According to him, the group also emphasises the need to promote peaceful co-existence among all interest groups in the area.

    “We are against politics of bitterness and thuggery in the area. We are members of APC and we are for peaceful conduct.’’

    Mr Kola Atanda, who conducted attendance accreditation at the meeting, said members from all the 11 wards in the local government turned up en-mass for the first meeting.

    Atanda said about 850 residents registered and expressed solidarity for the group’s course of action.

  • Ondo 2024: We stand by APC candidate, Ilaje leaders vow

    Ondo 2024: We stand by APC candidate, Ilaje leaders vow

    Kinsmen of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ilaje Local Government Area have promised to ensure maximum victory for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in next Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

     The Ilaje leaders also urged residents in the locality to shun violence or any action that might disrupt the election.

    They spoke under the auspices of Ilaje Development Summit Group at the 2024 political summit held in Igbokoda, with the theme “Themed “A Unified Vision for Ondo State: Political and Economic Renaissance for Sustainable Development.”

     Executive Administrator of the group, Adesola Adebawo, said Ilaje had put forward a knowledgeable and compassionate leader in the person of Aiyedatiwa Adebawo, adding there was need to harness untapped resources of riverine communities for the overall advancement of the area.

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     He said, “Ilaje, known for its oil and gas reserves and fishing skills, is facing challenges relating to infrastructure and environmental problems. 

     “As we continue the quest for improving the governance of our state as well as the prosperity of our people, it has become critical for us to focus on the nexus between politics and development.

    These two are mutual enablers of each other.

     “As key stakeholders in the development project of Ondo State and indeed Nigeria, it is imperative for us to be significantly involved in the process of ensuring that, as a people, we put our best foot forward in determining the quality of manpower that we project for public office and indeed the governance of our state.”

     A former governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, urged Ilaje residents to support Aiyedatiwa’s return to power in the forthcoming election.

     On his part, the Arapanata of Itebu-Kunmi Kingdom, Oba Aderibigbe Olomola, who cautioned against violence before, during, and after the election, encouraged residents to vote wisely

     Head of Economy and Investments of Ilaje Development Summit Group, Mr. Ayo Abiola, said Aiyedatiwa’s leadership was crucial because Ilaje needs drastic development.

  • APC sweeps Cross River council polls

    APC sweeps Cross River council polls

    The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Cross River State has emerged victorious in all 18 chairmanship positions and 196 councillorship seats in the local government councils election conducted on Saturday.

    The results were announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC Dr. Ekong Bocco.

    Following the announcement, all the elected chairmen were presented with certificates of return.

    Among the 18 elected local government council leaders, three are women and fifteen are men.

    In his address to the newly elected council heads, the CROSIEC Chairman extended his congratulations and emphasised the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and the responsibilities associated with local government councils in democratic governance.

    Read Also: PDP chieftains defect to APC in Akoko

    The comprehensive triumph of the All Progressive Congress in Cross River State signifies a notable transformation in the political arena. By securing all 18 Chairmanship positions and 196 councillorship seats, the APC has cemented its dominance in the local government councils.

    During the ceremony to present certificates of return to the elected chairmen, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, highlighted the crucial tasks awaiting the newly elected officials, including addressing the needs of their constituents, promoting transparency, and fulfilling their electoral commitments in line with the People First Mantra championed by the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

    He emphasized that the success in the local government polls paves the way for the State government to continue showcasing effective governance and making a positive impact on the lives of the people in Cross River State.

  • PDP chieftains defect to APC in Akoko

    PDP chieftains defect to APC in Akoko

    Notable chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of next week’s governorship election.

    Those who defected were a former House of Representatives member for Akoko Northeast/Northwest Constituency, Stephen Olemija, a former Chairman of Akoko Northeast and candidate of the PDP in the last House of Representatives by-election in the constituency, Lekan Bada, and Momoh Mufu, also known as Apongan.

    They were received into the APC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who led the party on a campaign tour. Aiyedatiwa, whose campaign team visited Iboropa, Akunnu and Ikare Akoko, said the crowd from the communities was a testament to the positive impact his administration has made.

    Read Also: More PDP chieftains join APC in Ondo

    At Ikare Akoko, the headquarters of the local government, Governor Aiyedatiwa received royal blessings from the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and the Owa-Ale of Iyometa Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adegbite.

    The governor assured the monarchs that their requests would be incorporated into the 2025 budget. He said: “I am truly humbled by the incredible show of support from the people of Ikare. Your commitment to our vision for a better Ondo State fills me with immense pride. Ikare has always been a beacon of progress, and your loyalty reassures us that our efforts are being recognised and valued.”

    He said his administration has made improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, and education.

    “We have achieved so much together, from upgrading our roads to enhancing agriculture and investing in our schools, but our work is far from over. With your continued support on November 16, we can deliver even more transformation and development.”