The opposition Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to stop blaming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intractable crisis plaguing the PDP, saying it is a self – inflicted woe.
The Labour Party also asked the PDP to recuse itself from contesting or presenting any candidate for the country’s next presidential election in 2027, declaring that the hitherto largest political party in Africa has lost both “direction and focus.”
Emphasising the alleged leadership crisis rocking the party, the fight that erupted at its headquarters in Abuja during a meeting of the party’s board of trustees (BoT) as both Samuel Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye continued to lay claim to the position of the National Secretary, and allegation by Atiku Abubakar, that the opposition leaders were paid N50million each by the government at the centre to undermine democracy, the LP submitted that the umbrella party can no longer be expected to provide the much-desired leadership role in the country.
In a statement on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the LP said if the PDP had not been able to put its house in order and work in unity since losing power in 2015 to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it will also be quite difficult for it to reclaim power in 2027, let alone summoning the requisite direction, focus and organisation to manage the affairs of Nigeria.
Arabambi added that given the precarious situation of the opposition PDP today, it would be a deft move if the once ruling political party in Nigeria should heed the wise counsel, recuse itself from the next presidential election and join forces with the Labour Party and Mr Peter Obi to make the union formidable enough to wrest power from the APC in 2027.
The LP Publicity Secretary said the advice became necessary and timely as the nation inches closer to another general elections season so as to avert a repeat of what happened in 2023, when the PDP and LP went to the presidential election separately and lost to the APC, instead of joining hands together as a single entity to upstage the ruling party.
He expressed the confidence that with the over six million votes garnered by the LP in 2023, there is hope in the horizon that the party would pull winning votes in 2027 and more victory votes if the PDP aligned with LP ahead of the next presidential election.
“PDP is in a serious leadership crisis. They have not been able to put their house in order and how can they manage the affairs of the country? PDP should recuse itself from participating in the 2027 presidential election and support the Labour Party to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“We don’t want what happened in 2023 to repeat itself in 2027 when the PDP and LP went separate ways to contest in that election and divided their votes. If they had worked together as one their combined votes would have defeated the APC,” Arabambi stated.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has urged Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, to return to the ruling party and contribute to its progress.
The appeal was made on Friday by the state chairman of the PDP, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, during a visit to Edeoga’s residence in Enugu, accompanied by key officials of the state executive committee.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Dr. Chukwunweike emphasized the party’s desire to rebuild and strengthen its political structure in the state.
“Ever since I assumed office as the state chairman of the PDP in Enugu, we have been strategizing on how to make the party formidable once again,” he stated.
The PDP leadership expressed confidence that Edeoga’s return would bolster the party’s influence and enhance its efforts to serve the people of Enugu State effectively.
“PDP used to be the only party in Enugu State l. But in the last election, something happened that things didn’t go the way they used to go.
“When I came on board, I discussed with the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, that we must do everything possible to get all our people back on track. We must do everything possible to see that Enugu State becomes 100 percent PDP once again the way it used to be.
“We took the decision to consult with some of our very key people who have been PDP all along. Number one on the list is the person we’re in his residence, Chijioke Edeoga.
“Edeoga has gone to the House of Representatives under PDP. During our discussion, he told me plainly that he owes a lot to PDP. He’s become a lot because of PDP. He’s been in the state executive council of Enugu State courtesy of the PDP and a lot of other things.
“So, it was painful to me to come and be acting as the PDP chairman without someone like him being in PDP.
“The governor approved that I should go and talk to him and beg him to come back to PDP because he (the governor) knows that he (Edeoga) is a force to reckon with in Enugu State politics.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions before now. Today, we, myself and key members of the executive of the PDP in Enugu State, have come to consult with him, and he’s okay with our visit. He’s very satisfied with our visit.
“I believe, from what he told us, that we are going to have him back in the party. The only thing is that being somebody who is not standing alone, who has people who are his team members and companions, he feels that it is right that he also consults with them before coming to give us the expected verdict.
“It might not cause him anything (to make his stand known) but it doesn’t augur well for his personality to just tell us, ‘Let’s go back to PDP’. But, naturally, as a man of honour and integrity, and as a general who controls people, he needs to consult with his people to give us his final expected verdict, which I believe will not be in a long time so that as the battle is beginning to prepare now, we will all go into the battlefield united as one family, which we have always been.
“We know that Enugu State under Dr Peter Mbah will eventually become what PDP used to be. He’s asked us to extend his greetings to the governor. He’s asked us to tell the governor that he has seen the good works.
“We’re happy this our visit has been very successful. I believe that when next we call you will be for him to now tell you the expected response”, Chukwunweike said.
Edeoga, in his response, thanked the leadership of the PDP Enugu State for looking for him and promised to give them a response anytime soon.
He said: “You heard the chairman. They want me to come back to PDP and I told them that I would consult widely because I’m a product of several men and women of goodwill. I will have to take back the message from the chairman and his team, whom I have enormous respect for. It is un-Igbo to hear such a request and respond immediately. I’m going to take it home and as early as possible, get back to the chairman”.
Michael Ayuba Auta, the Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Southern Kaduna in the 2023 general elections, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Auta, who was instrumental in Labour Party’s performance during the 2023 elections, vowed to mobilize one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at his defection ceremony in his Fai ward, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Auta stated that his decision to join the APC was driven by prevailing political realities and the overwhelming demand from his supporters.
He commended President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their efforts in fostering peace and inclusivity in Kaduna State.
Auta highlighted the appointment of General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff as a strong indication that Southern Kaduna had been fully integrated into the government.
Auta’s defection is expected to boost the APC’s influence in Southern Kaduna, a region known for its diverse political leanings.
“This government has given us a sense of belonging. Today, our people can go to their farms and businesses without fear. Unlike the previous administration, President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani has not segregated us,” Auta stated.
Recalling his political strength, he reminded his supporters of his ability to mobilize grassroots support, citing his role in securing 294,000 votes for Peter Obi in 2023 without government backing.
“If I could achieve that as an opposition figure, imagine what we will do in 2027. I guarantee one million votes for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani. The APC no longer has a problem in Southern Kaduna,” he declared.
His defection was met with enthusiasm from APC members. Hon. Dare Isuwa, the Fai Ward Chairman, described it as “the happiest day of my life,” expressing confidence that Auta’s influence would strengthen APC’s grip on the region.
“He has labored for this party before, and now that he is back, APC will only grow stronger. We are issuing his membership card today, and I have no doubt that whatever he contests under APC, he will succeed,” Isuwa said.
Meanwhile, Auta’s business associate, Hon. Elisha Yahaya, alleged that the Labour Party betrayed Michael despite his enormous contributions.
“Michael built LP in Kaduna, Kano, Niger, and Jigawa within six months. Yet, those he trusted turned against him. It affected his business, but we, his partners, always knew his worth,” Yahaya said.
With Auta’s defection, Southern Kaduna’s political dynamics are set for a major shift, as APC consolidates its hold ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Labour Party (LP) yesterday expressed anger over the gale of defections that has befallen the party and took action against the defectors.
In a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, LP announced that it had filed a suit in an unnamed court to compel the National Assembly leadership to declare vacant the seats of its members that have defected.
The LP statement followed the defection of the House of Representatives member representing Jos South/Jos East, Alfred Ajang Illiya, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This brings the number of LP House of Representatives members who have joined the APC to five.
The statement reads: “The leadership of the Labour Party again received with dismay news of the betrayal of the people of Jos South/Jos East by Mr. Ajang Illiya, a man whom the Labour Party and the people of Plateau State entrusted with their collective hopes and aspirations for a just and equitable society through legislation.
“Illiya, who just engraved his name on the Labour Party ‘Hall of Shame’ Register, has brought dishonour to himself through this action.
“While it is true that the constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association, the constitution qualifies such rights regarding the membership of political parties.
“The law does not protect an individual who steals the mandate of a people and a political party to run into another without first surrendering the mandate he deceitfully acquired.
“This defection, like similar ones before it, is quite unfortunate and condemnable. Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution is emphatic on when to defect and what happens when a lawmaker sponsored by a political party decides to jump ship.
“It is unnecessary probing why most of the defectors chose the All Progressives Congress (APC) as their destination point and why House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has refused to respect the provisions of the constitution by declaring their seats vacant.
“However, those politicians who have chosen to abandon the people at this crucial time in their lives are the ones who deserve pity because they have exposed themselves as unworthy of our collective trust going forward.
“Meanwhile, the party has since filed actions in the court to compel the National Assembly leadership to declare the seats of the defected Labour Party lawmakers vacant. The suit also seeks that every salary, emolument or privileges received, from the date of defection, be returned.”
Illiya’s defection elicited uproar in the Green Chamber yesterday as opposition lawmakers protested his defection and requested that his seat be declared vacant.
Former Plateau State governor, Senator Simon Lalong, witnessed Illiya’s defection to the APC.
In his letter of defection read at plenary by Speaker Abbas, the lawmaker said the crisis in the LP and the need to align with the policies and developmental initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration propelled him to dump the LP.
The lawmaker said he would be able to offer more effective representation to his constituency within the APC, among other reasons
Though Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi did not oppose the defection, he insisted that there was no crisis in the LP.
He said: “I want to wish all those defecting and those who may wish to do so and believe that the APC is their best destination good luck. We will be waiting to meet them again in 2027, if they will be here. The end will justify the means.”
Labour Party (LP) senatorial aspirant for Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Paul Orajiaka, has assured people of his constituency of effective legislative intervention and value-based leadership if elected.
Orajiaka made the promise while addressing party faithful and zonal executive members to conclude his week-long tour of the Senatorial District.
He visited Nnewi North, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Aguata, Ekwusigo, Orumba South and Orumba North local government areas.
He said: “The tour of LGAs is to intimate you on my goals for Anambra South Senatorial zone and why I should have your support.
“I promise to provide value-based leadership and effective legislative intervention at the Senate as well as carry out visible projects to address the needs of our communities.
“I will ensure that projects are attracted to my constituency to deliver quality representation for the people of the zone.
“This interaction is for us to also share ideas on how to strengthen our great party, build solid comradeship and prepare to win the next Senatorial election for which I’m an aspirant.
“I strongly believe that together, we can build and achieve a collective victory for the greater good of our zone.”
Orajiaka said he was passionate to serve, qualified and fit intellectually, morally and health wise, to work for the good of Anambra South Senatorial district if elected.
He urged the people of his constituency to support and vote in LP to serve and represent them better.
Member representing Orumba North Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly under the platform of LP, Mr Paul Obu described Orajiaka as competent, reliable and capable for the position.
Following the demise of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah who represented Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign, Dr Doyin Okupe, says the 2023 Presidential election was not rigged by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okupe, a former spokesman for President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
“If Peter Obi (2023 LP presidential candidate) or the Labour Party says APC rigged elections, how come Obi was able to win in the home base of President Bola Tinubu?
“How come APC lost election in the home base of the sitting President (Muhammadu Buhari)? How come APC lost election in the home base of the Secretary to that government.
“So ,the accusations about rigging do not hold water ;they do not hold water at all.
“The truth of the matter is that under the best of conditions, the results we got may not have been the exact results, but they will have that ratio.
“I was in a Labour Party;we couldn’t have done better than we did. I know that for some reasons, but that is a discussion for another day,” he said.
According to him, the opposition PDP and LP appear to be unrealistic with their accusations that “the presidency was stolen”.
Okupe added: “There’s nothing like that. No presidency was stolen. I am not saying there was no rigging.
“There was no election that we have done in Nigeria since 1960 till date that was not rigged one way or the other.Not one.
Perhaps,an exception was MKO Abiola’s election because of the unique nature of the voting pattern. You know it was Option A4 ,people were counted.Apart from that, every other election was rigged.”
Okupe, who expressed strong belief in Tinubu’s reforms, said that the President’s policies would begin to yield results from the second year of his administration.
The former LP chieftain said that Tinubu had impressed him not only as a politician, but as a technocrat: “a man that is capable of deep thinking.”
He said that Tinubu had development ideologies and policies at his fingertips, “This thing, you don’t learn it. It’s a gift.”
The 72-year-old politician said that Tinubu was like the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with great ideas about public policies.
Describing Tinubu as a reformer, Okupe said it was “total nonsense” to say that the President came to the office without a plan .
“I have worked with two past presidents. I have studied other presidents closely from a very close point.
“I do not know any Nigerian president from 1960 to date who has come more armed, better prepared for governance than this gentleman.
“Unfortunately for him, he has come into government at a very terrible and awful time,” Okupe said.
Noting that it would be unfair to hold Tinubu accountable for the ills of 40 years, Okupe said that the President needed a minimum of two years for some of his policies to begin to produce results.
He said that just like Singapore and Malaysia transited from third world to first world through determination, Tinubu was determined to move the country to greater heights.
“It is going to be a couple of years of pain and hardship, but he is doing what other presidents for the last 10 years or 20 years have refused to do.
“The choice he had was to run and was to come into governance and just continue business as usual.
“By the time he came to the government, 98 per cent of our revenue generated was being used to pay debt,” Okupe said.
He called on Nigerians to support the President to fix the problems slowing down the progress of the country.
The Labour Party in Ondo State said it has kicked off its campaigns across the 18 local government areas ahead of next month’s governorship election.
It said it adopted a different style of campaign flag-off to be able to reach the electorates and not party members.
Governorship candidate of the party, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who spoke in an interview last night, said the party opted not to use the conventional way of flagging off campaigns.
Chief Ebiseni said the LP canvassers have also embarked in voter’s education in the 18 local government areas to curb voter’s apathy.
Ebiseni said the LP has projects to showcase to the masses across the state.
His words, “We are not doing tbe conventional way. The conventional way is when you talk to your party members at a particular venue. Do we need to gather our members and campaign to them?
“Our ways is not the way of others. We are not in tbe business of campaigning to our members. We go to the people in the villages and wards.
“There is no village in Ondo State where you cannot point to a project executed by the LP. It is easy foe us to relate with the people.by pointing to the projects.
“We are telling the people to come out and vote. We encourage them to use their PVC to vote for the LP. The LP is not an underdog in Ondo State. It is a major party in the state.”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has failed to deliver his Oredo local government area for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday’s governorship election.
The All Progressives Congress polled 30,780 while the PDP got 24,938 votes in the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Winning election in Oredo has been a difficult task for Obaseki since he assumed power.
In both 2020 and 2023 general elections, Obaseki failed to produce the House of Representatives lawmaker for Oredo federal constituency.
He also failed to produce the Senator for Edo South senatorial district in both elections.
Edo polls: PDP’s supporters storm INEC office, allege manipulation of results
From Osagie Otabor, Benin
Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State held a peaceful protest at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), causing significant traffic congestion on the Benin-Abuja highway.
Some protesters sat on the road while security forces maintained a barrier to the INEC office, which was heavily guarded in response to the demonstration.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently leads based on results from 17 local government areas, but protesters claimed that the announced results were manipulated, differing from those reported at the polling units.
One of the protesters, identified as Frank, called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene and investigate the situation.
He said: “What we are saying is that we will not allow anyone to tamper with the wish of the Edo people. People have voted for our candidate (Igodalo) and some people want to use the power from above to turn the results upside down, we won’t accept it. No, we won’t.
“We have the authentic results with us and the ones they announced are different, that means someone has tampered with the results, we will not take it.
“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter, some people should not burn our state.”
Edo polls: PDP cautions INEC against declaring result
…calls for review of result
From Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Osagie Otabor
The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing the results of the just concluded governorship election in the state.
It called on the electoral body to review results being declared by its Local Government Returning Officers and the results uploaded on Irevs portal.
Edo state chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who spoke at a press conference in Benin City, said preliminary findings showed massive irregularities, unjust inflation of APC votes, and deduction of PDP votes in the collation of results.
Aziegbemi noted that the summation of figures on the form EC8C ought to be uploaded on the Irev portal.
He said results announced by the LGA returning officer should tally with the uploaded figures.
The Ondo PDP Chairman said the discrepancies occurred across the 18 local government areas in the state.
He insisted: “Asue will be declared Governor after the anomalies have been cleared.
“INEC should use the window to review the result before the announcement. If INEC does not do that, it will undermine the gains recorded under its current chairman.
“You cannot have three different figures from the same election.
“These anomalies happened across the 18 local government areas. It is in the interest of INEC not to declare the results until they go through the anomalies.
“If the review affects us, so be it. We are not saying check only where APC won but across the board. It is our right to demand INEC to query the BVAS.
“A simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 25,010 votes while 34,847 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 18,620 but 15,865 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“It would interest you that in Ward 9 Akoko Edo LGA, from the 36 Polling Unit results uploaded on the IREV, the total votes obtained by APC is 2,350 while 9104 was entered into the EC8B result for APC. The total votes for PDP is 1359 while 633 were entered in the EC8B.
“Also, in Ward 6 Akoko Edo LGA, where elections were not held in Ward 6 Units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14, and 16, results were returned for the said polling units in the Ward Result sheet (EC8B).
“In Egor LG, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 10,972 votes while 16,760 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 14,485 but 14,658 were returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“It would interest you to note that the collation of the Egor LGA was not done at the designated LGA centre but was moved to the INEC State HQ and the PDP agent was not allowed access to be part of the exercise.
“A simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 29,858 votes while 32,107 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 16,712 but 17,483 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“We therefore demand the immediate re-collation and recomputation of the actual results for the various polling units in the above highlighted local government areas in compliance with the INEC guidelines and regulations which mandate that votes from various units and wards be properly collated.”
Edo 2024: INEC resumes collation at 5pm
By Bisi Olaniyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collation of results for the Edo State governorship election will continue at 5 PM today, focusing on the remaining two local government areas (LGAs): Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha.
Barr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), voted at Unit 11, Ward 6 in Oredo LGA, which is also home to PDP Governor Godwin Obaseki and several key APC leaders.
The PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and many APC leaders are from Ikpoba-Okha LGA, located in Benin Kingdom.
Accord Party’s Enabulele expresses displeasure over Edo election
By Samuel Oamen
Dr. Bright Enabulele, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party, has expressed his displeasure over the conduct of the Saturday, September 21, election in Edo state, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not being transparent.
Enabulele’s claims center around alleged manipulation of results which he asserts undermined the democratic process.
Addressing journalists in his hometown following the polls, Enabulele highlighted his experience at his polling unit, Ward 5 St Saviour Ivbiyeneva Primary School XVI in the Ikpoba/Okha local government area.
According to Enabulele, despite voting on live television and being confident of securing hundreds of votes, the official results recorded zero votes for him.
“My election was recorded as zero despite voting. It was on live TV that I voted. How come INEC recorded zero votes for me?” he questioned, expressing disbelief over the glaring discrepancy.
Enabulele further stated: “I am a candidate, and my vote is not counted. The one result alone shows that the election results are not credible.”
He criticised the electoral process, asserting that without proper safeguards, credible outcomes cannot be achieved.
“The only way to produce a credible winner is to have an electoral system without human interference, and in my opinion, blockchain is the answer. BVAS was not used at all,” he insisted.
The candidate threatened to take legal action against INEC for what he termed “inconsistency and corruption,” demanding accountability for the alleged electoral misconduct.
While maintaining that only elections without human interference can give Nigerians the leaders they truly wanted, Enabulele insisted that results should be counted and transmitted on the spot.
“Our land will continue to suffer if we don’t have this mechanism in place. God bless Edo State and Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying.
Edo guber: Disregard Fintiri’s illegal results, APC tells Edo electorate
By Jide Orintunsin
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has branded the announcement of the results of Edo State governorship election by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors led by Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State as a blatant violation of electoral law.
The governing party also said the action by the opposition governors was an attempt to disrupt the democratic process and cause a crisis in the state.
APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Sunday faulted Fintiri describing his action as “utter desperation and mindless impunity.”
Governors elected on the platform of the PDP led by the Governor of Adamawa state, Umaru Fintiri on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Benin addressed a press conference to declare the Edo State Governorship election, held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Reacting to the development in the statement, Morka noted that, “in a display of utter desperation and mindless impunity, Governor Fintiri announced what he described as “results of the Edo State Gubernatorial Election” held yesterday, Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this act of executive brigandage and contempt for the rule of law and democratic norms. Governor Fintiri has no authority to collate or announce the results of any election.
“This unprecedented illegality is calculated to cause unrest in Edo State, disrupt the peaceful conclusion of the election process, and undermine the lawful authority of INEC. We urge our law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to maintain peace and security in the state.
“Fintiri’s bizarre action follows Governor Godwin Obaseki’s disruptive overnight invasion of INEC’s premises in Benin City until he eventually withdrew in the early hours of Sunday, following protests by APC leaders.”
APC maintained: “The power and duty to conduct, collate, and announce the result of the election is exclusively vested in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by law.
“By seeking to usurp the statutory power of INEC, Governor Fintiri engaged in unmistakable and egregious violation of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a thing of disappointment that Governor Fintiri, a beneficiary of the electoral process, would so recklessly disregard the same process that brought him to office as Governor, in a desperate move to mislead, and achieve a partisan political advantage.
“To be clear, the purported election results announced by Fintiri are bogus, fake, and contrived by devious imagination.”
The ruling party then urged the Edo electorate and the general public to disregard Fintiri’s unlawful and unauthorized announcement of election results.
Edo polls: APC deputy guber candidate Idahosa loses LG to PDP
By Osagie Otabor
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Dennis Idahosa, lost his Ovia Southwest local government area to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Idahosa is the lawmaker representing the Ovia federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
The APC got 10,150 votes while the PDP got 10,260 votes.
Also, Omosede Igbinedion lost in Ovia northeast local government to the PDP.
The PDP got 15,311 votes to defeat the APC which got 13,225.
It was predicted that the PDP would lose in both local government areas due to the recent defection of Barr. Igbinedion to the APC.
Despite predictions suggesting a possible victory for the APC in both areas following Barr. Igbinedion’s recent defection, the PDP emerged victorious.
BREAKING: Edo 2024: APC wins Esan West LGA as INEC begins collation
By Bisi Olaniyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the election held on Saturday, September 21, in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
INEC made the announcement on Sunday, September 22, at the state collation centre for the Edo election, revealing the following results:
Esan West LGA, with 10 wards.
Total registered voters = 113,067
Total accredited voters = 25,702
APC= 12,952
PDP = 11,004
LP = 342
Total valid votes = 24,691.
Rejected votes = 693.
Total votes cast = 25,384.
Details shortly…
Edo 2024: Don’t disrupt collation of results, INEC warns political actors
…says collation will go ahead
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over the presence of some political figures at its Edo state headquarters on Saturday night, shortly after the gubernatorial elections concluded.
Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated in a statement that the actions of some political actors were inappropriate and cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the collation process.
He said in spite of the action which created tension, the commission was going ahead with the collation of the results, threatening to invoke the relevant sections of the law against those trying to disrupt the process.
The statement reads: “Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest.
“The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards. Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.
“However, the Commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured.
“We are similarly distubed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for.
“Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections.
“There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.
“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres.
“The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process.”
UPDATED: Police walk Obaseki out of INEC’s office
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Osagie Otabor, Benin
…as APC lambasts Edo governor, says his action is abuse of office
In the early hours of September 22, 2024, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki quietly stormed the State Collation Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aduwawa, Benin, to protest the governorship election results, even though the official results had not yet been announced.
Obaseki, a key supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, sneaked into the INEC premises around 2 a.m., under the cover of darkness.
He proceeded to the first floor of the building, where the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, is located.
However, the REC did not attend to Obaseki, who quietly remained near the office to monitor the situation.
Unofficial reports indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was leading in the polls, with results from all 18 local government areas pointing to a likely APC victory. The official collation of results was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Governor Godwin Obaseki eventually left the INEC office at 4:45 a.m., amid jeers from top politicians present at the electoral commission’s headquarters.
He left without speaking, briefly glancing back as he made his way out.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, who was overseeing security for the Edo election, was present with a heavy police presence to maintain peace and order.
While Obaseki remained inside the INEC office, APC national secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola, also arrived at the premises, reportedly acting on credible information about the governor’s presence.
Speaking with reporters, Ajibola criticised Obaseki’s actions, accusing him of behaving unprofessionally.
Ajibola, former senator for Osun Central, was joined by APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Edo APC Deputy Governorship Candidate Dennis Idahosa, who represents Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives; Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe; and other prominent politicians.
He emphasised that the APC was not concerned about the collation of results but insisted that INEC officials must remove Governor Obaseki from the premises.
He pointed out that the governor was not an accredited party agent and had no legitimate reason to be at the electoral commission’s office.
Ajibola described Obaseki’s presence as suspicious, raising concerns that it could undermine the democratic process in Edo.
Ajibola further argued that Governor Obaseki’s presence at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin was an abuse of office and an act of self-help, which could incite lawlessness.
He emphasised that any grievances should be addressed through judicial means, if necessary. Ajibola commended Mba for his intervention, as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police respectfully requested the governor to leave the premises.
Obaseki, however, was reportedly still holding onto the results from the September 19, 2020, governorship election, treating them as if they were the yet-to-be-collated results of the September 21, 2024 election.
Ajibola criticised Governor Obaseki’s presence at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin, calling it an abuse of office and a form of self-help that could lead to lawlessness.
He stressed that if the governor had any grievances, there were legal channels to address them, praising the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, for politely asking Obaseki to leave the premises.
Ajibola pointed out that Obaseki was still holding onto the results of the September 19, 2020, governorship election, claiming them to be part of the yet-to-be-collated results for the September 21, 2024 election.
The first episode of drama occurred around 11 p.m. on September 21, 2024, when PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, arrived at INEC’s Edo state headquarters, where the State Collation Centre is located.
However, armed security operatives prevented them from approaching the main gate, let alone entering the premises. The security officers deemed their presence unnecessary and described it as an act of desperation, especially since the PDP had a state collation agent who could have raised any protests on their behalf.
The Edo State Chairman of the APC, serving as the party’s collation agent, appeared relaxed and smiling as he entered the state collation centre.
For about an hour, he engaged in discussions with friends and political associates from various parties.
Meanwhile, security operatives refused to grant access to the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie; and PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, barring them from entering INEC’s state headquarters in Benin.
At around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council of the PDP, and a former Majority Leader of the Edo House of Assembly, led a protest at the main gate of INEC’s headquarters, joined by other PDP members.
They expressed concerns that the governorship election was being manipulated in favour of APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo. Despite their protests, security operatives also denied them access. Iduoriyekemwen claimed that the PDP was on the verge of victory but accused some APC leaders of attempting to tamper with the final results, undermining the will of the Edo electorate.
The director-general of the PDP campaign also accused the APC leader in Edo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, of attempting to manipulate the election.
Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the APC and ex-governor of Edo State (2008-2016), currently represents Edo North Senatorial District.
The director-general further alleged that Comrade Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Edo Deputy Governor and former House of Representatives member, was involved in the misconduct.
Both Oshiomhole and Shaibu were accused of thumbprinting ballot papers to reduce the gap by which the APC was leading.
JUST IN: Obaseki forced out of INEC office
By Alao Abiodun
Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been forced out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin.
The INEC head office in Benin, Edo capital, is the main collation centre for the ongoing governorship election.
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dennis Idahosa led members of the party to demand the exit of Obaseki from the premises of the Commission.
Idahosa, who was spotted shouting outside the gate at about 3.30 am, queried why Governor Obaseki should be at the Commission’s office where the collation of the final results of the election would be done.
It took the timely intervention of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of the election, Frank Mba, who came into the premises with his team to restore normalcy, demanding Obaseki’s exit.
Obaseki left the INEC office around 4:45 am.
APC national secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists emphasising that the governor had no reason to be on the INEC premises.
“He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here”, Basiru emphasised, adding that the governor’s action amounted to an abuse of office.
RESULTS
IMIAGBESE P/S IMIAGBESE III, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UTAYOKHE PRY SCH, IMIOSUMU/IMOGIA II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, IMIOGA, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE P/S IMIAGBESE IV, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IKPOMAZA GRAMMAR SCHOOL, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOKE VILLAGE SQ., Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA P/S AWUYEMI IV, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IKPOMAZA GRAMMAR SCH II, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
COURT HALL,IMIAKHANA/IMIANOKO, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IMIETEMEGIE/ITEKUME/IMIADATSE, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA P/S AWUYEMI III, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UTAYOKHE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIOSUMU/IMOGIA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
TOWN HALL IMIANOKO, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IMIETEMEGHE/ITEKUME/IMIADATSE II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, AWUYEMI – II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, AWUYEMI – I, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PUBLIC SQUARE, IMIADATSE-ORERE, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE PRY. SCHOOL IMIAGBESE I, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE PRY. SCHOOL IMIAGBESE II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
KALABA COMMUNITY CENTER, KALABAR, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE P/S IMIOKO/UTEGIE II, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFOKPELLA SEC/SCH II ,OGEDE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY SCHOOL, IMIOKO/UTEGIE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
RHINOCEM, FACTORY CAMP, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE P/S. IMIOKO UTEGIE III, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EWO MARKET OFOMEGBE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LGA MATERNITY IMIOMIME /IDANE/ OKE IV PRY HEALTH CENTER, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LOCAL GOVT. MATERNITY, IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE II, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, KALABAR, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER OGIRIGA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LGA MATERNITY IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE III, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LOCAL GOVT. MATERNITY, IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE I, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OGODOR PRY. SCHOOL, OGIRIGA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIOMOKA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFOKPELLA SEC/SCH I OGEDE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, MIETEKE/YELUWA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OGODOR P/S II OGIRIGA RD, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKWOTSOR – TOWN HALL, EKWOTSOR, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OSHOLO PRIMARY SCHOOL OSHOLO, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ARI, PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIARI, mnWard: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKWOTSOR- PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OVUEGBE PRY. SCHOOL, AGIERE II, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IVIARI PRI HEALTH CARE, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ADOSI PRY. SCHOOL, EKWOTSOR, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKUGBE PRY. SCHOOL AVIODO, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGORI PRY. SCHOOL EGORI WATERSIDE, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGORI-UGIE, EGORI-UGIE, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EBUA P/S II IVIEBUA, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKPODI PRIMARY SCH IVIANOKPODI II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKPODI PRY. SCHOOL , IVIANOKPODI, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIUKHUA I, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA ANNEX PRY. SCHOOL , UKHO, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIUKHUA II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGBEPUI PRY. SCHOOL, IVIEGBEPUI, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGBEPUI PRIMARY SCH IVIEGBEPUI II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IVIEBUA, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OGUTE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OGUTE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI P/S IGHIATSE/IMIHIRHOKHO/IMANABA III, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S UDIEGWA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI P/S IV, IGHATSE /IMHIRHOKHO /IMANABA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S OGUTE II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI PRY. SCHOOL, IGHIATSE/IMHIRHOKHO/IMANABA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S OKOKPETU II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA P/S II ITUROGBE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOGIEGIE P/S IMIENEGWE II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ILEWURI PUBLIC SQUARE, ILEWURI, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA P/S OKHU/OFUOKHA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, UDIEGWA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA PRY. SCHOOL, OKHU/OFUOKHA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OKOKPETU, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOGIEGIE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIENEGWE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OPEN SPACE BY OPENER STREET JUCTION UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY 4 JUNCTION AT OGBE CENTRAL UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO TOWNHALL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY FORESTRY ROAD JUNCTION BY UDO PARK, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE -UDO NEW MARKET, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY INNE QUARTERS AND ARAGUN JUNCTION, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, EZOTI P/SCHOOL I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO GRAMMAR SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO MATERNITY I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO , EZOTI P/SCHOOL III, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUEZE, IGUEZE VILLAGE, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BESIDE MOJO COUNTRY HOME, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, EZOTI P/SCHOOL II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE AT&P MARKET, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
URHEZEN, OGBOE P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO MATERNITY II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUAFOLE, OVONRAMWEN P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
MAIROGHIONBA PRY SCH. I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOWAN, IGUOWAN VILLAGE, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IKOKA-ETETE, EGHOSA P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKOMU STAFF SCHOOL, OKOMU, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKOMU, OKOMU P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO P/SCHOOL (IGBESAMWAN) II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, COURT HALL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO P/SCHOOL (IGBESAMWAN) I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
INEC uploads 86.19 percent of Edo Gov results on IREV
By Adedamola Ogunbewon
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released 86.19 per cent of the results from the Edo gubernatorial election on its Result Viewing Portal (iRev)
A visit to the iRev website by The Nation correspondent on Saturday revealed that 3,895 results out of 4,519 polling units where elections were conducted in the State have been uploaded.
OPEN SPACE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY BOREHOLE AT IGUOBAZUWA NEW MARKET, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA TOWNHALL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL IV, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE FARM ROAD JUNCTION IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY PUBLIC TAP, IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
AIFESOBA, AIFESOBA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY T_JUNCTION OLOGBOSERE QUATERS IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL I, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL III, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE, IGUOBAZUWA PUBLIC FIELD, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKUNZUWA, OKUNZUWA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOGUN, OBE P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOGUN HEALTH POST, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UBA PRIMARY SCHOOL IGUATAKPA III IJESHA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OSA PRIMARY SCHOOL IGUATAKPA II OGUNWALE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUATAKPA II , YORUBA CAMP, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY THE JUNCTION OPP NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY 3RD JUCTION ODIONWERE STREET OKOKPON, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BESIDE THE TRANSFORMER IGUOBAZUWA JUCTION, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY ANGLICAN ROAD JUNCTION IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY RURAL WATER PROJECT, OKOKPON, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRE, BY OLD MARKET, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY BENJOUR STREET JUCTION OBARETIN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, IGUOBAZUWA G/S, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF BLESSED OSAGIE GROUP OF SCHOOL OBAZUMAMWEHI, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY LOCAL HOUSE IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY POLICE BARRACKS IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION III, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION I, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA HEALTH CENTRE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION II, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WES
OPEN SPACE BY GENERAL HOSPITAL IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OBARETIN, OKPON P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKORO II, OKORO P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
AIGUOBASIMWINOTOR (AIGUOBASIMWINOTOR VILLAGE), Ward: NIKOROGHA, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
Edo Decides: LP’s Akpata loses polling unit to Ighodalo
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Olumide Akpata lost his polling unit to his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Asue Ighodalo.
According to results declared at his Polling Unit 11, Ward 6, Oredo Local Government Area, Ighodalo polled 41 votes while Akpata trailed with 32 votes.
Senator Monday Okpehbolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came third with at the unit with 19 votes.
After casting his ballot earlier, Ighodalo boasted that he would win the governorship election by a landslide.
He said: “We will win this election by landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace. If there is anybody at home, please come out and cast your vote.
“We are not comfortable with the little shenanigans that is going on.This is a single state election and INEC has all the time to prepare, so there was no need for the delay.
“There are rumours that they are trying to undermine the election process. Many of them have been caught with ballot papers, PVC’s.
“The worst is that they go round trying to buy votes. They buy votes for N15,000 to N20,000. They are trying everything to subvert the process.”
He noted that the military has taken charge and shown they can protect the people.
Edo Decides: I will win with a landslide, Ighodalo boasts
By Bisi Olaniyi, Ewohimi
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo has boasted he will win with a landslide.
He spoke with reporters at his polling Unit 3, Ward One, Idinrio Vocational Centre, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
He hailed the military for providing adequate security for the poll.
Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, of Trinity House, Lagos, also stated from the reports of PDP’s leaders, members and coordinators across Edo, the poll was peaceful and going on smoothly, with massive turn-out.
Edo Decides: INEC extends voting in polling units
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct the ongoing governorship election in Edo state.
The commission however extended accreditation and voting beyond 2.00pm ib areas where voting started late as a result of late arrival of materials
National Commissioner and Member of the
Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna said in a statement that the extension was in line with the guidelines for the conduct of the election and to ensure that no voter is disenfranchised.
The statement reads: “The Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from our situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
“Our monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many Polling Units, but there are also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“To ensure that no voter is disenfranchised, the Commission wishes to reiterate that, in line with our Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended wherever it commenced late and will continue until the last voter on the queue who arrived at the Polling Unit by 2.30pm has voted.
“Accordingly, we have drawn the attention of our office in Edo State to ensure that, where necessary, there is adequate power supply from our back-up electric generators in the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres.”
Edo decides: Obaseki votes, expresses satisfaction
By Samuel Oamen
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election in the state.
Obaseki cast his vote at polling unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo, located inside Emokpae Primary School, Benin City.
Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the voting process and expressed hope that the collation of results would be conducted fairly and without issues.
Voting commences in Shaibu polling unit
By Osagie Otabor
Voting commenced about 12:30 at the Unit five Ward 11 in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State because of the failure of BVAS.
Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State Hon Philip Shaibu voted after the BVAS began working.
Voters at the polling unit waited for over four hours after accreditation.
A canopy was provided where the voters could wait.
Many of the voters cried foul play for the failure of BVAS at the polling unit where Shiabu cast his vote.
Shaibu, who spoke before the BVAS was rectified, said the polling unit has the highest number of voters.
“We have to calm them down. We have to go and get a canopy where the people can wait.
“Over 2000 voters will be disenfranchised if the BVAS did jot work. I don’t want to give it a name yet. Maybe it is a technology failure.They have assured us that when they fix it they will extend the voting time. The information from other areas of Edo North is good.
“We have made up our mind not to have an evil Governor, a governor that does not have empathy.”
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo has called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level-playing field and halt the alleged indiscriminate arrest of his supporters for the results of the crucial poll to be acceptable.
Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, spoke with reporters, amid downpour, at his Unit 3, Ward One, Idinrio Vocational Centre, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
He complained of the late arrival of ad-hoc staff of INEC and electoral materials, which led to delay in the commencement of the simultaneous accreditation and voting from 11:02 a.m. today.
The standard bearer of PDP in Edo, who is still waiting to vote, called on INEC to extend accreditation and voting by three hours across the State based on reports he got from his coordinators.
A physically challenged woman at Idia College, Oredo, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
JUST IN: Okpebholo, Akpata vote as Edo Decides
By Samuel Oamen
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has voted in his PU003, Uwessan 1, Esan Central Local Government Area.
The senator, who represents Edo Central Zone, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not get a single vote at his polling unit as the party is not popular in his area.
“What I am seeing here is testimony that INEC is getting it right,” he said.
“PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me. I have nothing to fear. What they are saying about security is hyping. No knock out or a stick of matches. It is just to scare people away from voting.”
Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, also voted at polling unit 11 ward in Oredo Local Government Area.
He expressed satisfaction with the voting process, but hoped that it would be the same throughout the state.
Oshiomhole votes, says achievements endeared him to electorates
By Osagie Otabor 11: 45 am
A former Edo Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has voted at his Ward 10 Unit 01 Estako West Local Government Area.
Senator Oshiomhole voted after waiting in the queue for over one hour.
His nonagenarian mother, Aisha Oshiomhole, voted at the same polling unit.
Speaking to journalists after he voted, the former Edo Governor said his projects endeared the people to him.
He denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) stock-pilled money to buy votes adding that he has not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.
“It is laughable when I heard this kind of allegation. Have you seen anywhere where they are sharing money? People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good government. During our campaign people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor.
” All structures that I have put in place 12, 13 years ago are still there but the ones put up by the present administration, in one year , they are washed off. So our people have seen the difference. Some people do tell me that since I left the government, they haven’t seen the real presence of government in their communities.
“The voters know what they want. I am happy the media are here showing live pictures from a rural village like mine. Other people will watch it and see the election is peaceful. Rural people deserve a greater share of the federal budget than state budget. You can see that the people are peaceful.”
By Tony Akowe 11: 12 am
PDP’s Ighodalo arrives polling unit
PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, at his polling Unit 3, Ward One, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast LGA, Edo Central Senatorial District in company with his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.
By Bisi Olaniyi 10:38 a.m
EFCC storms Oshiomhole polling unit
By Osagie Otabor 10: 28 am
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed the Iyhamo primary school where former Governor Adams Oshiomhole is waiting on the queue to cast his vote.
The operatives were believed to be on the search for vote buyers.
Edo Decides: Observers satisified with early movement of materials
By Tony Akowe 10: 24 am
Some observers monitoring the ongoing governorship election in Edo State have expressed satisfaction with the early movement of election materials across the state.
Executive Director, Partners for Electoral Reforms and Board member, YIAGA Africa, Ezenwa Nwagu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth and early distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials across polling units nationwide.
Speaking to reporters at ward 12, Agbado primary school, in Benin city, Nwangu said the process has so far been very commendable and a far cry from previous situations where materials left for polling units late resulting in late commencement of polls.
He also commended the security put in place to ensure the safety of both the materials, electoral staff and the voters.
He said: “We have monitored the transportation of the materials from the RACs to polling units, and we are pleased with the organized and timeliness of the operation so far”.
Chairman of Connected Development (CODE) Hamza Lawal said INEC has adhered to its promise of early deployment of electron materials, which is a critical factor in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
“The early movement of materials to polling units is particularly commendable, as it shows the Commission’s commitment to a credible process and we expect that this is replicated across the board,” Lawal said.
Why I left my sick bed to vote, by septuagenarian
From Osagie Otabor 10:24 am
A septuagenarian, Fatima Jimoh, has said that she left her sick bed to vote in the Edo governorship election because of her love for former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Jimoh, who was aided by her daughter, said she wanted to make Oshiomhole happy be ensuirng his party won the polls.
After voting at Unit three, Ward 10, Iyhamo Primary School, Jimoh said,
“I am not feeling well. I like Oshiomhole. I come out of illness to vote.”
Voting commences in Emokpae Model Primary School
By Raymond Mordi and Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09.50 am
This is Emokpae Model Primary School, Mission Road, Benin City, where Godwin Obaseki is expected to cast his ballot.
Voting has commenced in the 10 polling units within the premises. The governor is yet to show up to vote.
Voting commences at Ogute
By Osagie Otabor 9:41 am
Voting has commenced at polling units in Ward six Ogute community in Estako East local government area.
There were large turn out of voters at the different polling units.
Those who spoke said they were happy at the early arrival of INEC officials.
Voting about to commence at the four polling units within Baptist High School, Ward 5 (units 21,22 and 23), Oredo Local Govt
By Raymond Mordi 09.30 am
Accreditation ongoing in ward 5 unity 21, Baptist High School, Oredo, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:28 am
Ever busy TV road in Benin deserted
Photo: Isaac Jimoh 09: 23 am
Setting up at Ward 1 Unit 35 at Ogbe, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Foreign Observer at Ward 1 Unit 35 Ogbe, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:14 am
One Mr Ugbebor Pedro Ken trying to locate his polling unit at Ogbe quarters, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:11 am
Voting yet to begin in parts of Oredo Local Govt
By Raymond Mordi09: 05 am
Today’s off-cycle electoral contest to determine who will occupy Dennis Osadebe House, the seat of power in Edo State when the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki lapses by November 12 this year is taking off on a bad note in Benin City, with the delay in deploying ad-hoc officials and materials to the various polling units.
For instance, as of 09.00am, ad-hoc officials have just arrived Unit 35, Ward 1, Oredo Local Government. They are now pasting the names of registered voters on the wall.
Benin City is the hub of Edo South Senatorial District. With its urban density, Edo South is a critical battleground in today’s election.
Voters storm polling units in Ukpellla
By Osagie Otabor 08:40 am
Voters have stormed polling unit in Ukpella, headquarters of Estako East local government area.
At Unit 12 and Unit 4 Ward Eight, voters were seen on the queue waiting for INEC officials to commence accreditation and voting.
High Chief Kashim Otaru, who was waiting in Ward 13 said he arrived at the polling unit at about 8:20am.
“I came early but INEC said they were programme to start at 8:30am. I expect a good turn out at the poll. We used to record massive votes in this polling unit.
“We are here to vote for the party of our choice.”
INEC ad-hoc officials setting up at Ogbe Primary School, Ogbe, Oredo Local Government, Benin City
By Raymond Mordi ans Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 08:15am
Voter waiting accreditation at Ogbe primary School, Stadium, Oredo L/G
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 8:02am
INEC begins distribution of Electoral materials for 2024 Governorship election in Benin, Edo State
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Police in show of force in preparation for 2024 Governorship Election
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Edo election: Don’t wear campaign attire to polling units, INEC warns parties, supporters
By Tony Akowe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties, their candidates, and supporters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo State. They are prohibited from wearing campaign attire or bringing campaign materials to polling units on Election Day.
The Commission reminded all parties and candidates that official campaigning ends at midnight on Thursday, September 19, in line with the Electoral Act 2023.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee stated that any rallies or processions after the campaign period concludes are illegal.
The statement reads: “The Commission wishes to remind political parties that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday 19th September 2024.
“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions, or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates, and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them.
“We urge parties, candidates, and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”
The Labour Party (LP) has sank deeper into crisis.
Yesterday, the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC), which rejected the caretaker committee constituted to organize congress, withdrew the 2027 automatic presidential ticket reserved for Mr. Peter Obi and the governorship ticket for Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Obi, former governor of Anambra State and symbol of the ‘Obedient Movement, ‘ was the party’s candidate in last year’s election.
The chairman said the ticket will now be open to other aspirants.
Abure, who spoke with reporters in Abuja after NEC meeting, chided Otti for convening what he described as illegal stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, capital of Abia State.
He vowed to continue to function as national chairman, stressing that the setting up of a National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Esther Usman Nnenadi was a nullity.
Currently, the caretaker panel is not operating from the national party secretariat because Abure and the other NWC members are staying put. They are operating from a makeshift office, a source said.
The caretaker committee was given the mandate to organize elections into party offices from ward to the national level within 90 days.
During its national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, LP had adopted Obi as its presidential candidate and Otti as its governorship flagbearer for 2027 elections.
But Abure said the 2027 presidential ticket was now open to all qualified Nigerians.
He said: “NEC in session also reviewed the decision of the National Convention to reserve its presidential and governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti, respectively.
“Consequently, all party tickets from the Presidency to the House of Assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians.”
The chairman maintained that Obi lacked the power to convene a stakeholders’ meeting that produced the Nnenadi caretaker committee.
He said the meeting contravened the provisions of Section 82 (1) (2) (a) of the Electoral Act 2022, insisting that it is an “illegality and a nullity.”
Abure maintained there was no leadership vacuum, urging the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu “to stop aiding and abetting” Obi against the party.
Abure said: “The NEC in session noted that Governor Alex Otti, who convened the meeting, did not have the power within the party’s constitution as provided in Article 14 (4) (B) gives the power to call meetings only to the National Secretary with the approval of the national chairman.
“NEC in session further reiterates that the Governor of Abia State does not even have the power to call his Ward Executive meeting without the approval and the consent of his Ward Chairman.
“The meeting contravenes the provisions of Section 82 (1) (2) (a) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides as follows: 82 (1) Every registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice of any Convention, Congress, Conference or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this act.”
Abure said no governor can harass him out of office, adding that no governor can also dissolve the NWC, state and local government executive committees.
He stressed: “No governor that we gave a ticket can harass us out of office; no governor, no matter how highly placed, will come and with a fiat, dissolve the NWC, dissolve state councils, or dissolve LG councils; even a military government would not do that.
“The mandate given to me and my team as leaders of the Labour Party at the convention of the party held on the 27th day of March 2024, will be defended.
“We are at a critical moment in the life of our party. Recent events have shown that those who should stand with us in the fight for a better restructured, organized and united party have chosen a different path; a path not of unity, but of division.
“I speak, of course, of the illegal gathering that took place in Abia State, an attempt to create a rift within our party, led by none other than His Excellency Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti. This meeting, held without the authority or consent of the National Executive Council, sought to install a so-called ‘new leadership.’
“Let me be clear: this action was not just illegal. It was a betrayal of everything the Labour Party stands for. A reward for loyalty with ingratitude, a reward for support with insubordination.”
Abure said the party has set up a disciplinary committee to discipline members who participated in the stakeholders’ meeting.
He also clarified that the party was not involved in the handling of finances for the presidential campaign in last year’s elections.
Abure said: “The signatories to these accounts were Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo. They were equally responsible for the payment of Polling Unit Agents.
“Consequently, it is mischievous for any person to accuse me and the party for the mismanagement of these funds. At no time did the party or its officials engage in any financial transactions as it relates to the presidential campaign.
“It will be safe for me at this point to conclude that I and my colleagues elected in the Convention of our party held on the 27th day of March 2024 will defend the mandate given to us by members of this party. No amount of intimidation or harassment will make us surrender this leadership.
“Together, we will continue to build this party into a formidable force, one that truly represents the interests of all Nigerians. The beautiful ones are not yet born, but their birth is near, and it will be through the Labour Party that they will rise to lead this great nation.”
The Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi would personally respond to the withdrawal of the ticket earlier offered to him by the party.
He also said the party was making efforts to set up an office for the caretaker committee in Abuja to conduct its affairs.
Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has moved to address challenges in the party ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, to strengthen its chances of winning some seats.
LP urged stakeholders and interest groups in the party to close ranks and form a common front towards successful prosecution of the council elections.
This followed the outcome of the meeting in Abeokuta, convened by the Southwest leadership of the party, recognising the need for the party to present a united and formidable force in the election, to ensure its candidates emerge victorious.
In a statement by LP State Publicity Secretary Mr Tokunbo Peters, the party chided the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the national and state levels for failing to improve the lives of Nigerians.
It said Ogun State people were yearning for a change because they were impoverished, pauperised, despondent and disillusioned by the anti-people policies of the APC government.
The statement said LP was seen as the only credible alternative that would provide inspiring leadership and good governance for the people at the grassroots.
The party said those aspiring to vie for elective positions in the council poll on the platform of LP must fulfil some criteria, to be eligible to contest the party’s primaries. These include writing a letter of Expression of Interest, obtaining and submitting a nomination form within the period specified by the party and payment of the prescribed nomination fee of the party. Such aspirants must have attained the age of 30 and must possess a minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE).
