The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ondo polls

  • Ondo polls: Court reserves ruling on suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s deputy eligibility

    Ondo polls: Court reserves ruling on suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s deputy eligibility

    The Federal High Court sitting in Akure has reserved judgment in a suit challenging the eligibility of the deputy governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olayide Adelami, to contest last Saturday’s governorship election.

    Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Agboola Ajayi, had filed the suit challenging the qualification of Adelami as running mate to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Ajayi, in the suit, sought the disqualification of APC from the ballot.

    In his originating summons, Ajayi, who came second at the poll said Adelami had multiple conflicting and irreconcilable names of Adelami Owolabi Jackson and Olaide Owolabi Adelami.

    The former Deputy Governor asked the court to disqualify Adelami and the governorship candidate.

    Among his prayers were, “That the first defendant (Adelami) is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the election as Deputy Governorship candidate of APC.

     “A declaration that the APC has no validly nominated Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2024 election.”

     He asked for an order disqualifying the defendants from participating in the election as well as an order restraining INEC from publishing their names or allowing them to participate in the election.

    Counsel to Adelami, Remi Olatubora, in his reaction, said that the West African Examination Council (WAEC) result has the name Adelami Owolabi Jackson in 1974 and that a degree certificate from Ambrose Alli University issued in 1982 has the name Adelami Olaide Owolabi.

    Olatubora said the grievance of the plaintiffs was not about discrepancies in the name but the order or arrangements of the names.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: Why parties should accept INEC’s results, Yiaga Africa

    Olatubora said the plaintiffs have no right to file the suit in accordance with section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022 because they are not members of All Progressives Congress and did not participate in the primaries of the APC that produced Adelami and Aiyedatiwa as candidates

    He said: “The plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit or seek the reliefs set out in the originating summons. That the suit as a matter of law does not qualify as a pre-election matter, and this court lacks jurisdiction.”

    Olatubora said the suit is incompetent having been commenced by originating summon instead of a writ of summons as the suit is based on the allegation of fraud Presiding Judge, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, fixed judgment on the suit to a date to be communicated to all parties.

  • Buhari welcomes APC’s victory in Ondo

    Buhari welcomes APC’s victory in Ondo

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State which returned Gov. Lucky Aiyeditawa.

    In his reaction to the outcome of the election, the former president said the voters had spoken lucidly and loudly about the confidence they have in the party and the governor.

    Read Also: PDP to review Ondo governorship election

    Buhari said in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday that the voters had expressed their wish through the ballot box, adding that this should be respected by other stakeholders.

    The former president said the election’s outcome had shown that democracy remained strong and could not be easily overturned in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.

    He, however, challenged the governor-elect to put in place policies that engender economic growth, tame high unemployment and inflation while pursuing welfare programmes to make life better for the people.

    Buhari also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in reducing observed shortcomings in previous elections.

    He wished Aiyeditawa and his team a successful tenure in office.

    (NAN)

  • PHOTOS: Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo votes during Ondo Gov poll

    PHOTOS: Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo votes during Ondo Gov poll

    Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo votes during Ondo Gov poll

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo challenges CGs, heads of agencies on delivery, performance bond

  • Ondo polls: NSCDC vows to sack erring officials

    Ondo polls: NSCDC vows to sack erring officials

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has threatened to sack any of its officials found culpable in aiding and abetting electoral fraud in the Ondo state governorship election.

    It said any officials culpable of any action that compromised the process of the election would be dismissed from service.

    The Corps’ Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Philips, spoke in Akure on Friday, November 16, on the preparedness for the election.

    Ayuba urged the Ondo electorate to go to the polling units without fear.

    Read Also: NSCDC uncovers illegal petroleum refinery in Abakaliki

    He said his men were ready to checkmate anyone planning to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

    According to him, “We want the people to trust us and also believe in us, that we shall give them the best and nothing but the best.

    “However, let me just say, from the authority of the civil defence. We don’t condone any act of unprofessionalism from any of our officers and men.

    “Anybody who decides to commit any atrocity, I think he is asking himself to be out of the system. We shall not leave anybody. Once you commit, you should know your way is out.”

  • PDP shuts down Akure highway again for Ondo polls

    PDP shuts down Akure highway again for Ondo polls

    The ever-busy Oba Adesida -Oyemekun highway in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was under lockdown for several hours as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its final campaign rally on the highway.

    It was the second time the PDP would be holding its rally on the highway following alleged refusal by the Ondo State government to allow it use the Democracy Park for its rally.

    There was heavy vehicular traffic occasioned by the blockade.

    Among those present were chairman of the National Campaign Council of the PDP Governorship Ondo 2024, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Governor Diri Duoye of Bayelsa, Governor Caleb  Muftwang of Plateau, Sen. Abiodun Olukemi and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Speakers at the rally urged PDP supporters to ensure they storm collation centres to protect their votes.

    They urged PDP members to be vigilance on Saturday and follow the results until the winner is announced.

    A two-time former governorship candidate of the PDP, Eyitayo Jegede,
    said the PDP would win the polls.

    The presence of Jegede ended speculations that he was not in support of Ajayi’s candidacy.

    He said the APC was on their way out of power in the state.

    Diri mobilised Ijaws in the state for Ajayi.

    According to him: “Oppressors will never leave unless you decide to free yourself. It is the people that matters in this election . Power belong to the people.

    “Defend your vote. Follow your vote. When the people are strong there is no power that can bring them down. Take over the collation centres in your numbers.  

    “Let us not hear we won but we were rigged out. Somebody can only rig where he is more popular.”

    Nollywood Actress, Rita Orji, urged Ondo electorates to colelct monwy from the APC and vote for the PDP.

    “By tonight, they will start crediting your account, collect the money. Reclaim your state.”

    Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Umar Damangum, urged the crowd not to yield  to intimidation but to ensure they vote and defend their votes to the final collation centre.

    “When the PDP was in the control of government in the state, a lot of achievements were recorded. You saw roads, you saw schools.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: PDP rejects more INEC staff

    “If PDP wins Saturday election, it will be an end to poverty and suffering in the state.”

    Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed  said party was united and urged the people not to allow the state to be ruled by nonentity.

    Leader of the PDP in the South-West, Governor Seyi Makinde told PDP that it was time to go back to the grassroots and mobilize for more support for the party.

    Makinde who cautioned against fighting and harassment urged the people to use their vote to kick out the APC.

    Candidate of the party, Agboola Ajayi, said appealed to the people to remain vigilant especially at the collation centres.

  • Ondo polls: PDP rejects more INEC staff

    Ondo polls: PDP rejects more INEC staff

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has kicked against some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be involved in this Saturday’s governorship election.

    It had protested severally calling for the removal of Mrs. Babalola Oluwatoyin as Resident Electoral Commissioner to oversee the polls.

    Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, who spoke at a press briefing in Akure, said INEC’s staff “notorious for manipulating election in the ICT should not be allowed to participate in the Ondo election.”

    Oladeso also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) of violating the peace accord signed last week by all political parties in the state.

    He said attack by thugs on its members in Idanre left seven persons injured.

    Dr. Olafeso said Otunba Olowoniyi Akinlemimu, who was seriously injured was still on admission at the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialists Hospital, Akure, while others were still receiving treatment after bullets were extracted from their bodies.

    Read Also: IGP orders tight security for Ondo polls

    Olafeso said the actions of members of the APC were clearly in violation of the Peace Accord signed by all parties participating in this election.

    “What happened in Edo will not happen in Ondo. They have no manifesto except to say they are lucky. They want to subvert it. Our people are ready for them. Our safety guard is that the people are with us,” he said.

    But Director of Media of the Ondo APC, Steve Otaloro, said the PDP’s allegations were baseless, flimsy, and a fabricated story aimed at tarnishing the party’s image.

    Otaloro said the PDP’s sudden concern about violence was a desperate attempt to divert attention from their impending defeat.

    He advised the PDP to commit to the electoral process and stopped spreading unnecessary fear and agitation.

    “The APC remains committed to a free, fair, and credible election. We urge the PDP to do the same and respect the democratic process. The people of Ondo State deserve better than baseless allegations and fear-mongering.

    “The PDP’s press conference was merely a desperate attempt to prepare their script for their imminent loss in the coming election. They’re trying to create a narrative to explain away their impending defeat, but the people of Ondo State won’t be fooled.

    “We’re confident that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will emerge victorious, and we look forward to continuing the progress and development of our great state. Let’s focus on issue-based campaigning and allow the people to decide.”

  • Ondo polls: APC final rally shuts down Akure

    Ondo polls: APC final rally shuts down Akure

    Akure, the Ondo State capital, was on temporal shutdown, on Wednesday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its final campaign rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

    There was heavy vehicular traffic along the busy Oba Adesida- Oyemekun road and adjoining streets.

    The rally was well-attended by supporters of the party.

    Among those present at the rally were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Biodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti); Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara and Hope Uzodimma (Imo). 

    Others were former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Audu; Interior Olubumi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youth, Ayo Olawande ; Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola;  Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations Solomon Olamilekan; Comrade Philip Shuaibu; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chief Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa amongst others.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the party would win in the 18 local government areas.

    He urged the electorates to reciprocate the good gesture of President Bola Tinubu for approving establishment of a Teaching Hospital and appointment ot two Ministers from the state.

    “This is the democracy we believe in. The democracy that triumph propaganda, that triumph bitterness, that triumph lies, that triumph hate, that triumph violence.

    “Your vote will be your voice, your convictions, your message to those who underestimate the strength and will of the people of Ondo State.

    “I’m bringing you glad tidings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He ought to have been here but the exigencies of the office compelled him to ask the high-level delegation to come and represent him in the sunshine state.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: Six hospitalised as thugs attack PDP supporters

    “And I want to echo the sentiment earlier expressed by the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Leaders of Ondo, if Adekunle Ajasin is to be alive, is he going to vote for APC or for the reactionary elements?

    “If my friend, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is to be alive, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party?

    “My friend, Rahman Mimiko, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party? Baba Reuben Fasoranti, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party? If late Adebayo Adefarati were to be alive, will he vote for APC or the reactionary elements?

    “So, I urge you, cast your vote. Your vote is your voice. On Saturday, I will urge you to come out en mass. The President has good tidings for the people of Ondo State, the people of the Southwest and the people of Nigeria.

    “Just last week, he approved the establishment of a university teaching hospital here in Akure. The President deserves double kudos for his empathy.

    “Ondo State has two senior ministers. The Minister of Interior is from Ondo and the Minister for Youth Development is from Ondo. To those, much is given, much is equally expected.

    “You are a state of progressive. Come out and vote for the progressive candidate. Come out en mass. We are winning all the 18 local government areas.”

    National Chairmen of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, urged the electorates  to vote for continuity and ensure political uniformity in the southwest zone.

    He said the Southwest would soon come under the control of the APC.

    According to him: “We are here to motivate you. We can see you are motivated. Vote for our candidate. By voting for him, you are voting for continuity. For he has laid a solid foundation for progress and good governance. Make sure you give us 18/ 18 come Saturday. We must vote for political uniformity in the southwest zone.

    Chairman of the National Campaign Council and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the people not to fight but vote for the APC.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Don’t do anything. Don’t fight with them. Just thumbprint APC. Bring along with you four people while coming to the polling unit.”

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the party would be victorious across the 18 local government areas.

    He said Saturday’s election would be history making for the APC.

    Ondo APC Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said the party was in unity ahead of the election.

    Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said he would deliver more dividends of democracy if re-elected.

    Aiyedatiwa said late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu declared him a successor.

    “He told the whole world on the day of our inauguration that I will be the one to succeed him. If he is alive today, he will be here sitting backing up to ensure that APC remains APC state. 

    “You know what we have been able to do in the office. By the time we return in February, we will do more than what we have been able to do now. “

  • Ondo polls: Six hospitalised as thugs attack PDP supporters

    Ondo polls: Six hospitalised as thugs attack PDP supporters

    Political thugs have attacked members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area.

    Six members of the party were hospitalised after the attack.

    This is the first time a violent attack was witnessed since campaigns began ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election.

    Ondo PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Mr. Adeyemi Raymond Fasoranti, said one of the victims, was Otunba Olowoniyi Akinleminu.

    He said other victims were taken to the intensive care unit of the State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

    Olowoniyi said the thugs unleashed terror on the people because of the success of the party’s rally in the locality.

    He said the thugs boasted that many would be killed before and during elections. 

    Another PDP chieftain, Bosede Salami, said the lives of PDP members were being threatened by suspected political thugs and cultists invited by political gladiators in the town.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: YPP candidate denies stepping down

    Ondo Commissioner of Police Oladipo Abayomi directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.

    Oladipo said he convened a peace meeting by bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area and he urged them to maintain peace and prevent their supporters from inciting violence.

    The Ondo CP spoke in a statement by the spokesman of the Ondo Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.

    According to the statement: “Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.

    “The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.

    “The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.

    “He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behavior during this period.”

  • Ondo polls: YPP candidate denies stepping down

    Ondo polls: YPP candidate denies stepping down

    Candidate of the Young Progressives Party, John Otitoloju Akinmurele, has denied stepping down from the race ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

    Akinmurele said the party would win in eight local government areas.

    The YPP candidate, who spoke in Akure, said the party has led campaigns to major markets in Akure and other parts of the State.

    He said electorates in the state have assured him the party remained the viable alternative in the state.

    Akinmurele said the people would vote for individuals and not political party.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: Sensitive materials arrive Akure

    According to him: “We are not stepping down from the race. The YPP is strongly in the race to win.

    “We moved round the streets but  If the APC goes to the streets like we did, people will stone them.

    “No traffic light is working in Akure but the YPP will make Akure a capital city in pride. We will deploy technology to sectors of the economy especially agriculture. Ondo residents have no excuse to lack what to eat. Things are so bad in Ondo right now.”

  • Ondo polls: Sensitive materials arrive Akure

    Ondo polls: Sensitive materials arrive Akure

    Sensitive materials for the conduct of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election have arrived Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Assistant Director, Voter Education and Publicity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr. Temitope Akanmu, who confirmed the arrival, said they were being warehoused at the Akure branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He said inspection of the materials by stakeholders would take place on November 14 by 3:00 pm.