The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PDP

  • PDP, CBN, INEC, NUC, NNPCL, others lose plots of land in Abuja

    PDP, CBN, INEC, NUC, NNPCL, others lose plots of land in Abuja

    • FCT: No going back on revocation of 4,794 properties

    Titles of landed properties belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were among 4, 794 revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, it was learnt yesterday.

    The titles were revoked over non-payment of ground rent, in some cases, for over 40 years.

    Those of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Universities Commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government were also revoked.

    Others affected are the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), among others.

    In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

    Wike’s spokesman Lere Olayinka and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, briefed reporters on the revocations on Monday.

    “The FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents.

    “All these yielded little responses, as several allottees failed to pay,” the officials said.

    “This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

    Read Also: PROFILE: Meet new Rivers Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibas

    “Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.

    “A grace of 21 days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”

    PDP angered

    The action angered the PDP.

    In January 2022, the party leadership contemplated occupying three floors of the building (then under construction) in the Central Area of Abuja, and rent out the rest.

    While many had assumed that only the New PDP Secretariat building was affected, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the Wadata Plaza national secretariat was also affected.

    Ologunagba said the PDP would challenge the revocation in court.

    “To let you know how despicable this action is, it is both properties: both the new one under construction and the one the PDP has been occupying for almost two decades – the Wadata Plaza.

    “It is an attempt to stifle opposition: the attempt by the All Progressives Congress government to revoke the Right of Occupancy of the National Secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable.

    “It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and of course a drive towards totalitarianism and it is a threat to democracy.

    “The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) now is meeting and I will get back to you shortly with a detailed response of our party to this development,” Ologunagba said.

  • Rivers: APC, PDP clash over emergency declaration

    Rivers: APC, PDP clash over emergency declaration

    The All Progress Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) last night differed on the imposition of emergency rule on Rivers State.

    While the APC argued the decision was  ‘’constitutionally backed,’’ the PDP said it was an ‘’utter violation’’ of the supreme law.

    Their positions were contained in statements by their spokespersons Felix Morka (APC)  and Debo Ologunagba (PDP).

    The ruling party argued that by the action,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘’demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order’’ in the state.

    It blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for sowing the seed that led to the emergency rule.

    The party said that Fubara not only destroyed the democratic foundation and ended governance in the state, he ‘’stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of governor.’’

     The APC  statement partly reads:  ‘’The declaration of a state of emergency, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a necessary, constitutionally-backed measure to protect lives and property and extend governance to the good people of Rivers State. The safety and well-being of the people are paramount at this time and must trump all political considerations.

     ‘’Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the ‘’author’’ of the extreme events that have unfolded in the state.” 

    But in its statement, the opposition PDP rejected the emergency rule ‘’based on the conviction that the President lacks constitutional powers to do such.’’

    Read Also: PROFILE: Meet new Rivers Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibas

    “The PDP rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the state, ‘’ the party said.

    It said the suspension of Fubara  and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice-Admiral Ibokette Ibas   to govern the state  was  ‘’a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State.’’

    The PDP added: “Mr President should recognise that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, a  threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.’’

    It  said that  the    imposition of emergency rule in the state was a ‘’part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate the opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party state and turn the country into a fiefdom.”

    The statement reads: “The action of Mr. President therefore clearly borders on an attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the state.

    “Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.

    “ Nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation, including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation.

    “ . Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta,”  

  • CBN, INEC, PDP, NNPC, NUC, NDDC, others affected in Wike’s Abuja land revocation

    CBN, INEC, PDP, NNPC, NUC, NDDC, others affected in Wike’s Abuja land revocation

    More details of the owners of some of the 4, 794 land titles revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike have emerged. 

    Wike, through his aides, on Monday night said that the land titles were revoked over non-payment of ground rent, in some cases, for more than 40 years.

    The affected land title holders from the new details obtained by THE NATION include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Independent National Electoral commission (INEC); Nigeria’s leading opposition party – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    They also include CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National University Commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government.

    Others are Nigerian Port Authority (NPA); News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Federal Ministry of Environment; Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company; University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), among others.

    Findings revealed that most of the big names affected were owing more than 20 years ground rent.

    On Monday, the FCT minister’s office announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles, over non-payment of ground rent, for more than 40 years.

    In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

    The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, made the announcement while briefing reporters in Abuja on Monday.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s over 300 tribes shaping national identity

    “It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little responses, as several allottees failed to pay.

    Olayinka said lists of land titles in default of payment of Ground Rent were compiled in the 10 oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital city (FCC), which are Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).

    He added that N6,967,980,119 was owed as ground rent by 8,375 property owners.

    He also said a total of 4,794 land titles were in default of ground rent payment for 10 years and above.

    “This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

    “Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.

    “A grace of 21 days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”

  • PDP loses two more Rep members to APC

    PDP loses two more Rep members to APC

    Two more members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives on Tuesday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Husseini Mohammed Jallo representing Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State and Adamu Tanko representing Suleja/Tara/Gurara federal constituency of Niger State hinged their defection on the lingering crisis in the PDP. 

    In the letter of defection read at Tuesday plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Jallo said the lingering crisis in the PDP has made it difficult to serve his people effectively. 

    He also said that he was also influenced by the leadership style of the Speaker and his belief in the principle of unity, adding that he found the APC as the appropriate platform to continue to serve the people of his constituency. 

    Jallo, who is the second PDP lawmaker from Kaduna State to defect to the APC, said the current challenges in the PDP has made it difficult for him to continue his membership of the PDP. 

    Also in his letter, Adamu Tanko said he has consulted widely with his constituent and resolved to switch allegiance from the PDP to APC. 

    While raising a Constitutional point of order, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda said the opposition members in the House will not be tired of saying that the right thing should be done. 

    Read Also: Why I returned to APC, by ex-PDP governorship candidate Adediran

    He drew attention to the judgement of the Supreme Court that defection of any member must be complete, adding that there is no evidence before the House suggesting that the members have done the right thing and carry out their defection properly. 

    Deputy Minority Leader, Ali Isa JC said the issue of defection must be taken seriously, adding the two members should withdraw their letters of defection or face litigation. 

    He said the PDP remain a very strong party and opposition, adding that there was no crisis within the party. 

    He added the defecting members must take the part of honour by resigning their positions and going back to their people to face a fresh election. 

  • 12 things to know about former Lagos PDP guber candidate Jandor

    12 things to know about former Lagos PDP guber candidate Jandor

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR, on Monday returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Jandor, who resigned his PDP membership along with his Lagos4Lagos Movement, disclosed this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos.

    “Our return to APC was not for personal purpose but reflection of our commitment to the development of Lagos”, said Jandor.

    Here are things to know about Jandor:

    1. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, is a Nigerian politician, journalist, entrepreneur, and technocrat.

    2. Jandor was born to Alhaji Adeniran and Ruth Oluwafunmilayo Adeniran on November 22, 1977 in Mushin Area of Lagos State.

    3. He is 47 years old.

    4. He was the Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate under the People’s Democratic Party with his running mate, Funke Akindele.

    5. He came third in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election (62,449 votes) behind Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC) – 762,134 votes (Winner) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) (Labour Party) – 312,329 votes (Second place)

    6. He received the 2021 Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance by South American University, Lagos, Nigeria.

    7. He is a graduate of The Polytechnic Ibadan; Modul University, Vienna; the Howard University School of Business, Washington DC, USA; and Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Former Lagos PDP guber candidate Jandor returns to APC

    8. Jandor started his journalism career as a journalist for over twenty years.

    9. He eventually ventured into politics as a member of APC.

    10. He was the convener of the movement of Lagos4Lagos, a movement under the APC.

    11. Jandor defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2022 from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    12. He is married to Maryam Olajide Adediran, and they have two children: Fareedah Oluwamayokun Amoke and Fadhilulah Oluwamurewa Adedayo Akanniade Olajide-Adediran.

  • Why I returned to APC, by Lagos former PDP candidate Jandor

    Why I returned to APC, by Lagos former PDP candidate Jandor

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has justified why he returned to his initial political family.

    Adediran, who said he had tried the two parties, noted that APC was far better than the PDP.

    He spoke on Monday in Lagos while announcing his defection to the ruling party in the state.

    Adediran, with some of the supporters under the guise of Lagos4Lagos, during the 2023 electioneering process, defected to the PDP and flew its governorship ticket and came a distant third. 

    Several intrigues trailed his performance and that culminated to his resignation from the party on March 3.

    He recalled his journey into the PDP, adding that he decided to go back to the APC as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos state and his belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of the people.

    “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better. 

    “In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Former Lagos PDP guber candidate Jandor returns to APC

    “While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative. 

    “Our journey in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 gubernatorial election and the election petition at the tribunal through to the Supreme Court was driven by a sincere desire to win for PDP and serve the people of Lagos state. 

    Adediran, who lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his contributions to democracy and nation building, said he has done much to deepen democracy in the country.

    He also the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiami and Seyi Tinubu, for their roles in ensuring his smooth return to the APC.

    Adediran urged his supporters across the state to join him in embracing the new chapter, and work with him to build a Lagos that works for everyone.

    “We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.

  • PDP crisis deepens as Damagum disowns pro-Wike south-south congress

    PDP crisis deepens as Damagum disowns pro-Wike south-south congress

    The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took another dramatic turn on Thursday as the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, rejected the February 22 South-South congress that re-elected Chief Dan Orbih, a known loyalist of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. 

    Speaking at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Damagum declared that the congress was invalid, stating that the tenure of the zonal committee had expired.

    “As far as this party is concerned, there was no congress or election in the South-South,” he said. He explained that a new caretaker committee was necessary ahead of the upcoming zonal congresses. 

    Damagum’s stance directly contradicts the declaration by Vita Abba, Chairman of the electoral committee, who had earlier affirmed Orbih’s re-election with 174 votes. 

    While inaugurating the new South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Damagum warned its members against favoritism and bias.

    He also criticised PDP members who publicly praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, asserting that the PDP remains strong and has a promising future.

    Damagum spoke further: “I also want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that this party, the PDP, is still the party to beat, a party that has been tested for 27 years and all these shenanigans you see around, the APC and others have not been more than 10 years old.

    The PDP is the guarantee for Nigerians to change the course of what is happening today in our country, I want to use this opportunity to caution our leaders, don’t fear them; nobody is going to change your destiny for you other than yourself.

    “I’ve noticed maybe because of fears; you sometimes find (PDP) leaders encouraging this present administration at the center; I find it really very disgusting so, please and please, let’s be up and doing, don’t fear anyone, Nigeria belong to all of us,” Damagum told his party members.

    At the occasion attended by Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri and the Delta state Deputy governor who represented his principal, Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon Sunday Udeh-Okoye attended as his first public function as PDP National Secretary while Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara declared the event as the happiest day in his 77 years on earth, adding that he would go home and pop champagne.

    Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro who described the event as ‘a very heartwarming day’ emphasized that PDP is now on the way towards restoring its fortunes, pointing out that as a national brand with presence in every town and village across Nigeria, PDP has no need discussing merger options with any other political party.

    Read Also: Court restrains PDP, Damagum from reversing Southsouth zonal congress outcome

    Delivering the vote of thanks in his first public outing as PDP National secretary, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye applauded the PDP stakeholders who helped actualize a new Caretaker Committee for the South-South in place of the pro-Wike leadership of Chief Orbih.

    “We thank you (South-South stakeholders) for remaining resolute in that zone and for honouring the invitation for us to inaugurate this wonderful committee, and I remain your National Secretary for today,” Udeh-Okoye said.

    In the appreciation speech on behalf of members of the new PDP South-South Caretaker Committee, its chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, pledged that they would discharge their responsibilities in the zone without any form of bias.

    Other members of the seven-member PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee are: Chief Damiete Herbert-Miller (Secretary), Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa, Barrister Godwin Akpan Udonta, Mrs. Bekewei Ashanti, Mr. Idehen Ebomoyi, and Dame Vivian Ahanmisi.

    Attendees at the event included several members of the PDP National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, former Senators and a handful of present and former members of the House of Representatives.

  • Ebonyi govt, PDP clash over alleged double taxation, economic hardship

    Ebonyi govt, PDP clash over alleged double taxation, economic hardship

    The Ebonyi state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are at loggerhead over allegations of double taxation and worsening economic hardship in the state.

    The dispute follows a series of protests by tricycle operators, commercial motorcyclists, and truck drivers at the Abakaliki Timber Market, who accused the state revenue board, its agents, and unions of imposing multiple levies.

    A PDP chieftain, Moses Idika, expressed concern over the protests, blaming the state government for burdening residents with excessive taxation. 

    He claimed the policy was crippling businesses and making life increasingly difficult for the people.

    “The issue of double taxation in Ebonyi State is a major concern because it is squeezing life and businesses out of the people,” Idika stated.

    The state government, however, has yet to respond to the allegations.

    “Even with the pervasive poverty and lack in the state, all manner of toll collection is a major source of income for friends of the government. 

    “I sincerely suggest that the government of Governor Francis Nwifuru, think of first creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive in the state first before these multiple unaccounted taxes.

    “Create industrial cluster in the state capital, come up with clear investment incentives then people will bring in money then you can tax.

    But the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Jude Okpor described the allegation of double taxation in the State as fake and calculated attempt by the opposition party to undermine the good works of the present administration.

    “First of all, let me tell you practically that there is nothing like double taxation in Ebonyi State. They only intends to undermine the effort of the government in controlling the working and favorable business environments in the state.

    “That is the work of the opposition. There is the need for journalists to take a step forward without only relying on what the representative elements are saying or rely on what I am saying from the side of the government. You can approach the businessmen and make inquiries.

    “Before now, people used to pay heavy taxes for their businesses and it was so challenging but it is no more in existence.

    “There is no double taxation in the state. I can tell you that the business environment in the state today under the present administration, has been very favorable to all kinds of businesses. 

    “And that is why you can see, government have made it very clear, over and over again that the government is not interested in taxing low income earners in the state. 

    ‘That is why the State is giving massive orders to the agencies in charge of revenue generation to leave the low income earners in the state especially people from the villages that usually come to the town to sell their farm produce to make a living. 

    “Yes, the state wants resources. We want an increase in the internally generated revenue. But not at the expense of the citizens of the state, particularly the low income earners. 

    Mr. Okpor stated that the recent protest by truck drivers at the Timber shade market is an internal disagreement of the truck drivers, timber dealers and the management of the timber market.

    “You see, there is a new leadership that came on board. From the investigation I made, I came to find out that the new leadership increased the money that the truck and other vehicles carrying out businesses in the market are supposed to pay.

    “And this they did without the consent of the state government.

    So when the issue came up, the commissioner for Parks and Market Development in conjunction with the Commissioner for Transport stepped in to make sure that the issue is resolved amicably. 

    Read Also: Ebonyi govt denies awarding N4.1bn projects without due process

    “So, if anybody is telling you that the protest is as a result of double taxation by the government, there is nothing like that at all. As a union, members have obligations to the union and the market.

    “People in the market have obligations to the market, the market association and then the one that is due to the government has been resolved. In fact, it is even more business friendly than what it used to be.

    He stated that government cannot completely regulate the activities of the unions since they are considered as worthy partners making sure that the business environment is not only meant to be favorable but the environment and the structures that are put in place here are maintained. Ends

    The Information Commissioner noted that following the intervention of the commissioners In-charged, the matter would soon be resolved.

    “Let nobody deceive you. If there is any small disagreement somewhere, people will just take it out from context and try to drag the image of the government to the mood. Anyway, that is the work of the opposition. But then, the opposition should not be established on falsehoods.

  • Why we are backing Bomai for PDP national chairmanship – Coalition

    Why we are backing Bomai for PDP national chairmanship – Coalition

    A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth groups from Northern Nigeria has endorsed Abdul Sidi Bomai for the position of National Chairman, describing him as the most credible and untainted candidate for the job.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the coalition’s chairman, Alhaji Prince Sale Buba, said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the country.

    The group said Bomai’s integrity, loyalty, and leadership qualities set him apart from other contenders.

    Read Also: Supreme Court dismisses PDP case against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    According to the group, “Unlike some aspirants, Bomai has no corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any anti-graft agency, whether in Nigeria or abroad. His record is clean, and that is the kind of leadership the PDP needs at this critical time.”

    The coalition also pointed to Bomai’s longstanding commitment to the PDP, noting that he has remained steadfast since 1999 and has played key roles in strengthening the party.

    They highlighted his “3Rs” strategy—Rejuvenation, Reform, and rebuilding—as a blueprint for revitalizing the PDP and making it a formidable force ahead of future elections.

    The group, therefore, urged all party members and stakeholders to support Bomai’s candidacy, expressing confidence that his leadership would uphold the PDP’s core values of service, justice, and good governance.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP case against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP case against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi challenging the competence of the joint ticket of Lucky Aitedatiwa and his running mate in the election, Olayide Adelami.

    In a judgment on Tuesday, a five-member panel, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, was unanimous in holding that the appeal was without merit and that the appellants lacked the locus standi to query Adelami’s nomination.

    Read Also: Supreme Court reserves judgment in case to determine PDP’s authentic National Secretary

    The court awarded a cost of N8million against the PDP and Ajayi, at N2m each for the four respondents – Adelami, Aitedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The PDP and Ajayi had claimed that Adelami presented forged West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate to INEC and that he equally possessed multiple identities.

    They had prayed the court hold that Adelami was not qualified to contest the election by virtue of the alleged forged certificate and proceed to void the joint ticket on which Aitedatiwa and Adelami contested the election on the platform of the APC.

    Details shortly…