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  • PDP’s, Ighodalo’s witnesses flop under cross-examination

    PDP’s, Ighodalo’s witnesses flop under cross-examination

    The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal witnessed mild drama yesterday.

    The first two of the witnesses of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate during the September 21, 2024 election flopped under cross- examination.

    The first witness from Ikpoba-Okha Local Government stunned the tribunal when he testified that he was neither an agent at any of the polling units or wards nor directly involved in the electoral process, but revealed that his role was limited to merely observing and personally examining the results in a situation room, thereby raising questions about the accuracy and credibility of the evidence he presented.

    He confirmed signing two statements on oath, dated October 11, 2024 and November 16, 2024, and clarified that his involvement was limited to overseeing results at the situation room, which was not located at the collation centre.

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    Under cross-examination, the first witness also admitted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) materials were not available for inspection in the situation room.

    The second witness from Akoko-Edo Local Government claimed that he was not a polling unit or ward agent, but managed to coordinate  results from 241 polling units and 10 wards in a day, while admitting that he was not involved in the actual collation of results of the poll, but only supervised and compiled reports from agents.

    Seven of 18 parties that participated in the election, which filed petitions at the tribunal, were the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord (A), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Alliance (AA), which wanted their candidates to be declared winner of the keenly-contested poll, instead of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • JUST IN: Abia Assembly speaker defects to APC, dumps PDP 

    JUST IN: Abia Assembly speaker defects to APC, dumps PDP 

    Former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bishop Kennedy Azubuike Njoku has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.  

    Rt. Hon. Njoku, who previously represented Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency in the 7th Assembly, resigned his position as Speaker after the PDP reached a compromise to allow Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the son of Abia’s former governor, to assume the role. 

    Addressing supporters at his country home in Mbutu Nta village, Osisioma Local Government Area, Njoku explained that his decision to leave the PDP was made after extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders across the state.  

    “I am grateful to the PDP for the opportunities they provided me and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Njoku said. 

    He, however, called on his supporters to join him in the APC, emphasizing that only those ready to work hard would be rewarded, quoting the adage, “Onye ruo, ya erie” (He who works, eats).  

    The former lawmaker expressed appreciation for the support he has received from the people of Osisioma Ngwa North, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, and Abia State as a whole. He assured them that his move to the APC was driven by a vision to secure a brighter future for the local government area and the state at large.

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    Prominent stakeholders, including Comr. Odimegwu Aruru, Chief of Staff to the Bishop Campaign Organization; Comr. Emmanuel Nduagu, former president of the Osisioma Ngwa Youth Congress; and Hon. Austin Uruakpa, former leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council, expressed full support for Njoku’s defection.  

    They urged his supporters to obtain APC membership cards from their respective wards and emphasized that the move signals hope for the masses.  

    In a vote of thanks, Comr. Oliver Christian, a youth leader from Isiala Osokwa Ward 6, commended Rt. Hon. Njoku’s decision pledged full support and prayed for God’s blessings on him and his supporters.  

  • PDP, Ighodalo tender more documents at Edo tribunal

    PDP, Ighodalo tender more documents at Edo tribunal

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, and its governorship candidate during the September 21, 2024 election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday tendered more documents at the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member election petitions tribunal.

    PDP and Ighodalo on Friday tendered over one thousand documents at the tribunal.

    The counsel to the petitioners (PDP and Ighodalo), Ken. Mozia, SAN, yesterday tendered 55 Certified True Copies (CTCs) of polling units voter registers used in the election, CTC of 56 accreditation figures of extracts from the independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and 72 CTCs of extracts of accreditation figures from the BVAS.

    Mozia also tendered 75 CTCs of INEC’s results’ viewing, containing form EC8A and 70 CTCs’ of INEC’s polling units booklets, containing form EC25B, as well as 66 copies of polling units voter register and 125 CTCs of form EC8A from IREV.

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    The petitioners’ counsel equally tendered CTCs of certificates of compliance with BIVAS report, in respect of the 133 polling units earlier tendered as exhibits, and CTCs of serial numbers of BIVAS deployed in 133 polling units.

    The counsel to the respondents (INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo and All Progressives Congress), Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, respectively, however, raised objections to the admissibility of the petitioners’ documents, but they promised to give their reasons at the address stage.

    Seven of 18 political parties that participated in the election, which filed petitions at the tribunal, were the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord (A), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Alliance (AA), which wanted their candidates to be declared winner of the keenly-contested poll, instead of Okpebholo of the APC.

  • PDP, Ighodalo tender more documents at Edo tribunal

    PDP, Ighodalo tender more documents at Edo tribunal

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo chapter and its governorship candidate at the September 21, 2024 election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, have tendered more documents at the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led, three-member election petitions tribunal.

    PDP and Ighodalo at the weekend tendered over 1,000 documents at the tribunal.

    The counsel to the petitioners (PDP and Ighodalo), Ken. Mozia, SAN, tendered 55 Certified True Copies (CTCs) of polling units voter registers used in the election, CTC  of 56 accreditation figures of extracts from the independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and 72 CTCs of extracts of accreditation figures from the BVAS.

    Mozia also tendered 75 CTCs of INEC’s results’ viewing, containing form EC8A and 70 CTCs’ of INEC’s polling units booklets, containing form EC25B, as well as 66 copies of polling units voter register and 125 CTCs of form EC8A from IREV.

    The petitioners’ counsel also tendered CTCs of certificates of compliance with BIVAS report, in respect of the 133 polling units earlier tendered as exhibits, and CTCs of serial numbers of BIVAS deployed in 133 polling units.

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    The counsel to the respondents (INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo and All Progressives Congress), Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, respectively, however, raised objections to the admissibility of the petitioners’ documents, but they promised to give their reasons at the address stage.

    Seven of 18 political parties that participated in the election, which filed petitions at the tribunal, were the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord (A), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Alliance (AA).

  • Tribunal dismisses 13 APC petitions, affirm PDP victories in A’Ibom council polls

    Tribunal dismisses 13 APC petitions, affirm PDP victories in A’Ibom council polls

    The Akwa Ibom Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the three senatorial districts has dismissed 13 petitions emanating from the All Progressives Congress (APC) against candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the conduct of local government elections held in October 2024  

    The tribunal affirmed the victory of 13 chairmanship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that were dragged to the tribunal. 

    The state legal adviser of the PDP, Ekemini Uba disclosed this during a press conference in Uyo to mark the end of the tribunal session.

     Uba said the tribunal had to strike out those petitions as they were not filed within the time frame stipulated by law. 

    ” Pre hearing notice was not filed within the time frame as required by law . 

    ” Again, the petitioners approached the tribunal based on the electoral law  contrary to Akwa Ibom state election petition laws.

    ” The petitioners were against our candidates for the Championship of  Abak and Ibiono Ibom local government areas and for the Councillorship in 11 of the 14 wards in Ibiono Ibom local government area and others ” 

    Uba explained that as respondents the PDP filed briefs in all the cases challenging competences of the petitioners before the Tribunals and  prayed that their cases should be dismissed. 

    Uba, who was accompanied by the PDP Publicity Secretary Edwin Ebiese, said after due consideration of all the cases, the tribunal in Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) and Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) respectively dismissed the APC petitions and reaffirmed victories of PDP candidates in the  13 local government areas of the state. 

    ” In upholding our submissions, the tribunal  held that the petitions were incompetent  having been filed out of time” 

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    Uba congratulated the leader of PDP in the state pastor Umo Eno for playing vital role in the political stability of the state . 

    He appealed to politicians in the state to emulate governor Umo Eno for showing that election and politics should not be a do or die affair. 

    ” Though PDP was defeated in some areas, he never allowed us to contest those defeats at the tribunal. 

    ” He believes that God gives power to whom he wishes and that there are always new opportunities to explore beyond after election.

    ” Pastor Umo Eno has reconciled many back to PDP in different ways. APC supporters benefit from Umo Eno’s compassionate home and all members of the family and entire community are now members of PDP,” he said. 

  • LG polls: Aiyedatiwa votes, calls PDP’s withdrawal cowardly act 

    LG polls: Aiyedatiwa votes, calls PDP’s withdrawal cowardly act 

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described the withdrawal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from the ongoing Ondo State Local Government Election, as an act of cowardice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Leye Igbagbo, Ondo PDP Director of Media and Publicity, announced the withdrawal of the party from the election in a statement on Thursday.

    Aiyedatiwa said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote at polling unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area.

    The governor, who said he was not privy to the reason for PDP’s withdrawal, said the party participated in all the qualification process of the election

    “For PDP to to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the time table for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal).

    “Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating, so whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa also described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.

    Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the poll and thanked the people for participating in the election.

    “I just cast my vote without any crisis, this is just what happened on the Nov.16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair.

    “The materials arrived early and the security and citizens are here. They are participating and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” he said.

    Also in Owo Local Government Area, Mr Ondo state Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adelami, the Ondo State Deputy Governor voted around 9:45 a.m at Igbooroko Unit 16, Ward 3 in Owo.

    Adelami, who praised the electorate for the turnout, urged them to vote massively for APC.

    (NAN) 

  • Elected ward, LGA executive members write PDP chairman, seek nullification of congress

    Elected ward, LGA executive members write PDP chairman, seek nullification of congress

    The 14 elected wards and Local Government Areas executive members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State have written the national chair of the party, seeking the nullification of the state congress and the conduct of a fresh one.

    The elected Wards and LGA Exco members, in a letter to the party chairman, dated 15th January 2025, asked the national leadership of the party to order the conduct of a fresh Congress where the list of the elected Exco members would be used as ordered by a High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The letter, signed by Egwuaba Reuben Esq, on behalf of Comrade Moses Adam and others, called on the chairman of the party to give their letter due and urgent consideration by conducting a fresh Congress.

    Parts of the letter read, “It is the information of our clients that on the 6th day of December 2024, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory presided over by Justice Suleiman Belgore granted the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction and set aside the congress conducted on the 23rd of October 2024 for the election of the State Executives Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with delegate list that is outside the names of our Clients who are the elected Local Government and Wards Executives in Orumba South South LGA of Anambra State in Ezira Ward of Orumba South LGA and Ward 1 of Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State.

     “It is the information of our clients that ever since, the Peoples Democratic Party has neglected and/or refused to recognize or give effect to the Ruling of the Court by nullifying the Anambra State PDP State Congress held on the 23rd of October, 2024 and conducting a fresh state congress where our clients’ delegates list will be used.

     “We are aware that the Peoples Democratic Party is law-abiding and the officials would not do anything prejudicial or contrary to the Judgment of the Court thereby violating the principles of the rule of law in a democratic setting in Nigeria. We therefore, urge you to use your good office and ensure that the right is done by giving effect to the Ruling of the Court by nullifying the Anambra State PDP Congress and conducting a fresh State Congress where our clients’ delegate list who are the subsisting Wards and Local Government Areas officers of the Party in Anambra State will be used.”

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     The 14 Local Government Areas are Aguata LGA, Anambra East LGA, Anambra West LGA, Ayamelum LGA, Dunukofia LGA, Ekwusigo LGA, Idemili South LGA, Ihiala LGA.  Others are Nnewi South LGA, Onitsha LGA, Onitsha South LGA, Orumba North LGA, Orumba South LGA and Oyi LGA of PDP Anambra Chapter. 

     The lawyer further said, “It is the information of our clients that after the conduct of the Anambra State PDP State Congress where our clients’ delegate list was not used in the conduct of the State Executive, the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) set up an appeal committee for any aggrieved party to challenge the Anambra State Congress held on the 23rd of October, 2024 and the committee comprises of Hon. Barr. Musa ElayoChairman, Hon. Prince Marshall U. Ukafor Anyanwu-Member, Chief A.C. Thomas Nkoro-Secretary. –

     “Our client filed a complaint with the appeal committee challenging the Anambra State PDP Congress on the ground that duly list of delegates of the fourteen (14) Local Government Areas was not used in the conduct of the election for State Executives and the appeal committee after hearing parties and reviewed of -documents tendered before it, nullified the State Congress held on the 23” of October, 2-23 and directed that a fresh state congress be organized to elect state officers of the party whereby our client’s delegates list will be used being the valid and authentic delegates list.

     “That despite the recommendation of the appeal committee on the Anambra State PDP Congress held on the 23% of October 2024, the members of the Peoples Democratic Party refused to give heed by canceling the congress and conducting a fresh State Congress where the list of our clients will be used”.

  • Ondo council polls: PDP candidates kick over party’s withdrawal

    Ondo council polls: PDP candidates kick over party’s withdrawal

    Some chairmanship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have opposed the party’s decision to withdraw from Saturday’s local government elections in Ondo State.

    The candidates stated that they were not consulted before the notice of withdrawal was sent to the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) 72 hours before the election.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, PDP chairmanship candidate Oluwatuyi Adekambi described the withdrawal from the race as a failure of the PDP’s leadership.

    Adekambi claimed that the candidates had prepared for the election without substantial support from the party.

    He said: “We invested heavily—both financially and emotionally—in this process. We paid for forms, followed all procedures, and dedicated ourselves to this election. Elections are costly, even at the local government level, and we have spent significant resources campaigning and engaging with the community.

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    “For the party to withdraw just 72 hours before the election is a betrayal, not only to us as candidates but also to the people of Akure South, who have supported us. We believe we have a strong chance of winning, with nearly 85% support from the electorate. The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement of our rights, and a disservice to democracy.

    “We want to make it clear that no one bought us over, contrary to any rumours. This decision was solely made by the party leadership without our input. If a local government election cannot proceed transparently, then we must question the motives behind this action.

    “We have received overwhelming support from various groups, including traditional and religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in Akure. These individuals recognize our dedication to the community and our potential to serve.

    “We are deeply disappointed by the party’s decision and see it as a failure of leadership. Moving forward, we will communicate our next line of action to the public. For now, we thank the people of Akure for their unwavering support and urge them to remain steadfast.

    “In conclusion, we reaffirm that this decision was not ours. The party leadership has failed us and the people of Akure. We remain committed to the democratic process and we will continue to fight for what is right.”

  • PDP withdraws from Ondo LG polls

    PDP withdraws from Ondo LG polls

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its withdrawal from Saturday’s local council elections in Ondo State, less than 48 hours before the polls.

    This election would have been the first local government poll since Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed office in December 2023.

    The PDP disclosed that its decision to pull out followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and its National Secretariat. 

    The party initially fielded 15 chairmanship candidates across 15 Local Government Areas and 131 councillorship candidates.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Ondo PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, accused the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) of lacking credibility, transparency, and impartiality. 

    According to Igbabo, ODIEC’s alleged double standards have raised doubts about its ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.

    According to him, “As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on this compromised process by participating in the election.

    “We have, therefore, resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices.

    “We further assure our teeming supporters and the good people of Ondo State, that our commitment to sanitise the Electoral process is irrevocable.”

    However, the chairman of ODIEC,  Dr. Joseph Aremo, said he was shocked at the withdrawal of the PDP from the polls after participating in all the processes.

    Dr. Aremo said the PDP attended all workshops organised ahead of the polls.

    Aremo, who spoke in Akure while inspecting distribution of sensitive materials, said 13 political parties indicated interest to contest in the Saturday’s polls.

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    He said the Ondo PDP has submitted list of its agents.

    “What we have done is to create a template where every party has the ability to showcase whatever it has. The PDP has been part and parcel of the process.

    “And they have been commending us.

    Even if you go online, you find that they have been saying that they have confidence in us. And that what we have been doing so far has been transparently done.

    “But for us, it doesn’t matter if any party withdraw. What matters to us is to conduct an election that is going to be free, fair, credible, and transparent. The election will be seamless and peaceful.”

  • Edo APC, PDP chairmen clash over gunshots near Edo tribunal venue

    Edo APC, PDP chairmen clash over gunshots near Edo tribunal venue

    The chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, clashed on Wednesday following a gunfire incident near the venue of the governorship election petitions tribunal in Benin City. 

    Gunshots were reportedly fired by gunmen in a white Toyota Hilux van on Ezoti Street, close to the Edo High Court Complex, where the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, was sitting.

    A viral video showed the chaotic scene as lawyers, litigants, politicians, and journalists rushed to safety to avoid stray bullets. 

    The situation was quickly brought under control by heavily armed security operatives, allowing the tribunal proceedings to continue. 

    In response to the incident, Tenebe condemned the shootings, accusing members of the PDP of being responsible.

    He called the act “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” further escalating tensions between the two major political parties in the state.

    Tenebe stated: “The tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

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    “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn the shootings in the strongest possible terms.”

    The Edo chairman of the APC also asserted that violence has no place in a civilised society while declaring that those responsible for the heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.

    Aziegbemi, however, accused the APC’s leaders of planning to frustrate the PDP’s members from reclaiming the mandate given to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo.

    He alleged that Edo APC’s leaders were scared of justice and resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process, allegedly pointing fingers at the members of his party (PDP).

    The Edo chairman of the PDP said: “We strongly dissociate ourselves from the shooting incident that occurred near the venue of the sitting of the tribunal in Benin. We wish to state that this shameful incident is another in the series of clandestine efforts by the APC to frustrate the legal process and tarnish the image of our party.

    “Why would the PDP attempt to disrupt the only opportunity it has to reclaim the mandate given to it by the people of Edo State during the last governorship election?

    “The PDP is aware that its only pathway to justice is through the legal process. Therefore, it would be utterly senseless for anyone to suggest that the party would deploy thugs to disrupt the process and jeopardise its chances.”

    Aziegbemi also disclosed that he had directed all supporters and members of the PDP in Edo to remain calm and to be optimistic that the party’s standard bearer would emerge victorious.

    The then representative of the Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the APC, won the governorship election in Edo on September 21, 2024, and was inaugurated on November 12 last year.

    Seven of the 18 political parties that participated in the election, and filed petitions at the tribunal, were the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord (A), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Alliance (AA), all of which wanted their candidates to be declared winners of the keenly contested poll.