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Tag: poll

  • Polls: pro democracy group holds rally against further shift

    Polls: pro democracy group holds rally against further shift

    A group of pro democracy activists, under the aegis of Nigerians United for Democracy, at the weekend staged a rally at the Unity Fountain, Abuja to resist any attempt to postpone the March 28 and April 11 general elections.

    The group, led by the Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, warned against further postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    They carried placards with inscriptions such as: Think #PVC reject rigging,  our constitution matters, on march 28 we stand, Card readers for credible election, INEC must be independent, and we are the 99% that makes democracy work  among others.

    Dr. Ibrahim, who spoke to reporters at the rally, said that the group will mobilize Nigerians to oppose and resist any fresh attempt to postpone the elections form March 28 and April 11 respectively.

    He said that the group was only cautioning the government against any further attempt to alter the new dates, despite President Goodluck Jonathan’s assurance that May 29th is sacrosanct.

    Ibrahim said: “Well we are being vigilance about the electoral process, our vigilance is based on our concern, first of all the elections have been postponed on the bases of the letter from the security agencies that they are not able to guarantee security at the beginning of this meeting, we found out that the Attorney General of the federal has indicated a court case where he was saying PVCs and Card readers should not be used for the elections.

    “We found that very disturbing because this is the system the INEC has developed to ensure that there is credibility. So if the government itself is now saying that they want to use the system in which card readers will not be used, then it is saying different thing about the elections. Then I want Nigerians to be very careful and ensure that this election holds.
    “We should be vigilant not only for the elections to hold but that they are free and fair. If the attorney general decides to take a case to court so that card readers and PVCs won’t be used, then it calls for concern. What we are doing is simply drawing the attention of Nigerians so that everybody rest on their toes, so that we can ensure that we have credible free and fair elections.”

    The rally held simultaneously both in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

  • Ogun East: Kashamu faces fresh hurdles ahead senatorial poll

    Ogun East: Kashamu faces fresh hurdles ahead senatorial poll

    Barely weeks to the April National Assembly Elections, Buruji Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is facing fresh hurdles threatening his ambition to represent the Ogun East Senatorial District at the red chamber, reports, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    A FRESH lawsuit challenging the eligibility of Prince Buruji Kashamu to contest the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election and unending rejection of his candidature by groups and individuals within the Ogun East Senatorial District he seeks to represent, may be creating fresh worries in the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongman.

    Sources told The Nation that anxiety gripped Buruji’s political family, the Omo-Ilu group, as well as leaders of the PDP in Ogun State as the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, last Wednesday, commenced hearing in a suit filed by two members of the party seeking his disqualification as the party’s candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District.

    Although the hearing was stalled following arguments by Kashamu’s counsels that their client was yet to be served the processes of the court, The Nation learnt that the commencement of the proceeding, after Kashamu had allegedly vowed that the case will not see the light of the day, scared his supporters stiff.

    “When we first heard of the case, we were bothered. But when our leaders assured us that it will not be heard before the election as things were being taken care of, we relaxed. But when we got to court on Wednesday and the judge said he was prepared to entertain the case, fear gripped many of us,” a supporter of the politician said.

    Signs that things may not go the way Kashamu’s supporters expected showed when the defendant’s counsel, Ufoma Eze, urged the court to first thrash out the matter concerning its jurisdiction to hear the case as already raised in her notice of preliminary objection, before considering the applicants’ originating summons and motion on notice.

    Swiftly, counsel to the applicants urged the court to hear the issues raised in the originating summons, the motion on notice and notice of preliminary objection at the same time.

    Rather than accede to Eze’s demand, presiding judge, Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo, however, adjourned further hearing to March 12 to enable the applicants’ counsel reply to the notice of preliminary objection filed by the applicants’ counsel, while insisting that the main case will be heard on its merit.

    The two PDP members, Dele Ajayi from Ward 08 in Ijebu North Local Government Area and Saula Adeniji Wasiu of Ward 003, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, last week, dragged Kashamu to court and prayed the court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising him as the candidate of the PDP for Ogun East.

    Sources within the party in the state also revealed that leaders of the PDP are worried of what will be the lot of the party should the Judge grant the prayers of the applicants barely three weeks to the rescheduled elections.

    “The concern by party leaders is based on the fear that an injunction restraining any candidate at this time will greatly injure the chances of the party not only in the senatorial election, but in other contests. Kashamu is one of the flagships of the party in Ogun state.

    Stopping him now under any guise will harm the PDP. That is why all hands are on deck to ensure that he surmounts this current hurdle. As a party, we are solidly behind him and determined to field him as our candidate,” a member of the elders’ caucus of the party told The Nation.

    But another prominent chieftain of the party, Hon. Dave Salako, is opposed to what he called the political antics of Kashamu and his camp. According to the former House of Representatives member, anything short of justice for those opposed to Kashamu’s manipulations will spell doom for the PDP in the state.

    “Like I always say, Kashamu needs to be honest and he should be far away from anything that is politically fraudulent. He has done so many things that I have seen that are very wrong and he is getting away with it. I have also taken him to court but instead of him backing out, he is bringing another dimension into politics of Nigeria.

    He always gets people who are ready and eager to compromise in many things that they know are wrong. Check out all the candidates he fielded in his so-called list; they are all weak aspirants who can never win any election. Even Kashamu himself cannot win Ogun East Senatorial seat for PDP. He is not even qualified. We cannot be under the same umbrella with him unless he goes back to mend his ways,” Salako said.

    Expressing worry over the readiness of PDP members to dump the party and move to the opposition, Salako said “our people are daily telling us they want to move to another party because they don’t want to stay under the same umbrella with Buruji. If they do, we cannot stop them and we will lose that election again.”

    Also on Wednesday, some members of the PDP in Ogun East Senatorial District dissociated themselves from Kashamu’s senatorial ambition. Speaking under the aegis of PDP Elders and Youths Coalition, at a meeting in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North Local Government, they denied any support for Buruji Kashamu’s ambition.

    In a communiqué, the leaders of the coalition, including Tola Alausa, Wale Soile, Segun Odujirin, Segun Adekoya, Emily Sholaru, Dan Akitan and Moshood Adebayo, urged the national leadership of the party to stop the candidacy of the politician before he plunges the party into more crises.

    The communiqué read in part: “We hereby reject the leadership and candidacy of Prince Buruji Kashamu in Ogun East. It is instructive to state here that with him as the leader and or candidate of PDP in our zone, the party will fail to get the vote of the highly intelligent and self-respecting people of Ijebu and Remo kingdoms.

    “While it is public knowledge that the coming of Kashamu into the PDP in Ogun state has brought more damages than good into the party, we urged the national leadership of the party to stop the candidacy of the politician before he plunges the party into more crises.”

    The group condemned what they called the damaging support being enjoyed by the Kashamu faction from the national leadership of the party. They argued that unless the PDP leadership calls Kashamu to order, PDP in Ogun state will remain in the opposition for much longer.

    The leaders, who pledged their loyalty to the party, said they would not work with the Kashamu-led faction of the party. Sholaru, a former chairperson of the party in Ikenne LGA, warned that “Kashamu and his co-travelers are working hard to end the hope of our party returning to its winning ways in Ogun State.

    But responding to the current developments, Kashamu said nothing will truncate his desire to represent the people at the senate. According to him, he remains the man to beat at the polls.

    According to the business mogul-turned politician, the ongoing attempt to stop his aspiration through the courts will fail because the allegations against him are baseless and frivolous.

    In a statement, he said: “I have not been charged or convicted of any offences whether here in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. The Interpol and other relevant agencies, including the courts in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, have exonerated me of the unfounded allegations.”

    Kashamu said his lawyers are addressing the issues at the court, urging his supporters to remain calm and be focused on winning the forthcoming elections.

  • Ogboru ‘ll win governorship poll, says aide

    Ogboru ‘ll win governorship poll, says aide

    The Director-General (DG) of the Campaign Organisation of the Delta State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Omaruaya has said the party will win convincingly in next month’s elections.

    He told reporters in Lagos that the LP governorship candidate Chief Great Ogboru will emerge  in a free, fair and transparent election, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to its responsibilities.

    He said:  “Ogboru is an iconic brand in politics trusted by majority of our people for his excellent track record in global business and sound political convictions”.

    He added that the LP candidate is a grassroots politicians whose records could not be rivaled by those contesting for governorship  of  Delta State.  “Ogboru’s grassroots political machine is equal to none and even his opponents know it.”

    He urged the people to collect their  Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), according to him, “if INEC gets the e-card reading system right, then that is the game changer and those who have rigged in the past will be history.”

    Omaruaye who declined to comment on the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election,  said  his “duty is to run Chief Ogboru’s grassroots campaign efficiently for victory and not to be distracted by the antics of traditional election riggers.”

    He noted that Ogboru is determined to bring value to public leadership in Delta State and lift  the standard of living of the people. “We will create employment through massive industrialisation. We will bring back companies to this state. We will ensure that our seaports come back to life and drive this state’s economy.

    “We will build modern schools, health facilities and sports facilities. We will establish the first social security system for the elderly in our state. Religious leaders will have a place of pride in governance. Ogboru’s Equal Opportunities Development Initiative has been refined to develop the entire state on an equitable basis.

    “We will create corporate development vehicles to be manned by the best and finest amongst us. Let me tell you with all sense of responsibility, a massive developmental revolution is coming to Delta with Chief Great Ogboru as our next Governor.

    “ I am just privileged to be saddled with the responsibility to lead the crusade of telling our people about the revolutionary transformation that is coming and the need for everyone to be part of it.”

    Omaruaye further explained the the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan led administration has done its best but the people needed something better than what the have got.

    “Our principal has no personal quarrel with him. They may disagree or may have disagreed on the best way to ensuring good governance, but modern people do not live in the past. We must move on. The common good of the greater majority of our people remains our primary concern.”

  • Counting the cost of poll shift

    SIR: Before now, many have been relishing the prospect of having the much anticipated presidential election on a Valentine Day. The possibility of mixing politics with love simply aroused the interest of not a few Nigerians. The recent announcement by INEC of the rescheduling of the general elections has, however, put paid to all that. The rumpus caused by the sudden decision of INEC to postpone has continued to echo across the land.

    To begin with, the abrupt postponement of the election has, without a doubt, done much havoc to the not too admirable global image of our country. Nigeria has now become an object of ridicule across the world. What is particularly puzzling to the world is why a nation of over 170 million people cannot successfully plan an election that has been on the card for over four years.

    The shift in poll also has deep implications for the image of the Nigerian military as well as other security agencies. In citing reasons for the shift in poll date, INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, clearly made it clear that the shift became necessary mainly for security factors. His words: “There are quite a number of issues in the conduct of elections, the most critical of which is security matter which is not under the control of INEC.”

    Professor Jega further confirmed that INEC was ready with all election matters under its control but was compelled to take the security advisory from the National Security Adviser and the service chiefs into consideration in adjusting the timetable for the polls. The issue being raised by pundits is how the military which has not been able to successfully dislodge Boko Haram for six years could do same under six weeks.

    Another vital concern is what happens if the military is unable to put the security situation in the country under check before the new date. Would that lead to another shift in poll? Whichever way one looks at things, the image of the military has been badly deflated by the poll shift imbroglio and it would take sometimes before it could really come clean.

    INEC itself has come out of the poll controversy more battered than before.  Despite Professor Jega’s clever maneuver to shift attention away from INEC’s near sloppy management of the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC, it is difficult to completely shield the electoral umpire from culpability in respect of the poll shift. It will be recalled that the 2011 presidential poll was equally shifted by a week because of hiccups experienced across the country right on poll day. This shows that INEC has a rich history of ineptitude and this does not in any way do its image any good. It is left to be seen how the electoral body hopes to wriggle itself out of the negative  lame duck tag it has been dubbed in certain quarters.

    The postponement also has far reaching implications for political parties in respect of electioneering campaigns, planning, logistics and financing. Previously, most of the candidates aspiring for various political offices have zeroed their budgeting and other associated matters on the initial election dates as earlier announced by INEC. The poll shift would, therefore, bring about additional strains on the aspirants and their political parties. With the reality of the current economic situation in the country, having to extend campaign programmes and plans for another six weeks would, undoubtedly, be a serious financial burden on the political parties and their aspirants.      It is, however, hoped that the poll shift would help to diffuse the already tense political atmosphere in the country; and that all stakeholders in the Nigerian project would see the need to embrace peace.  According to Martin Luther King, “peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

     

    • Tayo Ogunbiyi,

    Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • No to poll shift

    SIR: The cacophonous clamour for the postponement of February 14 and 28 elections is a cancer that can destroy the very foundation of our dear nation. There are many posers for its proponents.

    What happens to the billions of naira committed to electioneering campaigns, media showcase, foot soldiering, and the energy dissipated to the forthcoming polls? It is corollary with the allegation of kleptomania leveled against the ruling party at the centre. Our already tainted image will further reek in the global community. The acclaimed giant of Africa continues to fumble in the electoral process and yet approaches the advanced democracies for a good handshake; it is akin to the demented leper chasing a sane man about for an embrace. The scene is better imagined that witnessed.

    On a football pitch, the referee holds the ace, no matter how deft the match commissioner claims to be he cannot change the goal posts in the middle of the game nor can he challenge  the  referee during the match. The insinuation that the ruling PDP is behind the plot is rife. The party and its co-travellers owe Nigeria, Nigerians and posterity a debt of explanations. When a man is trapped in a mesh the more he tries to disentangle himself the deeper he is cocooned. Ill wind blows nobody any good. The centripetal/centrifugal forces are covertly beckoning to anarchy. And civil war looms in the process. The crux of it all is how to prognosticate whether Nigeria will remain one UNITED country thereafter. Let us remember the warning of America that Nigeria will break in the year 2015.

    The council of state should not bite the bileduct; it is bitter and poisonous. June 12, 1993 and its attendant debacle remain indelible in our national psyche.

    To this end, Professor Atahiru Jega led INEC should be allowed to do its job and announce the winners for the covert benefit of the unborn generations.

     

    • Adelani Olawuyi

    Ogbomoso, Oyo State      

     

  • Poll: Accord, others yet to adopt Jonathan, says leader

    The Deputy National Chairman of Accord Party, Mr. Sikiru Oke yesterday said neither the party nor nine others have adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as their choice presidential candidate.

    He however admitted that the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) sent a team led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed and the National Vice Chairman(South-South) of PDP, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, to woo most opposition parties for Jonathan.

    Oke, who made the clarification in a chat with our correspondent, said at the appropriate time, most opposition parties will declare their stand.

    He said: “About 10 days ago, we held a meeting with delegates from PDP asking us to adopt President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “The delegation, which  was led by the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, included Ojougboh, and former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chkwuemeka Ezeife among others.

    “They pleaded with us to adopt Jonathan and we did not make any commitment. We said we will go and consult our leaders and members.

    “Before we knew it after the discussion, they invited the press and disclosed to journalists that nine parties were ready to adopt Jonathan as their preferred candidate for the 2015 election.

    “After talks, we promised to get back to them on their offer and we are yet to do so.

    “Up till now, Accord Party is yet to adopt any candidate. At the appropriate time, we will direct our members on who to support.”

  • Feb. 14 poll: Court urged to stop Jonathan from running

    Feb. 14 poll: Court urged to stop Jonathan from running

    Barely 12 days to the general elections, a suit has been filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The plaintiffs, who are Prof. Tunde Samuel, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Mr. Razak Adeosun and Yahaya Ezemoo, are pleading with the court to restrain Dr. Jonathan from contesting, putting himself forward and or accepting to contest for the office of President, Federal Republic of Nigeria at the 2015 presidential election.

    The only defendant in the matter, which is already assigned to Court 7, is the President.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the application, which was filed by a team of crack lawyers mostly Senior Advocates.

    The counsel in the matter are Yusuf Ali (SAN), A. B. Mahmoud(SAN), Adebayo Adelodun(SAN), Sirajo Chedi (SAN), Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, K.K. Eleja and A.O. Usman.

    Six more Senior Advocates will join the team whenever the legal fireworks begin because the plaintiffs have asked for two SANs from each of the six geopolitical zones.

    Relying on Sections 135 to 146 of the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiffs averred that Jonathan cannot take the oath of office more than twice as president.

    They also said under the constitution, any President of Nigeria cannot be in office beyond eight years of two terms.

    They said if Jonathan is allowed to contest and is sworn in as president, he would be spending 10 years in office contrary to the spirit and intendment of the 1999 Constitution.

    They urged the court to determine three issues and sought for six reliefs in the originating summons.

    The plaintiffs’ prayers are as follows:

    *whether having regards to the intendment and general scheme of the Constitution, especially the provisions of  sections 1 (1) &(2), 135 (1)& (2), 137(1)(b), 140 (1) &(2),142 (1)&(2)  and 146(1)(3)(b)(c) thereof, it is constitutional, lawful, legal and permissible for a person to occupy the office of the president for a cumulative and or aggregate period of more than eight years;

    •whether having regards to the intendment and the general scheme of the Constitution, especially the provisions of Sections 1(1) & (2) and 135(1) thereof, the defendant is eligible to seek  re-election or contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for another term of four years, which will bring his cumulative and or aggregate period in office as president beyond the eight years maximum period allowable by the Constitution;

    •whether having regards to the intendment and the general scheme of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) especially section  1(1) & (2), 135 (1)&(2), 137 (1)(b), 140 (1) & (2), 142(1)& (2) and 146(1) (3) (b)& (c) thereof, the period the defendant served as President from May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2011, ought not to be reckoned with and taken into cognisance in computing  the total period he has spent and could spend in office as President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The plaintiffs asked for these reliefs.

    •a declaration that having regards to the provisions of the Constitution, it is unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal and not permissible for any person to occupy the office of the President for more than a cumulative and or aggregate period of eight years when the country is not at war and it is practicable to hold election into the office of President;

    •a declaration that having regards to the Provisions of the Constitution, the defendant, is not eligible to seek re-election into the office of President for another term of four years from 2015, as that would have permitted him to occupy the office of President, for more than the eight years maximum period allowable by the Constitution for anyone to occupy the office of the President;

    •a declaration that in computing the period already spent in office as President by the defendant, the period from May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2011 should / ought to be reckoned with.

    •a declaration that having spent a period of more than four years in office as President reckoned from May 6, 2010, the defendant is without competence, eligibility, authority or entitlement to contest for the same office for another term of four years;

    •an order of injunction restraining the defendant from contesting, putting himself forward and or accepting to contest for the office of President at the 2015 presidential election;

    •and, for such further or other relief(s) to which the plaintiffs may be found entitled by the Honourable Court in consequence of the relief(s) earlier adumbrated on the Originating Summons.

    A member of the legal team, who spoke in confidence, explained why the latest suit is different from others before on the eligibility of Jonathan.

    The source said: “The suit is challenging the eligibility of Mr. President to spend beyond eight years in office in the light of constitutional provision that forbids any person to stay in office beyond eight years.

    “And also there is a court decision in an election petition case on Adamawa State, where it was held that no circumstances should warrant anyone to hold an elective office beyond eight years.

    “In Marwa and 1 other v. Admiral Murtala Nyako and others (SC 141/2011), the court held that ‘the constitution has no room for a cumulative tenure exceeding eight years.’

    “This suit is different from the previous ones challenging Mr. President because he had neither declared his intention nor was he confirmed as a presidential candidate for 2015 polls.

    “Thus, the previous suits were speculative. This suit is hinged on the fact that having spent six years in office, the president is seeking another term of four years. Yet the constitution says a President can hold office for two terms of eight years.”

  • APGA candidate alleges plot to rig poll

    APGA candidate alleges plot to rig poll

    The Ebonyi State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Anthony Agbo, yesterday alleged that a major party was plotting to rig the election.

    He said no amount of conspiracy and intimidation would change the divine plan for the state.

    Agbo, addressing reporters at his country home, Ngbo, in Ohaukwu Local Government, condemned the omission of his name from the list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said there was a malicious rumour by the top echelon of a party that he would not run for the governorship poll.

    His words: “There is plot to rig the election. No amount of conspiracy and intimidation will change the divine purpose. They also spread rumour that I would not vie for the election, as my name was missing from the initial list of governorship candidates sent to the INEC office in Abakaliki.”

    Agbo said he resisted the move to remove his name from INEC’s list, which led to it being published later.

    “Besides removing my file from INEC, these agents of destabilisation attacked and destroyed our party’s office in Mgbo.

    “They burnt documents at our party’s office and destroyed items, such as furniture and posters.”

    He warned those involved to desist, as he knew their identities.

    Agbo noted: “It is clear that the forces of good and evil are competing for the soul of Ebonyi, but I assure the indigenes that no amount of conspiracy and intimidation will change the divine plan for the state.”

    He urged the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to tighten loose ends and ensure the conduct of credible elections, as the top echelon of a particular party boasted that it would influence INEC, the police and  military.

    According to him, the APGA state chairman was in Abuja following the attack on the party.

    “We will officially report the matter to the police when he returns.

    “Those, whose houses were attacked, have reported to the police. I assure the people that we will not be intimidated. We will go about our campaign according to the law.”

    The governorship candidate enjoined the people to resist intimidation and financial inducement and vote for him and other APGA candidates, arguing that no other governorship candidates had the kind of positive records and vision he had for Ebonyi State.

  • Buhari ‘ll win poll, says co-ordinator

    Buhari ‘ll win poll, says co-ordinator

    The Kogi State Coordinator of the General Muhammodu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. James Ocholi (SAN), has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will  win the presidential election.

    Speaking during the inaugural meeting of its local government coordinators in Lokoja, the state capital, he urged the stakeholders to remain committed to the agenda of change.

    Ocholi said: “Over 700 people are gathered here from different wards and from different local government areas brainstorming and interacting on the best way to handle the preparation for the election.

    “Our house is united for the presidential election as we await the candidates for the various offices to be sorted out. We have taken off to marshall out ourselves, our points, our strategies for the next election and, by the grace of God, we believe GMB will emerge as the next President.”

    The coordinator said members have overcome the crisis in the chapter, adding that they are united by the same focus and purpose.

    Ocholi said: “Candidates for other positions have not emerged. When that is sorted out, the party would establish conflict and reconciliation committee to look at issues.”

    Following the crisis, a senatorial aspirant in Kogi West District, Hon. Abidemi Adebola , has defected to the Labour Party (LP).

    Adebola, who is the Minority Whip in the Kogi State House of Assembly, picked the LP ticket to contest for the  seat.

    Another APC senatorial aspirant from Kogi West, Hon. Bamidele Aro, also defected to the Accord Party (AP). He was unanimously elected as AP’s senatorial candidate for Kogi West.

     

  • Agbaje to Lagosians: Prepare for peaceful poll

    Agbaje to Lagosians: Prepare for peaceful poll

    Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Jimi Agbaje has asked Lagosians to prepare for credible and peaceful elections.

    He urged the people to support his bid to rule the state, assuring that he will implement people-oriented programmes, if elected as governor.

    Agbaje lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for putting in place structures that will improve the electoral process.

    In his new year message, the politician urged Nigerians to demonstrate a commitment to violence-free and fraud-proof polls.

    He said: “Everyone must realise that the elections will usually come and go. Therefore, politicians and citizens must work towards holding elections that will not end in bloodshed or lead to the dislocation of the life of ordinary Nigerians. The roadmap towards peaceful elections is through electoral sanctity. The wishes of Nigerians, as expressed through the ballot box, must remain inviolable and sacrosanct.”

    Agbaje said politicians must imbibe the attitude of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has always maintained that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    He enjoined to be optimistic about a better Nigeria, where the country will triumph over its challenges.  Thanking God for the progress made by the country, he advised the people to support the President in his bid to move the country forward.