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Category: Politics Lite

  • Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide

    Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide

    Sunusi Bature Dawakin, director-general of media and publicity in the office of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state, says his principal has not been contacted by Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over joining the APC. 

    Dawakin said this in reaction to comments credited to Ganduje who said he had asked the Kano governor to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC.

    “We are appealing to those who want to join APC to come,” the APC national chair had said.

    “In particular, we are inviting the Governor of Kano and his NNPP to join APC.”

    Speaking on the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Dawakin said they only learnt of the invitation via social media.

    The director-general said as a former governor and former deputy governor, Ganduje knows the right channels to get to his principal.

    “We learned about the invitation on social media, but Dr Ganduje, as a former Governor and former deputy governor, knows more than any other person how to send a message to an incumbent governor, appropriately,” he said.

    Dawakin said Yusuf is yet to take any position on whether he would join the ruling party or not.

    President Bola Tinubu is reportedly working to reconcile Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano.

    Kwankwaso and Yusuf defected to the NNPP before the 2023 polls where they both pursued presidential and governorship bids respectively.

    While the former governor was not successful with his presidential bid, Yusuf was declared winner of the gubernatorial election which has now been affirmed by the supreme court.

  • Action Alliance: Appeal Court affirms Kenneth Udeze as authentic Nat’l Chair

    Action Alliance: Appeal Court affirms Kenneth Udeze as authentic Nat’l Chair

    The Action Alliance (AA) prolonged National Chairmanship tussle has been put to rest today as the court of Appeal Abuja division has affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze As the authentic National Chairman of the party.

    The three man panel of justices presided over by Hon. Justice H.A. Barka dismissed the Appeal filed by one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in Appeal number:CA/ABJ/CV/955/2022 challenging the judgement of the FCT High Court in suit number:FCT/HC/CV/174/2022 delivered on 28th day of March,2022 by Hon.Justice Eleojo Enenche hich had earlier Affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze As the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) and validated the 14th, March,2021 National Convention of the party.

    The Appeal court also awarded the cost of N4 million against Adekunle Rufai omoaje in favor of Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze and other three Respondents.

    In the judgement a three-man panel of justices presided over by Justice. H.A. Barka affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze as the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA)in Appeal number:CA/ABJ/CV/526/2022 Between one CHIEF UZEWURU NWACHUKWU Vs KENNETH UDEZE AND 2ORS.

    The parties in this appeal submitted themselves to the Court of Appeal where all issues regarding the position of the National Chairmanship of AA was resolved in favor of Barr Udeze

    The spokesman of the party, Rev. Dennis Ubani, shortly after the judgement was delivered said, “With the two Court of Appeal judgements affirming Barr Udeze as the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) ,it is now finally put to rest the party prolong legal tustle on the National Chairmanship.

    “We express our profound gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary, that indeed it is the last hope for a common man.

    “We thank our party legal team led by Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) former Attorney General and minister of justice for a deligent procecution of the matters .

    “We thank all the party faithfuls across Nigeria and beyond for their prayers and we urge you to have faith and always support Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led National Executives of the Action Alliance (AA).”

  • Ondo Assembly Confirms Adelami As Deputy Governor

    Ondo Assembly Confirms Adelami As Deputy Governor

    Ondo State house of Assembly has screened and confirmed Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

    Adelami was confirmed as the Deputy Governor at a plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

    His confirmation was sequel to the submission and consideration of a report by the house selection committee Chaired by the Speaker.

    It would be recalled that the House of Assembly yesterday received a letter of his nomination from the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

    The house had earlier conducted screening exercise for the nominee at the assembly complex.

    The Clerk of the House, Barr. Jaiyeola Benjamin read the letter sent to the House by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the consideration of the nominees for the vacant position of a Deputy Governor.

    While submitting the report, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan recommended the confirmation of the appointment of the nominees whom he affirmed have been properly screened.

    Akinruntan said the nominee responded to all questions raised by the Committee in a very eloquent and explicit order, noting that he has a clear understanding of the position, adding that he possess the required academic qualifications, physically, mentally and emotionally stable and fit to accomplish the task.

    The report also stated that he possess the required experience, Charisma and the much needed exposure to function effectively.

    The Majority leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi moved the motion for the report to be considered and the nominees be confirmed and was seconded by Felix Afe representing Akoko North West 2.

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji who ruled for the confirmation congratulated the Deputy Governor designate , urging him to put in his best and pledged the house support to the executive for the people to enjoy more democracy dividend.

    In his acceptance speech, Adelami who hails from Owo appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding him worthy of the position pledging not to betray his emotion and confidence reposed in him.

    He also appreciated the lawmakers for the efforts they have put in place during the screening and confirmation noting that promoting understanding between arms of government will be his priority.

    Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami mni, a retired Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly promised to do everything at his disposal to function effectively, pledging not to disappoint the people of Ondo State .

  • Guber Appeals: Supreme Court Affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu elections

    Guber Appeals: Supreme Court Affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu elections

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Thursday, affirmed the elections of Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, Kefas Agbu of Taraba and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state.

    The five-man panel of justices of the Apex court, had in separate judgments, unanimously dismissed the different appeals for lacking in merit.

    RIVERS

    Recall that the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, had on November 28, 2023, affirmed the election of Fubara as the governor of Rivers State.

    The court had dismissed the petition filed by Fubara of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    TARABA

    In the case of Taraba state, the appeal was filed by
    Prof. Yahaya Sani of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for grossly lacking in merit.

    Prof. Sani had prayed the apex court to set aside the victory of Governor Kefas Agbu, in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

    He had alleged non compliance with the Electoral Act, irregularities and other malpractices, but the appellate court dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    SOKOTO

    Similarly, the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Ahmad Aliyu as governor of Sokoto state.

    Aliyu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the governorship election with 453,661 votes to defeat Sai’du Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 404,632 votes.

    But Umar alleged that the governor and his deputy Idris Gobir, forged the certificates they presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The petitioners also alleged electoral fraud during the poll.

    The tribunal in its judgment said the petitioners were unable to prove the six grounds contained in their petition.

  • Supreme Court affirms Fubara as Rivers Gov

    Supreme Court affirms Fubara as Rivers Gov

    The Supreme Court, Thursday, upheld the election of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the authentic governor of Rivers State.

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Tonye Cole, filed to challenge the outcome of the governorship election that held in the state on March 18, 2023.

    The Apex court five-member panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    The court said it found no reason to disagree with the concurrent decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which upheld Fubara’s victory at the poll.

    It further established that the appellant failed convince the court that the election was not conducted in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    The APC pulled out from the case against governor Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while it was being heard by the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

    Despite the position of the party not to challenge the declaration of Fubara as winner of the gubernatorial contest by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Cole, vowed to prosecute his petition to its logical conclusion.

    INEC had declared that Fubara of the PDP polled a total of 302,614 votes to defeat his closets rival, Cole of the APC who got a total of 95,274 votes.

    Dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll, Cole approached the tribunal to challenge it.

    The appellant, among other things, alleged that the Rivers State governorship poll was marred by corrupt practices, insisting that it was not conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

  • Feb 3 Bye-Elections: INEC Expresses Concern Over Threats Of Violence

    Feb 3 Bye-Elections: INEC Expresses Concern Over Threats Of Violence

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised worry about threats of violence ahead of the February 3 bye-elections and rerun.

    Speaking Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated that, based on his experience, conducting isolated elections, such as bye-elections and reruns, can be extremely difficult.

    He said, “We must pay attention to the potentials for disruptive behaviour by some candidates and their supporters. A re-run election conducted in one Polling Unit or a handful of Polling Units can be severely disrupted by acts of thuggery knowing full well that these few locations will determine the outcome of the election.

    “Arising from the reports we received from the States, concerns have been raised about the impact of the prevailing insecurity in some States on the conduct of the elections, made worse by incendiary statements by some political actors. We will present such concerns and reports at this meeting for appropriate security response.”

    Yakubu noted that there are many parties involved in elections and that security agencies must ensure that INEC can deploy staff and materials, protect observers, the media, and the polling and collation agents who represent the candidates and political parties.

    “Without a secure and peaceful environment, the conduct of credible elections is imperiled,” he stated.

    Speaking on the by-election, Yakubu said, “There are two categories of elections. First are the bye-elections arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State legislative houses affecting two Senatorial Districts, four Federal and three State Assembly Constituencies.

    “The second category is the re-run elections by order of Election Petition Appeal Tribunals. In my remarks at the Commission’s extraordinary meeting with leaders of political parties last month, I reported that the elections affect 35 National and State Constituencies. Since then, four additional orders of the Court of appeal have been served on the Commission in respect of Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Madara/Chinade State Constituency of Bauchi State as well as Kudan and Kauru/Chawai State Constituencies of Kaduna State.

    “This brings the total number of affected constituencies to 39 which translates to 2.6% of the 1,491 Constituencies for which elections were conducted nationwide in the 2023 General Election.

    “The nine bye-elections are fresh elections covering the entire constituencies. However, with the exception of three Constituencies (Plateau North Senatorial District and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in Plateau State and Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in Kaduna State), the re-run elections are to be held in a few Polling Units. In some cases, only one Polling Unit is affected in an entire Federal or State Constituency.”

  • BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    The Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, has been impeached from his position over alleged gross misconduct.

    In his place, Hon Oludaisi Elemide has been appointed as the new speaker.

    Oluomo was reelected in June 2023 after a week of tension over the seat. He faced a challenge from former deputy Speaker Elemide.

    Both lawmakers are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds 17 of the 26 seats in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the remaining nine members.

  • Court Nullifies Passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget

    Court Nullifies Passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget

    Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Monday, declared unlawful the presentation and passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget by a group of unlawful four member legislators in the State.

    Also, the court ordered the governor of the State Siminalaye Fubara to represent the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

    Ruling on the matter before the court, James Omotoso also held that the government has no Constitutional power to withhold the Hose of Assembly fund.

    The court restrained Governor Fubara from frustrating House of Assembly under Amaewhule from sitting or interfering in the affairs of the House.

    The redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk done by the Governor was declared null and void and was set aside.

    The Inspector General of Police was ordered to immediately give adequate security to the Speaker and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.

    Justice Omotoso ordered the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and unhindered.

    The National Assembly barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accept or treat any request from Governor Fubara.

    Governor Fubara was ordered to release all monies standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.

    In all, all issues in dispute on Ribers State House of Assembly were resolved in favour of Wike’s loyalists.

    Details later.

  • 16 sacked Plateau Assembly lawmakers  to resume legislative duties

    16 sacked Plateau Assembly lawmakers  to resume legislative duties

    The 16 members of the Plateau House of Assembly, who were ousted by the Court of Appeal in November last year, have announced their intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday.

    Briefing newsmen in Jos, the lawmakers, originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that they considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election as a precedent for their case.

    The Court of Appeal had nullified their election, citing a lack of party structure within the PDP. 

    This decision also affected federal lawmakers from the state, leading to re-run elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for February 3.

    Interestingly, Governor Mutfwang faced a similar fate but saw his dismissal overturned by the Supreme Court on January 12, highlighting an error in the lower court’s judgment.

    In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the ousted legislators asserted that they were merely on recess during this period and, based on the apex court’s decision, claimed their election nullification was in error. 

    The spokesperson for the group, Ishaku Maren, emphasized their democratic legitimacy, asserting that they were duly elected by the majority of votes in their respective constituencies.

  • Nasarawa Governor Speaks On Contesting Presidency In 2027

    Nasarawa Governor Speaks On Contesting Presidency In 2027

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has confirmed that he has no aspirations beyond his current role after securing a second term following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his electoral win. 

    The 64-year-old leader expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the election litigation, emphasizing his commitment to his gubernatorial responsibilities.

    Sule, elected in 2019, assured his rival, David Ombugadu, that he harbours no ambitions for higher political positions. 
    “I came in only to be a governor. I did not come in to be a chairman, a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. I don’t have any dreams for those offices,” he stated.

    “I have no dream of becoming even president. I have no dreams of that. I can tell you categorically that Abdullahi Sule would not go for Senate after leaving office. By the time I finish my eight years I can do whatever I want to do.

    “You can take it from me confidently that I have no intention to run for the office of a senator. You can keep this tape and play it one day.”

    He also expressed his joy that the election litigation is over.