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Category: Politics Lite

  • Adamawa Guber: S/Court affirms Gov Fintiri’s election

    Adamawa Guber: S/Court affirms Gov Fintiri’s election

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Ahmed Fintiri as the authentic governor of Adamawa State.

    This is following the withdrawal of an appeal brought before it by the Social Democratic Party(SDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr Umar Ardo, challenging Fintiri’s victory for want of merit.

    SDP and its candidate had scored 6,000 votes and challenged the declaration of Fintiri and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who polled over 430,000 votes at the March 18, 2023 election.

    Specifically, Ardo and his party argued that the election was not conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    The appellants in their submissions through Sylvester Imhanobe, upon discovering the hint of the apex court, the appellants withdrew their appeal, having been found unmeritorious.

    Justice John Inyang Okoro, who led a 5-man panel of Justices of the Court, dismissed the appeal without any cost against the appellants, thereby, affirmed the election of Fintiri as being validly elected and lawfully declared as the Governor of Adamawa State.

    Ardo and his party had filed a petition at the Adamawa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal after Fintiri, the candidate of PDP, was declared the winner of the poll.

    The petitioners had sought the nullification of Fintiri’s election on the grounds that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corrupt practices, threats, and violence during the voting exercise.

    However, the tribunal, led by Theodora Uloho, dismissed the petition for being incompetent and not properly filed.

    They, however, headed to the Supreme Court for further interpretation.

  • Abia Guber: S/Court reserves judgment in PDP’s appeal against Otti

    Abia Guber: S/Court reserves judgment in PDP’s appeal against Otti

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, yesterday, reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Okey Ahiwe, seeking the nullification of the election of Alex Oti as the Governor of Abia State.

    The five-man panel of the justices lead by Justice John Inyang Okoro, reserved the judgment till a date to be communicated to parties after taking their final arguments.

    The PDP in it’s argument, alleged that Ahiwe was short-changed with over 84,000 votes during the collation of the governorship election results.

    The party, had through it’s counsel,
    Uche Ihediuwa, SAN, alleged that the agent of the PDP was chased away at the collation center and as such, was not obliged a copy of the results as required by law.

    He claimed that his client had to approach the All Progressives Congress (APC) before it could access results sheets and discovered the alleged malpractices.

    The governor, in his defense asked the court to dismiss the appeal for wants of merit.

    Gov. Otti, represented by Abiodun John Owonikoko, SAN, informed the court that Otti scored over 174,000 votes at the March 18, 2023 governorship election to emerge victorious, adding that even if the purported 84,000 short-changed votes were added to PDP, the appellants would still not win.

    He noted that a purported result sheet produced by the PDP before the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal was rejected because it could not be read by the witness of the party.

    Gov. Alex Otti of the Labour Party(LP) was declared the winner of the governorship election in the Abia State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 22 March.

    He polled 175,466 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ahiwe of the PDP, who scored 88,529 votes.

    However, not satisfied with the out come of the election, Ahiwe and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikechi Emenike, separately challenged Otti’s victory at the tribunal.

    On 6th October 2023, the Tribunal dismissed the petitions by Ahiwe and Emenike and affirmed Otti’s election, which was later affirmed by the Appallate court.

  • Court declares Sen. Anyanwu authentic PDP national secretary

    Court declares Sen. Anyanwu authentic PDP national secretary

    Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has declared Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the authentic National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Therefore, the court made an order of injunction, restraining the national leadership of the PDP from appointing any person as acting national secretary when Anyanwu’s four-year tenure is still running and subsisting until Dec. 9, 2025, in line with the party’s constitution.

    Justice Ekwo also declared that any meeting held or resolution reached by the party to prematurely remove or prevent Anyanwu from exercising the powers of his office would be in violation of Article 47 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), hence, becomes null and void and of no effect.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “from recognizing any purported appointment of any person as national secretary of the party whether in acting capacity or otherwise other than Anyanwu, the elected national secretary of the 1st defendant (PDP).”

    Recall that the court had, on Nov. 23, 2023, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    The order followed an ex-parte motion by Dr Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of two members of the party; Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower.

    While Ihentuge is the Ikeduru Local Government chairman of the PDP in Imo, Godspower is the PDP chairman in Owerri Municipal Local Government of the state.

    The plaintiffs had sued the PDP; Umar Damagun, party’s acting national chairman; National Executive Committee (NEC); the National Working Committee (NWC) and INEC as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, they said, was in violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on Dec. 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till Dec. 9, 2025.

    They said that an elected national officer of the 1st defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    But in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants’ counter affidavit, the party’s leadership averred that contrary to the plaintiffs’ argument, Anyanwu applied for leave of absence to enable him concentrate on his election as PDP candidate in the Imo governorship poll which took place on Nov. 11, 2023.

    They, therefore, said that contrary to Paragraphs 22 and 23 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit, the NWC approved the deputy national secretary to act in place of the national secretary as provided for in Article 36(2) of the party’s constitution.

    Meanwhile, when the matter was called for judgment, two lawyers announced appearance for parties interested to be joined in the suit.

    While G.E Ejekela announced appearance for Dr Ali Odefa, the national vice chairman of South East of PDP, P.O. Akpogwu represented Hon S.K.E. Ude-Okoye, who was listed as national secretary of the party.

    But plaintiffs’ counsel, Musa, called the attention of the court to Ude-Okoye’s motion for joinder filed on his behalf.

    The senior lawyer said though the motion was filed yesterday, he had responded to it.

    He, however, faulted the process on the grounds that the exhibits attached to the one served on him were different from the exhibits attached to other parties’.

    After much arguments, Akpogwu applied to withdraw the motion for joinder and the plaintiffs’ lawyer sought a cost of N1 million but the judge awarded a N100, 000 fine against the lawyer for filing an untidy process.

    Moving his motion for joinder on Odefa’s behalf, Ejekela said the application dated Dec. 22, 2023, was filed on Dec. 27, 2023. He urged the court to grant their prayer.

    But Musa, who opposed the plea, said a counter affidavit had been filed.

    He argued that the application was an attempt to arrest the judgment, urging the court to dismiss it for constituting an abuse of court process.

    Justice Ekwo then stood down the matter for ruling and judgment.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge dismissed Odefa’s motion for lack of merit and for being an abuse of court process.

    In his judgement, Ekwo held that the plaintiffs had been able to demonstrate, with credible evidence, the threat and move by the PDP leadership to remove its national secretary without due compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    “The court is duty bound to prevent that from happening.

    “The plaintiffs do not have to wait until the 1st — 4th defendants carry out their threat before coming to seek redress.

    “In such situation, the court is bound to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.”

  • Plateau guber: S/Court reserves judgement on Gov Mutfwang’s appeal

    Plateau guber: S/Court reserves judgement on Gov Mutfwang’s appeal

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Tuesday, reserved its judgement on appeal instituted by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, challenging the nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, adjourned the appeal for judgement, after all the parties argued their case and adopted their processes.

    In his argument, Governor Mutfwang, through his counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, prayed the court dismiss the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sacked him from office.

    Agabi, SAN, argued that after the tribunal properly evaluated both documentary and oral evidence that were adduced by the parties, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was lodged against the outcome of the governorship election by candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC)Mr. Nentawe Goshwe.

    He further submitted that the onus of conducting a primary election to select candidates to be sponsored in an election, rests on the National Executive organ of the party.

    “A number of exhibits were tendered to prove that valid Congress was conducted and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

    “A video was played before the tribunal showing that congresses held and the person that instituted the court action was see in the video, participating in the process.”

    Concluding, he posited that the sponsorship and nomination of a candidate in an election, being a pre-election issue, was of jurisdiction of both the tribunal and the appellate court.

    On his part, the APC candidate, through Prof. Joseph Olatoke, SAN, asked the court to uphold the Court of Appeal judgement that ordered the INEC to issue Certificate of Return.

    He insisted that his is the candidate that garnered the highest number of valid votes in the governorship poll.

    According to him, PDP’ is structureless in the state, as it refuses to elect its State Executives as ordered by the court, hence, not capable of presenting a valid candidate in the governorship election.

    In the same vern, counsel to the APC, Mr. Omosanya Popoola, asked the court to uphold the judgement that sacked the Appellant from office.

  • Benue Guber: Supreme Court affirms Rev Alia’s election

    Benue Guber: Supreme Court affirms Rev Alia’s election

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor of Benue State after the Apex Court dismissed the appeal of Titus Uba of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    A five-member panel of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal after counsel for the PDP governorship candidate, Sebastian Hon, SAN withdrew the appeal challenging APC victory in the March 18 governorship election.

    Hon, a Senior Advocate, withdrew the appeal after getting a hint from the Apex Court panel that the matter before it was one bordering on nomination and as such a pre-election matter.

    Consequently, the Apex court five-man panel, presided by Justice Inyang Okoro upheld the governorship election that produced Rev Hyacinth Alia, as the Benue state governor legal.

    Details later…

  • Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

    Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

    Controversy has surrounded the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Benue State.

    Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the event, which was meant to select a candidate for the February 4 by-election for the State House of Assembly.

    The need for the by-election arose after Dr. Yamar Ortese, representing the Guma 1 state constituency, was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services.

    During a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia claimed the primary was disrupted by threats and hijacked by individuals who were not from the Guma Local Government Area and should not have participated in the election.

    The APC’s state spokesperson, Morgan Ihomun, countered that the governor cannot suspend a process that the party already conducted in an orderly manner.

    Governor Alia, accompanied by state security chiefs, also mentioned that the primary was planned for Saturday but was overshadowed by threats from irate youths.

    The governor said, “Security of state remains paramount to us. Today (Saturday), the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this posed insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the irate youth.

    “Party stakeholders felt disenchanted. I would not want any semblance of insecurity in the state. I suspend the delegate primary. Sad enough the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who do not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry. Party faithful must help keep the peace in the state.

    “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. I know that the national working committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.”

    Meanwhile, Morgan insisted that the primary election had been held and a candidate emerged to fly the party ticket during the forthcoming by-election.

    He said, “The question we should be asking is that, does the governor have the power to suspend the primary election?”

  • APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    By Doris Israel Ijeoma

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential bid.

    Atiku through his spokesperson, Daniel Bwala confirmed that he will contest for presidency again after being defeated by Bola Tinubu in 2023.

    Atiku has contested the presidency six times before, failing in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

    Despite his repeated losses, Bwala described him as “the president we never had,” citing his experience and understanding of the private sector.

    Reacting to the development, the APC promised Atiku a “heavy defeat” in 2027.

    The party’s director of publicity, Bala Ibrahim said;

    “Our party, which is the All Progressive Congress, thrashed Atiku not once, not twice. Even when we thought he had the energy and little credibility to make him viable to Nigerians, we defeated him completely.

    “How can someone who is just trying to regain his balance be a threat to the APC come 2027? That is unthinkable; Atiku can never be a threat to the APC. He wasn’t a threat when he had little value. How can he be a threat when he is already valueless? It’s a dream that will not come to pass.’’

    Ibrahim advised Atiku to quit politics, suggesting he was being misled by his advisors.

    Labour Party, while reacting said that Nigerians are tired of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and others from the “old stock.”

    Spokesman for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko said:

    “Anybody who wants to show ambition and start building at the moment, it is the person’s fundamental rights. But, we believe that we have the interest of people at heart. And the people are tilting towards us, especially the Nigerian youths. They are tired of the old stock

    “So even if anybody coming from the old stock still wants to run for election, we wish him all the best. But it could have been better for them to support a younger generation like Peter Obi in the form of uniting this country so that we can move forward collectively. That will have made more sense and more appreciative to the Nigerian people at the moment.”

  • Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    The ex spokesperson to former President Shehu Shagari, Charles Amedu Igoh, has reportedly passed away.

    His death was announced in a statement by his son, John Ada Igoh, on Thursday.

    Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. Charles Amedu Igoh was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls.

    The statement by John Igoh reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God that we regret to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr Charles Amedu Igoh,which sad event occurred on Saturday the 23rd of December, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.

    “Mr Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president His Excellency the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    “He also worked with the Nigerian Breweries in the Public Relations department. He had a stint at the National Sports Commission in the mid-70s before being appointed as the Public Relations Manager of Volkswagen Nigeria.

    “He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. He was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. He served in that capacity in the first term of that administration. and then farming. He was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1990.

    “He became a deacon in his church, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), where he served the Lord.

    “He is survived by children, grandchildren, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”

  • Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign council, Daniel Bwala has revealed that the former vice president will contest again at the 2027 presidential election.

    Bwala revealed this information on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels TV. 

    He said that the former vice president is the president the nation never had.

    He further revealed that Atiku understands the private sector, adding that the country’s economy can only come alive if its led by the private sector.

    When asked if Atiku would contest again in 2027, Bwala said, 

    “Sure he will run, he has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy and he is the president we never had. 

    “If i am going to be honest with you if there is any politicians who understand the private sector very well it is Atiku Abubakar and this our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector led economy.”

    He also said there is a need for the opposition political parties to form a solid coalition to stop President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 election.

    “Without a coalition of political parties, Tinubu is going to spend the next eight years. That one is for sure.

    “The truth of the matter is that there will be a coalition of political parties that will be very strong. This is a fact that I know. The coalition that is coming will swallow some of the elements that are creating the problems in the various political parties.”

  • APC Council Launches George Akume Foundation

    APC Council Launches George Akume Foundation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Council has launched a foundation for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

    The foundation which was established in commemoration of Akume’s 70th birthday anniversary was dedicated to upholding his enduring principles.

     Seyi Bamigbade, the Director-General, revealed this initiative in Lagos, emphasizing its commitment to championing causes close to the former Benue State governor’s heart.

    According to Bamigbade, the newly formed foundation aims to uphold Akume’s legacy by focusing on philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. 

    It intends to empower youth with business grants, extend support to widows and the less privileged, provide scholarships, and distribute educational resources to communities in Benue and the broader North Central region.

    Bamigbade disclosed the appointment of Prince Ademola Adetokunbo Ade-John as the inaugural chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

    Furthermore, Bamigbade appealed to both philanthropic individuals and donor agencies, urging them to collaborate with the council to improve the well-being of Nigerians in their communities.