Tribunal Declares Kaduna Governorship Election Inconclusive

The Kaduna Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has declared the governorship election held on March, 18 as inconclusive. In a split decision of a ratio of 2:1, the three-man tribunal panel led by Justice Victor Oviawe declared the election inconclusive and directed that a supplementary election should be held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within 90 days. INEC is also to conduct election in seven wards, four local govts, 24 polling units consisting of 16,300 register voters. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is challenging the election of Uba Sani as the Governor of Kaduna State on the grounds of alleged irregularities and electoral fraud, saying that its candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru won the election. During the hearing of the petition, the PDP and Ashiru called 24 witnesses and presented claims and documents to prove their case.

Guber Polls: INEC Fixes Sept, Nov 2024 for Edo, Ondo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 21, 2024 for the conduct of Edo governorship election and November 16, 2024 for Ondo State. The commission announced the dates in the timetable and schedule of activities for the two states governorship elections released on Tuesday in Abuja. The schedule was signed by by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. According to him, for Edo governorship election, the party primaries will hold from Feb. 1 to Feb. 24, 2024. “The submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9a.m. on March 4, 2024 and close at 6p.m. on March 24, 2024. “The final list of candidates will be published on April 23, 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on April 24, 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to Election Day on Sept. 19, 2024,” he said. For Ondo, Olumekun said that party primaries would hold from April 6 to April 27, 2024. He added that the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal would start at 9a.m. on April 29, 2024 and close at 6p.m. on May 20, 2024. “The final list of candidates will be published on June 18, 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on June 19, 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to Election Day on Nov. 14, 2024,” he said. Olumekun said that the timetable and schedule of activities for the two states governorship elections was issued by INEC in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He recalled that the tenure of the governors of Edo would end on Nov. 11 2024, while and Ondo would terminate on Feb. 23, 2025. Olumekun said that “as provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), election into the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of` the last holder of the office. “The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025. “Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.” Olumekun added that detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the two states elections had been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms. “By this ample notice as required by both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission appeals to political parties and candidates to note the activities in the Timetable for strict compliance,” he said.

Kano Guber: Tribunal Sacks Gov Yusuf, Declares APC’s Gawuna Winner

*Judges Deliver Judgement Via Zoom  The Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18 election. Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While Nasir Gawuna, his APC counterpart congratulated him, the party proceeded to court. On Wednesday, the three-man panel ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return which INEC presented to Governor Yusuf and directed that a certificate of return be issued to Gawuna. The court deducted 165,663 votes from Gov Yusuf total as invalid votes, stating that the ballot papers (165,663) were not stamped or signed and therefore declared invalid.  Meanwhile, the Tribunal Judges were not physically in court. Journalists, lawyers, party members and many others were denied access into the court. Reports had it that the Secretariat had said there would be no live broadcast of the judgment and that the few journalists admitted into the court would not make use of smartphones or cameras. Top security officials had earlier said that they did not know the whereabouts of the judges and that it was possible that the proceeding would be virtual. When the proceedings commenced before 10, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, Chairman of the three-member panel, spoke via Zoom. It was unclear why the judges were not in court, but there have been allegations and counter allegations against the panel. It was reported that the former Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, had asked the judges to choose between their lives and their work while delivering the judgement. “People voted for us and some people are attempting to do injustice. We want to tell the judges that we will not accept this. Any judge that is willing to deprive us of our rights will regret it. Whatever will happen, we won’t care…,” he had said during a protest organised by members of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state. His comment had triggered backlash, leading to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sacking him.

Peter Obi Flags Off Labour Party Campaign In Bayelsa

Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 Presidential election, has flagged off campaigns for the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Bayelsa, with an assurance that the party will be victorious. Obi, who spoke in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital, alongside the National Chairman of LP, Mr Julius Abure, to flag-off the governorship campaign of Mr Udengs Eradiri, said that the party has overwhelming support base in the state coupled with its performance and excellence. Obi urged the people of Bayelsa to come out en mass and vote Eradiri as the next governor of the state on November 11. He said that the process that produced Eradiri as the party’s governorship candidate in the state was credible. He said: “what Nigeria is lacking is verification and that is one of its major problems. If you don’t know where you are coming from that means you don’t know where you are going to. “As I was coming from Port-Harcourt to Yenagoa, you will see poverty, Nigeria has failed Bayelsa in 57 years after oil was discovered. “After Sokoto as the poorest state, then Bayelsa is the next. The state suffered from one of the worst flooding incidents last year, since the history of Nigeria.” National chairman, Abure, said he was confident that LP would form the next government in Bayelsa. He said that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed Nigerians and the people of the state in particular. He said: “We will change the economic narratives of Bayelsa state. Eradiri is the only governorship candidate of Labour Party in Bayelsa state. “LP is founded on integrity, performance. PDP and APC have failed. We have tried PDP and APC and they failed. “Their results are insecurity, poverty and infrastructural decay. Labour party has come to change the narratives. Vote Udengs Eradiri, vote LP come November 11,” he said. Speaking after the party’s flag was handed over to Eradiri, the governorship candidate of the party, promised to fix the state if he wins the governorship election. He said his programme is to engage the people but not about making noise but to reach out to the people in the rural areas to let them know his ambition. Eradiri promised not to play politics with the development of Bayelsa, but will ensure they have a better life if he is elected governor. He said that he has held various positions from the grassroots, state government level and at national level, promising that his experience in those places will position him to solve problems in Bayelsa state.

Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Against Akpabio

The Senate has media refuted reports that some Senators are planning to impeach President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday. “Our attention has just been drawn to a syndicated satanic verse in a section of the media of purported and illusory plots of leadership change in the Senate. “The Nigerian Senate is one united and fraternal family and this imaginative composition is in the realm of the fake and fallacious story of 100 million per legislator. “It is apt to note that the10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has carried out its legislative and constitutional duties diligently. “Within a span of less than 60 Legislative days, the Senate has passed life enhancing bills and motions,” he said. He added: “It has screened and confirmed Service Chiefs and Ministers, among others, apart from very essential oversight functions. “We urge the fifth columnists, who operate undoubtedly outside the Senate, desperate to cause disharmony through media stunts and thus clipping the wings of Nigeria’s democracy, to take caution. “The Senate should be allowed fresh air to settle down for its national assignments, so that the Nigerian project can move forward.” He urged the media to be discerning not to be used as hand tool by the retailers of fake and bad news.

Tribunal ruling, a clear verdict on integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process- Akpabio

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has said that the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) delivered a clear verdict which resounds the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. Akpabio, in a statement on Thursday lauded the court judgment which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 presidential election. He said the verdict is an affirmation of the popular mandate by Nigerians for Tinubu and Shettima at the February 25 presidential election. Akpabio congratulated Tinubu and Shettima on the resounding affirmation of their mandate. Akpabio said that the five-member panel painstakingly evaluated all the issues raised by the petitioners and and gave a clear ruling. He said it was clear for dispassionate observers that despite the challenges, Nigeria’s electoral process was making a steady progress and deserves the appreciation and support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. Akpabio urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu’s government in its drive to deliver the renewed hope agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “I also congratulate our great party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC), on its vindication by this well-thought-out landmark judgement. “This judgment has expressly affirmed the popular mandate of the Nigerian people for our party the APC and its Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, freely given at the February 2023 polls. “As the court has painstakingly addressed all the issues raised by the petitioners, I urge all concerned to accept the judgment and join hands with the Tinubu government in its bold efforts to secure the wellbeing of our people,” Akpabio said.

Just In: Labour Party rejects Tribunal’s verdict, promises legal consultation

The leadership of the Labour Party has officially rejected the verdict handed down by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, following the dismissal of their petitions by the panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani. In a swift reaction to the tribunal’s judgment, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, issued a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, stating their firm rejection of the outcome. The party’s petitions had been dismissed by the tribunal, which referred to them as being “clearly based on rhetoric.” The Labour Party had raised several claims in its petitions, including the nullification of Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the election winner due to his failure to secure 25 percent of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), doubts about Tinubu’s eligibility following legal issues in the United States, and allegations of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s failure to transmit election results to the INEC election results viewer, among other issues. While urging its supporters to remain calm, Obiora Ifoh hinted at the party’s intention to consult with its legal team before making a final decision on the next course of action. He emphasized, “The Labour Party watched with dismay and trepidation the dismissal of petitions by the five-man panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court… we reject the outcome of the judgment in its entirety because justice was not served and it did not reflect the law and the desire of the people.” Ifoh also acknowledged the party’s legal team for their unwavering dedication and commitment in the face of a challenging legal battle. He concluded by expressing the party’s determination to pursue the cause of democracy in Nigeria, promising that the party’s official position would be communicated after a thorough review of the Certified True Copy of the judgment. The statement concluded with an encouraging message, emphasizing that “a new Nigeria is ‘POssible’,” and called on all supporters of democracy to remain focused and hopeful in the pursuit of justice.

Finally, NNPP expels Rabiu Kwankwaso

The National Executive Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expelled Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his alleged refusal to appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee. Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of NNPP, had been earlier suspended by the party’s leadership at the National Convention on August 29 in Lagos. Recall also that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NNPP set up a Disciplinary Committee and directed it to invite Kwankwaso to defend allegations of gross anti party activities and mismanagement of party/campaign funds within five days. The NEC had warned that, failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee, Kwankwaso would be expelled from the party in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution 2022 (as amended). Consequently, Mr Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, that the NEC had expelled Kwankwaso with immediate effect because of his refusal to honour the committee’s invitations. Abdulrasaq said: “The NEC met in an emergency session on Friday, Sept 1. and resolved as follows: “Following the refusal of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to appear before the disciplinary committee which sat on Thursday, August 31 after being duly invited in writing, he is hereby expelled from NNPP with immediate effect. “That the erstwhile presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be reported to appropriate quarters to answer questions on financial impropriety relating to mismanagement of public funds.” The crisis within the NNPP started when the NWC of the party loyal to Kwankwaso, announced the suspension of the NNPP founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major on August 24. 

Tinubu felicitates with VP Shettima on his 57th birthday

President Bola Tinubu has warmly congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 57th birthday on Saturday, hailing him as an exemplary political leader. In a statement released by Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidential spokesman, Tinubu expressed his well-wishes for the former Borno Governor and praised his remarkable qualities. Tinubu commended Shettima for consistently displaying wisdom, character, compassion, and bold leadership throughout his distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. He recognized Shettima’s enduring loyalty to the nation and his unwavering commitment to societal improvement. The President highlighted Shettima’s impressive journey, which began as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri before transitioning into the banking industry. Subsequently, Shettima served Borno State as a Commissioner in five different ministries, showcasing his dedication to public service. Tinubu acknowledged Shettima’s extraordinary courage in overseeing Borno State for eight years, a period marred by a deadly insurgency in the North East. “Despite formidable challenges, Shettima demonstrated remarkable intellect and innovative problem-solving skills,” Tinubu said, adding that he played a pivotal role in nurturing future leaders and fostering institutions for the sustainable development of Borno State and its residents. ‘’This remarkable public servant defied all odds in the region with a ferociously intellectual mind and an innovative doggedness to solve dynamic problems with dynamic solutions. ‘’He built high quality leaders and institutions for the sustainably developing future of Borno State and its people,’’ the President said.

NNPP makes U-turn, denies suspending Kwankwaso

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has refuted the purported suspension of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate from the party.Mr Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP National Auditor, stated this at a news conference on Wednesday the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.Johnson, a former spokesperson for Kwankwanso Presidential Campaign Council, said that the suspension was null and void.A faction of the party headed by a former Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Mr Boniface Aniebonan had on Tuesday suspended Kwankwaso for six months over alleged anti-party activities, after a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) in Lagos.It also appointed the former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Major Agbo as the acting National Chairman.But, Johnson said that Aniebonam and Agbo were on August 24 suspended for three months for engaging in unwholesome acts before they were later expelled from the party.He added that the party NEC, at its meeting on Tuesday in Abuja which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), took certain decisions including the election of new national officials, change of the party logo and expulsion of Aniebonam and Agbo.“Is it not funny that all those people either suspended or expelled would gather somewhere and claim to have suspended Kwankwaso and also dissolve the NWC? “The jokers also appointed a CTC made up of those people who have ceased to be members of the party by virtue of our constitution. “Was INEC at the meeting? Did they write INEC? Who and who signed the letter? “Is it not laughable that Major Agbo, who announced the suspension of the former chairmen, the expulsion of two of them, and the dissolution of some of the states is now purportedly “heading” their caretaker committee,” Johnson said. He said it was unfortunate that some people had reduced politics and party administration to huge jokes. “The news that one person will sit somewhere and arrogate certain powers to himself is not permissible in a democracy. “We are using this medium to assure our supporters all over the country that there is no substance in the story. “Kwankwaso remains the face of the party, has not been suspended, and the NWC under Ali remains intact,’’ he said.Johnson however, admitted that Kwankwaso was invited to meetings by President Bola Tinubu on some issues saying that the meetings were far from being anti-party activities. He said that while Kwankwaso always took permission before attending such meetings, no conclusion had so far been reached from the meetings. He also denied the allegation that Kwankwaso hijacked the party from members who were in the party before he joined with his movement in February 2022. Johnson, however, said that the party leadership would do its best for possible reconciliation. Also speaking, Mr Oluwatosin Odeyemi, the Chairman, forum of NNPP state chairmen, said the purported suspension of Kwankwaso was politics of bitterness. “Let me remind you that the present secretary of that group was expelled from this party and Agbo was the one who read it out that he had been expelled. Agbo attended all the meetings of that committee. “So, you can see that it’s politics of bitterness. Something you read is something you agreed with. It was not as if you were pressure to read a release as the national publicity secretary. “So now an expelled person that you confirm his explosion is whom you are now regarding so as yours, secretary,’’ Odeyemi said.