INEC shuts down Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recall bid again, cites major flaws

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, for the second time, rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The electoral body stated that the petition failed to meet the constitutional and procedural requirements necessary for a recall process.   In a statement issued on Thursday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, explained that the petitioners did not provide essential contact details, including their addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, in the covering letter. The…

Tribunal Victory: This Mandate Belongs to Edo People – Gov Okpebholo ….. Extends olive branch to opposition

The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissed all petitions challenging his victory.   The Tribunal ruled that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act, affirmed that Okpebholo was duly elected by the people of Edo State. The verdict quashed opposition claims and reinforced the legitimacy of his mandate.   Reacting to the ruling, Governor Okpebholo dedicated the victory to the people of Edo State, expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.   “This victory is…

Edo Tribunal dismisses petition against Okpebholo’s victory, affirms APC’s mandate

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its alleged chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.   In its ruling, the Tribunal struck out the petition on Wednesday, declared it lacked merit and was frivolous. It determined that Omoaje had no legal standing to challenge the election, as he neither participated in the September 21, 2024, polls nor had any direct electoral grievance.   The Tribunal noted that Omoaje’s primary contention was his claim to…

Tribunal Judgment: Gov Okpebholo urges APC supporters, Edo residents to maintain peace

As the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal prepares to deliver its judgment on Wednesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo has called for calm, urged supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents of the state to uphold peace and unity.   In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor reassured the people of Edo State that the judicial process is an essential part of democracy and must be respected.   “We have witnessed a vibrant and competitive electoral process, and I…

Atiku Media Office Fires Back at Wike Over 2023 VP Selection

The Atiku Media Office has responded to claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding the selection process of the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Friday, the Atiku camp dismissed allegations that Wike had secured 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a running mate for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two. It emphasized that the selection of a running mate is not determined by votes but by…

Atiku denies allegations of financial misconduct linked to 2023 Presidential Election …… Challenges EFCC to release findings

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denied allegations that he received funds from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through Ms. Aisha Achimugu during the 2023 presidential election.   In a statement issued by his media office and signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku described the allegations as “a blatant lie from the pit of hell” and a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation. The statement dismissed the claims as a “contrived political hogwash” orchestrated to serve the interests of President Bola Tinubu.   “It may interest Nigerians to note…

INEC dismisses recall petition against Senator Natasha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing procedural deficiencies.   In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stated that while the recall process is constitutionally guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the petition submitted did not meet the necessary requirements.   According to the Commission, the petitioners from Kogi Central had presented six bags of documents, purportedly containing signatures from over half…

Bayelsa, Delta Govs Inaction Could Backfire – Tietie warns amid Rivers crisis

Six days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, the decision continue to stir controversy, with critics decrying it as an attack on democracy and an unconstitutional overreach.   Amid the growing backlash, socio-political critic and lawyer, Frank Tietie, has faulted the inaction of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for not taking legal action to challenge the declaration at the Supreme Court.   Tietie, the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), warned via…

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah sworn in as Namibia’s first female President, pledges economic growth

Namibia made history on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president. Her inauguration, attended by several African heads of state, mark a new chapter in Namibia’s political landscape while extending the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah become one of the few women to lead an African nation. Her victory came despite a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which secured 25.5% of the presidential vote. In her first address as President, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to focus on…

APC applauds National Assembly’s swift approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for its swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, described the decision as a patriotic move to safeguard peace and security in the oil-rich state.   In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC praised the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly acknowledging the opposition caucus for supporting the emergency measures.   “The President is committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting…