Category: Politics

Edo Tribunal: Okpebholo’s Victory Certain, says Edo Alliance Group

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo Alliance Group has expressed confidence that Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious at the ongoing election petition tribunal, despite the party presenting only one witness before closing its case. In a statement released in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Osato Idemudia, dismissed concerns over the number of witnesses presented, cited legal precedents where parties secured tribunal victories without multiple witnesses. “We are certain that Governor Okpebholo will win at the tribunal. The judicial theatrics by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo,…

Supreme Court upholds Pro-Wike Lawmakers legitimacy, dismisses Fubara’s suit

Emporium Reporters

The Supreme Court has dismissed the suit filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, seeking to remove 27 members of the State House of Assembly over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).   Delivering judgment, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji dismissed the appeal and awarded a cost of N4 million against Governor Fubara—N2 million each to the Rivers State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. The appeal was withdrawn by Fubara’s legal counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), and was not opposed by the…

Edo APC Chairman debunks PDP’s claims on Oredo LG leadership crisis

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has dismissed recent claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the leadership of Oredo Local Government Council, describing them as misleading and an attempt to misinform the public.   In a statement released on Sunday, Tenebe clarified that the appointment of Dr. Osani Igbinigie as the Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council was necessary to ensure the council’s smooth operation. He refuted PDP’s claim that Dr. Tom Obaseki remained the rightful chairman, stated that…

Gov Okpebholo assures NULGE of collaboration, recognizes new Edo chapter leadership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), ensuring a conducive environment for its operations.   Governor Okpebholo gave this assurance when he received the NULGE National President, Ambali Akeem Olatunji, and his executive members at the Government House in Benin City. The visit was aimed at introducing the newly elected Chairman of the Edo State chapter, Comrade Scot Aigbovia.   Expressing concern over recent leadership disputes within the state chapter of NULGE,…

ASUE IGHODALO’S PURSUIT OF A POLITICAL MIRAGE By Fred Itua

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A pie in the sky is often used to describe an illusion—an enticing dream that, despite its allure, remains beyond reach. It represents aspirations that are detached from reality, fantasies that refuse to materialize no matter how fervently pursued.   The ambition to govern Edo State is, in itself, a noble one. Every qualified individual has the right to aspire to public office. However, ambition must be matched with prudence, and political aspirations should be pursued with a sense of realism. When the electorate has spoken through the ballot, and…

Nigeria needs Thinkers, Builders, not Passive Observers – Speaker Abbas

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that Nigeria requires thinkers and builders, not passive observers, to drive the country’s growth and development. He also described the youth as invaluable assets with the potential to transform Nigeria through technological innovation.   Speaker Abbas made these remarks while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State, on Friday. The lecture, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation,” underscored the strategic role of technology in addressing…

Ganduje: President Tinubu Tackling Nigeria’s Challenges with Determination

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is addressing Nigeria’s challenges with determination and a clear sense of purpose. Speaking at the launch of a book titled 100 Years of Political Party Evolution in Nigeria, organized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Ganduje, who was represented by APC’s Director of Election Management, Mallam Tasiu Mohammed, emphasized the administration’s commitment to navigating economic and political challenges.   “President Tinubu is addressing Nigeria’s challenges head-on with…

Edo Guber Tribunal: More trouble for PDP, as witness admits contradictions in evidence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal resumed its sitting on Thursday, with a witness presented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) admitted inconsistencies in the evidence submitted to challenge the election outcome.   The witness, Mr. Eseigbe Victor, who identified himself as a farmer and served as the PDP agent for Ward 9 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, testified before the three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi. He stated that he received results from party agents stationed across 28 polling units in the ward.   However, under cross-examination…

Atiku accuses Tinubu, APC of undermining Democracy, warns of growing authoritarianism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically eroding Nigeria’s democracy through political suppression and institutional manipulation. Atiku made the statement during a national conference organized by the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development on January 27, where civil society organizations gathered to deliberate on the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Atiku expressed deep concern over what he described as the APC’s increasing monopoly on power. He alleged that the ruling party was stifling opposition…

EDO TRIBUNAL: PDP challenges 16.7% of polling units, admits limited scope of petition

Lukman Laleye Babalola

At the resumed hearing of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal in Abuja on Tuesday, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledged that its legal challenge to the outcome of the 2024 governorship election only concerns 765 polling units out of the total 4,198 in the state, representing 16.7% of the total units.   This admission came from the PDP’s legal team and its star witness, as they presented their case before the three-member tribunal led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi. The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are contesting specific aspects…