Category: Politics

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…

APC Chieftain condemns attacks on Ganduje, urges end to political vendetta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief Oliver Okpala, has condemned the recent attacks on Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC and Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).   Chief Okpala criticized the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, for allegedly engaging in a smear campaign against Dr. Ganduje following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   In a statement released on Monday, Chief Okpala…

Edo Election Tribunal: PDP Faces Setback as Witnesses Fail to Appear

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reprimanded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for failing to produce key witnesses in their petition challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.   At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, counsel for the PDP and Ighodalo, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, informed the tribunal that most of their proposed witnesses were unable to attend due to “travel disruptions.” He appealed for an adjournment, pledging to present witnesses at the next sitting.   “My lords, we undertake…

APC Blames Atiku Abubakar for PDP’s Disintegration, Refutes Allegations of Undermining Opposition

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, of being the architect of his party’s current disintegration, dismissing his claims of interference by the ruling party.   In a press statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party described Atiku’s allegations of APC paying opposition leaders ₦50 million each to destabilize their parties as “bogus and laughable.” The APC also criticized Atiku’s remarks during the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held in…

EMAN celebrates Gov Usman Ododo’s One Year of Transformative Leadership in Kogi State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The El-Birru Muslim Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has congratulated the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ahmed Ododo, on his successful completion of one year in office, commended his administration for its remarkable strides in governance and development across the state.   In a statement signed by the National Ameer, Arc. Abdulyekeen Mamman, and Secretary General, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen Anda, EMAN offered prayers for the Governor’s continued success and paid glowing tribute to his leadership qualities.   The association prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection over Governor Ododo, wished him…

TRIBUNAL RELOCATION – GOV OKPEBHOLO’S VICTORY STANDS FIRM By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

The ongoing proceedings at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal have provided a revealing insight into the challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they contest the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). From inconsistencies in witness testimonies to security concerns fueled by PDP loyalists, the tribunal’s sessions have been anything but smooth.   Despite mounting an aggressive legal challenge, the PDP’s case has continued to show significant weaknesses. A key flaw in their petition lies in their inability to provide concrete…

Court slams ₦102 million fine on suspended PDP Vice-Chairman, Ali Odefa …. Restrains Police, Odefa from harassing Party Ward Executive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ordered the suspended former National Vice-Chairman (South East) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ali Odefa, to pay ₦100 million in general damages and an additional ₦2 million as costs to the Ogwudokwor Ward Executives of the PDP in Onicha Local Government Area.   The court’s decision followed Odefa’s suspension over alleged anti-party activities and subsequent attempts to intimidate and harass the ward executives using the Nigerian Police Force.   In a consolidated ruling on two fundamental rights suits…

Edo Governorship Tribunal: PDP Case Suffers Blow Over Invalid Documents, Witness Discrepancies

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a significant setback at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Benin City on Thursday, as critical discrepancies in the evidence submitted by one of its witnesses, Mr. Igberase Mathias, were exposed during cross-examination.   Counsel to the 1st respondents discovered that documents presented by Mr. Igberase were not in existence at the time the case was filed, raising concerns over the credibility of the petitioner’s evidence. When questioned about the documents he endorsed, Mr. Igberase was unable to confirm their validity, prompting…

Witness Admits Errors in Testimony At Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal resumed its sitting today with the petitioners calling their fourth witness, Destiny Enabulele, in case EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, involving Ighodalo Asuerinme & Anor vs INEC and two other respondents. Enabulele, a 48-year-old development worker, admitted that his statement contained errors.   Enabulele, whose 2023 election to the Edo State House of Assembly (Ovia South-West constituency) was annulled by a tribunal over allegations of electoral malpractices and irregularities, acknowledged the mistakes in his testimony under cross-examination.   Despite the admission, the tribunal provisionally accepted the statement as…

Gov Okpebholo assigns Portfolios to Newly Sworn-In Commissioners

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially sworn in six new Commissioners, assigning them portfolios aimed at enhancing governance and service delivery in the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on January 21, 2025, with key appointments made across various sectors.   The new Commissioners and their assigned ministries are:   1. Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu – Ministry of Information and Communications 2. Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo – Ministry of Water Resources and Energy 3. Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu – Ministry of Education 4. Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe…