#Debo ologunagba

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Nigeria’s Economy: Worse Than Previous Administration - Abati

Nigeria’s Economy: Worse Than Previous Administration – Abati Buhari Might Be Happy, Laughing Now Nigeria’s economic situation continues to worsen which has made many veterans from various sections of the country claim that this is a worst regime in the history of the country. Expressing his own view, Dr. Reuben Abati, a renowned journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to…

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Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule-led pro-Wike lawmakers in Rivers State have secretly withdrawn part of an affidavit they sworn to at the Federal High Court in Abuja, confirming their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), SaharaReporters has learnt. The lawmakers’ defection followed a rift between Nyesom Wike, the immediate former Governor of Rivers State and his predecessor, Siminalayi Fubara. The defected lawmakers are loyal to Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Breaking: Tinubu Appoints Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff Sources told SaharaReporters the lawmakers were at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday to secretly withdraw part of the affidavit, where Amaewhule swore on oath in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023, that he and 26 other lawmakers in Rivers State House of Assembly were constrained to defect and join the APC on December 5, 2023. The defection was blamed on the state of "uncertainty and confusion" in their former party – PDP. SaharaReporters gathered that they succeeded in withdrawing the affidavit, the basis upon which they got court orders that kept them in office. Following their defection and swearing of oath at the high court, the lawmakers were also received by officials of their new party, APC. “Today, pro-Wike lawmakers went to the Federal High Court to withdraw the affidavit they swore in court that that they have defected from PDP to APC. “They quietly withdrew the affidavit. On the basis of this affidavit, they got court orders to keep their seats and were received by the APC,” a top judicial source told SaharaReporters. In the suit, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State House of Assembly, Clerk of Rivers State House of Assembly, Inspector General of Police and Department of State Services (DSS) were listed as the 1st to 6th Defendants/Respondents respectively. Amaewhule and others had sworn in Paragraph 14, forming part of affidavit secretly withdrawn that “faced with the state of uncertainty and confusion in the 2nd Defendant caused by the division in the political party, the Plaintiffs were constrained to defect and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 5th December, 2023 as stated above”. Similarly, in Paragragh 15, they had sworn that “angered by the action of the Plaintiffs, the 2nd Defendant has been threatening fire and brimstone against the Plaintiffs. The 2nd Defendant has followed this up by holding a press conference addressed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, where the 2nd Defendant prayed the 1st Defendant to withdraw the Certificates of Return issued to the Plaintiffs and organise and hold fresh elections to fill the seats of the Plaintiffs”. In Paragraph 16, they swore “that apart from the 2nd Defendant, persons and political parties not concerned with the defection of the Plaintiffs to the APC have also been mounting pressure on the 1st Defendant (INEC) to declare the seats of the Plaintiffs vacant". Amaewhule further avowed in paragraph 17, that a similar situation arose in Edo State wherein the same "2nd Defendant asked the 1st Defendant to declare the seats of 14 Members of the Edo State House of Assembly vacant, and the court resolved the matter by maintaining the status quo.   He insisted in paragraph 18 of the affidavit that unless the court restrained, "the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC which is 1st Defendant and or the 3rd Defendant (Rivers State House of Assembly) will not only declare the seats of the Plaintiffs vacant, but the 1st Defendant will withdraw their Certificates of Return and prevent them from carrying out their constitutional duties and functions." SaharaReporters gathered that upon this affidavit in support of their motion for interlocutory injunction, which the lawmakers have just withdrawn, Hon. Justice Donatus U. Okorowo on December 15, 2023, granted an order

restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State House of Assembly from declaring vacant the seats of the 27 members of the Assembly, led by Amaewhule.   Justice Donatus Okorowo, in an ex-parte ruling, also restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the 27 lawmakers, who had announced, in the legislative chamber, their defection from the PDP to the APC. The judge gave an “order of interim injunction restraining the first and third defendants/respondents (INEC and Rivers Assembly), either by themselves, their officials, officers, servants, agents, servants, staff or privies (anyhow so-called), from declaring vacant or taking any steps whatsoever to declare vacant the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants at the Rivers State House of Assembly; from withdrawing the plaintiffs/applicants’ respective certificates of return and from conducting fresh elections to fill in the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants at the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. “An order of interim injunction restraining the first defendant/respondent (INEC) from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the plaintiffs/applicants in the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Breaking: Court Stops CBN From Releasing Federal Allocation To Rivers Govt “An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents, jointly and or severally, by themselves or their servants, agents, officials, officers, staff, delegates of other persons deriving authority from them (anyhow so-called), from interfering with or impeding in any way or attempting to interfere with or impede in any way the performance of the plaintiffs’ official and legislative functions as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. “An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents, jointly and or severally, by themselves or their servants, agents, officials, officers, staff, delegates or other persons deriving authority from them (anyhow so-called), from interfering with or impeding in any way or attempting to interfere with or impede in any way, the full enjoyment of the official rights and privileges of the plaintiffs/applicants as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and members, respectively, of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice".

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BREAKING: PDP Faction Names New Acting National Chairman Amidst Ongoing Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as its new Acting National Chairman. This decision comes after the suspension of Amb. Illiya Damagum, who previously held the position by a faction of the party. Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the appointment. A statement signed by him reads: PRESS RELEASE APPOINTMENT OF YAYARI…

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Edo poll: PDP alleges rigging as APC Okpebholo wins

The Peoples Democratic Party kicked against the result of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, which ushered in the All Progressives Congress candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of the state. Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who is the Chairman, Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council, on Sunday, stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be held accountable for violating the Electoral Act. Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who came second with 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who emerged third with 22, 763 votes. Of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, the APC won 10 while the PDP settled for eight, but the PDP, in solidarity with its Governors Forum, insisted Ighodalo “clearly won the election.” In a statement on Sunday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba responded by explaining that Fintiri presented results from the polling units showing Ighodalo in a clear lead. The PDP stated, “The Peoples Democratic Party stands by the results of the Edo State Governorship election as garnered by its polling agents across the state and echoed by the Chairman of the Edo PDP National Campaign Council, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, which indicate that the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, clearly won the election. “The PDP asserts that the rush, venom, and hauling of insults with which the All Progressives Congress attacked Governor Fintiri only confirms APC’s violent desperation to cover its manipulations and steal the mandate freely given to Dr. Asue Ighodalo by the people of Edo State as reflected in the genuine votes cast at the Polling Units. “As Governor Fintiri presented, the results collated from the Polling Units have Asue Ighodalo in a clear lead before the state collation exercise was hijacked by the APC, which, in connivance of some unscrupulous INEC and security officials, engaged in blatant alteration and substitution of the genuine results with fabricated figures in favour of the defeated APC candidate.” The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the Independent National Electoral Commission must live up to the expectations of the people as an “impartial umpire.” The PDP governors urged INEC to announce results that accurately reflected the wishes of the Edo people as expressed through their votes on Saturday. “This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress government,” the forum stated. “As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time.  “The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams. “Finally, we stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas, and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections.” At the collation centre on Sunday, the state agent of the PDP, Iyoha Osaigbovo, stated that the figures credited to APC were not a true reflection of the wish of the electorate. Osaigbovo said, “We do not accept this result as it’s clear that the figures were allocated to the APC by INEC to aid their victory. The result, which is not a reflection of the people’s wish, may come to hunt you the people presiding over the announcement.” However, Jarrett Tenebe, the acting APC chairman in the state, who took exception to Osaigbovo’s reference to his party in almost all his observations, said he was okay with the outcome of the election. He stated that Edo North, which his party won, had been a stronghold of the APC and became stronger after the state’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, rejoined the party. Reacting to the claim by Osaigbovo that the BVAS did not function or was tampered with, Tenebe said, “I would like to urge the CoS to leave the APC out of his observations and complaints. He should direct his complaints to the collation and announcement of results.” However, the state chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, alleged alteration of results, demanding re-collation and re-computation in a letter titled, ‘Re: Protest against manufactured vote entries and unjust inflation of APC votes and deduction of PDP votes in the collation of results of Edo State Governorship Election held on 21 September 2024.’ In the letter addressed to the office of the INEC chairman in Abuja and made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, the ruling party alleged that the INEC Result Viewing had inflated the votes to favour the APC. The chairman alleged that results from some units in three Local Government Areas – Akoko Edo, Egor, and Etsako West were manipulated. The letter read, “It has come to our attention that the Electoral Officers appointed by the INEC for the conduct of the Edo State Governorship election, made entries that are different from the actual results as uploaded on the INEC IREV, thereby unjustly inflating votes in favour of the APC and deducting the votes of the PDP. “In Akoko Edo Local Government Area, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling units results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 25,010 votes while 34,847 votes was recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 18,620 but 15,865 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. “It would interest you that in Ward 9 of Akoko Edo LGA, from the 36 Polling Unit results uploaded on the IREV, the total votes obtained by APC is 2,350 while 9104 was entered into the EC8B result for APC. However, the total votes for PDP is 1,359 while 633 were entered in the EC8B. Also, in Ward 6 Akoko Edo LGA, where elections were not held in Ward 6 Units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14, and 16, results were returned for the said polling units in the ward result sheet (EC8B).” It added, “In Egor LGA,  a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 10,972 votes while 16,760 votes were recorded in the ECBC declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 14,485 but 14,658 were returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. It would interest you to note that the collation of the Egor Local Government Area was not done at the designated LGA centre but was moved to the INEC state headquarters and the PDP agent was not allowed access to be part of the exercise. “In Etsako West, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 29,858 votes while 32,107 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 16,712 but 17,483 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. “The above highlighted irregularities which are very apparent are extremely scandalous and a brazen attempt to steal the mandate of the PDP and also a terrible embarrassment to the commission.” The state’s Labour Party PRO, Sam Uruopa, told The PUNCH that his party was still reviewing the results and would come up with a position after that. When asked if he thought that INEC skewed the result in favour of the APC, he replied, “After we review the result we will come up with a position. It is, however, disheartening that the electorate was induced with money on Election Day, which puts a dent on the credibility of the process.” Youths protest Some youths, who are members of the PDP, staged a protest at the office of INEC against the results. They alleged that the results had been tampered with, adding that the results announced were different from what transpired at the polling units. Though they were restricted to Ramat Park in Ikpoba Hill area of the city by security operatives, the youths sang solidarity songs while some waved leaves to show their displeasure. Meanwhile, a top official of the PDP told News HQ that the party would consider options it has, including using legal means to reverse the decision. He noted that the party chairman had already written to the INEC chairman in Abuja, calling for a re-count and re-computing of the results. He said, “The idea of reclaiming our mandate in the court is not a bad one but the state chairman of the party has already written a letter to the INEC Chairman’s office in Abuja and we are hoping for a favourable reply. “However, if nothing changes, we will have to consider other options, which may also include going to court.” The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, urged the citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property following the announcement of Okpebholo as winner of the poll. He said, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election. “The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy. “Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved. “But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation. “Peace and justice will always win at the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.” He added, “Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election. “In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.  “With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.” ‘God decreed Okpebholo’ Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo, promised to replicate in the state the achievements of Senator Godswill Akpabio during his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Okpebholo spoke shortly after INEC declared him winner of last Saturday’s governorship election on Sunday. He was at the Benin City residence of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole alongside other chieftains of the party, including Philip Shaibu, the state’s Deputy Governor. Okpebholo thanked Edo people for standing behind him and promised not to fail them. Oshiomhole, on his part, said, “When some people say election is about do-or-die, we say no it is about choice and power, the people having the power to hire and fire even those that have the power to sign the death warrant. Power resides only with God. “God has decreed Senator Okpebholo to make up for the eight years disaster of Obaseki and Asue together. We did all those campaign without violence. “Edo will now be governed by a man enriched with native wisdom, a man familiar with the custom and tradition of Edo State, a man who has used his resources to show love to the community. He has crude credentials in terms of community service. God has put those who said there will be a bloodbath in shame.” On his part, Senator Akpabio said the victory was a turning point in the politics of Edo State. “The will of God for the people is nothing but happiness, joy, and prosperity. The outcome of the election is a reflection of the confidence Nigerians have continued to express in President Bola Tinubu that his administration is doing its best to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. “What has happened in Edo is a clear reflection of what will happen in Ondo in November.” Tinubu, Buhari speak President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Okpebholo on his victory at the election. The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and made available on Sunday evening. Tinubu commended the party’s national leaders, Edo State leaders, and governors for working hard to achieve victory. “The victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” the statement read. He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He further encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development. The President urged all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels. “I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful, and largely hitch-free exercise. “INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country,” the President said. The immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari also congratulated Okpebholo on his “prized, historic electoral victory.” Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, said he was very hopeful that both leaders of the incoming administration and the party that lost would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the trajectory of the state’s development. “Congratulations to the APC and the election winner, Senator Monday Okpebholo on the historic electoral victory and my warmest wishes for a new lease of life for Edo State and its people. “I very much hope the winners and the losers would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the trajectory of development in the state. “I commend law enforcement agencies for the efforts that they put in ensuring a peaceful election and the multitude of election officials who strive to improve their act with each election. “I pray that Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, will continue to achieve remarkable progress under democracy,” he said. Speaking after the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the election, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was in Benin for the election, said “I strongly believe that the election in Edo, though tense at the beginning, is a reflection of the confidence that Nigerians continue to express in President Tinubu.” Read the full article

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PDP Accuses APC of Pressuring INEC to Halt Collation of Edo Election Results

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of exerting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, to suspend the collation of results from the recent governorship election. According to PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba, intelligence reports suggest that the APC is…

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PDP in Crisis: Damagum Tenure Extended Amid Power Struggle

Damagum’s Fate Uncertain as PDP Focuses on Reconciliation at NEC Meeting Today The focus of today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be on Umar Damagum and mending fences between aggrieved party members, according to party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba. The meeting, scheduled for today at the party’s national secretariat, comes amidst…

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PDP appoints new national woman leader

The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed Amina Arong from Cross River State as the party’s new national woman leader. In October 2023, the party announced the death of its National Woman Leader, Prof Stella Effah-Attoe. Effah-Attoe, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, according to the family, died after a brief illness. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, announced that Arong, who holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting is to serve out the term of Effah-Attoe, who died on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The statement read in part, “The new National Woman Leader brings on board to the national leadership of the PDP her intellectual capacity as well as experience, competence and vigour in mobilizing women for the Party at both the State and National Levels. “The PDP notes with satisfaction. Arong long standing commitment to the growth of the Party particularly her leading roles in the mobilisation of several Party Women and Youth groups at various levels as well as in the conduct of Party Primaries and Congresses in several parts of the country. “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new National Woman Leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great party.” Read the full article

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MUAFA NEWS!!!  PDP ADVISES INEC TO EMULATE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE BY REDEPLOYING IMO STATE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to emulate the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and immediately redeploy the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Sylvia Agu.  The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, gave the advice in a statement in Abuja on Monday.  Mr.Ologunagba called on INEC Chairman, Prof.…

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Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for an emergency meeting tomorrow, as the party’s leadership crisis continues to escalate. The internal strife reached a breaking point on Friday when the PDP’s national leadership fractured into two competing factions, one led by Yayari Ahmed Mohammed and the other by acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagum. The crisis intensified following the suspension of PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, by a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) aligned with Damagum.   Read Also: BREAKING: Sunday Igboho Petition UK Prime Minister, Seeks Support for Yoruba Nation Agitation   In a retaliatory move, another faction led by Ologunagba suspended Damagum and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, citing grievances against their leadership. In a dramatic twist, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order on Friday, preventing Damagum’s removal as acting national chairman until December 2025. This ruling came just hours after Damagum’s suspension, further complicating the party’s internal strife. Read Also: US Govt Hits Air Peace CEO Onyema with New Fraud and Obstruction Charges The PDP had initially planned to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24 to elect a new national chairman to complete the term of former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Damagum was expected to return to his previous position as National Vice Chairman (North) after the election, but the current situation has cast doubt on those plans. Sources indicate that PDP governors are exploring various options to resolve the crisis. One proposal is to dissolve the entire NWC and appoint a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs until December 2025, when the current NWC’s tenure expires. Another option under consideration is to proceed with the NEC meeting as scheduled to elect Ayu’s successor. Reports suggest that Damagum, who was briefing Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, about the NWC meeting when his suspension was announced, did not initiate the court case. It is believed that he may not use the court order to block reconciliation efforts. Tensions escalated further when a senior PDP official allegedly instructed the offices of suspended officials Ajibade and Ologunagba to be broken into, with the locks changed. However, the directive had not yet been executed, with some party members questioning the rationale behind the move, especially since the office of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu remains intact. Adding to the drama, fresh allegations have emerged against Damagum, accusing him of donating N35 million to flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State—far exceeding his authorized financial limit of N10 million—without the necessary approval from the NWC. With the October 24 NEC meeting looming, tomorrow’s emergency meeting of the PDP governors will be critical in determining how the party addresses its deepening leadership crisis.

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JUST-IN: PDP Suspends Dan Orbih, Sets Up Six-Man Probe Committee

……The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the NWC approved Orbih’s suspension after reviewing compliants against him ahead of the… The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the party’s National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih for alleged anti-party activity. The PDP, in a statement by its National…

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By • Olalekan Fagbade BREAKING; PDP advises INEC to emulate IG of Police The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a cue from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and immediately redeploy the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, gave the advice in a statement in Abuja on Monday. Ologunagba called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately deploy Agu over his alleged compromise to manipulate the Saturday governorship election in Imo. He urged Yakubu to borrow a leaf from the Inspector General of Police, who redeployed the Commissioners of Police in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi in response to public demand to ensure neutrality in the elections. He called on Yakubu to heed public outcry, petitions and protests by the people of Imo, political parties, civil society organisations for the removal of Agu over her alleged compromise. He said that the people of Imo could not accept any electoral process with Agu as REC, given her alleged role “in the manipulation of the 2023 National and House of Assembly elections in Imo”. He said that the redeployment of Agu out of Imo is therefore the only way to restore public confidence in the electoral process, guarantee a credible election and avert crisis in the state. “The PDP calls on the INEC Chairman to note that the integrity of an election principally lies in the confidence of the electorate in the electoral process. “Agu has lost the rectitude as REC and should not be part of the conduct of the November 11 governorship election. “Her continuing stay in office as Imo REC is vexatious and a recipe for crisis. “The PDP, therefore, restates its demand on the INEC Chairman to immediately redeploy Agu out of Imo so as to restore the confidence of the people and the integrity of the electoral process,” Ologunagba said. (NAN)

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The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has said its silence is not a weakness over the overt romance between former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Nai...

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Edo poll: PDP alleges rigging as APC Okpebholo wins

The Peoples Democratic Party kicked against the result of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, which ushered in the All Progressives Congress candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of the state. Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who is the Chairman, Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council, on Sunday, stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be held accountable for violating the Electoral Act. Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who came second with 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who emerged third with 22, 763 votes. Of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, the APC won 10 while the PDP settled for eight, but the PDP, in solidarity with its Governors Forum, insisted Ighodalo “clearly won the election.” In a statement on Sunday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba responded by explaining that Fintiri presented results from the polling units showing Ighodalo in a clear lead. The PDP stated, “The Peoples Democratic Party stands by the results of the Edo State Governorship election as garnered by its polling agents across the state and echoed by the Chairman of the Edo PDP National Campaign Council, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, which indicate that the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, clearly won the election. “The PDP asserts that the rush, venom, and hauling of insults with which the All Progressives Congress attacked Governor Fintiri only confirms APC’s violent desperation to cover its manipulations and steal the mandate freely given to Dr. Asue Ighodalo by the people of Edo State as reflected in the genuine votes cast at the Polling Units. “As Governor Fintiri presented, the results collated from the Polling Units have Asue Ighodalo in a clear lead before the state collation exercise was hijacked by the APC, which, in connivance of some unscrupulous INEC and security officials, engaged in blatant alteration and substitution of the genuine results with fabricated figures in favour of the defeated APC candidate.” The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the Independent National Electoral Commission must live up to the expectations of the people as an “impartial umpire.” The PDP governors urged INEC to announce results that accurately reflected the wishes of the Edo people as expressed through their votes on Saturday. “This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress government,” the forum stated. “As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time.  “The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams. “Finally, we stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas, and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections.” At the collation centre on Sunday, the state agent of the PDP, Iyoha Osaigbovo, stated that the figures credited to APC were not a true reflection of the wish of the electorate. Osaigbovo said, “We do not accept this result as it’s clear that the figures were allocated to the APC by INEC to aid their victory. The result, which is not a reflection of the people’s wish, may come to hunt you the people presiding over the announcement.” However, Jarrett Tenebe, the acting APC chairman in the state, who took exception to Osaigbovo’s reference to his party in almost all his observations, said he was okay with the outcome of the election. He stated that Edo North, which his party won, had been a stronghold of the APC and became stronger after the state’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, rejoined the party. Reacting to the claim by Osaigbovo that the BVAS did not function or was tampered with, Tenebe said, “I would like to urge the CoS to leave the APC out of his observations and complaints. He should direct his complaints to the collation and announcement of results.” However, the state chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, alleged alteration of results, demanding re-collation and re-computation in a letter titled, ‘Re: Protest against manufactured vote entries and unjust inflation of APC votes and deduction of PDP votes in the collation of results of Edo State Governorship Election held on 21 September 2024.’ In the letter addressed to the office of the INEC chairman in Abuja and made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, the ruling party alleged that the INEC Result Viewing had inflated the votes to favour the APC. The chairman alleged that results from some units in three Local Government Areas – Akoko Edo, Egor, and Etsako West were manipulated. The letter read, “It has come to our attention that the Electoral Officers appointed by the INEC for the conduct of the Edo State Governorship election, made entries that are different from the actual results as uploaded on the INEC IREV, thereby unjustly inflating votes in favour of the APC and deducting the votes of the PDP. “In Akoko Edo Local Government Area, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling units results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 25,010 votes while 34,847 votes was recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 18,620 but 15,865 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. “It would interest you that in Ward 9 of Akoko Edo LGA, from the 36 Polling Unit results uploaded on the IREV, the total votes obtained by APC is 2,350 while 9104 was entered into the EC8B result for APC. However, the total votes for PDP is 1,359 while 633 were entered in the EC8B. Also, in Ward 6 Akoko Edo LGA, where elections were not held in Ward 6 Units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14, and 16, results were returned for the said polling units in the ward result sheet (EC8B).” It added, “In Egor LGA,  a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 10,972 votes while 16,760 votes were recorded in the ECBC declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 14,485 but 14,658 were returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. It would interest you to note that the collation of the Egor Local Government Area was not done at the designated LGA centre but was moved to the INEC state headquarters and the PDP agent was not allowed access to be part of the exercise. “In Etsako West, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 29,858 votes while 32,107 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. For the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 16,712 but 17,483 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. “The above highlighted irregularities which are very apparent are extremely scandalous and a brazen attempt to steal the mandate of the PDP and also a terrible embarrassment to the commission.” The state’s Labour Party PRO, Sam Uruopa, told The PUNCH that his party was still reviewing the results and would come up with a position after that. When asked if he thought that INEC skewed the result in favour of the APC, he replied, “After we review the result we will come up with a position. It is, however, disheartening that the electorate was induced with money on Election Day, which puts a dent on the credibility of the process.” Youths protest Some youths, who are members of the PDP, staged a protest at the office of INEC against the results. They alleged that the results had been tampered with, adding that the results announced were different from what transpired at the polling units. Though they were restricted to Ramat Park in Ikpoba Hill area of the city by security operatives, the youths sang solidarity songs while some waved leaves to show their displeasure. Meanwhile, a top official of the PDP told News HQ that the party would consider options it has, including using legal means to reverse the decision. He noted that the party chairman had already written to the INEC chairman in Abuja, calling for a re-count and re-computing of the results. He said, “The idea of reclaiming our mandate in the court is not a bad one but the state chairman of the party has already written a letter to the INEC Chairman’s office in Abuja and we are hoping for a favourable reply. “However, if nothing changes, we will have to consider other options, which may also include going to court.” The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, urged the citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property following the announcement of Okpebholo as winner of the poll. He said, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election. “The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy. “Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved. “But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation. “Peace and justice will always win at the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.” He added, “Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election. “In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.  “With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.” ‘God decreed Okpebholo’ Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo, promised to replicate in the state the achievements of Senator Godswill Akpabio during his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Okpebholo spoke shortly after INEC declared him winner of last Saturday’s governorship election on Sunday. He was at the Benin City residence of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole alongside other chieftains of the party, including Philip Shaibu, the state’s Deputy Governor. Okpebholo thanked Edo people for standing behind him and promised not to fail them. Oshiomhole, on his part, said, “When some people say election is about do-or-die, we say no it is about choice and power, the people having the power to hire and fire even those that have the power to sign the death warrant. Power resides only with God. “God has decreed Senator Okpebholo to make up for the eight years disaster of Obaseki and Asue together. We did all those campaign without violence. “Edo will now be governed by a man enriched with native wisdom, a man familiar with the custom and tradition of Edo State, a man who has used his resources to show love to the community. He has crude credentials in terms of community service. God has put those who said there will be a bloodbath in shame.” On his part, Senator Akpabio said the victory was a turning point in the politics of Edo State. “The will of God for the people is nothing but happiness, joy, and prosperity. The outcome of the election is a reflection of the confidence Nigerians have continued to express in President Bola Tinubu that his administration is doing its best to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. “What has happened in Edo is a clear reflection of what will happen in Ondo in November.” Tinubu, Buhari speak President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Okpebholo on his victory at the election. The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and made available on Sunday evening. Tinubu commended the party’s national leaders, Edo State leaders, and governors for working hard to achieve victory. “The victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” the statement read. He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He further encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development. The President urged all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels. “I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful, and largely hitch-free exercise. “INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country,” the President said. The immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari also congratulated Okpebholo on his “prized, historic electoral victory.” Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, said he was very hopeful that both leaders of the incoming administration and the party that lost would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the trajectory of the state’s development. “Congratulations to the APC and the election winner, Senator Monday Okpebholo on the historic electoral victory and my warmest wishes for a new lease of life for Edo State and its people. “I very much hope the winners and the losers would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the trajectory of development in the state. “I commend law enforcement agencies for the efforts that they put in ensuring a peaceful election and the multitude of election officials who strive to improve their act with each election. “I pray that Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, will continue to achieve remarkable progress under democracy,” he said. Speaking after the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the election, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was in Benin for the election, said “I strongly believe that the election in Edo, though tense at the beginning, is a reflection of the confidence that Nigerians continue to express in President Tinubu.” Read the full article

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INEC warns PDP over 'libellous claim' against Boss, Mahmood Yakubu

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged libellous allegations against its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba who addressed a press conference yesterday, March 10, had called for Mahmood Yakubu’s resignation and for him to be investigated and prosecuted for allegedly breaching provisions…

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PDP appoints new national woman leader

The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed Amina Arong from Cross River State as the party’s new national woman leader. In October 2023, the party announced the death of its National Woman Leader, Prof Stella Effah-Attoe. Effah-Attoe, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, according to the family, died after a brief illness. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, announced that Arong, who holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting is to serve out the term of Effah-Attoe, who died on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The statement read in part, “The new National Woman Leader brings on board to the national leadership of the PDP her intellectual capacity as well as experience, competence and vigour in mobilizing women for the Party at both the State and National Levels. “The PDP notes with satisfaction. Arong long standing commitment to the growth of the Party particularly her leading roles in the mobilisation of several Party Women and Youth groups at various levels as well as in the conduct of Party Primaries and Congresses in several parts of the country. “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new National Woman Leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great party.” Read the full article