#Senator Monday Okpebholo

[morganablenewsmedia]

Edo Governorship Poll: We Were Already Jubilating — PDP

Edo Governorship Poll: We Were Already Jubilating — PDP The Results Were Manipulated, Our Mandate Stolen The foremost opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, has disclosed that they were already celebrating their victory during just conducted Gubernatorial Election held across the state last weekend. This revelation was made on Wednesday by Olu…

[tracknews1]

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: '𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲’,  𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐨 𝐀𝐏𝐂 𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞  𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠  𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧

A video of where the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, made a gaffe while addressing the crowd during a campaign rally at Ovia North Local Government Area of the state on Thursday has gone viral. In the video, which started trending on Saturday and has been widely shared on social media, Okpebholo said, “We’re going to provide you with…

[ejesgistnews]

Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Today, Sunday, November 10, 2024 Good morning, Nigeria! Here is a roundup of the top Nigerian news headlines for today, Sunday, November 10, 2024. 1. WTO Confirms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Sole Candidate for Director-General Position The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General, is the only candidate for the position as her first term nears its end. The WTO initiated the appointment process on October 8, with member nations given until November 8 to submit their nominations. According to a statement released on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term back in September. Petter Olberg, Chair of the WTO’s General Council, confirmed that no additional nominations were received, paving the way for Okonjo-Iweala's likely reappointment. 2. Tinubu Reappoints Abdullahi Mustapha as NBRDA Director-General President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) for another five-year term. The decision, announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlights Mustapha’s achievements over the past tenure. Mustapha, a Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry from Kano State, is expected to drive innovation in biotechnology, focusing on food security and pharmaceutical advancements. 3. Tinubu Government Allocates ₦5 Billion for Renovation of VP Shettima’s Lagos Residence The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has allocated ₦5 billion for the renovation of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official residence in Lagos. An analysis by The PUNCH revealed that payments were made to Denderi Investment Limited for the renovation work in May and September 2024. Advocacy groups like SERAP have criticized the expenditure, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments, especially amidst the nation’s economic challenges. 4. Deji Adeyanju: "Even 300 Years Wouldn't Be Enough for Tinubu to Solve Nigeria's Hardship" Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has stated that President Bola Tinubu cannot alleviate the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria, even if given 300 years in office. Adeyanju criticized Tinubu’s policies, labeling Nigeria as an “anti-poor nation.” He remarked that the country’s economic status does not favor average citizens and accused the government of implementing policies that disproportionately affect the poor. 5. President Tinubu to Attend Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit. The summit, set to commence on Monday, November 11, 2024, will address the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. Tinubu is expected to call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. 6. Edo Governor Obaseki Excluded from Okpebholo’s Inauguration Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed dissatisfaction over his exclusion from the inauguration plans of Monday Okpebholo by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obaseki criticized the APC's move, describing it as lawless and asserting that the state government should oversee such events. Okpebholo is set to take office on November 12, 2024. 7. First Lady Remi Tinubu Denies Organizing National Prayer Event Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed reports that she is planning a national prayer event. Her media adviser, Busola Kukoyi, clarified that the claims circulating on social media are false. The alleged event had sparked backlash, with critics questioning its necessity. 8. New Terrorist Group ‘Lakurawa’ Attacks Kebbi Community, Killing 15 A new terrorist group, identified as Lakurawa, has reportedly attacked Mera, a town in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing 15 residents and stealing over 100 cows. Bashir Isah Mera, a prominent resident, confirmed the incident.

The state’s Governor, Nasir Idris, has ordered the deployment of security forces to contain the situation. 9. Obasanjo Says He No Longer Belongs to Any Political Party Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his neutrality, stating that he no longer aligns with any political party. Obasanjo made this declaration during a thanksgiving service in Abuja, held in honor of Chief Onyema Ugochukwu’s 80th birthday. His comments come amidst increasing political and economic challenges facing the nation. 10. Obidient Movement Confident of Peter Obi’s Victory in 2027 Election The Obidient Movement, led by National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has expressed optimism that Labour Party's Peter Obi will win the 2027 presidential election. Yunusa cited Obi’s track record and widespread public support as key factors driving their confidence in his potential victory

[gurutrends]

Edo Governor-Elect Okpebholo Accuses Obaseki Administration Of Last-Minute Borrowings, Looting; Warns Banks Against Connivance

Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor-Elect, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration of taking unscrupulous loans from banks and other financial institutions. Okpebholo, who alleged the looting of government funds by officials of the outgoing administration, also accused government officials of looting public properties including vehicles, furniture and rice. This is…

[mynewshq]

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

[godwin247]

INEC declares APC's candidate okpebholo winner of Edo Governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo winner of the governorship election in Edo State. Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who scored 247,274 votes to come second, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party garnered 22,763…

[alabs1]

INEC Declares APC’s Monday Okpebholo Winner Of Edo Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The electoral commission declared Okpebholo winner of the election on Sunday, saying that he polled a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest contender, Asue Ighodalo of the…

[destkelamedia]

Court Orders APC Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Okpebholo to Appear Over Age Discrepancies

Senator Monday Okpebholo faces legal scrutiny as Abuja court investigates alleged discrepancies in his age declaration. In a notable development for the Edo gubernatorial election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, has been summoned by the Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The court’s action comes in response to allegations of age falsification, a serious charge…

[streetreporters]

Edo Youths Reject PDP, Endorse APC'S Okpebholo For Governor

In a bold move, Edo youths have come out in strong opposition to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the upcoming governorship election, instead throwing their weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. At a gathering in Ekpoma, the Youth Alliance for Edo Unity and Progress (YAEUP) reaffirmed their unwavering support for Okpebholo,…

[mouthpiecengr]

Tinubu Shuns APC Edo Governorship Rally As Violence Erupts In Benin

The planned All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial campaign flag-off event in Benin City, Edo State, scheduled for today, July 20th, 2024, has been overshadowed by violent clashes that occurred on Thursday.  President Bola Tinubu, who was expected to attend the rally and lend his support to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has decided to skip the event. Instead,…

[tracknews1]

Edo: Agbomhere Urges Okpebholo To Form All-Inclusive Govt

The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Blessing Agbomhere, has urged the Governorelect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to utilize the enormous human and natural resources in Edo for the transformation of the state. In a congratulatory message yesterday, Agbomhere described Okpebholo as God sent to the people of Edo state, saying he is a leader…

[ejesgistnews]

Dino Melaye Alleges APC Infiltration of PDP Leadership After Edo Election Defeat   Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has raised serious allegations against the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming that the party's leadership has been infiltrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Melaye, the infiltration occurred under the leadership of the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun. Read Also: Nanny Awarded $2,780,000 After Boss Secretly Filmed Her With Camera Hidden In Smoke Alarm Melaye, known for his outspoken views, made the claims after the PDP's defeat in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election. Taking to his social media platform on X (formerly Twitter), the former senator expressed his concern over the direction the PDP is heading under Damagun's stewardship.   “With the destroyer called Damagun on the wheels, PDP is in the departure lounge waiting for the boarding pass,” Melaye warned, suggesting that the party’s future looks bleak unless changes are made at the top. He insinuated that the loss in Edo State was only the beginning of larger issues within the party, stating that more APC loyalists are present within the PDP’s NWC than actual PDP members. Former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, Gets New Appointment The Edo State election saw the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, defeated by the APC’s Monday Okpebholo. According to official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ighodalo garnered 247,274 votes, while Okpebholo won with 291,667 votes, sealing the APC’s victory.   Melaye has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Damagun’s leadership, accusing him of weakening the party’s legacy. He pointed to the contributions of PDP’s founding figures, such as Alex Ekwueme, Solomon Lar, and Tony Anenih, and argued that they would be "turning in their graves" over the current state of the party under Damagun's watch. Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate – September 24, 2024 Latest Update The PDP's recent electoral setbacks and Melaye’s vocal criticisms have reignited internal debates within the party as it grapples with the challenges of repositioning itself ahead of future elections. Whether Melaye’s allegations will spark reforms or further deepen divisions within the PDP remains to be seen.

[hardynwa]

Edo APC members besiege national secretariat declare Okpebholo’s victory unlawful

Some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State have described the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the rescheduled Edo governorship primary election as not only unlawful but a gross violation of the party’s. constitution. The party members who stormed the APC national secretariat on Monday in Abuja described last Thursday’s governorship primary as a daylight robbery. It would be recalled that the governorship primary election held on February 17 under the supervision of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma saw the emergence of three candidates — Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Anamero Dekeri. Against this background, the leadership of the party sacked Uzodinma as the chairman of the primary election and replaced him with the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu. The rescheduled election produced Monday Okpebholo as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the September 2024 election. But addressing journalists during the protest on Monday in Abuja, the leader of the group, Innocent Ogedengbe demanded the restoration of Idahosa’s mandate by the party. Ogendengbe emphasised that the primary of 22nd February 2024 did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 as aspirants were not given equal opportunities of being voted for by party members at the designated centres at the wards that make up Edo State. He alleged that party members present to vote did not have their votes cast recorded by any known office of the party’s National Secretariat. Ogendengbe further alleged that the result sheets used were completed in the National Secretariat of the party as they did not flow from the reality on the ground in Edo State. His words: “The said primaries of 17th and 22nd February 2024 were not conducted by open secret ballot by APC as required by relevant provisions of APC constitution and the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is not only unlawful but a gross violation of the APC constitution. “Our strong prayer is that the injustice perpetrated by the Governor Bassey Otu committee be set aside by the party and Hon. Dennis Idahosa will be rightfully declared winner on the strength of available extant documentary evidence.” Read the full article

[mynewshq]

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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Kogi Gov. Ododo Congratulates Edo Gov-Elect, Sen. Okpebholo

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and winner of the Edo State Governorship election held on Saturday September 21, 2024. Reacting to the declaration of Senator Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, Governor…