Politics
Tribunal throws out petition challenging Gov Okpebholo’s election victory in Edo
Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have won round one in the series of petitions challenging their declaration as winners of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.
A petition instituted against them by the Action Alliance (AA) and one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje was thrown out by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for lacking merit and being frivolous.
In the first judgment of the Tribunal on Wednesday, it was held that Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who filed the joint petition, had no locus standi to institute the case, as his petition was not based on election-related matters.
Among other points, the Tribunal held that Omoaje did not participate in the governorship election and, as such, had no power to question the validity of the election.
The Tribunal also held that Omoaje’s grievance against the election was that he was not recognized as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance for the purpose of nominating candidates for the poll. However, it was held that his claims had no basis in the Electoral Act of 2022.
Omoaje had, in the petition, asked the Tribunal to declare the declaration of Okpebholo and APC as winners of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as illegal, unlawful, unconditional, and null and void due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
He also alleged corruption and that Okpebholo and APC did not win the majority of lawful votes in the election.
Omoaje further alleged that AA was not allowed to nominate a lawful governorship candidate for the election, having not signed the nomination form as the National Chairman of the party.
INEC had declared Okpebholo of the APC as the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247,655 votes in the election.
Details later….
Politics
JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’
To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.
Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.
The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.
His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.
During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.
Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.
“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”
Politics
2027: Atiku Alleged Plot To Keep ADC Off Ballot
” We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, alleged a plot by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary to remove the ADC from the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Monday.
In the statement, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to use political and legal machinations to keep the ADC off the ballot in 2027 general election.
He said there was a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party aimed at ensuring that the ADC is excluded from next year’s ballot.
“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”
Politics
2027 Polls: NDC Deregistration Cannot Stand – Peter Obi
Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed the Kogi State High Court ruling in Lokoja ordering the deregistration of the party, describing it as a “bizarre temporary breakdown” that will not derail the party’s mission.
In a swift reaction on Friday, Obi expressed strong optimism that the party’s journey remains on course, insisting that while there may be detours, the final destination is non-negotiable.
A statement issued by the Spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, quoted Obi as urging NDC members and supporters not to be discouraged but to remain calm and focused.
The statement described the court ruling as “a hurdle, not a stop sign,” adding that the party’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the judgment with plans to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures.
“We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours,” the statement noted.
Obi called on all supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to “remain absolutely calm and focused,” reaffirming the party’s commitment to building a transparent, legitimate, and formidable political alternative for Nigerians.
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