Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has reaffirmed his commitment to conducting an issue-focused campaign.

Promising a departure from the current administration’s governance style, Okpebholo emphasized his dedication to addressing key concerns affecting the people of Edo State if elected.

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In a statement released by his Media Office, Okpebholo outlined his agenda, which includes prioritizing quality and affordable healthcare, education, road infrastructure, security, food security, social welfare programs, housing, ICT, and agriculture.

He assured voters that his administration would rely on his extensive experience to propel Edo State into becoming an economic powerhouse in Nigeria.

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Highlighting his interventions alongside APC leader Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo mentioned the return of contractors to federal road projects abandoned by previous administrations.

He pledged further collaboration with the federal government to bring more development initiatives to the state.

Encouraging supporters to maintain focus on issue-based campaigning, Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to inclusivity, promising to address concerns from all segments of society.

He particularly emphasized the importance of respecting traditional institutions, contrasting his approach with what he described as the current administration’s disregard for them.

Asserting confidence in victory, Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, pledged direct engagement with the electorate to address their grievances and garner support.

Refuting challenges from opponents, he dismissed them as inexperienced “baby politicians” and expressed readiness to teach them a lesson on Election Day.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the APC cautioned against moves to resist individuals seeking to join the party, following protests against the potential re-admission of former party members.

Reacting to objections raised against figures like former Speaker Kabiru Adjoto and former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu returning to the APC, party leaders emphasized the need for unity and inclusivity within the party.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reaches a conclusive end.

Speaking to journalists at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja’s Jabi area, Olukoyede pledged to step down from his position as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.

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He also vowed to hold accountable anyone who obstructed Bello’s arrest.

The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.

Olukoyede stressed the importance of support from Nigerians for the EFCC’s efforts, emphasizing that the agency’s success is integral to Nigeria’s well-being.

He highlighted the positive impact of the agency’s current initiatives on the nation’s currency value and foreign market stability.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has delivered a copy of the charge sheet detailing the alleged fraud amounting to N80 billion against Bello to his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.

This action follows a court order by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompted by Bello’s absence during his scheduled arraignment.

The court, citing the Administrative and Criminal Justice Act 2015, authorized the delivery of the charges through substituted means due to Bello’s non-appearance.

Despite initial reluctance, Bello’s lawyer ultimately accepted the charges on his behalf.

In response, Bello’s legal team argued against the ex-parte order of arrest issued earlier, citing concerns over fair hearing and justice.

They emphasized Bello’s willingness to appear in court and address the charges brought against him by the EFCC.

The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Phinheiro, urged the court to uphold the arrest warrant until Bello makes himself available for trial, dismissing his legal challenges while evading court appearances.

Justice Nwite had previously issued a bench warrant against Bello following repeated non-appearances in court and his evasion of criminal charges, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted.

The Katsina State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the nomination fees for aspirants vying for various positions in the upcoming local government elections.

At a meeting attended by state executives and party officials from all 34 local governments, it was revealed that the fee for local government chairmanship nomination forms is set at five million naira. Meanwhile, those aspiring for councillor positions will need to pay 1.5 million naira.

Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, the Deputy Chairman of the Katsina APC, stressed the importance of direct payments into the party’s account for transparency.

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The sale of nomination forms will commence from May 1st to May 4th, with a strict deadline for submission by May 9th to the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

According to the election timetable issued by SIEC, primary elections for council chairmen are scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, followed by councillor elections on Wednesday, May 22nd. The finalized list of candidates from the primaries must be submitted to the electoral commission by Monday, May 20th.

Alhaji Bala Abu urged all contestants to adhere to campaign guidelines diligently, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process.

Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing ideological differences with the party’s current direction.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of his constituency, Ihedioha emphasized his unwavering commitment to democratic values and good governance in Nigeria despite parting ways with the PDP.

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Having been a member of the PDP since its inception in 1998, Ihedioha underscored his significant contributions to the party’s growth and development over the years.

However, he expressed disappointment with recent trends within the party, stating concerns over its departure from its founding principles and its apparent struggle to implement necessary internal reforms.

Ihedioha’s decision to resign reflects his desire to maintain alignment with his personal beliefs and convictions, even if it means stepping away from the political platform he has long been associated with.

The letter reads, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefiting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly, no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.’

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While the decision was difficult to take, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has emerged victorious in the Ondo State governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), securing the party’s nomination for the November 16 election.

Aiyedatiwa’s landslide win saw him gather 48,569 votes, leaving his closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailing with 15,343 votes. Chief Olusola Oke secured the third spot with 14,865 votes.

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The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, announced Aiyedatiwa’s victory, noting the competitive nature of the primaries and the enthusiastic participation of party members and supporters across the 18 council areas of Ondo State.

Despite reports of violence in some areas like Ifedore, where voting couldn’t take place, Governor Ododo urged party members to focus on unity and support for the APC’s candidate, echoing the sentiments of party leader President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of party unity, stressing that regardless of individual differences, the strength and victory of the APC lie in solidarity and collective support for the chosen candidate.

RESULTS
Total number of voters 117922
Total number of accredited voters 95,178
Total votes cast 95178
Invalid- Nil

Jimi Odimayo 490
Omogoroye Judith 115
Aiyedatiwa 48,569
Kekemeke 1045
Soji Ehinlanwo 492
Olugbenga Edema 395
Jimoh lbrahim 9456
Adekojo Funmilayo 529
Akinfolarin Samuel 15343
Wale Akinterinwa 1952
Olusola Oke 14,915
Olamide Ohunyeye 424
Morayo Lebi 290
Diran lyantan 348
Prof Dayo Faduyile 353
Ife Oyedele 462

1:ILAJE LG
Lucky Aiyedatiwa 2,485
Wale Akinterinwa. 26
Olusola Oke. 2,511
Jimoh Ibrahim 589

2: Ile Oluji/Okeigbo
Jimoh Ibrahim: 282
AIYEDATIWA: 1225
WA: 474

3: Ondo West LG:
Jimoh Ibrahim: 2668
AIYEDATIWA: 10610

4: ESE-ODO LG
Aiyedatiwa 298
Akinterinwa 0
Oke 147
Jimoh Ibrahim 174

5: OWO LG

Aiyedatiwa 2,123
Akinterinwa. 345
Oke 225
Jimoh Ibrahim 192

6: IDANRE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 579
Akinterinwa 119
Oke 225
Jimoh Ibrahim 120

7: AKOKO NORTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 664
Akinterinwa 135
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 505

8: AKOKO NORTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa 5, 430
Akinterinwa 198
Oke 2, 721
Jimoh Ibrahim 728

9: AKOKO SOUTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 533
Akinterinwa 43
Oke 391
Jimoh Ibrahim 67

10: AKOKO SOUTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 747
Akinterinwa 272
Oke 415
Jimoh Ibrahim 466

11: NO RESULT FOR IFEDORE LGA.

ALL ASPIRANTS SCORED ZERO ACCORDING TO THE RETURNING OFFICER DUE TO AN ALLEGED SHOOTING.

12: OSE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 091
Akinterinwa 39
Oke 800
Jimoh Ibrahim 267

13: IRELE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 203
Akinterinwa 15
Oke 93
Jimoh Ibrahim 139

14: ODIGBO LG
Aiyedatiwa 2, 631
Akinterinwa 114
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 845

15: AKURE NORTH LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 860
Akinterinwa 177
Oke 1, 239
Jimoh Ibrahim 1, 606

16: AKURE SOUTH LG
Aiyedatiwa 3, 265
Akinterinwa 86
Oke 328
Jimoh Ibrahim 294

17 OKITIPUPA LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 622
Akinterinwa 27
Oke 1, 571
Jimoh Ibrahim 109

18: ONDO EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 4, 803
Akinterinwa 141
Oke 1, 171
Jimoh Ibrahim 406

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North Central region have thrown their weight behind the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

They are also demanding that the seat previously held by Abdullahi Adamu be returned to their zone.

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Addressing the media in Abuja on Sunday, APC stalwarts expressed their discontent with what they perceive as the imposition of Ganduje on the party, which they deem a violation of the party’s zoning process.

This move comes following a fresh suspension imposed on Ganduje by a faction of the Ganduje Ward in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The ward’s Legal Adviser, Haladu Gwanjo, announced the suspension, citing an alleged bribery case involving Ganduje and his wife.

Despite efforts by the Kano APC to thwart the suspension, including the suspension of the ward executives involved, a new court injunction upheld Ganduje’s suspension.

Speaking on behalf of Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders, Muhammad Etsu, emphasized their support for Ganduje’s suspension and called for the return of the party chairmanship to their region.

They argued that it was improper to replace Abdullahi Adamu, a North Central politician, with Ganduje, who hails from the North West.

Etsu appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the APC to intervene and uphold Ganduje’s suspension while efforts are made to restore the chairmanship position to the North Central.

Sunny Moniedafe, an APC chieftain from Adamawa, echoed the sentiments of the North Central stakeholders, asserting that zoning principles should be respected within the party.

He emphasized that the chairmanship position rightfully belongs to the North Central and should be retained following Adamu’s departure.

However, Ganduje’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, dismissed the concerns raised by the stakeholders, attributing them to individuals in need of psychiatric evaluation.

He urged the federal government to take action against those instigating the crisis within the party, accusing them of undermining democratic processes.

Despite the legal complexities surrounding Ganduje’s suspension, the push for the reclamation of the APC chairmanship seat by North Central stakeholders underscores the ongoing power struggles within the party.