Drama unfolded at the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja today, as witnesses called by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) disowned their previous depositions before the panel.

Four individuals from Adavi Local Government Area provided testimony, claiming discrepancies in the voting process during the November 11, 2023, governorship poll.

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Despite initially affirming their witness depositions, the witnesses contradicted themselves during cross-examination by the defense counsel, distancing themselves from the content of their sworn statements.

They asserted that their depositions were not authored by them and admitted they were not polling agents but ordinary voters.

Rufai Muhammed, one of the witnesses, initially stated in his deposition that there were no validly accredited voters during the election.

However, under scrutiny, he claimed to have been validly accredited and voted, disowning his earlier statement.

Another witness, Yakubu AbdulAzeez, alleged over-voting from a fixed observation point during the election but could not stand during the tribunal hearing due to a leg problem since 2008.

Hamza Abdul Azeez, who wrote a complaint letter to the tribunal alleging over-voting, failed to provide specific vote counts for each political party in his polling unit when questioned.

The witnesses attributed their deposition statements to their lawyers but were unable to recall their lawyers’ names.

The tribunal adjourned the matter until April 2 following a request for adjournment by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN.

Legal representatives for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Usman Ododo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were present at the sitting.

The testimonies of Hamza Abdul Azeez, Said Muhammed, Yakubu Abdul Azeez, and Rufai Muhammed from Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi shed light on the ongoing challenge by the SDP against Governor Ododo’s victory in the 2023 governorship election.

The Enugu State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reaffirmed it’s unwavering commitement to securing electoral victory in the 2027 political contests.

In a telephone interview with Daily Gazette correspondent on Sunday, the State Chairman of the party, Comrade Stella Chukwuma, emphasized the party’s dedication to advancing its agenda and providing credible leadership for the people of the State.

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Comrade Chukwuma underscored the importance of fostering inclusive governance and delivering on promises to the electorate.

“We are fully committed to our goal of securing electoral victory in the 2027 elections. ADC remains steadfast in its mission to represent the interests of the people and to promote good governance in Enugu State.”

When asked about why Comrade Chika Idoko, the party’s senatorial candidate for Enugu North senatorial zone in the 2023 general elections, defected to the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Chukwuma noted that Idoko had already been expelled from the party before his defection.

Concerned about the leadership of Enugu State, Comrade Chukwuma emphasized the need for transparent and accountable governance to address the challenges facing the state effectively.

She expressed confidence in the party’s capacity to mobilize grassroots support and garner widespread backing from the electorate and called on party members and supporters to remain united and focused on the shared objective of achieving electoral success.

“As we move forward, we call on all stakeholders, including party members, supporters, and the public, to join us in our quest for a better Enugu State,”

The Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been actively engaging with communities across the state with a renewed commitment to electoral victory, which, according to her, will shape the future of Enugu State through responsible and responsive governance.

National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party has taken steps to address grievances arising from the screening process of aspirants for the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election by setting up the Ondo State Governorship Screening Appeal Panel.

In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Screening Appeal Committee is tasked with hearing appeals from aspirants dissatisfied with the decisions of the Screening Committee.

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Following indications that two out of the seven PDP aspirants for the Ondo State Governorship Election were not cleared to contest the party’s primary by the Senator Sam Egwu-led 8-man panel, the Appeal Panel has been convened to provide a fair avenue for redress.

Scheduled to convene on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, at the NWC Hall, Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja FCT, at 10:00 am, the Appeal Panel will consider petitions and appeals from affected aspirants.

Heading the 13-member Appeal Panel is Ex-Adamawa State Governor, Boni Haruna, with Hon. Adewale Aribisala serving as the Secretary.

Other members include Hajiya Hadiza Adado, Mrs. Nosa Aladeselu, Barr. Onwe Solomon Onwe, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Engr. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese, Chief Ali Odefa, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, Dr. Emmanuel Nkavoa Bovoa, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, Hon. Abdulmaleek Abduraheem Danga, and Bimbo Ogunleye- Admin Secretary.

Ologunagba emphasized that all Governorship aspirants, critical stakeholders, leaders, and members of the PDP in Ondo State should take note and adhere to the guidelines provided.

The Labour party governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Enugu state, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, has urged people of the state to embrace the spirit of Easter by demonstrating love and pursuing national renewal, drawing inspiration from the sacrificial virtues exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ.

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Amidst prevailing challenges of hardship, insecurity, and uncertainty, Edeoga urges citizens not to lose sight of the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

He emphasizes the need for collective resolve in navigating through these difficult times, fostering unity, and pursuing national rejuvenation.

Highlighting the significance of Easter, Edeoga underscores the importance of embodying its core values of love, compassion, and justice in everyday life.

He reaffirms his dedication to promoting peace, stability, and progress within the state, urging Christians to reflect deeply on the message of Easter and its profound implications for societal transformation.

The politics of Rivers State is witnessing a seismic shift as the longstanding feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged mentor turned rival, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, escalates, with both sides intensifying efforts to consolidate power ahead of the anticipated showdown in 2027.

Since the inception of the crisis, which has defied numerous mediation attempts, including intervention by President Bola Tinubu, stakeholders have increasingly rallied behind either Wike or Fubara, setting the stage for a protracted battle that analysts predict will define the state’s political trajectory for years to come.

Fubara, embarking on his bid for a second term, aims to assert his independence and showcase his leadership prowess without relying on political godfathers. Conversely, Wike, determined to exert his influence, seeks to thwart Fubara’s reelection bid and assert his dominance over the state’s political landscape.

In a recent public address, Wike exuded confidence, declaring his invincibility in the upcoming elections and emphasizing the unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions in Rivers State under his leadership.

Observers note that Wike has strategically consolidated his grip on power by assuming control of both the PDP and APC leadership structures in the state. Following the dissolution of the APC state working committee, Wike’s ally, Chief Tony Okocha, was appointed as chairman of a caretaker committee, signaling Wike’s influence over the party.

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Additionally, Wike has orchestrated the defection of 24 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC, maintaining their allegiance to him and effectively challenging Fubara’s authority.

Addressing the political imbroglio, Wike emphasized his refusal to intervene in the affairs of the legislature, rebuffing Fubara’s attempts to sway their allegiance and emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.

In a calculated move to bolster his support base, Wike has secured key federal appointments for his loyalists, strategically positioning them to influence the state’s political dynamics in the run-up to the elections.

Meanwhile, Fubara has been actively recruiting former allies of Wike to his camp, aiming to weaken the minister’s grassroots influence, pivotal in securing victory in the state.

In a significant display of support for Fubara’s administration, prominent PDP leaders, including Uche Secondus, rallied behind the governor, signaling a shift in allegiance and bolstering Fubara’s bid for reelection.

Earlier, former coordinators of Wike’s Grassroots Development Initiative pledged their allegiance to Fubara, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the PDP’s mandate in the state.

Fubara, during a state event, subtly criticized his predecessor’s leadership style, advocating for inclusivity and dialogue over authoritarianism. He underscored his commitment to transparent governance and legacy-building, contrasting with Wike’s confrontational approach.

In response to Wike’s recent remarks, Fubara maintained a measured stance, urging for peace and restraint in the face of escalating tensions. He emphasized the need for constructive engagement and underscored his administration’s commitment to democratic ideals.

As the rift between Wike and Fubara deepens, stakeholders express hope for a resolution, urging both parties to prioritize the state’s interests over personal ambitions. However, the path to reconciliation remains uncertain, with the specter of political confrontation looming large over Rivers State’s future.