Four of the 16 aspirants vying for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State are demanding the cancellation of the ongoing primary election.

The aggrieved aspirants, including Wale Akinterinwa, Olusola Oke, Olugbenga Edema, and Dayo Faduyile, have accused the seven-man committee, led by Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, of perpetrating fraud in the process.

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They have urged the embattled national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to either remove Ododo from overseeing the exercise or cancel it entirely.

Expressing their lack of trust in Ododo’s ability to ensure a credible and transparent primary, the aspirants warned that the outcome could jeopardize the November 16 governorship poll.

According to Edema, the committee failed to deliver materials for the primary to his “Mahin Ward II” in Ilaje local government, alleging that the process was being manipulated to favor a particular aspirant.

He stressed the need for a credible election and called for intervention from the party leadership.

Similarly, Akinterinwa insisted on the immediate replacement of Ododo, emphasizing that he would not accept the primary’s outcome under his supervision. He urged the party leadership to appoint a neutral person, as was done in Edo State, to conduct a fresh primary.

Echoing their sentiments, Olusola Oke highlighted the absence of materials in both the south and north senatorial districts of the state.

He emphasized the importance of Ododo adhering to the guidelines set by the national leadership of the party.

Responding, Ododo acknowledged the complaints of the aggrieved aspirants, stating that the committee would address them accordingly.

He assured that election materials had been dispatched to Ondo north and south, but pledged to investigate the grievances raised by the aspirants.

Senator Sir Kelvin Chukwu, representing the great people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, has commiserated with Hon. Chijioke Ogbodo and his family on the passing of his mother, Late Mrs. Angelina Nweke Ogbodo.

Senator Chukwu exchanging pleasantries with constituents 

Speaking on Friday at Holy Angles Catholic Parish Ndiagu Akpugo, Senator Chukwu recognised the profound sorrow engulfing the Ogbodo family, and paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of Mrs. Ogbodo to her community, highlighting her enduring legacy of service and compassion.

The Labour Party Parliamentarian who emphasized the significance of solidarity during times of bereavement, assured Hon. Ogbodo of his steadfast support throughout this period of mourning.

Senator Chukwu in the church during Holy Mass

Other notable personalities who came to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Angelina Nweke Ogbodo were; Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, Former Local Government Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Ikpenwa, Rector Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, Former House of Assembly Member and Commissioner, Chief Barr. Lucky Chukwu, among others.

Amidst calls for the impeachment of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo by human rights lawyer Deji Ajare, an aide to the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mohammed Yabagi, has rebuffed the notion, stating there are no grounds for such action.

Ajare had penned a letter to the Speaker, Umar Yusuf, urging him to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Ododo over allegations of misconduct and misuse of office.

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These allegations stemmed from the Governor’s alleged involvement in ferrying away the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, amidst an ongoing EFCC investigation.

Yabagi clarified that neither the Speaker nor the House had received such a letter.

He emphasized that there was no tangible evidence to support claims that Governor Ododo obstructed justice or misused state resources by assisting Bello’s departure from his residence.

“The House has not seen any reason to commence any impeachment processes,” asserted Yabagi. “There is no concrete evidence that the executive Governor prevented security agencies from carrying out their constitutional duties.”

Yabagi further underscored the Assembly’s support for all constitutionally recognized security agencies, indicating a lack of substantial grounds to warrant impeachment proceedings against Governor Ododo.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, were unsuccessful, as his contact number remained inaccessible.

As the debate over the Governor’s actions continues, the Kogi State House of Assembly is awaiting concrete evidence before considering any further action against Governor Ododo.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the money laundering charges brought against former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke.

The charges were related to the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, commonly known as the Malabu Oil deal, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Judge Inyang Ekwo upheld the “no-case submission” filed by Adoke after the conclusion of the prosecution’s case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A no-case submission requests the court to acquit the defendant without the need for them to present a defense, based on the presumption that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.

The ruling emphasized the lack of substantial evidence linking Adoke to the alleged offenses, leading to his discharge and acquittal.

However, the judge dismissed the no-case submission filed by Adoke’s co-defendant, Aliyu Abubakar, ordering Abubakar to present his defense in the trial.

This verdict aligns with a previous judgment by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, which recently cleared Adoke of involvement in the alleged fraud.

The Malabu scandal, which underpinned the charges against Adoke, revolved around the transfer of approximately $1.1 billion by Shell and ENI through the Nigerian government to accounts controlled by former Nigerian petroleum minister, Dan Etete.

A significant portion of the funds ($520 million) purportedly ended up in accounts linked to companies allegedly controlled by Aliyu Abubakar.

The dismissal of charges against Adoke underscores the complexity and scrutiny surrounding high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, while also raising questions about the adequacy of evidence and legal procedures in such prosecutions.

Today, amidst anticipation and speculation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is poised to select its gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming November 16 election.

With 171,922 certified delegates representing the 203 wards across the state, the decision carries significant weight, determining who will carry the party’s flag into the electoral contest.

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Among the aspirants vying for the APC ticket stands Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, the sole woman in the fray.

Hailing from the Arigidi Akoko area of the state, Waheed-Adekojo is a certified mechanical engineer.

Her candidacy represents a break from convention, embodying the spirit of empowered and accomplished women striving for political representation and leadership roles.

In a field dominated by male contenders, Waheed-Adekojo stands out as a symbol of resilience and determination, exemplifying the capabilities of Nigerian women in diverse spheres of society.

Her candidacy underscores the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in political decision-making processes, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for greater female participation in governance.

As delegates deliberate and cast their votes, the spotlight shines on Waheed-Adekojo as she endeavors to make history and secure the APC ticket.

Her presence in the gubernatorial race adds a dynamic dimension to the electoral landscape, offering voters an alternative choice and signaling a shift towards progressive and inclusive politics in Ondo State.

Regardless of the outcome, Waheed-Adekojo’s candidacy serves as a testament to the evolving role of women in Nigerian politics, inspiring future generations of female leaders to aspire to greater heights and pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.

Nyesom Wike’s faction in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is celebrating a resounding win with the endorsement of Amb. Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during its 98th meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The move deals a blow to the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had sought Damagum’s return as Deputy National Chairman (North) to pave the way for a North Central candidate for the National Chairman position, left vacant by Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu.

In response, Atiku’s camp regroups to strategize a new plan.

PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the NEC meeting, emphasizing the party’s unity and adherence to its constitution.

He hints at upcoming activities, including the selection of new leadership within two months.

Damagum, speaking after the NEC meeting, downplays the significance of his position, stressing his commitment to the party regardless of his role.

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The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, while reading out the resolutions from the NEC meeting, highlighted the party’s resilience and condemnations of the ruling APC’s policies and actions.

NEC demands urgent actions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address insecurity and economic challenges, while also approving party congress timetables and reconstituting disciplinary and reconciliation committees.

The meeting extends the life of the Party Constitution Amendment Committee and praises the NWC’s efforts in rebranding the party, including the adoption of a new logo.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about adherence to constitutional provisions and conventions regarding party leadership positions, with calls for reconciliation and unity within the party.

Speaking, Damagum acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2023 general elections but praises the party’s legal team and supporters for their resilience.

Tensions flared at a public gathering in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as two commissioners from the current administration engaged in a physical altercation.

Eyewitnesses recounted the shocking scene where the commissioners, both recognized figures in their respective communities, openly exchanged blows without regard for onlookers.

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An eyewitness, speaking to Daily Gazette, expressed dismay over the incident: “I witnessed the entire altercation firsthand. It was completely unexpected. I’m not privy to the cause of their altercation, but this marks the fifth time they’ve been involved in such clashes.”

The brawl reportedly unfolded amidst a gathering for the defection of individuals into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ezza North.

The intensity of the altercation left an indelible mark on bystanders and underscored the embarrassment felt by community leaders and residents of Ebonyi State.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted for his involvement in economic and financial crimes.

According to a notice released on Thursday across the commission’s official social media platforms, Bello is sought after for offenses related to economic and financial misconduct totaling N80.2 billion.

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The EFCC urged individuals with any information regarding Bello’s whereabouts to report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.

Details shortly..