Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has urged newly elected Governor Monday Okpebholo to investigate his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, following a Supreme Court judgment validating Okpebholo’s election.

On Thursday, a five-member panel led by Justice Lawal Garba determined that PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo failed to demonstrate electoral malpractices, affirming that Okpebholo was duly elected by a majority of lawful votes.

In a celebratory event marking the court’s decision, Oshiomhole urged the governor to turn his attention to Obaseki’s tenure.

“So by the time your Excellency now has time for the second rematch, Obaseki will have to come out from hiding to answer to those questions. We have come to rescue Edo, but to rescue means you must also investigate.”

He called for inquiries into large financial transactions and projects initiated under Obaseki, including the mysterious hotel reportedly funded in the tens of billions of naira.

“Now that the supreme court judgement has been made, Okpebholo now has time ‘to look at that hotel where Edo state money in tens of billions of dollars was taken’.”

Oshiomhole also urged an assessment of infrastructure quality, comparing current roads unfavorably to those built during his administration.

“…look at all the roads that were built and washed up, ‘compared to the ones I did, which are still there.’”

He appealed to Obaseki directly:

“I now challenge Obaseki to come to Edo; let us work as former governors. Let us all walk on the streets of Benin. Let’s see who did what to affect the life of the people.”

The Presidency has criticized former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, over his comments regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contribution to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s landmark 2015 election victory.

The Presidency described Mustapha’s claims as “a disservice to recent political history.”

Mr. Tope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, took to X to firmly state that President Tinubu’s influence was crucial not only to Buhari’s emergence as the APC’s presidential candidate but ultimately to his election as president.

This response followed Mustapha’s remarks during the public launch of the memoir According to Mr. President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience by Mallam Garba Shehu, where Mustapha argued that the merger which created the All Progressives Congress (APC) only contributed about 3 million votes to Buhari’s total of 15.4 million votes in 2015.

Ajayi dismissed this as “an unfortunate and revisionist take on one of the most significant political shifts in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.”

He added, “Former SGF Boss Mustapha did a disservice to our recent history with that unnecessary glib at the book launch today.”

Ajayi stressed that regardless of the outcome of the 2015 general election, Buhari would not have stood as the APC’s presidential candidate without the backing and influence of then-national party leader, Bola Tinubu.

“There is no way he [Buhari] would have won the election to be president without first becoming the presidential candidate of his party APC,” Ajayi wrote.

“General Buhari would not have won the APC primary election at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, in 2014 without President Tinubu, who mobilised the APC governors and the South West delegates to move Buhari’s way.”

Ajayi’s statement highlights the widespread view that Tinubu played a pivotal role in uniting the various factions that formed the APC and in securing Buhari’s support across the South-West, a region that had previously been difficult for Buhari to win over.

He further noted that although Buhari had a strong base in the North, where he regularly garnered 12 million votes, he lost presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before the 2015 coalition expanded his national appeal.

“Every effort and support that made it possible for President Buhari to win should never be diminished,” Ajayi emphasized, adding that Tinubu’s role in that achievement “must be recognized for what it truly was decisive.”

The 2015 election was historic, marking the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the polls in Nigeria.

The APC’s success was largely credited to the strategic merger of major opposition parties, including Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly backed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments affirming that the President of Nigeria lacks the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor.

The party dismissed the Presidency’s subsequent clarification as “a mere attempt at political correctness.”

In a strongly worded statement released by its Interim National Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC insisted that Shettima’s remarks were not a gaffe, but a bold reminder of the constitutional limits of presidential power.

“This simple truth, which is anchored in the Nigerian Constitution, must not be lost in the fog of political correctness that is currently emanating from Aso Rock,” the statement read.

“Truth does not respect political correctness, because what is wrong is wrong. What made the removal of an elected governor wrong and unconstitutional under President Jonathan in the case of Borno State, is the same that makes it wrong and unconstitutional under President Tinubu in the case of Rivers State.”

The ADC pointed to a precedent from the Goodluck Jonathan administration, when the idea of removing Shettima as governor of Borno State was raised.

Shettima himself recalled how then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, firmly opposed the move, saying the president lacked the power to remove even a councillor.

That stance was reportedly backed by the then Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke.

“According to Vice President Shettima, Tambuwal’s position was reaffirmed by the Attorney General at the time, Mohammed Bello Adoke, who also told President Jonathan that the President of Nigeria does not have the power under the constitution to remove an elected governor from office.”

ADC contrasted Jonathan’s respect for constitutional limits with what it described as Tinubu’s disregard for legal norms.

“This is not just history. It is a precedent,” the statement continued.
“But unlike Jonathan, who has been widely acclaimed as a respecter of the law, President Tinubu chose to disregard the very laws he swore to uphold and tread the path of unconstitutionality in Rivers State. The suspension of a duly elected governor is not just unconstitutional, it is also authoritarian, and a dangerous precedent if allowed to persist even for a single more day.”

Warning that executive overreach poses a threat to federalism, the party declared:

“Nigeria is not a monarchy. The powers of the President are not absolute. They are bound by law, tempered by precedent, and subject to public accountability.”

In addressing the alleged justification for federal interference in Rivers, the party drew a sharp comparison to the Boko Haram crisis that gripped the Jonathan-era government.

“For avoidance of doubts, the breakdown of law and order that the presidency has deployed as pretext to overthrow democratic order in Rivers State is nothing compared with the rampaging scourge of Boko Haram that abducted more than 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno state, slaughtered school boys in Buni Yadi, Yobe State and challenged the very sovereignty of Nigeria.”

Despite those extreme challenges, ADC noted, Jonathan still respected constitutional limits:

“Yet, in declaring a state of emergency in the affected states under these dire circumstances, President Jonathan recognized the limits of his constitutional powers, and he respected it.”

The party emphasized that Shettima’s statement at the book launch of former Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke was not a misstep, but a factual reminder of Nigeria’s legal framework:

“This was the truth that the vice president reminded us of at the book launch of a former Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke on Thursday. It was not faux pas, it was not Freudian slip, it was the truth anchored on the facts of history.”

Consequently, the ADC issued a direct demand to President Tinubu:

“In this regard, the ADC therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately restore democratic governance in Rivers State, cease illegal interference in the affairs of the state, and halt the unconstitutional actions that have upended democratic rule in that state.”

The statement concluded with a call for accountability and a public apology:

“We further demand that the President tenders an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people for this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for constitutional order that has played out under his watch.”

“The ADC will continue to stand with the Nigerian people in defence of democracy, justice, and constitutionalism.”

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, on Friday unveiled Dr. George Moghalu as the party’s official candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

The presentation took place in Onitsha during the LP campaign flag-off event, where Obi also used the platform to reiterate his 2027 presidential ambition.

He stated that he remains the most qualified among those who have so far expressed interest.

“Let me remind you that I am contesting for President in 2027, and I am serious about it,” Obi said.

“Everyone has the right to contest, but none of them has better credentials than I do. I have the backing of senators, representatives, and others who believe in my vision.”

Turning his focus to the Anambra governorship race, Obi called on the electorate to throw their weight behind Dr. Moghalu, describing him as a compassionate and capable leader.

“Governance for me is about empathy and compassion, about caring for the poor and petty traders, the same people the government taxes,” Obi stated.

“Dr. Moghalu is prepared to govern with those values in mind. I urge you to support him.”

Obi also addressed speculations about his alleged defection from LP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), making it clear that his political alliance with ADC is solely for strategic purposes in the 2027 elections.

“I remain a Labour Party member, as are all our members at both state and national levels. We are here today for this symbolic flag-off of the campaign for our LP flagbearer, Dr. George Moghalu,” he clarified.

He also praised the LP deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro, saying her selection represents the party’s vision to promote family welfare and women’s leadership.

“She is not only popular but organized,” Obi added. “We believe her presence will further enhance our commitment to caring for families.”

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Moghalu promised to lead Anambra with a sense of divine responsibility and public trust.

“If we begin to list everything we plan to do, we’ll sleep here,” he joked.

“But I can assure you that my deputy and I will serve Anambra with dedication and integrity. Children will return to school, roads will be built, agriculture will thrive, and we will not disappoint.”

On taxation, he gave assurances that his administration would adopt a humane approach, closely aligning with the party’s principles.

“People will pay taxes, but not with pestles,” Moghalu said. “We will not oppress our people. Every promise we’ve made will be fulfilled.”

Backing the campaign were Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Tony Nwonye (Anambra North), who both pledged their full support for Moghalu’s candidacy and the party’s efforts to secure victory at the polls.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has alleged that his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, targeted key members of his administration with harassment in connection to the controversial OPL-245 oil block transaction, popularly referred to as the Malabu scandal.

The former president made the accusation during the public unveiling of a memoir titled “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block,” written by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.

Jonathan, represented at the event by former Senate President Pius Anyim, recounted how officials who served under him faced intense scrutiny and persecution after his administration ended in 2015.

“Shortly after my tenure ended in 2015, the succeeding government launched what many saw as a manhunt against key officers of my administration,” Jonathan said.

“The author of this memoir, Mr. Bello Adoke, was the Attorney-General of the Federation at that time. He was hunted across the globe over the OPL-245 matter.”

“But today, he is alive, he is healthy, and he is here to tell his story. Let me, therefore, use this occasion to congratulate Mr. Bello Adoke, my friend and brother, for his doggedness, and to say that I am pleased to join you in celebrating this victory. I urge all of us to remain conscious of the fact that power belongs to God.”

Jonathan also used the platform to stress the significance of justice and integrity in governance, asserting that any nation or institution that ignores these values cannot expect peace or progress.

“I must state, as always, that it is widely acknowledged among all civilisations that any society or organisation that does not promote justice and fairness will neither have peace nor make progress,” he added.

He called on public officeholders to commit themselves to upholding truth, justice, and equity in the execution of their duties.

The Malabu oil deal, which dates back to 1998 under the Sani Abacha administration, involved the allocation of OPL-245 to Malabu Oil and Gas. In 2011, the block was sold to multinational oil firms Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion.

However, investigations later revealed that $1.1 billion of the payment was funneled through intermediaries and allegedly used to pay bribes to Nigerian politicians and government officials.

The scandal led to multiple international probes, prosecutions, and court cases involving high-ranking Nigerian officials, including Bello Adoke, whose new book offers an insider account of the controversial deal.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lauded the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as Governor of Edo State, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and the expressed will of Edo voters.

In a statement personally signed by him, Akpabio applauded the decision of the apex court, which he said reflected the transparency of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

“What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair,” he said.

Further reinforcing this view, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, issued a supplementary statement emphasizing that the judgment strengthens democratic ideals by confirming that elections must be determined at the polls.

“The declaration by the Supreme Court in favour of Senator Okpebholo against Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the legitimately and constitutionally elected governor of Edo State has proven that elections are won at the ballot and by people who have identified with the grassroots,” Akpabio was quoted as saying.

Akpabio also commended Governor Okpebholo for his governance style since taking office, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver over the course of his term.

“He’s done well in the past seven months, and I believe he will do excellently well in his four-year tenure,” he noted.

Pledging legislative support from the National Assembly, the Senate President extended his congratulations to Governor Okpebholo and promised a strong working partnership.

“I wish you success and I assure you of the Senate’s support and collaboration in ensuring the state’s progress and development. Congratulations once again, Governor Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” Akpabio said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a new online portal to streamline political party registration, following the surge of applications now totaling 129.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced in Abuja after INEC’s weekly meeting that the manual process is being replaced with a digital module within the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System (PFRAS).

He stated, “Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed.”

Olumekun added, “Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the commission is introducing a political party registration portal which is a module in our PFRAS.”

“This will make the process faster and more seamless. In the next one week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.”

He also noted further steps: “The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS.” The names of all new associations have already been uploaded to INEC’s website for public transparency.

In a separate development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a strategic meeting in Abuja to address speculations about internal rifts.

The meeting brought together all 36 state chairmen along with the FCT chairman. They reaffirmed their support for the interim leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi explained the purpose:
“We invited all the state chairmen to reassure them that we have no intention to shove them aside. The purpose is to dispel all the falsehood and rumours making the rounds that we came to hijack the party from them.” He stressed that the leaders are “partners in building a stronger political party.”

Abdullahi added, “They are leaving Abuja today more assured than ever that they are critical stakeholders in the future of the ADC.”

Addressing recent criticisms by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, who questioned the legality of the new coalition and leadership, Abdullahi maintained, “the party is on solid legal footing.”

Kingsley Ogga, Chairman of the ADC Forum of state chairmen and Kogi State party boss, confirmed united support for the interim leadership and coalition efforts.

When asked if anyone planned to step down, he replied, “Someone might feel differently, but nobody has come out to say so or go against what we are doing.”

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki says he has placed the legal outcome of the September 2024 governorship election in God’s hands, trusting divine justice will prevail.

This comment came after the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, affirming the election of APC’s Monday Okpebholo, a decision earlier upheld by the Court of Appeal.

While reacting to the apex court’s ruling, Obaseki expressed his belief that “the election was won by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo,” but said that he and his supporters are “bound by the verdict of the apex court.”

“I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party … won in the Edo State Governorship Election which took place on September 21, 2024.”

Obaseki added that despite believing the results were manipulated, he respected the judiciary system.

“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict.”

He also warned that the way the election was conducted and then judicially validated “portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.”

Nevertheless, he urged people of faith to hold onto hope and patience.

“As people of faith, we leave our matter in God’s hands, trusting that only He knows the appropriate time and manner to deliver divine justice and redemption to our people. I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland.”

A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal ruled that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to prove claims of election non-compliance and unlawful votes, concluding that Okpebholo was duly elected.

The appeal was dismissed for lacking merit.

The verdict follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s official announcement that Okpebholo won with 291,667 votes, against Ighodalo’s 247,274.

Though dissatisfied, Ighodalo acknowledged the decision publicly: “Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy.”

Meanwhile, Okpebholo extended a peace gesture to his political rivals.

“The elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin,” he said in a statement released via his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.