Hon. John Ogbodo, newly elected Chairman of the Nkanu West Local Government Council, has issued a heartfelt message of appreciation to the residents following his victory on Saturday’s council elections.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, Ogbodo thanked the people for their overwhelming support and trust in his leadership.

He acknowledged the significant role of Governor Peter Mbah in driving the development agenda of Enugu State, highlighting the governor’s commitment to economic growth and good governance as crucial for the progress of Nkanu West.

Advertorial

Chief Ogbodo expressed his determination to align the council’s goals with the broader vision for a more prosperous state.

“I am deeply honored to have been declared the winner and returned as your Chairman-elect,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in achieving the council’s objectives.

He pledged to work diligently to meet the expectations of Ndi Nkanu West and drive the development envisioned for the area.

Ogbodo also extended his gratitude to the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to build a stronger and more progressive Nkanu West.

The South-West chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for strategic planning across its states.

Isaac Kekemeke, the APC national vice chairman for the South-West, announced this initiative during a media conference in Lagos on Friday.

He revealed that a crucial meeting will be held on October 5 in Lagos to develop strategies aimed at ensuring electoral success in 2027.

Advertorial

Kekemeke highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on future elections, stating, “While appointed and elected officials work to fulfill their mandates, our primary concern as a party is to prepare for the next election.”

Addressing the current socio-economic difficulties facing the nation, Kekemeke expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the government is committed to alleviating the hardships experienced by Nigerians.

Advertorial

“There is temporary pain and hardship, but it is essential to focus on the future and the decisions made to prevent our country from collapsing,” he said.

He praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that bold decisions taken by the government have averted potential national crises.

“Nigerians will eventually see compensation for their suffering, and it’s a matter of time,” he added.

Kekemeke urged citizens to appreciate the courageous choices made by the Tinubu administration, which he argued have been avoided for decades.

Advertorial

He pointed out that even developed nations have faced similar challenges, suggesting that Nigeria is on a path to recovery.

Lagos State APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi remarked that the upcoming meeting would serve as an essential platform for dialogue among government officials from the region.

He emphasized that the party will explore avenues to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Party chairs from Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Osun also attended the media conference.

The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has criticized former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other party leaders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, for establishing a caretaker committee to take over party leadership.

This statement, issued by National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) refusal to recognize Abure as the party’s chairman, citing that his tenure ends in June 2024.

Advertorial

In the statement, Ifoh accused Obi, Otti, and their allies of colluding with INEC to undermine the Labour Party.

He highlighted the commission’s mismanagement of the 2023 elections, questioning why those who suffered from INEC’s actions are now supporting the commission against the party’s leadership.

“Every Nigerian is aware of INEC’s failures during the 2023 general elections, which undermined the will of the people. It is puzzling that those affected are now aligning with INEC to challenge our leadership,” Ifoh stated.

Advertorial

He urged these leaders to reconsider their reliance on INEC, stating, “The same INEC that let us down in 2023 will repeat its mistakes in 2027.”

Ifoh referenced a Federal High Court ruling affirming the validity of the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi on March 26, 2024, asserting that there is currently no vacancy in the party’s leadership.

He emphasized that a new executive cannot be appointed until the next convention in 2028.

The criticism follows a recent meeting led by Governor Otti, which resulted in the formation of a 29-member caretaker committee chaired by Minister of Finance Senator Nenadi Usman.

This committee is tasked with organizing elections for new party leadership within the next 90 days, a move that the Abure camp vehemently opposes.

Senator Monday Okpebholo has emerged as a significant player in Nigerian politics, particularly following his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial race.

Born in 1970 in Uromi, Edo State, Okpebholo’s rise to political prominence is rooted in his humble beginnings and unwavering determination.

Advertorial

Growing up in a modest family, he was instilled with strong values of integrity and hard work that have guided him throughout his life.

Okpebholo received his primary and secondary education in local institutions in Uromi, which set the stage for his future academic and professional successes.

He pursued higher education at the University of Benin, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics.

His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there; he went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the same university and later earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

Advertorial

Additionally, he has received certificates in Legislative Studies and Management from reputable Nigerian institutions, highlighting his commitment to lifelong learning.

His family background has played a vital role in shaping his values and public service orientation.

Despite his political success, Okpebholo remains closely connected to his roots, drawing strength from his family’s support. He is married and the father of four children, all of whom are thriving in their respective fields, creating a family environment characterized by mutual respect and stability.

Advertorial

In his professional life, Senator Okpebholo has built a diverse business portfolio that includes ventures in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and agriculture.

His down-to-earth nature is complemented by a commitment to philanthropy, as he actively supports initiatives that empower underserved communities.

Okpebholo takes pride in his Nigerian identity, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural diversity. His journey into politics began in 2003 when he ran for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Advertorial

This victory marked the start of a dedicated political career focused on public service.

During his time in office, he has been a staunch advocate for his constituents, addressing key issues such as agriculture, rural development, and legislative reform.

His efforts have led to notable achievements in both the business and political arenas, with a focus on creating jobs and developing policies that benefit the nation.

As a devout Christian and active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Senator Okpebholo is also recognized for his charitable endeavors through the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, which provides scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training for those in need.

His philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to the well-being of others, prioritizing community welfare over personal gain.

Senator Monday Okpebholo’s journey from humble beginnings to a prominent political figure illustrates the resilience and determination inherent in the Nigerian spirit.

His dedication to public service and entrepreneurial achievements have earned him respect and admiration across the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Nkanu West local government area of Enugu state, Hon. John Ogbodo, has been declared the winner of the election held on Saturday.

The announcement was made by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC).

Hon. Ogbodo secured a total of 55,771 votes to defeat candidates of other parties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collation of results for the Edo State governorship election, held on Saturday, will commence in a few hours.

The commission stated that the process would officially begin at 10:00 am on Sunday at its headquarters in Benin, the state capital.

Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, made this known in a statement, reassuring the public that the process would be transparent.

Onuoha called for calm from political stakeholders and assured them that INEC remains committed to conducting a credible collation process.

Advertorial

“This is to inform the general public, political stakeholders, and observers that the collation of results for the ongoing Edo State governorship election will resume today, Sunday, 22nd September 2024, at 10:00 am,” the statement read.

Onuoha emphasized that INEC is strictly adhering to all legal and procedural guidelines to ensure the collation is free, fair, and transparent.

He urged all parties to maintain peace as the commission works toward delivering accurate results.

Advertorial

The announcement follows heightened tension in the state due to the delay in announcing the official results. Governor Godwin Obaseki had earlier visited the INEC office amid concerns over the delay, where he held a meeting with the REC behind closed doors.

The meeting, which lasted over an hour, also saw some All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters protesting outside the INEC office, expressing disapproval of the governor’s presence during the collation process.

Although the protest leader was later invited into the meeting, Governor Obaseki left the INEC office around 4:45 am without speaking to the press, as his security team barred journalists from approaching him.

Advertorial

Meanwhile, INEC has been actively uploading results to its online portal, the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) platform.

As of the latest report, 4,439 out of 4,519 results had been uploaded, accounting for over 96 percent of the total.

According to the results available on the IReV portal, APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo was leading in the Edo North Senatorial District, while PDP’s Asue Ighodalo was ahead in the Edo South Senatorial District.

The internal discord among governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the continued leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has intensified, with several governors publicly voicing their positions through social media and public statements.

At the heart of this divide is a brewing proxy battle between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside certain governors who are positioning themselves for political relevance beyond the 2027 elections.

Advertorial

Out of the 13 PDP governors, four — Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa) — will be completing their second terms by 2027 and are eager to secure political successors.

This has driven the desire among these governors to influence the direction of the party’s leadership ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for October 24, 2024.

Wike and his loyalists, including some governors, are pushing for Damagum to remain in office until the party’s next national convention.

Advertorial

However, Atiku’s camp seeks a chairman from the North-Central zone to replace Damagum, arguing that the position should not remain in the Northeast.

A PDP insider revealed that personal political ambitions are tearing the governors apart.

“Many of them want a party leadership that can back their political ambitions in 2027 and beyond. Governors like Makinde and Mohammed are rumored to have presidential aspirations, which adds another layer of complexity to the struggle for control.”

Advertorial

While Fintiri, Makinde, Agbu (Taraba), and Muftwang (Plateau) are leading the campaign for Damagum’s continued stay, Bala Mohammed, Adeleke (Osun), and others are calling for a replacement from the North-Central region.

Bala Mohammed recently hosted members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi, where he advocated for a new chairman from the North-Central in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Advertorial

Meanwhile, in a contrasting move, Makinde, during a meeting in Ibadan with Damagum and other NWC members, pledged his unwavering support for Damagum’s leadership.

Amidst the growing tension, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, has been engaging party stakeholders in ongoing efforts to mediate and resolve the conflict.

Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, remains optimistic, stating, “The PDP has always weathered its internal storms. We have overcome challenges before, and we will do so again. Nigerians should continue to trust in our party.”

Advertorial

As the October NEC meeting approaches, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate this leadership tussle, which could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future, especially as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, announced early Sunday morning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will protest the outcome of the just-concluded Edo governorship election.

He claimed that the results were being manipulated in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Advertorial

As journalists and party agents awaited the official announcement of the election results at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, a group of about 20 protesters stormed the entrance gate of the INEC premises.

The protesters, led by Iduoriyekemwen, expressed concerns over alleged attempts to tamper with the final results.

Iduoriyekemwen stated that the PDP was on track for victory but had received reports indicating plans to alter the results to favor the APC.

He further accused APC leader Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of engaging in illegal thumb-printing of ballot papers in an effort to narrow the PDP’s lead.

“We will not accept this; we will contest it,” Iduoriyekemwen declared around 2:27 am as he led the protest.

However, the protest was short-lived as police dispersed the demonstrators shortly after Iduoriyekemwen addressed journalists through the barricade, reaffirming PDP’s intention to challenge the election’s outcome.

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) has raised concerns over voter inducement during the September 21 Edo State governorship election.

The group revealed that there were widespread instances of vote buying and selling across several polling units, despite the heavy presence of security personnel.

Advertorial

In a statement co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, the Situation Room reported that votes were purchased for amounts ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 in multiple locations, including PU08 and PU09, Ward 2 in Owan-East LGA; PU02, Ward 2 in Etsako-West LGA; as well as polling units in Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West LGAs.

Additionally, some voters were reportedly induced with food items, such as bread.

The CSOs also acknowledged the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in vote trading at George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.

Advertorial

Despite these concerns, the Situation Room praised the overall peaceful conduct of voters and encouraged them to maintain calm throughout the electoral process.

The coalition comprises various CSOs, including Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), YIAGA Africa, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and several others dedicated to monitoring and ensuring transparency in the election process.

In a dramatic turn of events, Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin by a team of police officers led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, around 4:10 am.

Governor Obaseki had reportedly entered the INEC premises unannounced at approximately 2:00 am to protest perceived irregularities in the collation of results from several local government areas, including his own, Oredo.

Advertorial

INEC officials, however, informed him that he had no right to be there, just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had been turned away earlier. Despite this, Obaseki insisted on staying.

By 3:00 am, a joint security force, including police and soldiers, arrived on the scene. At 4:10 am, Governor Obaseki was escorted out, with security personnel urging him to leave the premises, shouting, “Leave, leave.”

Advertorial

Prior to his removal, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed the media, stating that Obaseki had no legitimate reason to be at the INEC office. Basiru accused the governor of abusing his office, noting, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here.”

Tensions further escalated around 3:30 am when APC members, led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, staged a protest demanding the governor’s exit from the INEC premises.

Advertorial

Idahosa, standing outside the gate, loudly called for Obaseki’s removal, insisting that the governor was not authorized to be present.

Protesters repeatedly tried to force their way into the INEC office, banging on the gate, but were blocked by security forces, preventing them from gaining entry.

The incident has added another layer of tension to the ongoing election process in Edo State.