Political leaders from Ogoni and Oyigbo, Rivers State, have united to demand a power shift to their region in the upcoming 2027 governorship election.

During a meeting at Tai, the Ogoni/Oyigbo Peoples Assembly, which included cross-party leaders such as Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Magnus Abe, and Chief Victor Giadom, resolved to push for a governorship candidate from their area.

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The assembly was organized to discuss the future of the region’s political standing and to strategize for the post-Governor Siminalayi Fubara era.

The leaders criticized the current governor’s fallout with his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and expressed their continued support for Wike’s leadership.

Senator Mpigi, reading a communique after the meeting, called for political parties to back a candidate from the Ogoni/Oyigbo area, as they are part of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, which has yet to produce a governor.

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He emphasized that their region is prepared to take on the leadership role and will actively pursue the governorship seat in the 2027 election.

The leaders also expressed appreciation for Wike’s role in uniting Ogoni and Oyigbo people and reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, calling for his re-election in 2027 to continue his economic reforms.

Mpigi and other leaders commended Wike’s achievements both as a governor and in his current role as FCT minister.

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The assembly also issued a warning to Chief Edwin Clark, urging him to refrain from making divisive remarks about Wike.

They accused Clark of prioritizing Ijaw interests at the expense of other ethnic groups in Rivers State and called for unity among the people of the state.

In addition, the assembly threw its support behind the Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 27 lawmakers, condemning the actions of caretaker committees in local governments as wasteful.

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The leaders expressed confidence in their capacity to unite with other ethnic groups within Rivers State, including the Ikwerre, Orashi, Etche, and Ijaw communities, to ensure their candidate’s victory in 2027.

They declared that this is their moment to fight for the development, education, and empowerment of their people and secure the governorship seat.

The meeting ended with a call for unity and peace, stressing that the Ogoni and Oyigbo regions are determined to play a significant role in shaping the political future of Rivers State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remove the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

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Both Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP leadership have raised concerns about Onuoha’s ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suggesting that this connection could compromise the election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP’s Edo State Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemhin, formally escalated the issue by submitting a protest letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, asking for Onuoha’s immediate redeployment.

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The letter highlighted Onuoha’s previous role as Commissioner and Special Adviser under Wike’s administration when he was Rivers State governor, as well as their familial relationship.

Wike, during a televised interview, acknowledged the family link but defended Onuoha’s ability to carry out his duties impartially.

INEC, however, firmly rejected the PDP’s request, stating that the election would be managed transparently and according to the law.

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Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, responded by urging the PDP to focus on the electoral process rather than the REC.

He emphasized that the election results would be declared at polling units by Presiding Officers in the presence of party agents and observers.

Oyekanmi reassured the public that INEC would ensure a level playing field for all candidates.

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INEC also reiterated that it does not rig elections, citing its successful handling of previous governorship elections in Edo State in 2016 and 2020.

The commission promised to conduct a transparent election, with results visible on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for public accountability.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for calm ahead of the election.

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IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged stakeholders to view the election as a democratic process, not as a battleground, and to prioritize peace and fairness during the exercise.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has issued a legal warning to Anthony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, over claims that he and the Department of State Services (DSS) are involved in plans to rig the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Aziegbemi alleged in a public statement titled “Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move To Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered” that Ribadu authorized the release of $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to buy votes and bribe security officials.

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Ribadu’s legal team, represented by Charles Musa and Co., described these accusations as false and defamatory.

In a letter signed by Marian Aigbedion on behalf of the law firm, they condemned the claims, stressing that Ribadu’s integrity and dedication to fighting corruption were being unfairly attacked.

The letter read, “Your statement falsely alleges that $2 million was ordered by the NSA for vote-buying. This baseless accusation has severely harmed our client’s reputation, portraying him as a supporter of corruption, which is completely at odds with his record of service, particularly as the former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

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The NSA’s lawyers demanded an immediate apology from Aziegbemi and a full retraction of the statement across various media platforms.

They also called for N10 billion in damages for the harm caused to Ribadu’s reputation.

The letter further outlined the demands: an apology, the retraction to be published in at least five national newspapers, prominent online platforms, television channels, and radio stations, as well as payment of the N10 billion compensation.

The legal team warned that failure to meet these demands within seven days would result in a lawsuit.

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Ribadu, a respected figure in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, insists that the accusations are completely unfounded and have caused significant reputational damage.

Ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for September 21, 2024, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated that quasi-security outfits will not be permitted to participate in election security.

Speaking during the Edo Election Security Townhall, hosted by Channels Television in collaboration with Kimpact Development Initiative and the UK International Development, the IGP emphasized the impartiality and professionalism of the police force during the election.

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“We will provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates,” Egbetokun stated, adding that only the police and other recognized security agencies will be deployed for election duties.

He warned against the use of violence, stressing that any individuals found with offensive weapons would be treated as armed criminals.

The IGP’s stance effectively bars organizations such as the Edo State Security Network and other private-run security outfits from being involved in election security on the day of the polls.

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Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba supported the IGP’s comments, highlighting that, according to the Electoral Act, vigilantes and other non-official security personnel are prohibited from taking part in elections.

He affirmed that any quasi-security officers attempting to operate during the election will face arrest.

Tensions in Edo State have been running high in recent months, with 95 reported cases of violence, including 35 incidents of electoral-related violence, recorded since January.

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In a significant move last week, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign a peace accord that was agreed upon by 16 other political parties contesting the election.

The upcoming election is widely seen as a competitive three-horse race, with Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) as the leading candidates.

Akpata, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, will face off against Ighodalo, a former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, who has received the backing of current governor Godwin Obaseki.

The governor notably overlooked his deputy, Philip Shaibu, while Shaibu and former governor Adams Oshiomhole have thrown their support behind Okpebholo.

Over 2.6 million registered voters across 18 local government areas in Edo State are expected to participate in this off-season election, one of eight such elections held due to legal disputes and court rulings, alongside states like Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ondo.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s disconnection from the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, the group criticized the President for failing to lead by example, despite his frequent calls for prudence and sacrifice.

CUPP specifically called out the President’s use of a large convoy during a recent visit to Lagos, describing it as a glaring contradiction to his public appeals for austerity.

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“This extravagant display highlights a troubling pattern where Tinubu’s defenders refuse to admit any wrongdoing, no matter how blatant,” the statement read.

The political group noted that the convoy incident came shortly after Tinubu had urged the country to tighten its belt.

CUPP suggested that had his supporters been more critical, perhaps the inclusion of SUVs for the First Lady in the President’s inaugural budget could have been avoided.

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The group argued that government agencies could have easily provided a vehicle if needed, making this budget allocation unnecessary.

CUPP also criticized the President’s decision to purchase a private jet, labeling it as another example of his disregard for public perception.

According to the group, such actions further alienate Tinubu from the struggles of the Nigerian populace, eroding trust in his leadership and the reforms he seeks to implement.

“At least 80% of the population faces daily hardship, yet the President seems oblivious to these struggles,” the statement continued.

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CUPP stressed that while Tinubu consistently speaks about difficult reforms and tough decisions, his unwillingness to make personal sacrifices undermines the legitimacy of his leadership.

The coalition urged the President to demonstrate empathy and share in the burden of reform if he expects citizens to continue enduring the economic difficulties.

“Leadership by example is essential, especially when asking citizens to bear the weight of tough decisions,” CUPP remarked.

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CUPP concluded by warning that the disconnect between Tinubu’s words and actions could lead to widespread disillusionment.

They called on the President to reconnect with the Nigerian people, emphasizing that only by doing so can he restore trust and foster the support needed to address the country’s pressing challenges.

The statement reiterated that Nigerians are grappling with significant issues, from economic instability to poor infrastructure, and need a leader who understands these difficulties.

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CUPP emphasized that effective leadership requires empathy, the ability to listen, and a commitment to improving citizens’ lives—qualities they believe Tinubu has yet to demonstrate.