A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) polling and collation agents to participate in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order after the APC filed a suit challenging INEC’s decision to exclude its agents from the election process.

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The court instructed INEC to temporarily accept and process the APC’s list of agents for the election.

In the suit No. FHC/AB/CS/1326/2024, APC’s legal team, led by Abdulghani Arobo with Ayodele Toe and Ayodeji Ibekunle, argued for the inclusion of their agents in the electoral process.

Justice Nwite’s ruling prevents INEC from barring the APC agents from official duties until the court reviews the matter further.

The case has been adjourned to September 18, 2024.

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“An interim injunction is hereby granted to restrain INEC from denying the APC’s polling and collation agents their official tags and full participation in the Edo governorship election. INEC is directed to temporarily issue customized tags with the names and details of the APC’s agents for the election, pending the determination of the motion on notice.” Justice Nwite rules.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and General Aliyu Gusau on Sunday held a strategic meeting with ex-Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

Obasanjo, who arrived at Minna International Airport around 4:30 p.m. aboard a Gulfstream 5 aircraft, proceeded directly to IBB’s residence.

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There, he was joined by Abdulsalami and Gusau for a closed-door meeting that lasted approximately one hour.

According to sources familiar with the visit, the meeting may have focused on pressing national issues, particularly the economic challenges currently facing the country.

However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the specific details of the discussions.

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A source explained, “It’s likely that the meeting was centered on national matters, especially the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians. But I can’t confirm the exact topics discussed.”

Obasanjo, accompanied by a 10-member delegation, departed Minna shortly after the meeting, leaving around 6:20 p.m.

The gathering of these elder statesmen has sparked speculation about their concerns over Nigeria’s ongoing challenges.

Opunabo Inkor Tariah, former Media Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s chances of winning a second term in 2027 are solid, should he choose to contest.

Reacting to Wike’s recent criticism, Opunabo highlighted the widespread support Fubara enjoys, largely due to his development projects in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

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He emphasized that no one, including Wike, can prevent Fubara from securing re-election.

“Power belongs to God,” Opunabo noted, adding that just as Wike and Amaechi served two terms, it is only fair for Fubara to do the same.

He further criticized Wike’s accusation of Fubara being “lawless” and ignoring the presidential peace accord, calling the arrangement biased and tailored to benefit Wike more than the state.

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While acknowledging that Fubara has shown gratitude for Wike’s role in his election, Opunabo maintained that Fubara would not be controlled or forced to cater to Wike’s interests.

“Governor Fubara will not compromise the state’s finances to satisfy anyone,” he said.

Opunabo’s statements come amidst rising tensions between Wike and Fubara, with Wike stating that he would never back Fubara’s re-election campaign.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called on the Federal Government and relevant institutions to ensure that the upcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.

In an interview, Chief Anyaoku emphasized the importance of credible elections, noting that both the Nigerian public and the international community are closely observing how the elections are handled.

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With the Edo election set for September 21 and Ondo’s scheduled for November 16, Anyaoku urged key agencies, including INEC and security forces, to meet public expectations by adhering to constitutional principles, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a transparent electoral process.

“The international community is watching Nigeria,” Anyaoku stated.

“The credibility of these elections will shape the way Nigeria is viewed on the global stage.”

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He praised INEC for its previous successes in conducting elections and encouraged the commission to maintain impartiality and transparency.

“INEC has done well in the past, but the integrity of these elections will depend on the fairness and impartiality it demonstrates,” Anyaoku remarked.

Furthermore, Anyaoku stressed that how the elections are conducted will significantly impact Nigeria’s reputation in the international community, urging the government to consider the global implications of its actions.

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He also addressed the rising insecurity in the country, calling for a holistic approach to tackling violence and stressing the need for a return to true fiscal federalism as a solution for Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, announced on Sunday that aspirants who purchased nomination forms for the upcoming local government elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but did not emerge as candidates will start receiving refunds on Monday.

The governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, made this known in a statement issued to journalists in Owerri.

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According to the statement, Governor Uzodimma, after attending a Sunday Mass at the Government House Chapel, assured that refunds would be processed for those who applied for councillorship or chairmanship positions but were unsuccessful in securing party tickets for the September 21, 2024, local elections.

“The governor confirmed that only the amounts spent on the purchase of forms will be refunded, excluding any unofficial expenses such as those spent on consultations,” the statement read.

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Uzodimma encouraged aspirants to remain committed to the party’s unity, urging them to prioritize the APC’s and Imo State’s overall interests above personal ambitions.

Additionally, he reassured the public that the Imo State Electoral Commission (ISIEC) would proceed with the elections as planned on September 21, 2024.