President Bola Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship election to respect the democratic process and honor the will of the voters.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged candidates, political parties, and their supporters to allow the electorate to freely choose their leaders.

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“President Tinubu believes in the ability of the people of Edo State to make informed choices about their future leaders and encourages all parties to uphold the integrity of the democratic process,” the statement read.

He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to maintain impartiality, ensuring that the election is free, fair, and transparent.

Tinubu urged all candidates to conduct themselves with peace and respect throughout the electoral process.

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The President further emphasized that democracy flourishes through civility, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.

He acknowledged the efforts of the governorship candidates and political parties, commending their issue-based campaigns that focused on critical areas such as economic development and improving the livelihoods of the people of Edo State.

Tinubu encouraged the citizens of Edo State to remain peaceful and use lawful channels to address any grievances that may arise during the election.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has announced that the Senate will amend the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.

Akpabio made this known on Thursday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, while addressing a group of loyal All Progressives Congress (APC) members affiliated with Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, a former interim national secretary of the party.

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It should be recalled that the Supreme Court had recently granted autonomy to all 774 local government areas in the country, following a case filed by the federal government against state governors.

A statement from Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted the Senate President saying, “I commend President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to ensure local government autonomy through the Supreme Court’s intervention. Under my leadership, the Senate will work on amending the constitution to ensure that this judgment is fully implemented without leaving room for manipulation by those involved.”

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President Bola Tinubu is set to introduce a new Ministry of Livestock Development, along with a possible cabinet reshuffle, following the submission of a detailed report from the Livestock Reforms Committee.

The 152-page document, outlining strategic goals for the livestock sector over the next decade, was presented to the President on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.

Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chair of the committee, handed over the report to Tinubu and later briefed State House correspondents.

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He highlighted the committee’s recommendation to establish a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which would oversee the implementation of reforms in the sector.

Jega stressed that the report serves as a significant step toward addressing the major challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock industry and provides a clear framework for the creation of the new ministry.

Ahead of the 2024 Edo governorship election set for Saturday, nine political parties have merged with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a show of support for the party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Chief Sam Arase, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), made this announcement on behalf of the Assembly of Registered Political Parties in Edo State.

The parties that have collapsed into APC include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

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They cited their preference for the APC candidate and expressed confidence in his chances of winning the election.

In their joint statement, the parties called for a peaceful election and urged the citizens of Edo State to turn out in large numbers to vote.

They also instructed their members to actively support the election of Senator Okpebholo as the next governor of Edo State.

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Seventeen political parties are officially participating in the governorship election, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, with the results expected to follow the completion of voting.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received several petitions from groups across Nigeria, requesting the recall of their federal and state lawmakers.

This comes as INEC also unveiled revised Regulations and Guidelines for recalling lawmakers, including councillors in the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, shared this update in a statement following a management meeting on Thursday.

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He emphasized that some groups had even asked INEC to initiate the recall process on their behalf.

Olumekun clarified that the recall process is initiated by voters in a constituency, not the commission.

INEC’s role is to implement the process in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, as outlined in Sections 69, 110, and 160 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and Sections 2(c) and 113 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

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INEC has published a detailed 10-page document on its website and social media platforms to guide constituents on the recall process.

Olumekun encouraged voters interested in recalling their representatives to follow the steps outlined in the revised regulations before submitting petitions to the commission.

The race to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State has drawn significant attention as three main candidates vie for the top position: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

While 18 political parties are technically in the contest, only these three candidates are considered serious contenders.

The political atmosphere is charged, with the legacies of past administrations and local issues, such as infrastructure and public welfare, playing a significant role in shaping voter opinions.

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Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer and financial expert, is not a traditional politician but has been closely aligned with Obaseki’s administration, similar to how Obaseki was linked with former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

On the other hand, Monday Okpebholo, an experienced grassroots politician, is seen as a strong force within his party, APC, and is particularly popular in the state’s Central District, which he currently represents in the Senate.

Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, brings the influence of his illustrious family and his personal legal credentials to the race.

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However, he faces challenges due to the relative weakness of his Labour Party platform, despite his popularity among youth voters.

The upcoming election is also seen as a rematch of sorts between two powerful figures, Oshiomhole and Obaseki, who have been at odds since the latter defected to the PDP and retained power in 2020.

The election has also sparked debate over security concerns, with both major parties expressing doubts about the neutrality of local security forces.

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The language used by the candidates—whether corporate and technocratic from Ighodalo or grassroots-focused from Okpebholo—has also been a point of discussion among analysts. Despite this, vote-buying is not expected to be a decisive factor.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Owan, Edo State, has suffered a significant setback with the defection of three-term member and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Omon Ezomon.

Ezomon, who represented Owan West Constituency from 1999 to 2007, cited internal discord and marginalization within the PDP as his reason for leaving the party.

In a formal letter dated September 16, 2024, addressed to the PDP Ward 5 Chairman in Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West Local Government Area, Ezomon announced his resignation, which he said was effective immediately.

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The former lawmaker expressed disappointment over being sidelined from key decision-making processes at the ward, local government, and state levels, despite his long-standing contributions to the PDP.

Ezomon, who rose to prominence within the party and served as Deputy Speaker during his tenure in the House of Assembly, lamented the loss of influence he has faced in recent years.

He pointed to the growing control of “newcomers” in the party, which he believes has undermined his political legacy and diminished his role within the PDP.

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Reflecting on his decision to leave the PDP, Ezomon underscored the persistent internal strife and unresolved conflicts that have weakened the party’s structure, particularly ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial elections.

He criticized the party’s leadership for failing to foster unity, warning that this disunity could have negative consequences for the PDP’s electoral chances.

In his resignation letter, Ezomon expressed sadness over the current state of the party, noting that ongoing factionalism had made it impossible for him to continue with the PDP.

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“For my peace of Mind and wellbeing, I have chosen to walk away,” Ezomon stated, adding that his departure was the result of “considerable reflection” and consultations with his supporters.

While Ezomon expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him over the years, he left the door open for future political moves, with speculation already growing about a potential realignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Ezomon’s exit is expected to further weaken the PDP’s influence in Owan, where the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, continues to exert influence.

In the lead-up to the September 21st, 2024, local government elections in Enugu State, the Labour Party (LP) in Oji-River Local Government Area (LGA) has expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government for its efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process but also raised serious concerns regarding potential malpractice.

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In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Labour Party in Oji-River, Dr. McGinger Nonso Ibeneme, the party commended Governor Peter Mbah for the signing of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Bill and the funding of the electoral process.

These actions, they noted, reflect a strong commitment to democracy and electoral transparency.

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However, Dr. Ibeneme raised concerns regarding the political affiliations of the Returning Officer and the Electoral Officer appointed for Oji-River LGA.

The Labour Party claimed that these officers are card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which could compromise their impartiality in the election.

While acknowledging this concern, the Labour Party expressed optimism that the officers would carry out their duties with integrity, in line with the ENSIEC law.

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More troubling for the Labour Party are allegations of a plot by certain PDP members to undermine the election.

According to the statement, these individuals are reportedly planning to hijack sensitive electoral materials and ensure that the official result sheets are not distributed to all 20 Wards and 175 Polling Units in the LGA.

Dr. Ibeneme called on ENSIEC to address these concerns and ensure transparency in the distribution of electoral materials.

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Additionally, the Labour Party raised an issue regarding the relocation of a polling unit named Cattle Market Nomadic School II (14-14-05-011), located in Ugwuoba Ward I. The party claimed that this polling unit was unlawfully moved to a private property during the last general election.

The party has petitioned ENSIEC to restore the polling unit to its original location at the Cattle Market to avoid any legal infractions.

In light of these concerns, the Labour Party emphasized the need for vigilance and called on ENSIEC to ensure the proper deployment of election materials.

Party agents, the statement said, will carefully audit the election materials at various locations to prevent irregularities.

Dr. Ibeneme also appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army in Oji-River, to act professionally and ensure that the election is peaceful and transparent.

The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding electoral rules and called for a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the people of Oji-River.