Erelu Kemi Elebute-Hally, the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for the Action Democratic Party (ADP), along with several national leaders from the defunct Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), has officially merged their political structures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During a meeting held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed the defectors and assured them of equal opportunities within the party.

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He noted the significance of Elebute-Hally’s experience as a former gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti State, stating it would be invaluable to the party.

Elebute-Hally expressed that her decision to join the APC was motivated by a desire to support President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, which she acknowledged might be challenging in the short term but would ultimately yield positive results.

She emphasized that the decision to defect was a well-considered one, stating, “We have been deliberating on this matter for two years and officially defected on October 7 this year.”

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She also highlighted that the defection encompassed not just members of the ADP, but also those from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the PPA.

Additionally, Mohammed Inua Haruna, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PPA, mentioned that despite their national chairman’s previous defection to another party, the remaining national and state structures had empowered him to seek a suitable party for their continuation.

The House of Representatives has successfully passed the second reading of a bill aimed at amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to allow for independent candidacy.

The legislation, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represents the Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency.

This significant bill, a legacy initiative from previous assemblies, was reintroduced after its initial reading on September 26, 2024.

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During discussions on the bill, Rep. Akin Rotimi highlighted the need to enhance political participation by allowing individuals to run for office independently.

“This legislative effort is crucial for the ongoing development of our democracy. It acknowledges the constitutional importance of giving citizens the opportunity to contest for public office without party affiliation, thus promoting greater inclusivity,” he stated.

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The bill’s advancement follows the procedural guidelines outlined in Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order One, Rule 1(2) of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, emphasizing the House’s commitment to a comprehensive legislative review.

After the plenary session, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode, Founder of ElectHER, praised the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill as a vital and progressive step forward.

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She expressed excitement over the National Assembly’s unity in backing the bill, highlighting their commitment to a legislative agenda focused on inclusivity.

Ms. Faborode noted that the bill’s progress in the 10th Assembly represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria, with the potential to profoundly impact the future of its democratic landscape.

She also confirmed ElectHER’s ongoing collaboration with Rep. Akin Rotimi’s office to advocate for public awareness and engagement in support of the bill’s eventual passage.

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The bill has now been referred back to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further thorough examination and legislative action.

Labour Party (LP) members are celebrating following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to invite the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, to participate in a consultative meeting with other political parties.

This move comes after INEC complied with a court ruling affirming Abure as the legitimate chairman of the party.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement released on Thursday, commended INEC for adhering to the Federal High Court order that recognized Abure’s leadership.

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Ifoh expressed the party’s appreciation for INEC’s decision, marking a significant step in restoring the rightful leadership of the Labour Party.

Ifoh stated, “INEC has finally complied with the court order that mandates recognition of Barrister Julius Abure as the rightful leader of the Labour Party.”

He further explained that INEC’s letter, signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, invited Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim to a meeting with other political parties.

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This follows the ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered on October 8, 2024, which upheld the validity of the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024.

The court ruling also compelled INEC to recognize the leadership of the party under Abure and grant them the privileges accorded to the National Working Committee.

After the meeting with INEC, Labour Party National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s compliance.

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He acknowledged that while the party had previously been excluded from engagements, it was now fully reinstated alongside the other 18 political parties.

Ibrahim stated, “With the leadership issue resolved, we are now ready for the remaining political activities, including preparations for the Anambra governorship election.”

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He urged party members to unite under Abure’s leadership and put the past behind them, referring to the recent internal conflicts as a “family affair.”

He emphasized the importance of rebuilding the party, calling for collective efforts to strengthen its foundation.

“There is no victor or vanquished in this situation,” Ibrahim said.

“We are all winners, and the focus should now be on achieving the goals of the Labour Party.”

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The party’s leadership expressed optimism about moving forward and regaining its position on the political landscape with a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra State governorship election for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja on Thursday.

Yakubu explained that the date was set in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to issue a notice of elections at least 360 days before the election.

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He noted that the last governorship election in Anambra was held on November 6, 2021, and that it is now time to prepare for the next election.

“Consequently, the Commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025,” Yakubu stated.

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According to the INEC timetable, the official notice of the election will be published on November 13, 2024.

Party primaries will take place between March 20 and April 10, 2025, while the portal for candidate nominations will open on April 18 and close on May 12, 2025.

The final list of candidates is expected to be released on June 9, 2025, with campaigns officially starting two days later, on June 11.

Campaigning will continue until November 6, 2025, just two days before the election.

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Yakubu also mentioned that voting will occur across all 5,720 polling units in the state, and that further details on electoral activities, including voter registration, transfer processes, and replacement of PVCs, will be shared soon.

The Chairman urged political parties to align their timetables with INEC’s schedule to ensure smooth coordination for monitoring primaries and campaign activities.

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In addition, Yakubu provided updates on the Ondo governorship election, noting that INEC has completed 10 out of 13 scheduled activities for that election.

The remaining tasks include publishing the notice of poll, the final campaign day, and election day.

He also highlighted the commencement of PVC distribution in Ondo State following the most recent voter registration exercise.

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Meanwhile, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, emphasized the need for INEC to improve its performance in the upcoming Ondo State election.

He called on all stakeholders to participate in voter education, ensure a transparent election process, and alleviate the hardships faced by many Nigerians to boost voter participation.

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Dantalle urged political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid divisive politics, stressing the importance of credible, peaceful elections that meet international standards.

Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have vowed to invoke the provisions of the 1999 Constitution against 25 former Assembly members, including embattled Martin Amaewhule.

The legislators accused the former members of undermining the integrity of the House by defecting to another political party, a move which they argue disqualifies them from holding their seats.

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In a motion presented by the House Leader, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, he cited Section 99 of the Constitution, urging the House to take immediate action against the former lawmakers for their defection.

Sokari called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize bye-elections to fill the vacant seats of the former members.

Adopting the motion, Deputy Speaker Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha insisted that the House must hold the former members accountable if they continued to act as lawmakers.

Speaker Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo also criticized INEC for failing to conduct the bye-elections, despite multiple requests made by the Assembly in December 2023 and May 2024. He urged INEC to act swiftly to ensure the constituencies are represented.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has approved Governor Fubara’s request to appoint five new special advisers.

The appointments, which are intended to accelerate the state’s development, were endorsed during the House’s 64th legislative sitting.

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In related news, a political group, The Supreme Council for SIM Worldwide, has accused supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of stirring up political unrest in Rivers State.

Former NDDC Acting Managing Director, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in Wike, arguing that his actions could undermine the peace in Rivers State.

The group accused Wike of inciting tensions in the state, despite having served as governor for eight years.

They urged the people of Rivers to resist any attempts by a few individuals to manipulate state resources for personal gain.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is deliberately fueling internal divisions within opposition political parties to maintain control of the country beyond the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the flag-off campaign for the NNPP’s Ondo State governorship candidate, Olugbenga Edema, in Akure on Thursday, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed accused the APC of orchestrating crises in opposition parties to weaken their structures and disrupt plans for a potential merger to challenge the ruling party.

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“The APC is working hard to ensure it wins the 2027 general election, and there is clear evidence that they are meddling in the affairs of other parties,” Ahmed stated.

He called on opposition parties to safeguard their unity and integrity to remain a formidable force against the APC before and after the next elections.

Ahmed further revealed that the NNPP is open to forming alliances with other opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 polls, stressing that the APC must be ready to hand over power after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.

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“We are ready to collaborate with other political parties in any coalition effort that may arise ahead of the elections,” he added.

He urged Ondo State voters to rally behind Edema, describing him as a committed party loyalist with policies designed to address the economic challenges and hardships caused by the APC government.

Olugbenga Edema, the NNPP governorship candidate, also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and transparent election, warning against any manipulation of results similar to what the party alleged occurred in Edo State.

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“INEC must provide a level playing field for all parties. The people of Ondo State are highly enlightened, and we will protect our votes,” Edema declared.

He also cautioned the electoral body to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandates that vote counting should be done at the polling units, warning that any attempt to manipulate results in Ondo will not be tolerated.