The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained its refusal to sign the National Peace Accord for the upcoming September 21 governorship election, citing concerns of bias by the police.

Despite being present at the event, PDP State Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate Asue Ighodalo chose not to sign the accord, alongside representatives from 17 other political parties.

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Earlier, Governor Godwin Obaseki had hinted at the possibility of the PDP pulling out of the peace agreement.

He accused the police of working in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing to the recent arrest of 10 PDP leaders who were seen as key figures ahead of the election.

According to Obaseki, this demonstrated that the police, under APC influence, were biased from the outset, making it impossible for the PDP to sign an agreement overseen by a partial umpire.

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Aziegbemi echoed this sentiment, questioning the validity of signing a peace accord while several PDP members remained in detention without trial.

He further criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing him of unprecedented bias and demanding the withdrawal of external police forces currently operating in Edo State.

Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the Peace Accord Committee, emphasized that the purpose of the peace accord was to ensure a peaceful, hate-free, and violence-free election, where candidates respect the outcome as long as it is deemed fair and credible.

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He urged all parties to prioritize the interest of Edo State’s people above individual ambitions, stressing that peace is crucial for the state’s progress.

In response to the PDP’s concerns, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured all stakeholders that the police would remain impartial, professional, and committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.

He called on all parties to embrace peace and respect the democratic process, ensuring a credible and fair election where voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

The chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerns about the country’s current state of affairs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a recent meeting held in Abuja, the APC States Chairmen’s Forum resolved to seek an audience with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and President Tinubu to address pressing issues affecting the nation.

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Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Secretary of the APC States Chairmen’s Forum and Chairman of the Cross River State APC, told reporters after the meeting that Nigerians are facing challenges related to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, fuel price hikes, increased electricity tariffs, and other issues.

Ogar, flanked by acting forum chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and other state chairmen, emphasized that the forum aims to discuss these matters privately with the federal government and the NWC.

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He stated, “The Forum of APC States Chairmen met to discuss concerns regarding the party’s democratic values and the success of our APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. We have resolved to hold closed-door meetings with the NWC and government to address the situation in the country.”

Responding to questions about the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, Ogar acknowledged the complaints and assured that the forum would engage the federal government to find solutions. He added that it would be premature to comment further until those discussions are held.

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The chairmen also addressed internal party matters, including the extension of the caretaker committee of the Rivers State APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha.

The forum believes that this decision by the NWC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, will strengthen the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

The forum further praised the performance of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the FCT, highlighting his achievements in security, infrastructure, and human capital development.

However, they declined to comment on whether non-performing ministers should be removed from office.

Kano State Governor Kabiru Abba Yusuf has ordered the immediate closure of bank accounts belonging to all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

The directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House, involving the Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service and the heads of various MDAs.

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Governor Yusuf stated that the decision aims to ensure proper accounting and utilization of government revenues, emphasizing the need for transparent financial management to foster the state’s development.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a lower court’s order that had prevented Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with Celestine Omehia, a former Rivers Governor, and Austin Opara, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, from participating in PDP meetings.

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In a unanimous decision by a three-judge panel, the appellate court found the appeals filed by the three PDP members to be valid.

The court ruled that the Federal High Court’s order, which had barred Secondus, Omehia, and Opara from attending the PDP’s National Executive Committee meetings or engaging in its deliberations, was issued in error.

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The Court of Appeal determined that decisions regarding party membership and participation in meetings are internal matters for the political party to resolve.

It emphasized that such issues are not subject to judicial review, deeming them outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Consequently, the Appellate Court nullified the Federal High Court’s proceedings and the restraining orders issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo on April 5.