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.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed frustration over the actions of some leaders who joined the party ahead of the 2023 general election and are now at odds with its leadership.

The faction specifically called out former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for their roles in the party’s internal crisis.

Following a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Otti, former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman was appointed to lead a caretaker committee for the party.

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Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, were also present at the meeting, signaling a shift in support away from Abure’s leadership.

In a statement issued by Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Abure camp expressed dismay at the situation, recalling how the party made significant sacrifices to accommodate some of these leaders when they were denied tickets in their former political parties.

Ifoh lamented that many of these individuals are now seeking to remove Abure, despite benefiting from the party’s support during the last election.

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The Abure faction also criticized the actions of Obi and Otti, accusing them of betrayal during a difficult time for the party. Ifoh emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to both leaders during the 2023 election, stating that the party fought hard to support their candidacies, even in the face of judicial and political challenges.

In response to a lawsuit filed by the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claimed in a counter-affidavit that it no longer recognizes the Abure-led leadership due to the expiration of Abure’s tenure.

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The commission also dismissed the validity of the Labour Party’s March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure as chairman.

However, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed defended the decision to replace Abure, insisting that his removal was in accordance with the party’s constitution, as his tenure had expired.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Caretaker Committee in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed urged Abure and his supporters to drop their opposition and work with the caretaker committee to rebuild the party ahead of future elections.

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Baba-Ahmed also reassured party members that there is no internal crisis within the LP and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2027 presidential election and increased representation in the National Assembly.

The leadership crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is deepening, as top officials appear divided over whether to remove the party’s Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum.

On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) met with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who indicated that Damagum’s position had become untenable and that the Northcentral zone should fill the leadership vacancy.

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This followed the party’s practice after the resignation of Bamanga Tukur, when another leader from the Northeast, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, took over as PDP National Chairman.

The NWC delegation, led by National Legal Adviser Kamaluddeen Adeyemi, included National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Vice Chairman Emmanuel Bovao.

Their discussions with Mohammed revolved around the constitutional appropriateness of Damagum’s continued stay in office and the need for the Northcentral zone to assume the chairmanship.

Meanwhile, another faction of the NWC, led by Damagum, met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan, where Makinde expressed strong support for the acting chairman.

He affirmed that he was “100 per cent” behind Damagum and the NWC’s efforts to reposition the PDP, emphasizing the need to focus on unity and the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Makinde dismissed speculation that he did not support the party’s candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, asserting his full backing for Ighodalo’s bid.

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Governor Bala Mohammed also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately planting moles within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, to fuel internal divisions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Mohammed expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges and restore unity.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is working to mediate in the internal conflicts, with Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara praising Governor Mohammed’s efforts and committing the BoT’s support in resolving the issues.

The BoT has also indicated plans to meet with the two factions in Rivers to address the ongoing leadership dispute.

Footage from the meeting

Some political parties in Enugu have signed a peace accord ahead of the local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The signing took place during a “Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Enugu State 2024 Local Government Elections” organized by ActionAid Nigeria.

Notably, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) were absent from the event.

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All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declined to sign due to the absence of the ruling party.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, highlighted the need for political parties to participate in the peace accord to ensure a peaceful election.

Speaking through the Head of Programme, Mr. Celestine Odo, Mamedu stated that efforts were being made by stakeholders like the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the Justice Development Peace Commission (JDPC) to have the remaining parties sign the accord before Friday.

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“This initiative is essential to address issues like low voter turnout and the marginalization of women and youth in local elections. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and accountable governance system,” Mamedu explained.

Prof. Christian Ngwu, Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), assured participants that the commission is fully prepared for the election, with materials ready and collaboration with security agencies in place to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, also guaranteed that law enforcement agencies would provide adequate security to protect voters and ensure a smooth electoral process.

In response, Mr. Udochukwu Egwim of the South Sahara Social Development Organization (SSDO) said IPAC is committed to ensuring all political parties sign the peace accord before election day.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced the immediate dissolution of all 44 local government caretaker committee chairmen.

This decision was confirmed in a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.

The move comes just a week after the Kano State House of Assembly approved a two-month extension for the caretaker committees, which were originally set to end on September 8.

The extension was intended to ensure the continuity of local governance until the upcoming local government elections on October 26.

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Governor Yusuf has instructed the outgoing caretaker chairmen to transfer their responsibilities to their respective Directors of Personnel Management.

The dissolution also includes vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors across all local government areas.

In his statement, Governor Yusuf thanked the caretaker chairmen for their service and contributions to local development and indicated that there may be opportunities for future collaboration.

The Nigerian Police have stepped up efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election in Edo State by conducting raids on criminal hideouts.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, who is leading the police contingent for the election, stated on Wednesday that officers have been targeting dark spots in the state capital, Benin City, to apprehend miscreants ahead of the election.

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Mba confirmed that the Edo State Command, with the support of visiting officers, has successfully arrested individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.

This comes after earlier reports that plainclothes officers had been combing areas known for harboring miscreants.

He reassured the public of the police’s readiness for the election, noting that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has deployed a sufficient number of officers.

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The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the election.

“Our task is to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a free, fair, and credible election,” Mba said. “We are working alongside sister agencies, including the Army, Navy, and other security organizations. The Army will secure border areas, the Navy will monitor waterways, and the police will oversee the state.”

In addition to the police presence, Mba announced the availability of a dedicated phone number—07025000383—where the public can report any incidents of violence or breaches of peace during the election.

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This number will be personally monitored by him or his personal assistant.

He emphasized that the ongoing raids are intelligence-driven and aimed at isolating criminal elements in the state.