Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Thursday visited Benin City, the Edo State capital, where he urged Labour Party supporters to stand firm and vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, in the upcoming election.

Otti emphasized the importance of vigilance to ensure the people’s will is respected and their votes are protected.

During his visit, Otti engaged with the Ibo-speaking communities in Edo, calling for their full support for Akpata.

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He stated that while the Labour Party may not have the resources or firepower of other parties, it has the people on its side, which is the most important factor.

He remarked, “I am here to remind you that we are already converted. Now, it’s time to spread the message to others. This election is a game-changer for Edo State. We may not have all the weapons, but we have the people.”

Drawing on his own electoral experience in Abia, Otti advised voters to stay at their polling stations after voting to ensure the integrity of the process.

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“In Abia, we didn’t sleep for 48 or 72 hours. The saying goes, the rat doesn’t steal when the owner is awake. We must stay awake to protect our victory,” he added.

Labour Party National Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, also called on Edo citizens to cast their votes for Akpata, assuring them that voting for the Labour Party would bring the same democratic dividends that Abia State currently enjoys under Otti’s leadership.

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In his remarks, Akpata thanked Otti for his support and expressed his commitment to delivering real change for the people of Edo.

He reiterated that Otti’s presence was to inspire and rally voters for the Labour Party’s victory in the upcoming election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians to actively monitor and report any uncompleted or abandoned constituency projects in their communities, vowing to prosecute those responsible for misappropriating funds.

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the importance of community-driven anti-corruption efforts to ensure that constituency projects, which are meant to benefit local areas through infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives, are fully executed.

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Olukoyede highlighted how corruption has undermined development and eroded public trust, especially in the handling of constituency projects.

He stated that transparency is key, urging that all constituency project funds, contractors, timelines, and budgets must be made fully available to the public for monitoring.

“Corruption has hindered the development of projects that are meant to uplift local communities. We must ensure that community members are empowered to hold their leaders accountable for the implementation of these projects,” Olukoyede said.

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He further stressed that communities should play a proactive role in identifying priority projects that match their actual needs, and not ones imposed for political reasons.

He called for community members to promptly report any discrepancies or cases of corruption, promising that such reports would be swiftly investigated.

Olukoyede also underscored the need for collective action in the fight against corruption, noting that it is not solely the responsibility of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, but a task for every Nigerian.

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“The battle against corruption is not just for institutions but for every citizen and community. True integrity must be attained to effectively fight corruption,” he added.

The EFCC’s message to Nigerians is clear: stay vigilant, report misconduct, and together, ensure that constituency projects truly serve the people.

As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, former Edo North Senator, Francis Alimikhena, has rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Zibiri Muhammed, a prominent APC member in Etsako West Local Government Area, confirmed the defection, stating that Alimikhena would officially decamp at the APC’s grand finale rally at the UNIBEN sports complex, where the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, will welcome him.

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Alimikhena, who served two terms as a Senator under the APC, switched to the PDP after losing the APC primary for the Edo North senatorial ticket to Senator Adams Oshiomhole ahead of the 2023 general election.

He later contested the National Assembly election under the PDP but lost to Oshiomhole.

Alimikhena’s return to the APC is seen as a strategic move ahead of the crucial gubernatorial polls in Edo State.

A Kano State High Court, led by Chief Judge Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has issued an interim injunction barring the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out any renovation works on the Nasarawa mini palace.

The Emir had been conducting court sessions at the palace since his return to Kano after the emirates were dissolved.

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The suit, filed by the Kano State Government, the Attorney General of the state, and the Kano Emirate, names Emir Bayero as the sole defendant.

The court order instructs all parties to maintain the status quo concerning the palace’s structural and architectural integrity until the case is resolved.

In the interim ruling, Justice Aboki stated: “An order of interim injunction is hereby made, restraining the defendant, his agents, or anyone acting on his behalf from demolishing, renovating, repairing, or reconstructing the Gidan Sarki Nasarawa property situated along State Road, Kano, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

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The plaintiffs’ case is supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit filed by Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, known as Matawallen Kano.

The court has also instructed that the Emir be served with legal documents through substituted means.

The case is scheduled for hearing on October 2, 2024.

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Illiya Damagum, has made a bold declaration ahead of the September 21 Edo governorship election, stating that PDP members will defend their votes with everything, including their blood, if necessary.

Damagum made this statement at the grand finale of the PDP’s campaign rally, where he also presented the party’s flag to its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

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Addressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Damagum warned against any late-night announcement of results, vowing that PDP members would remain vigilant throughout the process.

“We don’t want midnight results,” he said. “We know they may attempt to rig the election, but this is not a threat—we are serious, and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.”

He called on PDP supporters to turn out in large numbers to vote and ensure that the integrity of the electoral process is upheld.

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Damagum emphasized that the Edo election would be a crucial test for Nigeria’s democracy, warning of potential consequences if the process is compromised.

The Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, also delivered a strong message, saying that no one would intimidate the party.

“We know how to win elections, and no one will rig us out. Edo is the cradle of civilization in Nigeria, and we must not settle for less.”

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Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s governorship candidate, expressed his commitment to continuing the developmental efforts initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki, stating that his administration would build on the existing foundation.

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, also addressed the crowd, encouraging voters to turn out in large numbers, protect their votes, and ensure they are counted.

He remarked that just like in 2016, “Edo will not be Lagos.”

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The event was attended by prominent party members, including governors, members of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, as well as members of the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Benin City, Edo State, for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grand finale rally ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

Accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Atiku is set to lead the final push for the PDP’s campaign.

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On Saturday, Atiku, along with several PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other key national figures, paid a visit to Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, at his residence in Benin City.

The visit was part of the party’s efforts to garner support and mobilize voters for the upcoming election.