Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the September 21 election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a genuine representative of the aspirations of Edo State’s citizens.

He pledged to leverage his personal connections and cultural ties to rally support for the APC and its candidate.

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According to a statement from the governor’s Special Adviser, Ismaila Isah, Ododo made this commitment during a youth rally held in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The governor was welcomed by former Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, and vowed to mobilize support among the youth and women of the area for the APC’s candidate.

Ododo urged the people of Akoko-Edo to reject violence and to protect their votes in favor of the APC during the election.

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He highlighted that Okpebholo would continue the good governance established by the previous APC administration under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He further assured voters that their support would be rewarded with a government prioritizing their welfare, similar to the model he claimed was being implemented in Kogi State.

Speaking in both English and Ebira languages, the governor commended Akoko-Edo residents for maintaining peace throughout the campaign period and reiterated his confidence in the APC’s victory.

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Ahead of the final APC campaign rally in Benin City, Ododo has arrived in the Edo State capital, where he will join other party leaders to address supporters as part of their last efforts to secure a win in the upcoming election.

Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, acting chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), assumed leadership at a difficult time for the party, following its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

The party’s loss was further complicated by internal divisions, with some prominent members accused of engaging in anti-party activities.

Damagum has been criticized for his inability to discipline key figures, including current and former governors, which has stalled the party’s recovery.

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During a recent interview, Damagum reflected on the reasons behind the PDP’s continued time in opposition, which has stretched for nine years.

He attributed the party’s initial loss of power during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to the failure to manage grievances within the party when the presidency didn’t rotate as expected after President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure.

This led to key defections that weakened the party. Despite these challenges, Damagum insists that the PDP remains the strongest political force in the country.

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When asked about the 2023 election, Damagum controversially claimed that the PDP actually won, especially in key states like Yobe and Borno, where the results were allegedly manipulated.

He argued that discrepancies in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) system and delays in result announcements were indicative of foul play.

However, internal criticisms of the party have also been raised, with some figures, including Senator Dino Melaye, referring to the PDP as a “once upon a time” party.

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Damagum did not mince words in addressing this, pointing out that Melaye, who contested the Kogi State governorship election, didn’t even vote for himself, raising questions about his commitment to the party.

Despite the setbacks, Damagum remains confident in the PDP’s resilience.

He emphasized that the party still holds significant power, with 13 governors and numerous senators, while dismissing rival parties as temporary political vehicles.

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He expressed optimism that the PDP can regain its former strength and continue to be a major force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The National Assembly has extended its annual recess by an additional week, with lawmakers now set to reconvene on September 24, 2024, instead of the earlier scheduled date of September 17.

The Senate and House of Representatives had been on recess since July 23.

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The extension was communicated through separate memos issued by the clerks of both chambers, Chinedu Akubueze for the Senate and Yahaya Danzaria for the House of Representatives.

However, the memos did not provide reasons for the additional week of recess.

House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, confirmed the extension and noted that, despite the break, members had been active in fulfilling some of their legislative duties.

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According to Rotimi, lawmakers engaged with their constituents and conducted oversight functions on ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as part of their responsibilities outlined in the 1999 Constitution and House Standing Orders.

Upon resumption, the House is expected to inaugurate the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Joint Senate/House Ad Hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry Investigation on September 25, 2024.

“As the 10th Assembly resumes, it will continue to focus on its Legislative Agenda, pushing for reforms aimed at national development and serving the interests of the Nigerian people,” Rotimi said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fulfill its threat of boycotting the upcoming Edo State governorship election, set for next week.

The challenge follows a statement by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who said the PDP would withdraw from the election unless the State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner were removed from their positions.

Obaseki claimed the officials were biased and should be redeployed.

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Responding to Obaseki’s demands, Kassim Afegbua, the Director of Media for the Edo APC Campaign Council, dismissed the governor’s call as “ridiculous” and driven by frustration.

Afegbua said Obaseki’s attempts to influence the election process were self-serving and an insult to the people of Edo State.

“It’s absurd that Governor Obaseki, who isn’t even running in this election, is trying to dictate terms. He wants to handpick the officials who will oversee the election, but that’s not how democracy works,” Afegbua stated.

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“The people of Edo have full confidence in both the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police, who have been working tirelessly to ensure a free and fair election.”

Afegbua also praised the disbandment of the Edo Security Network, which had faced allegations of rogue operations in the state. “We commend the Inspector General of Police for disbanding the security outfit. This is a step toward ensuring peace and order during the election.”

The APC expressed confidence in their chances of winning the election and dismissed Obaseki’s demands as attempts to manipulate the process in favor of the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

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“The governor and his party are trying to rewrite the rules to benefit themselves,” Afegbua said. “We welcome the PDP’s boycott threat, and if they go through with it, it will only work against them. Should they decide to back down, it will further confirm their failure as politicians.”

The APC urged its members to remain calm and prepare for victory, emphasizing that elections are a democratic process to choose leaders, not a battle of self-interests.

As the Edo State governorship election approaches, the major political parties—APC, PDP, and LP—are embroiled in a fierce battle, with accusations of extensive vote-buying surfacing.

Sources indicate that the leading parties are preparing substantial financial resources to influence voters, with estimates suggesting that each vote could be priced between N15,000 and N20,000.

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Reports have also surfaced about potential attempts to collect voter cards. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been enlisted to monitor the situation closely.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, reported that both the PDP and APC have been distributing cash, food, and other items to voters.

According to Yiaga’s Media Officer, Jennifer Dafwat, incidents of vote-buying have been observed in various locations, including Uselu Market, Amiebonkhian community, and Ubiaja, where campaigners from both parties have been handing out gifts and monetary inducements.

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Samson Isibor of the Conference of Registered Political Parties condemned the practice, calling it “transactional politics” and urging voters to reject such offers.

He emphasized that vote-buying undermines democratic processes and discourages accountability from elected officials.

The PDP has accused the APC of planning to use violence and vote-buying to secure victory.

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Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, criticized the APC for relying on “federal might” rather than campaigning on issues.

PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba alleged that the APC is resorting to violence and intimidation, including the recruitment of thugs from Imo State.

In response, the APC has dismissed these allegations as baseless.

Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Publicity Director, accused the PDP of engaging in rigging and denied any involvement in vote-buying.

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Peter Uwadiae, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in Edo State, also rejected claims of vote-buying, asserting that the party is focusing on a clean election campaign.

The Labour Party, represented by Public Relations Officer Sam Uruopa, distanced itself from vote-buying, attributing the practice to the APC and PDP.

Uruopa urged INEC and security agencies to monitor the election closely to prevent electoral malpractices.

In addition, the EFCC and INEC have both issued strong warnings against vote-buying. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale emphasized that the commission will take a firm stance against all forms of electoral crime.

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INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged law enforcement to crack down on vote-buying activities and enforce the Peace Accord signed by the parties.

Amidst these developments, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has alleged that INEC may attempt to postpone the election to favor the APC.

Obaseki, who had previously refused to sign the Peace Accord, expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and vowed to resist any attempts to disrupt the election.

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With the election day drawing closer, tensions remain high as parties, candidates, and voters brace for what is expected to be a contentious and closely watched poll.