Politics
2023: INEC Chairman Denies Plan To Contest Presidency

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Yakubu Mahmood, has denied reports that he might contest the 2023 presidential election.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria had on Saturday asked Nigerians not to be shocked should the Chairman of INEC purchases the N100 million Expression of Interest and Nomination forms after the forms were “bought” for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
But reacting in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Yekanmi, on Sunday, the INEC boss noted that he was not interested in joining the presidential race, saying, “it will not happen”.
The statement was titled, ‘Calls on the INEC chairman to join the 2023 presidential election’.
READ ALSO: 2023: INEC Excludes 124 Parties From Participation
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urges him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.
“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles.
“The chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or ill-will against, any political party or candidate.”
Politics
Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.
Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.
The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”
READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election
Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”
He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”
Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”
READ ALSO:Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore
To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”
He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.
Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.
Politics
Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement

The Obidient Movement has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments describing Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a “social media president.”
Wike had, on Thursday, accused Obi of playing politics with national issues after the former Anambra State governor visited a local authority school in the FCT and lamented the poor condition of public facilities.
“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike had said.
READ ALSO:Wike Gives Update On Rivers Emergency Rule Expires Date
However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying they were aimed at keeping the minister in the news.
“How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko asked. “As I am talking to you, you need to see the mammoth crowd we have in our town hall meeting here in Nnewi (Anambra State).”
Tanko further dismissed the FCT minister as the least of the Obi and his followers’ worries and defended Obi’s comments on the state of public schools in the country’s capital, insisting that the Wike merely drew attention to a national concern.
He stressed that Obi’s comment on the state of public facilities in the FCT was to point out that they are in dire need of attention, saying, “I was there on the ground and saw those dilapidated buildings. We also visited a clinic where only one nurse was on duty. Even the roads to the place are not easily accessible.”
Politics
JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.
The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.
READ ALSO:Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Refund Of Rivers’ Monies Expended By Ibas
Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.
Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.
The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.
More to come…
- News4 days ago
Edo Assembly Commission Questions Clerk Over Alleged Age Falsification
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Okpebholo Assigns Portfolios To Commissioners, Makes Major Reshuffle
- News2 days ago
Tragedy In The Sky As Pilot Dies Mid-air
- News4 days ago
Better Days Ahead, New Bendel Insurance Coach Assures
- News4 days ago
Abductors Demand ₦5m As Teenager Is Kidnapped In Edo
- News4 days ago
Admissions: Mathematics No Longer Compulsory For Arts Students, Says FG
- News3 days ago
BREAKING: Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri Dumps PDP For APC
- Metro4 days ago
Retired Principal kidnapped In Edo, Abductors Demand N70m
- Politics1 day ago
Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement
- News4 days ago
The Audacity Of Hope: Super Eagles And Our Faltering Political Class