Politics

Alleged Marginalisation: Owan, Akoko-Edo Stakeholders Vow To Negotiate Political Relevance With Votes

Published

4 years ago

June 5, 2022

Stakeholders drawn from Owan and Akoko-Edo federal constituencies of Edo State have vowed to use their votes to negotiate the interest of the two constituencies in the 2023 general election.

The stakeholders who rose from a meeting the the two federal constituencies of the state on Sunday, said that the move became inevitable because of their seeming marginalisation from the politics of Edo North Senatorial District.

They noted that since the advent democratic dispensation in 1999, Owan and Akoko-Edo have only had the senate seat for eight years while the Etsako have had it for 16 years.

The stakeholders stressed that what is more worrisome is that the same Etsako is about having it again in 2023 since the two dominant political parties, All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have picked their candidates from the area.

They pointed out that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, Owan or Akoko-Edo should have been considered for the Edo north senatorial seat in the coming elections.

Mr Ayo Olowojoba, a representative from Akoko-Edo, said, “We cannot talk of political representation of AFEMAI people without conscientious consideration of Owan, Akoko-Edo and Etsako natural bond. how can we promote genuine brotherhood when equity is suppressed?”

On his part, Mr Omeiza Ogumah also from Akoko-Edo, insisted on the need to put an end to the political marginalisation of the areas concerned.

He said, “As political leaders, we have responsibility and capacity to resist the unpalatable insinuations that Owan and Akoko-Edo are inconsequential in Edo-North politics.

“The Power of 2023 is in our hands. Owan and Akoko-Edo will decide 2023 Senate, and we will only give our votes to the man we can trustand who will protect our interest.”

Similarly, Mr Sunny Ifijen from Owan said that it was now obvious that they have been told to take take destiny in their hands.

“It is narrow-mindedness to sing victory song when a game is merely at first half; that somebody has secured a party ticket does not imply that he has secured the peoples trust.

“Where is the hope of Owan and Akoko-Edo people at this junction? Obviously, we have been told to do it our own way and that we shall do,” he stated.

Other stakeholders at the meeting include: Hon.Collins Ojo, Mrs Idehen Inumidun, Olumide Obende and Comrade Sunday Okhwuolo among others.

Recall that Victor Oyofo from Etsako axis held the senate seat from 1999 to 2007 while Yisa Braimoh from Owan had his from 2007 to 2011.

Domingo Obende from Akoko-Edo represented the senatorial district from 2011 to 2015 after which Francis Alimikhena and the incubent from Etsako had occupied the seat from 2015 to date.

Alimikhena who just defected from the APC over the party’s ticket for his third term, has won the PDP ticket to seek reelection.

Meanwhile, the former governor of the State, Mr Adams Oshiomhole also from Etsako, won the APC ticket for the district.

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

12 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”