Politics

Edo LP Decries Destruction Of Party’s Billboards, Says Democracy Under Threat

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2022

Editor

Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The Edo State chapter of Labour Party has condemned in strong terms the unabated destruction of the party’s candidates’ billboards across state.

The party added that such action of pulling down billboards of its candidates for the forthcoming elections in the state is a direct attack on democracy and to deny the people from making free choices.

A statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Comrade Sam Uroupa, a copy of which was made available to INFO DAILY on Saturday night, recounted how some thugs allegedly hired by the PDP invaded the party’s office in ward 7 Ugbekun, Ikpoba Okah LGA, and removed items belonging to the party, adding that the thugs forcefully hoisted PDP flag and pasted posters therein.

“In ward 7 Ugbekun, Ikpoba Okah LGA, Labour Party office was invaded by thugs suspected to be hired by PDP. The thugs removed all Labour Party items, including sign post, party flags, banners of our presidential candidate and posters of Labour Party candidates.

“They forcefully hoisted PDP flag and past posters and banners of PDP candidates in the place. Our members who were chased out of the premises said, the hoodlums openly boasted that they are going to make sure they drive Labour Party out of the state as directed,” Uroupa added.

Further narrating the intolerance by those in power in the state and how Labour Party billboards are being wantonly destroyed, the State Publicity Secretary, said: “For instance, our candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Engr. Esosa Iyawe billboards along Airport Road, Akenzuwa Road, Ekenwan Road and environs duly paid for were pulled down by the Oredo Local Government Council and warned the billboard agent not to hang any Labour Party content on them. The billboard agent who said his business is been threatened if he does otherwise only agreed to make a refund to our candidate.

“Likewise in Esan Central, our House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Oses Emmanuel Eromosele’s billboards he constructed in strategic locations were all removed and taken away by the Head of service of the council. When he was contacted he said, it was directive from above. Another giant size billboard of our presidential and other candidates sponsored by Edo Diaspora Women for Peter Obi erected around Ibiwe, Ring Road, Oredo LGA was also pulled down by the council.”

Comrade Uroupa who recalled how the party was denied of using the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for rally to host Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Yusuf, further asked if this action of pulling down billboards and attacks were what Obaseki meant when he said “those who call themselves obedient in the state will soon run out of steam.”

The Publicity Secretary added: “It is worthy of note that these are happening after His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki had some time ago openly declared during the inauguration of his factional state PDP presidential campaign council. that “those who call themselves obedient in the state will soon run out of steam.” We are worried as a party if this abrasiveness and hostile nature towards our candidates and members is what they have planned by saying we will soon go out of steam?”

Comrade Uroupa therefore appealed to well meaning Nigerians, Edolites and security agents to call the PDP-led government in the state to order in order not to truncate democracy.

He advocated a peaceful atmosphere wherein people will be allowed to freely make their informed decisions to elect who leads them.

Politics

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

Published

10 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

16 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.”