Politics

Edo Poll: Group Raises Concerns, Calls On US, UK, Others For Intervention

Published

12 months ago

September 18, 2024

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and 13 other affiliated organizations have expressed deep concerns over the potential compromise of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The group said it is alarmed by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, who is allegedly a kinsman of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The rights association expressed fears that this could undermine the neutrality and integrity of the election process, especially given the close ties between Onuoha and Wike, a minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

In a press conference ahead of the election, held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HURIWA and its coalition of 13 affiliated NGOs highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election’s key players.

The association questioned INEC’s decision to retain Onuoha despite calls for his redeployment from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The PDP has been vocal about Onuoha’s past service under Wike during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, arguing that such a relationship could compromise his ability to oversee a free and fair election,” HURIWA noted.

It reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process, warning that Onuoha’s continued presence could lead to accusations of bias, particularly if the election outcome is contested.

“We are calling on INEC to reconsider its stance on this matter The refusal to redeploy Mr. Onuoha raises serious questions about the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election in Edo State.

“INEC’s reputation is on the line, and the Nigerian people deserve an election that is transparent and free of external influences,” HURIWA stated.

Adding to its concerns, HURIWA pointed to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, whom it claims is also compromised. The association alleged that the Commissioner of Police has demonstrated a clear interest in favoring the APC in the lead-up to the election, citing reports of biased policing and arrests targeting PDP chieftains.

According to HURIWA, these actions signal a concerted effort to intimidate and undermine the opposition, further calling into question the fairness of the electoral process.

The human rights group expressed dismay over the perceived collusion between the Edo State Police Command and the APC, which it claims is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the state.

It referenced recent incidents where PDP leaders were allegedly arrested and detained under dubious circumstances, only to be released after prolonged legal battles. HURIWA described this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and stifle its capacity to campaign effectively.

In light of these developments, the group made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser (NSA), urging him to take charge of overseeing security for the election.

The association emphasized that the NSA, as a non-partisan figure, is best positioned to ensure that the police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout the electoral process.

“We are calling on the NSA to take immediate and direct control of security operations for the Edo 2024 elections. Given the compromised state of the Edo Police Command and the allegations surrounding its leadership, a non-partisan body must take charge to prevent any form of manipulation or undue influence. The Nigerian people deserve an election that is free from fear, coercion, or intimidation,” HURIWA stated.

The association argued that the involvement of the NSA is necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process.

According to HURIWA, the current situation in Edo State threatens to derail the progress made in electoral reforms, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

It also urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State.

The association appealed to diplomatic missions, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, to send observers to the state and ensure that the election is conducted in line with international democratic standards.

HURIWA further requested the United States and the United Kingdom to impose visa bans on any individuals found to be involved in undermining the credibility of the Edo State governorship election.

“We urge the USA and UK governments to take decisive action by imposing visa bans on any person or group attempting to compromise this election. International pressure is vital to ensuring accountability and upholding democratic principles,” the statement read.

“Edo State is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election will determine the future of its governance. We must not allow any form of compromise or malpractice to mar this critical process. We are calling on the international community to stand with the people of Edo and ensure that their right to vote is protected,” HURIWA concluded

Politics

ADC Will Take Over Aso Rock, Lagos Govt House In 2027 — Aregbesola

Published

3 minutes ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has vowed that his party will unseat President Bola Tinubu and also take over Lagos state come 2027.

The former governor of Osun State made the pledge on Saturday, at an event where the leader of the Conscience Forum of the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Moshood Salvador, led members of the group to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The event which held in Lagos also marked the 25th anniversary of the Conscience Forum as a political group.

It had in attendance the National Secretary of the African Democratic Party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, leadership of the ADC in Lagos state, and wards and zonal leaders of the Conscience Forum from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs in the state.

Addressing the new members, Aregbesola commended the leadership, executives and members of the Conscience Forum while tasking them on the need to take over the seat of power in Abuja and Lagos in 2027 general elections.

He pledged that the ADC will produce the next president of the country while charging the new intakes not to relent in their efforts to changing Nigeria for the better.

He said, “I am happy to be a part of this gathering. I am also happy to receive you into the ADC folds. We are the only one that can make it difficult to take over wherever we are if the Conscience Forum, good looking people with highly cultured leadership can organized this kind of event to make a declaration for the ADC and follow the line enunciated by the leader, surely, Alausa is a sure ticket for all of us.

“With our resolve, it won’t be difficult at all to take over the seat of power. It’s a simple strategy of one getting ten and each of the ten will equally get ten. Its operation ten over ten. Once we are able to get this done, that’s the end of it. We will surely meet at the Aso Rock Villa and produce the next president of the country. Once again, I am happy to be here and we must not relax our efforts to change Nigeria.”

Speaking on the move to the ADC, Salvador said the problems confronting the Labour Party has shown that it is not a party for the future.

He said, “Today, we are marking the 25 anniversary of the Conscience Forum and at the same time, for a wise man or people of wisdom, we look back to what you’ve achieved and look forward to what we are aiming to become. Our members were in Labour Party and the problem of the Labour Party has shown that they have lost the future. Its no more a party of the future and that is why, we have to think of where next since we have the new wave and the formation of coalition of political party, for anyone that wants something good of its members, the best is to join the coalition.

“This is not just the ADC. The ADC being the symbol of the coalition and that is why Conscience Forum, being a political group with over 400, 000 members in Lagos will have to showcase our structure including our LGA and Ward officers and so on. This is necessary for them to know the size of the group they are taking in. We chose today being our 25th anniversary to declare for the ADC so that our members will now join the ADC at their various ward levels.”

Politics

2027: Details Of Jonathan, Peter Obi Meeting Emerge

Published

6 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Details have emerged regarding the recent closed-door meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The two leaders are reportedly discussing strategies for a unified front in the 2027 presidential election.

The meeting took place on Thursday, with Obi disclosing insights about the engagement on his Facebook and X accounts.

The meeting was a continuation of previous conversations between the two leaders over strategies for the 2027 race.

The National Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

“They (Jonathan and Obi) have been friends for a long time. The meeting was for them to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria.

“But for us in the OBIdient Movement, it would be great if Jonathan remains the respected statesman he is known for. He has done his best as President, he is respected, and this is the time for him to support his brother,” Tanko told Daily Trust.

Tanko further alleged that some politicians were plotting to use Jonathan against Obi but maintained that the Obidient Movement would not allow such a plan to succeed.

“We are aware of such moves, but we strongly believe they will not succeed.

“Many Nigerians believe the next president should come from the South, and for fairness, the South East should get the chance. Peter Obi is the ideal candidate,” he added.

Politics

Tinubu’s Mandate Accomplished In Rivers — Ibas

Published

15 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has stated that the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been “sufficiently achieved” with the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots.

Ibas made the remark on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the presentation of the report on the recently concluded local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

He recalled that Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, directed him to stabilise the state, re-establish its institutions, and return Rivers to full democratic governance following his appointment as sole administrator.

According to him, the successful conduct of the polls and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 local government areas marked the fulfilment of that mandate.

“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given,” Ibas stated.

He praised RSIEC for what he described as a credible and transparent election, noting that the exercise was free of harassment and voters freely expressed their choices.

Ibas added that the government would review the RSIEC report and issue a white paper in due course. He also commended his team, security agencies, and state officials for their contributions.

RSIEC Chairman, Dr Mike Odey, who presented the report earlier, described the election as a “historic achievement” for Rivers and the country. He stressed that it was organised, coordinated, and concluded within 30 days — an unprecedented record in Nigerian electoral history.