Politics

Edo Poll: PDP Commences Statewide Campaign, Describes APC Candidate As Misfit

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2024

Ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election, the Edo State of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday commenced its statewide campaign, where it boasted of victory, and tasked security agencies to be fair to all participants in the exercise.

The rally which was held in Ubiaja , the headquarter of Esan South West Local Government Area had top leaders of the party including former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former deputy governor, Mike Ogiadomhe; state chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi; Sen Odion Ugbesia; local government council chairmen; deputy national youth leader of the party, Tim Osadolor amongst others.

Speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku described Governor Godwin Obaseki as a cerebral man who has laid a foundation only the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq have the capacity to continue.

“This is Edo State that has produced Professor Ambrose Alli as governor, Chief John Oyegun, a top Permanent Secretary as governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as governor and we have an Obaseki whose barins is a fire as governor. Are you going to vote for somebody who lacks capacity and education?, ” he questioned.

On his part, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, a chieftain of the party said contrary to reports, he was not on the run.

He added, “After waiting for 24 years to produce the governor, we cannot afford to produce Okpebholo (APC Candidate) because he lacks capacity. I have left the APC for good. I am now in PDP, and we in Esan have unanimously agreed to vote for Asue Ighodalo. I saw Oshiomhole jumping, somebody should tell him that his era is over, if they win, they will take Edo backward.”

The wife of Obaseki, Mrs Betsy Obaseki said the PDP was the first to ensure fairness by bringing Ighodalo as the candidate, adding that others were just copying the PDP.

“Surprisingly, they brought somebody who is not competent, but remember that Edo is always first that believes in fairness and equity, and that is why the governor worked to bring the candidate from here.”

Speaking, Ikimi called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

“My message to the IG of police, the DG of DSS is that they should ensure security on the election day for everybody. I have only one vote and let our votes count,” he added.

For the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo, said Obaseki has laid a solid foundation that he would continue in a few years time, and that the people would be seeing the results.

He said, “We are ready to continue where our governor stopped. We will take Edo State to the next level. If a man wants to build a house, he has to start from the foundation. Governor Obaseki has started the foundation, and we will continue from where he stopped. The works they have done for the past eight years will soon begin to show.

“By the next one year, we will begin to miss the governor, but myself and Osarodion Ogie will do our best to maintain his good works. We all know the suffering on the ground, we all know the problem in Nigeria.”

Rounding off the campaign, Obaseki said it took him time to convince Ighodalo to come out of his comfort zone to contest, adding that he was not looking for comfort or affluence which he said he already has.

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Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.