Politics
Gale Of Endorsement, Testament Of Ighodalo’s Public Acceptance
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
Political analysts have described the gale of endorsement of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a frontline aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the Edo Sept. 21 governorship election, as true testament of his acceptance by the people from the three Senatorial District of the State.
Having etched his name in the golden books of jurisprudence and in the business world, Ighodalo, fondly called by his sobriquet, “AI” from his intelligence and business savvy expertise, his foray into Edo State political arena, only provided him the opportunity to subtly showcase his allround socio-political and economic sagacity that continue to leave everyone who has come across him in great awe.
Little wonder members of Edo South Vanguard for Justice and Equity, recently endorsed and gave his governorship aspiration a boost , describing him as the best fit and most qualified to be the state’s next helmsman.
Leader of the group during a well attended press conference in Benin, Ms. Joy Osareimen from Oredo Local Government Area, said the group resolved to endorse Ighodalo based on his antecedent, credibility, pedigree and unalloyed commitment to the development of the state and its people.
READ ALSO: PDP NWC Endorses Edo Delegate Election Results
According to them, no better aspirant deserves the massive support especially, in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity than Asue Ighodalo.
She said, “As we take our time to critically consider the socio-political history of the State since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 and we arrived on the equitable resolution that it’s fair that Edo Central is allowed to govern the State in 2024.”
And like the golden fish, Ighodalo, who hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East LGA of the, state, also caught the eyes of the leaders and members of the most politically conscious LGAs in South Senatorial District; Uhumwode, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha, respectively.
Their endorsement of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as their consensus aspirant for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, speaks volume of his wide reach and, acceptance by all and sundry.
Political analysts, especially political watchers, across the 18 LGAs of the state, have described that single episode as the tacit public endorsement of Asue Ighodalo by Edo South Senatorial District.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu, Govs Mull Establishment Of State Police
The leaders and members of the party said such endorsement became only possible following the undisguised and transparent aspirant’s track records of excellence in the various capacities he has served humanity.
Little wonder the motion for Ighodalo’s adoption in Uhumwode was moved and seconded by no mean personalities than former Senator Roland Owie and Mr. Charles Egbe amid wide acceptance and jubilations.
Addressing the people, Ighodalo appealed to the people to nominate him as the PDP flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election, maintaining that with his capacity and proven track records, he remains the best aspirant for the election.
He blamed bad governance in Nigeria over the years on the wrong choice and sentimental voting of the people, noting that Edo State will have no reason not to be developed if the right aspirant is chosen as the governor, which he said he represents.
Asue Ighodalo said: “Edo has no reason not to be developed if the right leaders are chosen to lead the state.
READ ALSO: Wike Places N20m Bounty On Two Wanted Abuja Kidnappers
“I am the leader that will take the state beyond the next level, hence, my appeal for your nomination and support.
“Let us choose who can help us, knows the developmental road to lead Edo State and in doing so, we will have good roads and other basic amenities.
“I work hard to stardom and today, God has blessed me as I have created one of the biggest law firms in Africa. God made me chairman, Nigerian Breweries, Sterling Bank and others.
“God has helped me and in return, I try to help people but I believe the best help you can render is when you are in public service which is governance where you will be opportune to help millions of people.
“So, I am appealing to you all to give me the opportunity to help our people in Edo State.
” I promise you all that I will help the people and remove them from poverty. I will bring succour to homes and improve standard of living during my time as governor.
“I will be governor for everybody, operate an open-door-policy, accessible to the people. We are going to govern Edo State together as one man can not do it alone. So, together, we will create a better Edo State and Nigeria.”
As Edo people get set for the march again, searching and looking for Mr governor, Asue Ighodalo’s choice, will obviously be the right choice.
You may like
PDP Dead, Buried, Controlled By APC – Dino Melaye
Keyamo Warns PDP Against Fielding Jonathan, Obi In 2027
Edo PDP Knocks Okpebholo Over ₦2.5b Donation To UBTH
Anenih’s Son Dumps PDP, Gives Reason
Prove You Are Not Terrorist Organisations, Falana Challenges APC, PDP
By-election: Voters Attack Edo PDP Agent For Allegedly Hoarding PVCs
Politics
Rivers: 70 CSOs Ask NASS To Summon Ibas To Give Account
Published
4 hours agoon
September 15, 2025By
Editor
A coalition of 70 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, on Monday, urged the National Assembly to summon the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), to give an account of his stewardship in Rivers State for the past six months.
The groups, under the auspices of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said the call had become necessary, considering that the mandate handed to Ibas after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu would expire by Thursday.
“This is very important, especially when you consider the fact that funds belonging to Rivers State which were initially seized by the Federal Government, were released to the Sole Administrator after he was appointed. There is need for accountability,” the CSOs insisted.
More so, the Situation Room, in a statement it issued to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Democracy, said it was worried that the nation is still grappling with systemic corruption.
READ ALSO:Wike Gives Update On Rivers Emergency Rule Expires Date
“Today is not just a day of reflection on the state of democracy in Nigeria but on the state of the nation and provides an opportunity to identify areas where improvements are needed.
“Nigeria is at a crucial juncture in its democratic journey, having marked 26 years of democratic rule this year, since the return to civil rule in 1999.
“In July 2025, the Situation Room released a report on the ‘Current State of Democracy in Nigeria’ where it noted that as at 2025, democracy in Nigeria still remains fragile, marked by institutional weaknesses, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment.
“Although some progress has been made, three fundamental principles that form the bedrock of democracy – cultural values, political leadership and the electoral process – are being confronted by systemic corruption, growing disillusionment and erosion of cultural values.
READ ALSO:Group Fumes As Rivers CJ Inaugurates LG Poll Tribunal
“In addition, over the couple of months, we have seen systematic attempts to decimate political opposition and render our electoral process to be a choiceless ballot for the voters.
“These tactics include state-sponsored infiltration and destruction of other political parties, harassment of journalists and punitive targeting of civil society organisations to make it difficult for them to freely operate and determination to undermine the independence and autonomy of the election management body.
“The current State of the Economy presents some paradox – while the Government lauds itself for bold reforms including the removal of fuel subsidies, which freed up funds for State allocations, infrastructure development, and fiscal restructuring, challenges persist.
“The country continues to struggle with inflation, a weakened currency, rising debt, and widespread poverty, posing serious threats to economic stability.
READ ALSO:Police Recover Eight Explosives, 8000 Ammunition, Arrest 33 Suspects In Rivers
“The failure of our democracy to deliver dividends to citizens, the failing public service delivery, lack of social amenities in standard healthcare and education, expanding impunity as well as indiscipline in public finance management and accountability emphasises the strong link between democracy and poverty.
“The 2023 general elections, despite technological upgrades like the BVAS, were marred by logistical failures, voter suppression, lack of transparency in the election results transmission and judicial controversies.
“Concerns over judicial independence, suppression of dissent, and weakened democratic institutions remain prevalent.
“Situation Room continues to condemn the breach of the 1999 Constitution and the events that led to the declaration of the State of the Emergency in Rivers State.
“This is not good for our democracy; it shows Executive overreach and a troubling erosion of democratic norms despite calls from well-meaning Nigerians to stop the State of Emergency, ” the statement, which was jointly signed by the Convener of the CSOs, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, and two Co-Conveners, Franklin Oloniju and Mimidoo Achakpa, further read.
Politics
INEC Has Not Confirmed ADC State Leaders – Party
Published
16 hours agoon
September 15, 2025By
Editor
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed a report claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed a list of its state chairmen across Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the circulating report titled “Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide” as “fake news” aimed at creating confusion within the party.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, to the best of our knowledge and verification, has issued no such confirmation, neither officially nor unofficially,” Abdullahi said.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: INEC Recognises David Mark-led ADC Leadership
He explained that choosing and approving state leaders is the party’s internal responsibility, not INEC’s.
“The process of constituting and ratifying state leadership within any political party lies squarely within the party’s constitutional prerogative. INEC only recognizes what the party submits through the appropriate channels after due process,” he added.
Abdullahi urged ADC members and the public to ignore the fake list and wait for official communication.
READ ALSO:ADC Will Take Over Aso Rock, Lagos Govt House In 2027 — Aregbesola
“We therefore urge our members and stakeholders to remain calm, vigilant, and guided by official communication from the national leadership of the ADC,” he said.
He reassured supporters that the ADC remains committed to discipline, structure, and internal democracy, adding that any genuine updates on party leadership will be shared through verified platforms.
Politics
How Bello Deceitfully Assured Me Of Kogi Guber Ticket For 4 Years — Onoja
Published
1 day agoon
September 14, 2025By
Editor
Former deputy governor of Kogi State, Edward David Onoja, has revealed that his former principal, Yahaya Bello, assured him for four years that he would succeed him as governor, only to change his decision a day before the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
Onoja made the disclosure during an interview on MIC ON Podcast published on Saturday night, where he recounted his political journey and his relationship with former Governor Bello.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Onoja had served as Chief of State for about four years before becoming deputy governor under Bello until their tenure elapsed.
READ ALSO:Kogi Govt Reacts To Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello, Gov Ododo
“For four years before 2023, he (Yahaya Bello) was the one who called me and said, ‘You will succeed me, get prepared.’ And of course, I planned, I worked, and when it was time, he gave all of us the opportunity (to contest),” Onoja said.
According to him, about seven cabinet members at the time, including himself, picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms on Bello’s directive, but in the end, Bello’s support was with the current governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“At the end of the day, his heart and his choice was with the current governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” he said.
READ ALSO:PHOTOS: Moment Supporters Throng Out To Welcome Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan In Kogi
Onoja revealed that Bello broke the news to him just a day before the party primaries, a decision he respected despite his disappointment.
“When he broke the news to me a day before the primaries, I told him, ‘You are the boss, you are over me, what you see is what I see, so let’s go get the job done, but I hope you are not making a mistake.’ There were no issues, and then we went to the field and did our best for our candidate,” he stated.
Onoja, who is now a board member of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), emphasised that despite the turn of events, he remained committed to ensuring victory for the party’s eventual candidate and winner of the last Kogi State governorship election, Ododo, who went on to succeed Bello.
- Ondo: VP Mysteriously Disappears From Hotel After Attending Seminar
- NDLEA Destroys Over 18,000 KG Of Cannabis In Edo Forest
- Rivers: 70 CSOs Ask NASS To Summon Ibas To Give Account
- Tinubu Approves Portfolios For 5 NCDC Executive Directors
- Court Jails Two For Targeting President With Sorcery
- Two Nigerians Face Jail Terms In Liberia’s Piracy Trial
- Spain Cancels $825m Israel Arms Deal Over Gaza
- Tobi Amusan Clinches Silver At World Championships In Tokyo
- Court Orders Arrest Of 2 Lawyers Over Alleged Forgery, Impersonation
- Edo Police Recover N300, 000 Extorted By Officers, To Discipline Culprit
Trending
- Metro4 days ago
Edo Agency Intercepts 14-yr-old Sickle Cell Sufferer, Others, Trafficked To Libya, Mali
- Metro4 days ago
Police Arrest ‘Obi Of Lagos’, Foil Installation
- Metro4 days ago
Special Squad Uncovers Kidnappers’ Armoury, Camps In Edo Forest
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Resident Doctors Begin Five-day Warning Strike Today
- Metro4 days ago
Final-year Student Arrested For Abandoning Newborn In Bush
- Politics4 days ago
2027: Jonathan, Obi Hold Closed-door Meeting
- Business3 days ago
Dangote Refinery Reduces Fuel Price Nationwide, Provides Update On Petrol Distribution
- News3 days ago
VIDEO: Hilda Baci Washes Giant Pot Ahead Of Record-breaking Jollof Rice Attempt
- Entertainment3 days ago
Why I Cooked 200 Bags Of Rice Instead If 250 — Hilda Baci
- Sports3 days ago
Enabulele Applauds Team Edo Deaf Athletes For Performance At W’Africa Championship