Politics

NASS: Ex- Envoy, Lashes Akeredolu Over Criticism Of NWC Position

Published

2 years ago

May 14, 2023

An Ex-Envoy to Togo, and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress in Ondo State, Ambassador Sola lji, has picked holes in the position of the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, over the zoning of the leadership positions in the National Assembly by the party’s National Working Committee NWC.

Recall that Akeredolu, had hit the party’s NWC and described the arrangements as unworkable, skewed and would reinforced injustice and enhance inequity.

But lji, who in a statement in Akure, the state capital, condemned Akeredolu for faulting the NWC decision and supporting aggrieved aspirants who were disappointed and disfavoured by the zoning, saying Akeredolu’s action is tantamount to disrespecting, working and causing disaffection within the party.

He faulted the Ondo state governor’s positions, maintained that there is no need for controversy over the zoning of the leadership positions of the yet to be inaugurated National Assembly as proposed by the NWC of the APC.

According to him “A highly placed and respected leader as the Executive Governor of Ondo State, should not be heard to make an outburst that is capable of oozing disparaging remarks about the leadership of our great party.

“As a matter of fact, such a matter should not be a subject of discussion on the pages of the newspapers. Rather, it should have been attended to pleasingly.

“In fact, the governor, as a leader of the Party in his own right, has an unimpeded access to the leadership of the party, including the National Chairman and other National leaders and members of the NWC, as well as the President-Elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with whom he ought to have had private discussions to articulate his misgivings about the NWC decision.

“Apart from his private access to the leadership of the NWC, His Excellency, the Governor, has a very close and known access to the National Secretary of the party, apart from the fact that Ondo State is being represented in the NWC by Barr. D. I. Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), of the Party.

“In the circumstance, the governor acted out of disrespect to the constituted authority of the party, and the opinions so expressed in the Press Statement do not represent the position of leaders and members of the Party in Ondo State, and at best, are His Excellency’s personal opinion to which he is is legitimately entitled”

According to Iji who maintained that “the NWC of APC enjoys the constitutional mandate to act on behalf of the NEC of the Party in taking decisions in between the NEC meetings.

” Importantly, the NWC is the highest administrative organ of APC which deserves the recognition and respect of members and leaders alike”

He however, said the statement credited to Akeredolu should be seen as his personal opinion and does nor represent the collective position of the leaders of the party in the state.

“It couldn’t have been otherwise but a private opinion because leaders of the party in Ondo state were never consulted on such a position which runs counter to a valued effort and decision of the NWC to ensure orderliness in the affairs of the party as we prepare for the inauguration of the next APC Presidency and the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.

“Given the rigorous efforts of the leadership of our great Party in resolving the zoning formula timeously, one would have expected tremendous plaudits to be accorded our National leaders for their temerity in nipping the quite sensitive issue in the bud. Therefore, the impression should not be allowed to fester that the efforts of the NWC and the National Leaders are being jeopardized by the Ondo state chapter of the party”

“This is not the first time that the governor would be acting against the decision of the NWC. Recall that in 2019, when the leadership of our party decided to compensate those National Assembly members who, through their loyalty and dedication, helped to stabilize the party and the government at the National level.

“The governor, in a similar manner, rejected the NWC decision to give return tickets to the affected National Assembly members, and instead encouraged and sponsored his own preferred candidates to contest on the platform of an opposition party.

“The said anti-party position of the governor resulted in our party losing two senatorial seats and five Federal Constituency seats, as well as the Presidency to the opposition in the 2019 Presidential and general elections.”

“It is in realization of the need to prevent a recurrence of what happened in the 8th National Assembly, wherein a group of members of the party almost made the National Assembly ungovernable for our great party, that our leaders at the center of our Government have adopted this unique zoning formula to assuage the fears of most members. This, without doubt, has truly positioned the party for a greater exploit going forward.

“APC as a progressive party platform, is an incarnation of discipline. Therefore, every leader and member of the party must not only imbibe the culture of discipline but also be seen to uphold discipline as our Hallmark. This is the progressive and right path to toe in our collective agreement to build a virile and sustainable party, of which we can all be proud, as doing otherwise will cheapen and denigrate our great party.

“I am of the opinion that leaders of our party, no matter how highly placed, should work in concert with others to forge a common ground upon which issues can be resolved without necessarily causing an incitement that will result in a raging battle within the party.

“As true Democrats, we should not expect all of us to view the decisions emerging out of the collective wisdom of the NWC and other eminent leaders of the Party, the same way.

“People are free and should be free to express their own opinions, and even criticise such decisions. Nevertheless, there are internal mechanisms within the organs and structures of the Party to channel such criticisms, without deliberately playing to the gallery.

“The Governor, had complained about justice and equity. Let us assume that he loves to do justice and equity in his vantage and exalted position as the Chief Executive of Ondo State, I honestly think he should concede to the NWC similar wisdom and commitment.

“I think we should all give kudos to the NWC and our prominent National leaders in the circumstance.

“In their wisdom, they fashioned out this workable zoning formula in view of the sensitive nature of the leadership positions of the National Assembly, and particularly the crucial role which a cooperating, supporting and friendly National Assembly plays in ensuring the formulation and passage of relevant laws to aid the Executive in the implementation of the life-impacting programmes of the President in line with our Party’s manifestoe, which will be in the overall interest of all Nigerians.

“I am sure that going by his superlative records of performance in office as the former Governor of Lagos State, and in all the leadership positions he has ever held meritoriously both in the public and private sectors in and outside Nigeria, the incoming President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will never preside over the affairs of a country bogged down by injustice to any person, or group of persons, on the basis of any political, ethnic, religious, or whatever any other superficial differences.

“In all, I strongly advise all members of the Party, as well as the affected aspirants to the relevant positions, to see the wisdom in the timely intervention of the NWC in the zoning arrangement of the Principal offices of the National Assembly as indicative of the performance to expect from the incoming administration.”

Iji called on Akeredolu that: “Inspite of what he thought might be imperfections, to be rest assured that the fears which he expressed in his reaction to the announcement by our Party of the zoning of the key leadership positions in the National Assembly, would have been adequately taken care of by these eminent men in their rigorous and robust debates, apart from their wide consultations within and even outside our great party, before announcing the zoning arrangement.”

According to him: “He should, therefore, rally support for the NWC instead of inciting the displeased aspirants against the Party and its leadership”
VANGUARD

Politics

Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election

Published

3 days ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

The Federal High Court in Abuja, was Monday, asked to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in the country for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.

The court was equally urged to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting from any political party, Jonathan’s name or publishing same as a duly nominated candidate for the presidential contest.

While ex-President Jonathan was cited as the 1st defendant in the matter, both INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation, were listed as 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.

Specifically, the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/ 2025, hich was brought before the court by a lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, posed a lone question for the court to determine:

“Whether in view of the combined provisions of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and their conflated interpretation, the 1st Defendant is eligible, under any circumstances [whatsoever] to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

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Upon the determination of the question, the plaintiff, sought four principal reliefs, to wit:

“A declaration of this Honourable Court that upon an intimate reading and complete understanding of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the first Defendant [GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN] is ineligible to stand for or occupy the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A declaration of this Honorable Court that in view of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the 2nd Defendant [the INEC] lacks the constitutional power to receive from any political party the name of the first defendant or publish same as the candidate of any political party for the election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria holding in 2027 and other years to come.

“An order of perpetual injunction of this Honourable Court restraining the first Defendant [Goodluck Ebele Jonathan] from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for nomination as its candidate for the general election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria holding in 2027 and other years to come.

“An order of perpetual injunction of this Honourable Court restraining the 2nd Defendant [INEC] from either accepting from any political party in Nigeria the name of the 1st Defendant [Goodluck Ebele Jonathan] or publishing same as a candidate for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria holding in 2027 and other years to come.”

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As well as, “an order of this Honourable Court directing the 3rd Defendant [Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation] to ensure compliance with the decisions and Orders of this court.”

In an affidavit of facts that was deposed to in support of the suit by one Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff told the court that he is an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

He told the court that the 1st defendant was first sworn in as President on May 6, 2010, following the death of then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on the May 5,2010, having previously been the Vice-President.

The plaintiff said he recently saw on various national dailies and television stations, reports on Jonathan’s intention to contest for the presidency in 2027.

“That the Plaintiff believes that the 1st defendant, having completed the unexpired term of late President Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit of two tenures as President.

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“That if the court does not intervene timeously, a political party may present the 1st defendant as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, thereby breaching the Constitution.”

On his locus standi (legal right) to institute the action, the plaintiff maintained that part of his duties, as a lawyer, is to forestall a violation of the constitution and to uphold the rule of law.

“There are chances that one of the political parties in Nigeria may favour the 1st defendant to stand as its presidential candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to be conducted and overseen by the 2nd Defendant.

“If unchallenged, the 1st defendant may enter the 2027 presidential race on the platform of one of the political parties in Nigeria and may possibly emerge the winner of the said election.

“In the event the 1st defendant is returned as elected and sworn as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come in 2027, it will mark the 3rd time the 1st defendant will be taking oath of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In the event the 1st defendant is returned as elected and sworn as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come in 2027, the plaintiff as a Nigerian citizen, would become one of the those under the governance control of the 1st defendant [who by virtue of his office would be saddled with the responsibility of executing the laws of the country].

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“As a Nigerian lawyer trained in Nigerian constitutional law, the plaintiff has come across a provision in the Nigerian constitution stating that a person who was sworn-in as President to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.

“The plaintiff knows that the 1st defendant was indeed, on the 6th May, 2010, sworn in as President to complete the term for which (former) President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was elected as President as a consequence of the demise of the former President on the 5th day of May, 2010.

“The 1st defendant after being sworn in on 6th May, 2010 to complete the term of late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was subsequently elected into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sworn in on the 27th May, 2011.

“I know that if the 1st defendant eventually wins the forthcoming 2027 general election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (which is for a term of 4 years spanning 2027 to 2031), he will have exceeded 8 years being the cumulative maximum years a Nigerian President is to stay in office.

“As a Nigerian Lawyer trained in Nigerian constitutional law, the plaintiff knows of a provision in the Nigerian constitution stating that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the same Constitution.

“The plaintiff being a lawyer committed to the reign of constitutionalism, an unrepentant apostle of the rule of law and a known crusader for democratic governance especially in Nigeria, does not wish to be governed by any person or group of persons who may have taken control of the Government of Nigeria in a manner not contemplated by the Nigerian constitution.

“The plaintiff has instituted this suit in the public interest, in the defence of the rule of law and accentuation of the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian Constitutional order.

“It will be in the interest of justice for this Honourable Court to grant the prayers contained on the face of this Originating Summons,” the affidavit further read.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

Politics

Twist In Edo PDP Crisis As Faction Elects State Executives

Published

4 days ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The crisis rocking Edo State chapter Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reignited on Sunday as a faction loyal to the party National Vice Chairman, South -South elected Nosa Ogieva as the state chairman of the party.

Ogieva, who was sworn in alongside other 13 members of the executive promised to reunite the party, and that PDP would soon begin to win elections again in the state.

Recall that a faction loyal to the Umar Damagum-led national secretariat of the PDP held its congress on September 27, 2925 where Dr. Tony Aziegbemi emerged as the state chairman of the PDP.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Orbih said former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki was responsible for the crisis in the party.

Obaseki, who said Obaseki quarreled with everybody he met in the party, added that the poor performance of the party in the recently conducted by-elections showed how unpopular the party had become.

Orbih carpeted an earlier statement issued by the other faction of the party where they called on members to disregard the announcement for the State Congress.

He said: “Just yesterday (Saturday), I saw a statement issued by some funny characters saying they are advising party members not to attend this event. Are you not here?

“Those who don’t have any moral authority to speak on behalf of the party should keep their mouth shut.

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“As we prepare to elect our executive, I will appeal to you vote for those with capacity to lead this party, not those who will sell out, not those who will deny members their legitimate right

“As members of our great party. There is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and several other states.

“Let us not deceive ourselves for the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members of this party, leaving this party every day for one simple reason, failure of leadership.

“Elected governors are living. Elected senators are living. Elected members of the House are living in Edo state, we know the root of our problem. We had a united party where everybody related with one another as brothers and sisters, until Godwin obaseki joined our party.

“Obaseki destroyed our party. He sowed the seeds of discord, deep rooted seeds of discord in our party. He sinned against the party. He sinned against the people. He sinned against the state.

Continuing, Orbih said: “He came into the party and destroyed everything that was good in the party. Today, our party’s umbrella is shattered, torn, and we are here today to rebuild the party.

“What used to put us together as a family was totally destroyed by obaseki. He fought every person except himself, and at the end, we are at a very disadvantaged position in the politics of Edo state.”

Orbih described the other faction of the PDP as undertakers who he said were only praying for the party to collapse and then join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Politics

2027: Senator Imasuen Visits His Ward, Seeks Support For Tinubu

Published

4 days ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The All Progressives Congress (APC) family in Ward 5, Umagbai, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, rolled out the drums as Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, visited for an interactive session with party faithful at the grassroots level to mobilise support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027 general elections.

The interactive session, which drew chieftains, ward chairmen and party faithful from the 22 units in the ward, was marked by jubilation and reaffirmed the party’s strength in the district.

Speaking at the gathering, Senator Imasuen expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stressing the need to build bridges with his local base.

He noted that while he joined the APC at the State level on June 12, it was crucial to identify with his ward because “politics is local.”

“It was very imperative that I come to my ward, not only to officially inform them of my joining the party since June 12, but also to meet the ward executives,” the lawmaker said.

“This move will strengthen the party, promote unity and ensure victory at the polls.”

Imasuen lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “bold and courageous” economic reforms, adding that such steps were necessary to turn the nation’s fortunes around.

He also echoed the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes to Tinubu in 2027, declaring the target a “done deal.”

“By the grace of God, Asiwaju 2027 is settled. Part of that settlement is to begin to work towards that goal from the grassroots,” he added.

APC leaders in the local government hailed the senator for the move to galvanize support for the president ahead of 2027, pledging their support for the movement.

The All Progressive Congress, LGA Chairman, Osayimwenre Osawe, described him as “an asset” whose presence as a federal lawmaker would bring democratic dividends to Uhunmwonde.

“He is not a liability. He came to add value. Being a senator of the Federal Republic is a plus to our party. Beyond development, his return for a second term would make him a ranking senator, and that will position him for more influence on the Senate floor,” Osawe declared.

Also speaking, Acting Council Chairman, Augustine Imafidon Uhuonde, pledged unwavering support for the senator, praising his performance in facilitating projects in the senatorial district.

“Even watching him from the other side, he made us proud. Today, he has come down to the ward level to join hands with us. That shows he is ‘grass-rooted’ and truly the man of the people,” Uhuonde said.

Prominent party figures at the event included Festus Aimierovbiye, Chairman APC Ward 5; former Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo; Hon. Derick Uhunmwagho, Liaison Officer and Chief of Staff to the senator; Iziegbe Gabriel, LGA Coordinator; and Ese Edegbe, Ward 5 Assistant Coordinator.