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

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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.

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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.

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“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.

READ ALSO: 10th NASS Speakership: Don’t Expect Us To Be Loyal If Your Preferred Choice Stands – G7 Tells APC

“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.

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“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”

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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”

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READ ALSO: 10th NASS Leadership: Why Akpabio May Drop Senate Presidency Ambition

“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.

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“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.

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“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.

READ ALSO: Domesticate Treaties Beneficial To Nigeria’s Economic Development, Ex – Reps Minority Whip Tells 10th NASS

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“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.

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“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.

READ ALSO: Women In Politics: 17 Lawmakers Who Will Shape 10th NASS

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“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

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Bayelsa Deputy Gov Sues Assembly Over Impeachment Plot

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The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly over an alleged plan to impeach him.

In the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, Ewhrudjakpo alleged that members of the Assembly were under pressure to remove him from office because he refused to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.

While Governor Diri recently resigned from the PDP, Ewhrudjakpo has remained in the party.

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Through his counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor also claimed that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were being threatened with removal for similarly refusing to defect from the PDP alongside the governor.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri Dumps PDP For APC

Ewhrudjakpo is seeking several interim orders, including one restraining the state Assembly from initiating or conducting any impeachment proceedings against him for remaining in the PDP.

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He argued that any such move would contravene sections 188(5)-(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He is also asking the court to restrain the assembly from recognising or dealing with any member of the All Progressives Congress as the deputy governor of Bayelsa State.

Additionally, Ewhrudjakpo wants an order stopping the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Bayelsa State Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection pending the determination of the motion on notice.

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READ ALSO:Diri Approves Automatic Employment For UAT First Class Graduates

After hearing Egwuaba’s ex parte motion on October 27 — a copy of the certified true copy dated October 29, was sighted by our correspondent on Thursday — Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the defendants to appear before the court to show cause why the interim orders sought by the plaintiff should not be granted.

The defendants listed in the suit are the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General, the State Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly.

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Justice Nwite ruled that the interest of justice would be best served by directing all the defendants to appear and show cause before the court decides on the interim injunction.

The case was adjourned until November 13 for the defendants to show cause, after which the court will proceed to hear the motion on notice.

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APC Chieftain, Owolabi, Hails Gov Oyebanji’s Emergency As Gubernatorial Candidate

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A chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ekiti State, Mr. Dare Owolabi, has commended the leadership of the party for the endorsement of the incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) as the APC governorship candidate for the Ekiti State gubernatorial election slated for 2026.

Mr. Owolabi, a senatorial hopefully for the Ekiti North Senatorial District, gave the commendation when he hosted leaders and members of the APC to a grand reception at his residence in Odo Oro Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state, to celebrate Governor Oyebanji’s affirmation as the APC flag bearer for the forthcoming Ekiti guber race.

The reception attended by over a thousand APC members and supporters in Ikole Local Government Area, was canivalesque as party members and supporters made merriments and were treated to victory dances.

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Speaking at the reception, Owolabi, a philanthropist and community leader, said that with the way and manner the APC laid to rest the stormy issue of the party’s governorship nomination, the APC had demonstrated that “it is on a good stead to win the coming governorship election convincingly.”

READ ALSO:Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

While commending the leadership of the ApC in Ekiti State and at the national levels for the uncommon ability to weather stormy times, Owolabi reiterated that the sterling performances of Governor Oyebanji were testimonies that the governorship had taken the state to a higher level, hence the decision by the party to support him for a second term.

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Owolabi commended the party’s leadership for their wisdom and consensus-building efforts, describing Governor Oyebanji’s emergence as a testament to his outstanding performance and exemplary leadership style.

READ ALSO:Crisis Rocks Sokoto APC As Defunct CPC Bloc Alleges Marginalisation

He urged party members of the party in the state to continue to support the governor’s efforts at transforming the state, adding that the collective loyalty and cooperation of the members “are vital for the sustained growth and development of Ekiti State.”

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This was just as he urged Governor Oyebanji not to spare any effort at bringing all members of the party together, saying that “more than anytime before now, this is the time for His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji to show that he remains the quintessential father of all and extend his usual open hands to all and sundry.”

Owolabi who appealed to those who earlier showed interest in the ticket before the consensus to remain loyal to the APC, counsel led that “this is the time everyone must show commitment and values that the APC is first before individual ambitions.”

He further appealed to those who are yet to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to do so promptly and ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as an important tool for civic engagement and political empowerment.

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Mr. Owolabi also expressed heartfelt appreciation to all supporters of the Irawo Owuro Project for their unwavering commitment and assured them of continued progress and success as the movement advanced.

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JUST IN: All Enugu Reps Defect To APC

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The entire Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The defection was announced on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party during plenary.

The event was witnessed by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

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The defectors said they decided to dump their former political platforms due to what they described as unresolved internal crises threatening the stability of the opposition parties.

READ ALSO:PDP Unveils 13-member Screening Panel For National Convention

After the 2023 general election, the Labour Party won seven of the eight House of Representatives seats in Enugu State, while the PDP secured one.

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With this development, the APC now controls the entire Enugu caucus in the House of Representatives.

Addressing journalists after their defection, the spokesman of the defectors and member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnolim Nnaji, said their decision was influenced by the need to align with the project-oriented administration of Governor Mbah.

READ ALSO:Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

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He said, “Just come to Enugu and see what is happening there. The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre.

“This is not just a political move — it is a bold step into the future! A step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Nkanu East and West for greatness.

“For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

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READ ALSO:Enugu Court Remands Ritualist, Two Others, For Kidnapping, Murder

“By aligning with the APC — the party steering national transformation — we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.”

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The six defectors at Thursday’s plenary include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta.

In a related development, the member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Daniel Asama, also dumped the Labour Party for the APC.

…Details later

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