Politics

Ondo Poll: APC, PDP In Verbal War Over Candidates’ Debate Performance

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2024

Barely 48 hours after the Ondo State governorship debate between candidates of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, the two parties have engaged in a war of words over their candidates’ performances.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC and Agboola Ajayi, the PDP’s candidate, are both vying for the governorship position in the November 16 election. At Sunday’s debate, the candidates outlined their plans for Ondo State if elected, sparking reactions from their respective camps.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Wale Akinlosotu, claimed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance was superior, noting that the governor’s address highlighted his achievements across various sectors.

According to Akinlosotu, Aiyedatiwa’s presentation “received a loud ovation from the audience,” showcasing him as “a reliable, tested, and trusted candidate” capable of taking Ondo State to “greater heights.”

“The governor’s performance at the debate reaffirms that the APC has a solid candidate who has proven his ability to deliver on promises. His superlative showing left his opponent bewildered, resorting to fabrications,” Akinlosotu stated.

He further argued that Aiyedatiwa’s achievements in office reflect the support he has from the state’s citizens, expressing confidence that the APC candidate will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election due to his “fitness, integrity, character, and record of performance.”

However, the PDP fired back through a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Organization. Mr. Ayo Fadaka.

He dismissed the commissioner’s remarks as a “distortion of the actual events,” asserting that Aiyedatiwa’s performance during the debate was lacklustre and disappointing.

He said, “The world watched as a governor who couldn’t provide clear answers, statistical analyses, or insights into pressing state matters stumbled through the debate.

“Aiyedatiwa was visibly uneasy and struggled to coordinate his responses. His inability to disclose the specifics of his monthly security votes speaks volumes about transparency.”

He continued, “Our aspiration to elect a governor with the experience to handle the responsibilities of office was reaffirmed as Aiyedatiwa’s lacklustre performance resonated with the public.”

Fadaka also criticized the Information Commissioner’s portrayal of the debate, suggesting that his attempts to “whitewash” the governor’s image were apparent.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.