Politics

Ondo Poll: PDP, APC Trade Words Over Violence

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on the security agencies in the state to nip in the bud, an alleged plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress to cause violence before and during the November 16 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the PDP Campaign Organization, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, alleged that the APC opened some centres across the state where it harboured thugs to cause security scares during the election period.

Fadaka said, “We take serious cognizance of actions the APC continues to take with a view to criminally compromise the November 16th election. These sundry actions which began weeks ago are beginning to crystallise and given an imprimatur of officialdom with the announcement of a Security Committee under the Chairmanship of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Tunji Adeleye.

“As earlier stated in a media interview by Dr Eddy Olafeso, Chairman, Campaign Organisation, we will resist any attempt to drag the Amotekun Corps into the elections, we firmly place on record that Adeleye’s appointment is an undisguised attempt to make the Amotekun Corps play roguish roles like hooliganism and thuggery activities as we prepare for the election. This plan is an abuse of power and privileges and, if not quickly nipped in the bud, will be counter-productive with very deep consequences.

“We are also aware that barracks have been opened for thugs across the state and we will furnish the police and other security agencies with the addresses of hotels and facilities being used for this purpose.”

The opposition also alleged that the APC had a plan to cause a security scare in some local governments where ” they will use their primary election template.”

“Again we are also aware of plans to pick some members of our party up using fake policemen, all these ludicrous plans are a clear invitation to crisis, and in spite of all, will not abate APC’s failure in the election,” he alleged.

On the contrary, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, denied the allegations of the opposition party as it said allegations were mere nothing but figments of the PDP’s imagination. Otaloro also denied that the ruling party planned to use Amotekun to rig the election, insisting that the state security outfit remained neutral in the election.

He said, “The PDP falsely claimed that Chief Tunji Adeleye, Commander of the Amotekun Corps, has been named Chairman of the APC Security Committee. This is a blatant lie. The Amotekun Corps is a professional body dedicated to protecting the people, not engaging in politics. Moreover, we don’t even have a security committee in the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council.

“The PDP’s allegations of violence, thuggery, and plans to cause security scares are also baseless. In fact, it’s the PDP that’s been crying wolf, trying to distract from their own lack of preparation for the election. We urge the security agencies to investigate these claims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The APC spokesperson further stated that the party’s campaign was based on issues and not on misinformation.

“Our campaign is focused on issues, not misinformation. We’re committed to working for the people, not spreading false allegations. The PDP should join us in promoting a peaceful and issue-based campaign.

“We call on the good people of Ondo State to disregard the PDP’s baseless allegations and focus on the real issues that affect their lives. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has delivered on its promises, and we are committed to continuing this progress,” Otaloro stressed.

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.