Politics

Ondo Poll: PDP, APC Trade Words Over Violence

Published

2 years 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

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

12 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”