Politics
Edo governorship election: Court judgement mere distraction that won’t affect us – Fintiri
Last Thursday’s judgement on Edo state PDP governorship primary by Justice Inyang Ekwo is a distraction and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to appeal against it, chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has said.
Fintiri who spoke during the inaugural meeting of the campaign council at PDP national headquarters in Abuja where nine strategy committees were constituted to undertake special roles towards actualizing PDP’s victory in the September 21 governorship election, also described the judgement as a ‘child’s play’ that cannot stop PDP’s victory.
During the event, party leaders introduced two defectors – former Deputy Commissioner of Police and ex-National President of the Road Transport Employers’ Association (RTEAN), Alhaji Musa Isiwele who said that he just led 5, 200 All Progressives Congress members to join the Asue Oghodalo campaign along with former Edo State Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Francis Inegbeniki who said that he only knew the APC governorship candidate as a welder in Jos, years ago, as latest additions to the party’s army of experienced campaigners.
In his address to members of the Edo State PDP National Campaign Council and party stakeholders, Governor Fintiri who said that the task ahead of the campaign council won’t be easy further stated that immediately after the launch of PDP governorship campaign in Edo State, many members will remain in the state until election day.
“Like I said, this is not an easy assignment, it requires a lot of sacrifice and commitment on our part and for us to have accepted this appointment, I know also that we have really agreed to do whatever is required of us to win the election.
“We are all politicians, the only thing we understand in politics is to win elections and that is why there is no second position in any election; you either win or you are lost but in this outing, we are out to win.
“And yes, there is a little setback, temporarily but God will see us through it; the court judgement of three days ago, anybody who perused and looks through the entire process, you know that is a child’s play,” Fintiri stated, adding that PDP has resolved to immediately go ahead with an appeal against the judgement.
In his speech, PDP National Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) who said that the ‘somersault’ done by Justice Ekwo does not invalidate Edo state PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo’s candidature also urged party stakeholders not to feel dismayed.
In a brief speech, PDP governorship candidate in Edo state, Asue Ighodalo who expressed concerns about current indicators and distractions also expressed hope that the capacity and experience of those in the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo state will see things through.
His words: “It is not going to be easy, it is going to be very difficult, we are already seeing the signs; it is going to be a difficult election; not on the issues, but on the distractions but sometimes, the distractions are more difficult to deal with than the issues.
“But I know we have leaders who are more than capable to set the ball rolling and to lift us higher than some others, so, I am truly grateful.”
The Peoples Democratic Party has fixed September 29, 2026, for a fresh governorship primary election in Gombe State following a Federal High Court order nullifying the process that produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as the party’s candidate.
The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, on Thursday, September 24, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary after nullifying Pantami’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Gombe State, Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku, directed eligible delegates to assemble at their respective ward areas for the fresh exercise.
The statement read in part, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State Chapter, wishes to inform all its card-carrying members that a repeat Governorship Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, 29th September 2026.
“All eligible delegates are hereby directed to assemble at their respective ward areas to participate in the exercise and vote for the aspirant of their choice.”
The party also urged its members, supporters and well-wishers to cooperate with the arrangements for the exercise and conduct themselves peacefully and orderly.
It said the fresh primary would be conducted in line with the court’s directive and would determine its candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Pantami had emerged as the PDP’s candidate through a voice affirmation at the party’s May 26 governorship primary.
His emergence was subsequently challenged by PDP governorship aspirants, including Usman Garry, who argued that the process did not constitute a valid primary.
The court ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary in accordance with its guidelines and relevant electoral laws.
…Says Makinde Already Gasping for Breath Politically in Oyo
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has described as laughable the call by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) asking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside for its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, saying the party should first demonstrate that it possesses the national structure and political strength required to mount a serious presidential challenge.
The Campaign Organisation disclosed this in a statement sying it was the height of political hallucination for the APM to speak as though the presidency of Nigeria could be secured through press statements and political theatrics rather than through nationwide organisation and electoral support.
“Declaring an ambition is one thing; building the political structure required to prosecute a nationwide presidential election is another entirely.
“The APM should tell Nigerians how extensive its electoral structures are across the federation and demonstrate its capacity to compete effectively across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“It must have candidates across various elective positions in at least one third of the country to show seriousness.
“But can we blame the APM spokesperson for issuing a press statement at the end of the month in a subtle reminder to his hirers that his salary is due for payment?
“More importantly, even Governor Seyi Makinde, whom the APM now parades as its presidential candidate, has serious political battles to fight in his home state of Oyo. In fact, he is gasping for breath politically in the state.
“A man seeking to conquer Nigeria must first demonstrate compelling political strength on his own turf. Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home,” the statement said.
The 2027 presidential election will not be decided by who issues the loudest press statement. It will be determined by Nigerians.
President Tinubu is seeking another mandate on the platform of a party with an established nationwide organisation and on a track record that is solid and acknowledged internationally.
“For Governor Makinde, however, that national ambition does not erase the political contest unfolding back home in Oyo State.
“The APM should therefore prepare for the verdict of the electorate rather than behave as though political power can be transferred by proclamation.
“The presidency of Nigeria is neither inherited nor surrendered on demand. It is contested for and determined by the Nigerian people at the ballot box.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to inaugurate and lead the campaign machinery in Abuja and Rivers State to drive the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike disclosed this in Chikuku, Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the ongoing construction of Phase two of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project.
He added that he would personally lead the campaign effort within the nation’s capital and extend the re-election operations to his home state of Rivers.
According to him, political parties across the spectrum are organising their ranks, and supporters of the President are fully prepared to initiate an aggressive campaign.
“The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I believe, is putting itself together for an aggressive campaign.
“For us who are supporting Mr President from different political platforms, we have put our machinery ready to fully kickstart.
“Very soon, I will inaugurate the campaign team for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, which I will lead. All elements of the APC are ready, Mr President is ready, we are ready and you can see the enthusiasm.”
Addressing critics and political opponents, Wike argued that visible development projects would serve as the main driver for electoral support in the FCT, dismissing allegations of electoral malpractice ahead of time.
“People are happy, and I don’t know who will contest against Mr President as far as this election is concerned.
“This is governance, and this is what people expect. It will translate directly into actual votes,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence that the administration’s infrastructure record would secure victory across board in the FCT, including support for Sen. Philip Aduda and the two House of Representatives seats.
“It is very obvious. Nobody will be able to claim rigging in the FCT. The ‘rigging’ is the projects we are delivering, making the people happy,” Wike said.
Commending both the contractor and site engineers for the progress recorded so far, the minister assured stakeholders that adequate funding would be disbursed to guarantee completion by December.
“This is my first time getting to this side of the road, and I can see how highly populated this area is,” he said.
Wike emphasised that delivering functional infrastructure remains the cornerstone of good governance and public satisfaction.
“You can imagine the enthusiasm and happiness on the faces of the people. That is why we say the essence of governance is to make people happy.
“When the people are happy, those in authority are happy,” he added, expressing gratitude to Tinubu for providing sustained support for capital projects in the territory.
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