Connect with us

Politics

Edo Election Tribunal: Parties to adopt final addresses March 3

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has announced an adjournment until March 3, when the parties will be able to adopt their final written addresses regarding the dispute related to the governorship election conducted on September 21, 2024.

This date was confirmed by the Tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, after the lawyer for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), stated that his client’s case had been closed.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are disputing the declaration of APC’s Monday Okpebholo as the election winner, contending that there were significant flaws in the electoral process.

At the resumption of proceedings yesterday, Orbih initially told the tribunal that he would not be able to proceed with the case because the documents his team sought to tender were yet to be brought from Benin.

Advertisement

Orbih subsequently changed his mind and said having reviewed the conduct of the case and evidence led so far, his team found no need to lead further evidence.

The APC, which is the third respondent in the case, had promised to call 28 witnesses. It called four on Wednesday when it opened its case.

Orbih said: “We have carefully done a further comprehensive review of the evidence led by the petitioners, evidence elicited from their witnesses under cross-examination, the evidence led so far by the respondents in this petition and the documentary evidence presented before the tribunal.

“We have also considered the fact that time is of the essence and there is no need embarking on an exercise that will not take into account that the time of the tribunal is precious.

Advertisement

“Taking all these factors into consideration, we are happy to close the third respondent’s case, with the leave of the tribunal,” Orbih said.

Lawyer to the petitioners, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN); Kanu Agabi (SAN) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) for Okpebholo, did not object to Orbih’s application to close the case of the APC.

The tribunal, however, rejected Orbih’s request that the seven days earlier allocated to the respondents to file their final written addresses should be extended by three days.

Ruling, Justice Kpochi held that the days earlier allocated to parties could not be extended because the tribunal also required adequate time to consider all evidence led, including documents tendered.

Advertisement

He ordered the respondents to file their addresses within seven days, beginning from February 14; the petitioners to file within five days from the date of service, while the respondents shall file their replies, if any, within three days.

Politics

2027: Why Tinubu should be afraid — ADC

Published

on

By

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The African Democratic Congress has warned President Bola Tinubu to be concerned about a possible electoral defeat in 2027, saying that widespread hardship and worsening living conditions have eroded public confidence in his administration’s policies.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said Tinubu appears increasingly detached from the realities of hardship, insecurity, and widespread frustration confronting millions of Nigerians.

Reacting to criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi (Anambra) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), among other African Democratic Congress leaders during their April 14 national convention, President Tinubu said he cannot be intimidated, while accusing the coalition figures of trying to privatise the ADC and describing their gathering as a “street convention.”

In response, the ADC described the President’s comments as unpresidential, alleging that he appears more focused on politics while many Nigerians continue to grapple with worsening poverty and increasing vulnerability to insurgency and kidnappings.

Advertisement

The party stated, “The African Democratic Congress has taken note of the comments made by Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa concerning the ADC and the state of the opposition. What Nigerians saw was not the confidence of a leader in control. It was the anxiety of a President increasingly disconnected from the reality of hardship, insecurity, and frustration facing millions of citizens.

“At a time when families are battling a historic cost-of-living crisis, food inflation, rising debt burdens, and collapsing purchasing power, the President chose to mock the opposition instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians. However, even as he spoke, reports of children being abducted from examination centres were circulating. This is the reality of today’s Nigeria, insecurity spreading deeper into everyday life while the government appears distracted.

“The President should not be ridiculing the opposition. He should be deeply concerned that the majority of Nigerians have rejected his government, whose ill-conceived policies have ruined lives and destroyed livelihoods. These are the reasons he should be scared, because the people are determined to vote him out.”

ADC also dismissed what they described as a misleading account of the party’s National Convention.

Advertisement

It added, “We did not hold our convention on the street. If that was the story supplied to the President by agents of disruption, then he has been misinformed.

“But even if any opposition party were forced to gather outside established venues, Nigerians would understand why. Under this administration, democratic space has shrunk significantly. No government before now had denied political parties fair access to public venues such as Eagle Square, a national civic ground that belongs to all Nigerians, not to any ruling party.

“The President also cannot preach separation of powers while simultaneously assuming the role of interpreter of the law, political referee, and commentator on judicial matters. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be a President and a judge at the same time.

“If this administration truly respected the separation of powers, Nigerians would not have witnessed the repeated weakening and humiliation of institutions meant to serve as checks and balances. The legislature, in particular, has too often appeared reduced to an extension of executive convenience.”

Advertisement

The party also accused the President of recently trying to win over supporters of the late Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was hypocritical to distance himself from Buhari’s record in the past only to reverse course ahead of the election.

It added, “The issue before the country today is simple: hardship is rising, insecurity is worsening, debt is mounting, and hope is fading. No amount of political theatre can hide that truth.

“The ADC remains focused on building a credible alternative anchored on competence, security, prosperity, and democratic freedom. Nigerians deserve better than excuses, propaganda, and power games.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

Plateau Group Warns APC Leaders Against Divisive Forces

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Plateau Peace Advocates for Good Governance and Social Stability, PPAGGSS has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State to resist divisive tendencies and preserve what it described as a rare moment of political unity across the state.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim D. Lengshak, the group warned that allowing internal cracks within the party could reverse the gains recorded in recent efforts to stabilise the state politically and socially.

According to the group, Plateau is witnessing an unprecedented level of political convergence, cutting across party lines and interests, a development it said should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or external manipulation.
PPAGGSS specifically cautioned both longstanding members of the APC and new entrants into the party to avoid actions or utterances and promotion of divisions and sharing ratios only known to those promoting the division.

The group urged party faithful to draw inspiration from leading political figures in the state, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and former governor Simon Lalong, whom it credited with setting aside political differences to foster cohesion.
“So far, these leaders have not disappointed us in their common zeal for the good of the state and the party and it behoves those who claim to support them not to break ranks.

Advertisement

“The unity we are beginning to see on the Plateau is not accidental. It is the product of deliberate efforts by leaders who have chosen to rise above differences for the common good,” Ishaku said.
PPAGGSS noted that the alignment among these leaders represents a strategic foundation for peace and development, stressing that their example should guide grassroots supporters and stakeholders within the party.

The group also raised concern over what it described as the activities of “divisive elements” seeking to exploit perceived differences within the APC for personal gain.

“These are individuals who neither laboured for the present stability nor contributed to the building of consensus, yet they are eager to sow discord for selfish reasons,” the statement said.
It warned that such tendencies, if unchecked, could plunge the state back into a cycle of political fragmentation that has historically undermined governance and security.

Emphasising the broader implications of unity, PVD said that a cohesive political front is essential in addressing the lingering security challenges affecting communities across Plateau.

Advertisement

According to the group, insecurity remains a shared concern that transcends political affiliations, making it imperative for stakeholders to close ranks rather than deepen divisions.
“Plateau cannot afford to return to an era where political differences weaken collective resolve. The threats we face today require unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace,” Ishaku added.

The group, therefore, urged APC members to project a united front in both words and actions, stressing that sustaining the current atmosphere of cooperation would be critical in consolidating peace, strengthening governance, and advancing development across the state.

Continue Reading

Politics

Breaking: ADC secures new venue for Tuesday’s convention

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a last-minute change of venue for its National Convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Abuja, following challenges in securing approval for previously proposed centres.

In an update released on Monday, the party confirmed that it was unable to gain access to both the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which were initially considered as host venues for the high-profile political gathering.

According to the party, formal communication had been sent to the office of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, requesting approval to use Eagle Square. While the request was acknowledged, the ADC stated that it did not receive an official approval or rejection before proceeding to secure an alternative arrangement.

In a subsequent statement, the party confirmed that the convention will now take place at the Rainbow Event Center in Abuja.

Advertisement

The ADC explained that the new venue was selected for its central location and ease of access for delegates and stakeholders expected from across Nigeria. The party also emphasized that holding the convention in Abuja underscores the national significance of the event and is expected to support a more coordinated and inclusive gathering.

The National Convention is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and supporters as the ADC moves to strengthen its internal structures and prepare for upcoming political activities.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News