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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Oladejo Ebenezer Akinwole, has congratulated the former General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, on his 76th birthday.

In a statement, Oladejo commended Akinlaja’s remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and the pursuit of an egalitarian society through his tireless advocacy for workers’ rights.

He said: “Warm congratulations to a former Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former General Secretary of NUPENG on his 76th birthday. We pay special tribute to Comrade Akinlaja for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and the development of a free and open society. A valiant fighter for the masses and a strong grassroots mobiliser, he has consistently worked in the interest of the ordinary Nigerian.”

Oladejo described Akinlaja as a groundbreaking labour activist and charismatic leader who fought relentlessly for improved working conditions and better living standards for Nigerian workers.

He further noted that as a former federal lawmaker representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, Akinlaja championed numerous impactful projects, particularly for youths, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups, leaving behind enduring legacies of quality representation.

Highlighting the respect Akinlaja commands, Oladejo pointed out that youths in Ondo State sponsored his birthday celebrations, describing him as Nigeria’s boldest reformer whose courage and results-driven leadership continue to inspire trust.

Praying for God’s continued blessings, Oladejo wished Akinlaja many more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to keep contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP has formally petitioned the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] House of Representatives Primary Election Appeal Committee, challenging the outcome of the U3 Federal Constituency primary held on 28th May 2026.

In the petition, Dr. Akpodiete is contesting both the participation of Engr. Davis Ejiro Emerhi Emarayo in the election and the conduct of the primary in Ughelli North and Udu Local Government Areas.

Dr. Akpodiete alleged that Engr. Emarayo is a member of multiple political parties simultaneously, including the National Democratic Party [NDC], African Democratic Congress [ADC], All Progressives Congress [APC], and the PDP. He stated that Emarayo attended NDC/Obi Movement meetings shortly before the primary election, a development he said violates the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

“The issue of Engr. Emarayo’s multiple party membership extends beyond internal party concern. It poses a significant threat to the electoral fortunes of PDP in the forthcoming general election and risks invalid nomination, litigation, and prejudice to the party,” the petition read.

On the conduct of the election, Dr. Akpodiete cited over-voting and electoral irregularities in Ughelli North and Udu LGAs. He claimed that the votes recorded in those areas exceeded the number of duly registered party members submitted to INEC on 8th May 2026, rendering the declared results questionable.

He urged the Appeal Committee to review the results using the INEC-verified register of eligible voters, disqualify Engr. Emarayo on grounds of ineligibility, and declare him, Dr. Akpodiete, as the duly nominated candidate of the PDP for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.

“I remain a loyal and committed member of the PDP and have contributed to the development of the party across Delta State, especially in the U3 Federal Constituency,” he said.

Dr. Akpodiete expressed confidence that the Appeal Committee would give the petition urgent consideration in the interest of justice, fairness, and the integrity of the party.

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The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has said that its 2027 presidential candidate, Donald Duke, met all the requirements to be the flag bearer of the party.

The National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed made this clarification on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’.

He said, “Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke applied to join the party like everybody else. He complied with all the processes, including the screening of candidates.

“As of the time, the consensus and the attempt to create a consensus meeting, we called the meeting of the three persons, all of them from the southern part of the country to sit to see who can get a consensus, and this is a mandatory requirement.

“He was out of the country, but he joined the meeting involving the three parties online. They consented. They interacted with each other. That is good enough for the party, and it’s good enough for the other contestants.

“So, being absent physically is not in breach of either rules or regulations or etiquettes, but he did everything that every candidate of the PRP should do.”