Connect with us

Politics

ADC holds convention tomorrow, releases fresh c’mttee list

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to proceed with its national convention scheduled for tomorrow.

The party released updated lists of its convention committee and subcommittees yesterday ahead of the exercise.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the update is aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention.

The party had earlier issued notice of its convention last month, with activities expected to begin from ward congresses through local government and state congresses before the national convention.

Advertisement

This was before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delisted the Senator David Mark-led caretaker committee leadership of the party, warning that it would not be available to monitor the convention.

It called on groups within the party to desist from actions that could prejudice the court’s decision, which directed the party to revert to the status quo ante bellum.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had also stated in an interview that, due to pending cases, the commission would not receive further communications from any faction of the ADC.

He further warned the party against proceeding with its congresses and convention, noting that doing so could amount to a violation of existing court orders.

Advertisement

Despite this, ADC leaders have vowed to go ahead with the exercise, saying notices had already been duly served on the electoral body.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary maintained in a statement that it would proceed with its convention and congresses, describing INEC’s position as a willful distortion of the Court of Appeal’s directive.

The ADC also accused INEC of overstepping its supervisory role and attempting to halt lawful internal processes, insisting that party disputes do not suspend democratic functions, while reaffirming its resolve to proceed in full compliance with the law.

Checks by our correspondents show that the ADC has proceeded with its ward, local government, and state congresses across various states, although the processes experienced setbacks in states such as Katsina, Edo, and Abia.

Advertisement

Daily Trust also learnt that in Adamawa State, an initial disruption caused by a clash between two interest groups within the party was resolved, allowing the state congress to be successfully conducted.

Since the resignation of the party’s former National Working Committee (NWC) last year, former Senate President David Mark has served as national chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola holds the position of national secretary.

However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was the deputy national chairman under the previous NWC, has denied resigning alongside other members of the Ralph Nwosu-led executive.

He insisted that, according to the party’s constitution, he automatically assumes the position of national chairman following the resignation of the former chairman and other executive members.

Advertisement

Despite the internal disagreements, ADC leaders have remained undeterred, continuing with the inauguration of newly elected state executives and chairmen across the country.

In a separate statement, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi congratulated the newly elected officials on the successful and peaceful conduct of their state congresses, describing the process as a clear demonstration of the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.

The party said the elections were conducted in line with its constitution and relevant legal provisions, commending members and stakeholders for what it described as a mature, disciplined, and orderly exercise.

States where ADC congresses held

Advertisement

States monitored by our correspondents where congresses were held include Ondo, Borno, Gombe, Benue, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa, and Lagos. However, our correspondent in Katsina reported that the exercise was put on hold due to a court order.

In Adamawa, a 54-member newly elected state executive of the ADC was inaugurated on Sunday, with Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin elected as chairman, Shagnah Pwamadd I Maboyefe as state secretary, Moh’d Arabi Mustapha as organising secretary, and Umar Sadiq as youth leader.

In Bauchi, Shuaibu Dankama emerged as the new state chairman of the ADC.

In Ondo, a former caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Bashorun Tola Alabere, emerged as state chairman.

Advertisement

In Nasarawa, a former deputy governor of the state, Mr. John Michael-Abdul, emerged as the new state chairman of the ADC.

In Gombe, Kyaftain Amuga was returned as the party’s state chairman following the successful conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses.

In Benue, a former House of Representatives member, Samson Okwu, was returned as the state chairman.

In Taraba, Hassan Muhammad Adamu emerged as the state chairman through consensus.

Advertisement

In Kogi State, the ADC inaugurated its executives in Lokoja on Saturday, with Hon. Tom Zakari emerging as chairman.

In Borno, a former chairman of the PDP in the state, Kolo Bukar, emerged as the new state chapter chairman of the ADC.

Oyegun, Owie trade words over ADC Edo chairmanship

In Edo State, chieftains of ADC, Senator Roland Owie and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, traded words over the chairmanship of the party.

Advertisement

Addressing journalists yesterday in Benin City, ADC senatorial leader and member of the National Executive Council (NEC), Senator Roland Owie, alleged that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was attempting to impose his loyalists as state party chairman despite losing the congress.

He said the chairmanship position in Edo ADC was zoned to Edo South, which was later micro-zoned to Oredo Local Government Area.

According to him, two aspirants, Dr. Mike Ehima and Tony Alile, showed interest in the position, leading to a mini-primary conducted between them.

“At the end of the exercise, Dr. Ehima polled 75 votes, while his opponent, Tony Alile, scored four votes,” he said.

Advertisement

Owie added that the local government congresses were generally peaceful and unanimous in several areas.

“But information reaching me indicates that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is adopting another chairman in place of Dr. Ehima at the national headquarters in Abuja,” he alleged.

He further stated that Oyegun could not simultaneously serve as a national leader and senatorial leader of the party in the state, insisting he should choose one role.

Owie, therefore, called on the party’s NEC to caution Oyegun and restore order within the state chapter.

Advertisement

In his response, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun denied involvement in the congress process, saying he was not part of the officials appointed by the national headquarters to conduct the exercise.

“I am not the state congress officer appointed by the national headquarters in Abuja to oversee the congress. It is only the congress officer who can speak on that, and maybe he will speak tomorrow,” he said.

Reacting to claims by former state chairman Kelly Odion that he remained the party chairman, Oyegun said: “I don’t know where he got that from; it is between him and Abuja.”

‘FG has denied us usage of Eagle Square, National Stadium’

Advertisement

Ahead of its April 14 national convention, ADC alleged that it had been denied access to both Eagle Square and the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja for the conduct of the event.

The allegation was made by Kola Ologbondiyan, chairman of the media subcommittee of the party’s National Convention Committee, on Sunday night.

Speaking in response to inquiries from Daily Trust on preparations for the convention, Ologbondiyan said the party had formally written to the relevant authorities requesting permission to use the venues.

“We have written to the authorities for Eagle Square; it was acknowledged. But since then, they refused to respond to us,” he said.

Advertisement

He added that the party also applied to use the Velodrome at the National Stadium, but was informed by the ministry that it did not have authorisation to grant approval for the facility’s use.

Daily Trust

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Politics

Peter Obi advises Tinubu to consider quitting like UK PM

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

 

The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

Advertisement

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

Advertisement

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

Continue Reading

Politics

Enugu North by-election: APC candidate emerges winner

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has emerged the winner of the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 9,299 votes.

The by-election was conducted to replace late Senator Okey Ezea, who was representing the district at the time he died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Nsukka, the Returning Officer of the election, Prof Christian Ezeibe, the Dean, Department of Students Affairs at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, said Asogwa scored the highest votes in the election to emerge the winner.

Advertisement

“Asogwa having satisfied the requirements of the law in this election is hereby declared the winner and is returned.

“I thank you all for your cooperation, support and maturity that made the by-election a success,” he said.

According to Ezeibe, the number of registered voters in Enugu North Senatorial District was 727, 340 while 184,094 were accredited in the election.

A breakdown of the result scored by five other candidates showed that Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party, ADC, polled 1,676 votes while Kingsley Aneke of Boot Party, BP, got 1607 votes.

Advertisement

Other candidates are Ejike Simon Eze of Labour Party, LP, 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, 3,129 votes and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 667 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Asogwa, the senator elect, said the outcome reflected the overwhelming support of the residents of the six local government areas that made up the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

He promised to give the senatorial zone quality and effective representation to justify the massive support and confidence residents had expressed through their votes.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

Official: INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

Published

on

By

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election, Adenike Oladiji, who declared the results at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday, said that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes.

Oladiji, a professor and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

According to her, a total of 384,940 voters were accredited for the election, with 375,777 valid votes, 6,332 rejected votes, and total votes cast.

Advertisement

Voting, which began at about 8:31 a.m, ended officially at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with more than 300,000 voters casting their ballots.

INEC has declared Biodun Oyebanji of the APC as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, said the incumbent governor polled 319,224 votes.

She also said that while the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

Advertisement

2:25 a.m.

Following the conclusion of the collation of results from the 16 LGAs, the Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji, says that the results will be transferred to the Form EC8D.


2:22 a.m.

Moba LGA

Advertisement

ADC- 994

APC – 20,500

PDP – 1,572


2:19 a.m.

Advertisement

Ekiti East

ADC- 1,730

APC – 26,359

PDP – 2,795

Advertisement

2:15 a.m.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

ADC- 511

APC – 29,278

Advertisement

PDP – 2,119

The collation officer said that the result from one of the polling units was cancelled due to over-voting.


2:08 a.m.

Ikole LGA

Advertisement

ADC- 812

APC – 26,508

PDP – 750


2:04 a.m.

Advertisement

Aiyekire (Gbonyin) LGA

ADC- 314

APC – 17,133

PDP – 1,563

Advertisement

1:52 a.m.

Oye LGA

ADC- 998

APC – 18,975

Advertisement

PDP – 2,891


1:49 a.m.

Ise/Orun LGA

ADC- 365

Advertisement

APC – 12,908

PDP – 1,627

 


1:40 a.m.

Advertisement

Ilejemeje LGA

ADC- 579

APC – 8,984

PDP – 1,243

Advertisement

1:37 a.m.

Ado Ekiti LGA

ADC- 1,054

APC – 38,026

Advertisement

PDP – 3,817


1:31 a.m.

Ekiti West LGA

ADC- 674

Advertisement

APC – 28,258

PDP – 3,644


1:26 a.m.

Ido-Osi LGA

Advertisement

ADC- 561

APC – 17,901

PDP – 1,449


1:22 a.m.

Advertisement

Ekiti South-West LGA

ADC- 1,076

APC – 14,705

PDP – 1,800

Advertisement

1:13 a.m.

Ikere LGA

ADC- 245

APC – 11,116

Advertisement

PDP – 9,892


1:12 a.m.

Ijero LGA

ADC- 2,026

Advertisement

APC – 25,506

PDP – 2,479


1 a.m.

Efon LGA

Advertisement

ADC- 201

APC – 8,742

PDP – 2051


12:59 a.m.

Advertisement

Emure LGA

ADC – 732

APC – 14,325

PDP – 851

Advertisement

12:57 a.m. The announcement of results from the LGAs has begun.


12:37 a.m. The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji.


12:35 a.m. INEC has begun the collation of results of the Ekiti State governorship election. The exercise is taking place in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.


11:51 p.m. As of 11:50 p.m., 97.18 per cent of the Ekiti State governorship election results have been uploaded on the INEC IReV portal. Results have been submitted from 2,376 out of 2,445 polling units.

Advertisement

9:27 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has said that the official collation of the governorship election results from the LGAs will commence at 10 p.m. on Saturday.


9:21 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has explained that 19 political parties were contained in the ballot paper for the Ekiti election to avoid the financial cost of printing fresh ballot papers due to court orders.


8:32 p.m. Shogunle also says one person was arrested for ballot box snatching during the election.


8:23 p.m. Commissioner of Police in charge of security for the Ekiti State governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, says the police have not received any report of vote buying in the exercise so far.

Advertisement

7:59 p.m. Yiaga Africa’s Samson Itodo says 24 incidents of violence were reported across 10 local government areas during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.


4:35 p.m. INEC has commenced the upload of polling unit results from the Ekiti State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV), after the official close of voting.

As of 6p.m. on Saturday, the commission had uploaded 846 results out of the 2,445 expected polling unit results, representing 34.60 per cent of the total.


4:30 p.m. INEC says that all 2,445 PUs were successfully opened for the governorship election earlier in the day. According to the body, 2,257 PUs (92.31 per cent) opened on schedule before 8:30 a.m, while 188 PUs (7.69 per cent) experienced minor delays but commenced voting before 10:30 a.m.

Advertisement

4 p.m. Voting was still ongoing as of 4 p.m. at Polling Unit 006, where the PDP candidate cast his vote, as some of the voters insisted that they must exercise their civic responsibility.


3:35 p.m. Channels Television correspondent provides an update on the election as collation begins at different polling units in the state.


 

3:40 p.m. Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has said that the outcome of today’s governorship election will be a referendum on the performance of the President Bola Tinubu government, its acceptance, and the popularity of the party in Ekiti State.

Advertisement

3:13 p.m. Yiaga Africa urges citizens and stakeholders to keep a close eye on the preparedness, transparency, and neutrality in the Ekiti State governorship election.


2:43 p.m. Sorting of votes has commenced at Polling Unit 001, Ado D Ijigbo in Ado LGA. Various party agents and security agents are currently monitoring the exercise.


2:37 p.m. Sorting and counting commenced at Polling Unit 008, Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere Local Government Area.

But the exercise became rowdy at the polling unit as party officials and members argued over the validity of ballot papers.

Advertisement

1:50 p.m. Social Democratic Party candidate Olugbenga Obafemi has cast his vote in Ekiti governorshjip election.


12:31 p.m. Candidate of the APC and incumbent governor Oyebanji has dismissed allegations of voter harassment and intimidation raised by the PDP’s Oluyede, describing the conduct of the election as satisfactory.

 

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 003, Okelele, Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area, the governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Olayemi, said anyone making such allegations must provide evidence to substantiate their claims.

Advertisement

He urged eligible voters who had yet to vote to come out and discharge their civic responsibility peacefully.


11:05 A voter and resident of Ikogosi, Fatokun Babatunde, commends INEC and security agencies for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process so far.

He also urges the people of Ekiti State to reject violence and uphold peace, stressing that despite political differences, they remain one people united by a common heritage and shared future.


10:19 a.m. Polling Unit 003 in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, awaits the arrival of the APC governorship candidate and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is expected to cast his ballot shortly.

Advertisement

Channels TV correspondent Eyitope Kuteyi reports a surging crowd at the polling unit, alongside a heavy security presence comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).


10:10 a.m. Africa Democratic Congress candidate Dare Bejide has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

Bejide, however, raised concerns about alleged vote buying


10 a.m. An observer and First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sebastian Anyia, says the election process has so far been peaceful and orderly, with voter turnout proving encouraging.

Advertisement

He expresses optimism that the smooth conduct witnessed will be sustained across all 16 local government areas until the conclusion of the exercise.


9:58 a.m. The PDP governorship candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

He voted in polling unit 006 in Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere LGA.

Oluwole expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, saying that most voters at his polling unit had yet to cast their votes due to a problem with the BVAS.

Advertisement

9:56 a.m. Peoples Democratic Party candidate Oluwole Oluyede has arrived at his polling unit in Ikere LGA to ast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News