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Edo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged fraud, underdevelopment

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in the state, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Osarodion Ogie; and Edo Chairman of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe; have clashed over alleged monumental fraud and underdevelopment of the state.

Tenebe, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, accused Obaseki, a chieftain of the PDP, of strings of corrupt schemes deployed to siphon Edo state of its resources, in connivance with Ighodalo and Ogie, while urging the anti-graft agencies to thoroughly investigate them, thereby prosecuting the governorship candidate and his running mate without immunity.

He said: “The state is happy with steps taken in relation to the investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) interventions that were squandered by Obaseki. We are in receipt of an invitation letter No. CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SOT/VOL. 2/2024, dated 19th April, 2024 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Edo State Commissioner of Finance, and the response by the Secretary to State Government (Ogie), via his letter of May 7, 2024 with Ref. SGA.440/T3/82.

“We urge the EFCC to follow up their investigation to prosecute and recover the agriculture and other sundry loans diverted by this present administration in Edo State.

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“We wish to draw the attention of the general public to two projects that were designed by Obaseki, and supervised by his political godson, Asue Ighodalo, through his law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, and Obaseki’s Afrinvest. A systematic pattern of contract splitting and variation was deployed by the Edo Ministry of Finance to drain off the state’s resources.”

Edo chairman of APC also accused Obaseki’s government of lack of transparency, thereby allegedly mortgaging the future of unborn generations of Edo

He said: “Obaseki’s company, Afrinvest, raises capital for projects at a Management Fee and Commission, in the name of Edo State, and the loans on Edo State. Afrinvest also provides Business Advisory and Project Finance at inflated fees.

“Greenfield Consultancy, owned by a close associate of Obaseki, has been the one handling all civil service reforms in Edo State at outrageous fees. The civil servants are privately grumbling, and are volunteering information on this unholy scheme.

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“The latest plan by Obaseki to make the activities of his administration paperless is a criminal plan that has been designed by one ‘Ugo,’ who is in charge of e-governance, and has concluded with Edo governor to destroy all documents relating to fraudulent contracts, with the excuse that Edo Government has gone paperless. ‘Ugo’ has been instructed to delete the server containing sensitive documents, when the PDP loses the election on September 21, 2024. We hereby warn Obaseki and the head of e-governance, ‘Ugo’ not to delete the approvals of contracts on e-gov.

“We are calling on the EFCC to immediately begin the investigation of the law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, as it connects to the treasury of Edo State government, relating to many legal advisory services the PDP candidate received huge sums of money for services not provided.”

Tenebe also accused Edo governor of inflating the contract of the ongoing construction of Radisson Hotel in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, from N15.3 billion on August 23, 2023, when the contract was awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji Nigeria Limited to N23 billion now, and with further sub-contracts of N2.1 billion, for supply of, installation and commission of MEP/HVAC mechanical works equipment), as well as N1.6 billion for supply and installation of kitchen and laundry equipment, and N703 million for installation of aluminium glazing works and alucobond cladding awarded to All Facave Limited, with over N28 billion being wasted.

He stated that the Lagos-based law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo was awarded the contract for legal advisory services at N1.5 billion by Obaseki, in addition to Ighodalo’s legal contract drafting, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) writing  in the last eight years, at ridiculous and bogus fees.

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Edo chairman of APC insisted that residents of the state deserved to know the real owner of Edo Refinery (ERPC), located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo, which he said Obaseki claimed it belonged to Edo government, but he expressed surprise that it was now the property of a private company, with 100 per cent ownership by Michael Osime AIPCC Energy.

Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in his reaction, asked the leaders of APC in the state to tell Edo people what the party’s standard bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, would do differently for residents of the state.

Nehikhare said: “I have just read a statement from the chairman of the APC in Edo State. It is unfortunate that we still have someone heading a political party, without idea of how the government is run, but believes in sensationalism.

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PDP: Anyanwu declares Govs’ move a ‘Coup’, illegal, insists he’s authentic National Secretary

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Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has rejected a resolution by the PDP Governors Forum appointing an Acting National Secretary, labeling it unconstitutional and a direct violation of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Comrade Daboikiabo Z. Warmate, Anyanwu described the governors’ move as a “draconian” attempt to usurp party structures, calling it a “coup d’état” against the PDP.

Warmate noted that the PDP Constitution, specifically in sections 45, 47, 49, 57, and 59; the appointment, election, replacement, or removal of a national officer must follow due process. He maintained that Senator Anyanwu has neither resigned nor vacated the office of National Secretary, making the appointment of an acting secretary baseless. “Only the National Convention holds the authority to appoint or remove national officers, Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary until December 2025’, he said.

Warmate warned of dire consequences if the resolution is not immediately reversed, accusing the governors of acting beyond their constitutional powers and stirring internal party conflict, particularly one linked to alleged personal rifts with the FCT Minister.

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He emphasized that only a national convention—not the governors’ forum—has the authority to appoint or remove national officers, slamming the move as illegal and a dangerous precedent for the party’s integrity.

Anyanwu called for calm and urged the governors to adhere to due process, warning that failure to reverse their decision could severely damage the PDP’s credibility and unity.

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Igbo Youths Set To Mobilize 5 Million Man-March In Support Of Tinubu, Kalu

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The Coalition Of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone after a meeting of its leadership have perfected arrangements and plans to organize a 5 million man grand endorsement rally in support of our esteemed president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Distinguish Senator representing Abia North senatorial zone in the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in the upcoming elections come 2027.

In an official press statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem (President General) and Comrade Okey Nwaoru (Publicity Secretary) which was made public on Monday, 14th April, 2025, the group noted that Kalu has impacted the lives of people in the southeast via his leadership prowess and henceforth it was time to pay him back by mobilizing and overwhelming support on his behalf.

You will recall Kalu has won the best Performing Senator in Nigeria, an award given by Senate Press Corp. He has won this award three times consecutively.

COSEYL through the letter confirmed that they will mobilize, sensitize and deliver over 90% of votes to Kalu in Abia North and President Tinubu across the Southeast geopolitical zone.

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“The rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State, and we will mobilize 5 million citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone. Our group is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will serve as a platform to highlight the outstanding leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu .

“We aim to mobilize the masses, showcasing the positive transformations led by Senator Kalu in Abia North constituency and reinforcing the president’s vision for our nation’s continued progress.”

This event is crucial in building momentum for the 2027 campaigns and ensuring that the South East remains a strong pillar of support for the President and Senator Kalu come 2027 general elections.” The Group opined.

The group further said that the huge and novel infrastructural developments Klau has attracted to Abia North and by extension Southeast has never been felt by the people of the zone.

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“Truly, the people of South East are very pleased and very certified with the exceptional leadership and transformational contributions of Distinguish Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the Senator representing Abia North senatorial district in the Senate, which have significantly impacted the South East geopolitical zone, and will contribute immensely to securing a 90 percent electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections come 2027.

“Senator Orji Kalu has proven to be a beacon of progress, consistently working toward the betterment of our region through building and renovations of schools, massive road construction, huge investment in agriculture for food sufficiency, youth empowerment programs and other democracy dividends too numerous to mention.

“Their unwavering commitment to the people has led to notable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other areas, fostering a sense of unity, trust, and development that has resonated deeply with constituents.

“Given this track record of success, it is clear that the Senator Kalu’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for ensuring that our geopolitical zone will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election come 2027.

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“Their transformational performance has created a groundswell of support, positioning us to achieve a remarkable 90 percent electoral victory in favor of the President.

“We are confident that with Senator Orji Kalu leading the way, the future is bright for both our region and the nation as a whole. Together, we are poised for success in the upcoming election, and we look forward to the continued progress under President Tinubu’s leadership,” COSEYL asserted.

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Bauchi gov, Atiku’s sons in war of words over 2027 electoral race

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A political spat has erupted between the sons of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over their fathers’ presidential ambitions.

Atiku’s son, Mohammed Abubakar, accused Governor Mohammed of failing to support the ex-VP in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Mohammed, who also chairs Atiku’s Presidential Support Organisation, alleged that Governor Mohammed’s presidential ambition is at the heart of the PDP’s internal crisis.

Atiku’s son was reacting to an earlier statement by Governor Mohammed’s son, Shamsudeen Bala, who said his father would not back Atiku’s presidential bid again.

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Shamsudeen had on Friday accused Atiku of undermining Governor Mohammed’s 2023 re-election campaign by aligning with the opposition and rallying political elites in Bauchi against him.

“Honestly, it would be difficult,” Shamsudeen said. “Because even if he (Atiku) wins, there’s nothing he would do for us except settle old scores. He didn’t support us in 2023—he backed the APC candidate and used Bauchi elites to oppose us. We barely survived it. He’s made it clear he doesn’t value us enough to engage in dialogue.”

But reacting on Monday, Atiku’s son fired back, accusing Governor Mohammed of secretly working with the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Let it be known to Shamsu that never has Atiku dissipated an ounce of energy towards his father’s political travails,” Mohammed Abubakar said in a statement. “Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans—he has always remained above the fray.”

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He added that any political tension Bala Mohammed faced in the lead-up to the 2023 election was purely local and had no link to Atiku.

“At no point has Shamsu’s father ever supported Atiku Abubakar in his political journey,” he said. “On the contrary, Nigerians still remember the ignoble role he played in 2023, when he clandestinely worked against his party’s presidential candidate.”

Atiku’s son also referenced recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that Governor Mohammed worked behind the scenes to thwart Atiku’s 2023 bid.

According to him, the Bauchi governor’s personal presidential ambition has impaired his leadership of the PDP Governors’ Forum and weakened unity among the governors.

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“We are also not unaware of his secret hobnobbing with Tinubu’s government,” the statement continued.

Concluding, Atiku’s son advised Shamsudeen to focus on constructive political dialogue.

“The focus of every patriotic Nigerian should be on promoting political discourse that moves our country forward—not on needless rantings.”

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