The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has condemned Bauchi State governor, Bala Muhammed, over his alleged interference in the political crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, the group accused Gov. Muhammed of orchestrating a gang-up against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Illya Damagun.

They criticised Muhammed’s efforts to support Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, in taking control of the state’s PDP structure, which they described as an overreach.

The youths questioned Muhammed’s basis for getting involved in Rivers PDP matters and warned that his actions could create political unrest.

They also accused him of trying to remove Amb. Damagun from his position, suggesting that the move was politically motivated to pave the way for Muhammed or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential 2027 presidential candidacies.

The group called on Governor Muhammed to cease his interference in the Rivers State PDP affairs and respect political boundaries.

The Imo State Local Government elections on Saturday were thrown into chaos when two court summons were issued, leaving voters bewildered.

A Magistrate Court in Owerri in suit number CR/OMC/635/2024, disqualified the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the September 21 elections due to non-compliance with the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) guidelines.

“The All Progressive Congress ought not to be in the Local Government election because it failed to conduct Chairmanship and Councillorship primaries in line with ISIEC guidelines,” ruled the Chief Magistrate, Ifunanya Ekwerike.

The Forum of APC Chairmanship and Councillorship Aspirants in Imo State had previously approached the Chief Magistrate’s Court, citing discrepancies in the APC primaries. The court’s decision was based on reports of irregularities in the conduct of primaries across the 305 wards in Imo State.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that APC does not participate in the LGA Election,” vowed Barr Lucky Ikwubuo, spokesperson for the Forum, citing the party’s refusal to conduct transparent and credible primaries.

Additionally, Action Alliance (AA) Chairmanship Candidate for Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Nze Greg Anyanwu, filed a suit HOW/1051/2024 seeking a declaration that the 2024 local government council elections, scheduled without a Local Government Election Tribunal, are unlawful and invalid.

The APC in Imo State dismissed the court suits filed against it, claiming that the party did not receive such notices.

APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Duke Cajetan said, “We have not received any court notice or process. As I speak to you, we also don’t have aggrieved aspirants as we all agreed on consensus candidates. More so, you cannot stop a football match in the middle of the competition. So, the court notice or process does not exist.”

Cajetan further stated that the leadership of the party had commenced refunding money to aspirants who were not picked as candidates for the election.

“This move aims to demonstrate the party’s transparency and fairness in the selection process,” he said.

“The APC’s stance on consensus candidates and refunding unused nomination fees suggests an effort to promote unity and inclusivity within the party.”

The elections were however marred by voter apathy, with the late arrival of election materials in some areas. A voter noted, “There was no trust that there would be an election…that’s why a lot of people boycotted it.”

Despite the challenges, the election remained peaceful, thanks to the synergy between security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, and Commander Federal Road Safety Corps.

The candidate of APC Mr. Obiora Aladi who is the Personal Assistant to the Commissioner For Transport Imo State Hon. Dr Chika Benson Abazu floored the candidate of PDP sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Mr. Ifeanyi Azubuike in the Umukegwu/Umuopia Ward which is the ward of the Rep. Member.

It was a complete routing by the APC as the ruling party’s candidate polled 899 votes to defeat the PDP candidate who trailed behind with 147 votes._

Wild jubuilation erupted the entire ward as soon as the result was declared.

Women and youths sang songs of joy and the winner Mr. Obiora Aladi thanked his numerous supporters and attributed his victory to God. With this result, the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency at the National Assembly has lost his ward to the APC.