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Ajayi files suit to stop Aiyedatiwa as Ondo gov

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Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, on Monday, said he had filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This development came 24 days after the governorship poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Governor Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi scored a total vote of 117,845.

Speaking with journalists at the PDP Secretariat, Akure, the state capital, Ajayi disclosed that his legal team had filed the petition at the election tribunal with the hope of getting justice from the court.

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He, however, declined to mention the grounds of his petition.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election, the PDP candidate described the result of the election as a miscarriage and murder of democracy.

He said, “First and foremost, we thank Almighty God for the peaceful conduct of the election in Ondo State. Since the election, our party has refrained from making public comments to allow time for a comprehensive review of the events that transpired on election day. After careful analysis, we have come to express our gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their confidence in us and the maturity they displayed during the elections despite provocations.

“We want to address certain misconceptions and allegations made against the electorate. There were accusations that our people sold their votes or were compromised. Let it be clear that the will of the people was not for sale. The sadness and disappointment witnessed after the election reflect their discontent with the outcome, which, we believe, was a miscarriage of democracy orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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“Despite our previous warnings and even legal action to ensure neutrality within INEC, the institution, unfortunately, failed to act impartially. The election results, as declared, do not reflect the aspirations of the people of Ondo State. The declaration of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the winner by INEC was met with widespread dissatisfaction, as evident in the sober mood that followed.

“Our party has taken the lawful step of filing a petition at the electoral tribunal. While we will refrain from discussing the case in detail, I assure you that we remain committed to pursuing justice. Our people are educated, resilient, and determined to see democracy upheld.”

To this end, the PDP candidate called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to ensure a transparent and tamper-proof electoral process, complaining that the use of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, as currently implemented, has been allegedly being exploited for manipulation.

Ajayi, who is a former deputy governor of the state, however, expressed confidence in getting justice at the election petition tribunal.

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“Despite concerns about the judiciary’s integrity, we maintain confidence in its ability to deliver justice. We are optimistic that the tribunal will fairly adjudicate our case. The judiciary remains a critical institution in preserving democracy, and we urge it to rise to this challenge.

“Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly by the people. We are determined to restore the integrity of our democracy and ensure the people’s mandate is upheld,” he stated.

The PUNCH reports that the Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, had dismissed the suit filed by Ajayi challenging the November 16 governorship election in the state.

The presiding Judge, Justice Toyin Adegoke, held that the candidate of the PDP, who challenged the qualification of the APC’s candidates, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olaiyide Adelami lacked locus standi to file the suit.

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The judge also held that the case filed by Ajayi and the PDP was barred by statute having filed it outside the 14 days required by the Electoral Act. Besides, Justice Adegoke held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, having filed it through originating summons instead of a Writ of Summons.

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Abure in trouble as Nenadi Usman-led LP probes him over alleged misconduct

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The caretaker committee of the Labour Party, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has launched an investigation into Barrister Julius Abure over allegations of misconduct, including corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party activities.

Briefing the media in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Usman accused Abure of persistently parading himself as the national chairman of the party despite being removed, and of running the Labour Party as a personal enterprise to pursue selfish ambitions.

She stated that rather than fostering unity, Abure allegedly exploited his position for personal enrichment.

To address these allegations, the caretaker committee has set up a disciplinary panel, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary. The panel is tasked with investigating the allegations against Abure and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.

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The committee has summoned Abure to appear before the disciplinary panel to respond to various petitions and charges brought against him.

Furthermore, the caretaker committee criticized Abure’s alleged hijacking of party structures without following due process, including the failure to conduct ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses ahead of a national convention.

The Nenadi Usman-led team pledged to restore internal democracy, announcing that a timetable for proper congresses and the election of national executives will be released soon.

This is coming a few days after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party set up a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of anti-party activities against Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and other members.

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It said “NEC reviewed the anti party activities of Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor” and other errant members and consequently set up a disciplinary committee.

The committee chaired by Ayo Olorunfemi, was given two weeks to submit its report.

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Ughelli North PDP Holds Crucial Meeting

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…appoints Caretaker Committee

The PDP Ughelli North convened a meeting to update members on the party’s current situation following the defection of the Governor and other leaders to the All Progressive Congress (APC) .

Key stakeholders, including Chief Udu Omo Scott , Pharm. Simon Ohwo, and Mr. Alex Akporute , Chief Jawhono Orovwoni , Chief Rita Agba , Hon Majemite Joel Lucky and others addressed the gathering, urging members to remain faithful to the party, reassured members that the party would bounce back stronger, despite recent challenges.

The PDP Members present pledged their full support and promised to mobilize more supporters for the party.

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The meeting’s highlight was the appointment of a Caretaker Committee to lead the party. The committee members include

Hon. Daniel Emaye as Chairman
Comr. Umukoro Oghenekaro as Vice Chairman
Comr. Efe Oberiko as Secretary.

The Caretaker Committee’s members are tasked with guiding the party’s affairs and strengthening its presence in the Local government.

Other key officials appointed include

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Mr. Benedict Oghenerukevwe (Youth Leader)
Madam Ufuoma Omoru (Woman Leader)
Comr. George Oghenekevwe (Treasurer)
Comr. Aderiobor Blessing (Publicity Secretary)
Mr Ochuko Jonathan Arhiakpore (Financial Secretary)
and Mr. Thompson Akpososo (Auditor).

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Just in: Delta PDP Reps members defect to APC

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All Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives members have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

‎Their defection was made public by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday.

Details shortly…

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