Connect with us

Politics

Edo election tribunal: PDP witnesses allege irregularities in three LGs

Published

on

Witnesses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, gave testimonies on how irregularities allegedly marred the Sept. 21, 2024, Edo governorship election in three Local Governments (LGs) of the state.

The PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Gov. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.

Being led in evidence by Abiodun Owonikoko, PDP counsel in the petition, one of the witnesses, Kennedy Osifo, tendered agents’ copies of the election results for 76 polling units.

The polling units are in Ward II of Ikpoba Okha local government area, where he alleged four electoral irregularities.

Advertisement

According to him, the irregularities were observed when the agents’ copies were examined alongside the certified true copies of the results of BVAS accreditation report obtained from the INEC’s IREV portal.

He said that the discrepancies had been highlighted in his witness statement on oath, which he urged the tribunal to adopt in evidence in the case.

Osifo, who said that he was the PDP local government collation officer in the poll, alleged that the INEC relied on incorrect scores to announce the election’s final result.

When cross-examined, Osifo said that his testimonies were based strictly on the two documents and not on contacts with the agents.

Advertisement

On his part, Adebayo Ogedegbe alleged cases of irregularities in 45 units across Akoko-Edo LG of the state.

Ogedegbe, the party collation officer for the local government, testified that INEC computed incorrect scores that negated the records in the certified true copies in 41 of these units.

The witness alleged overvoting in the four other units, seeking to tender the agents’ copies of the results of these units in evidence to corroborate his claims.

For Owan West LG, Lucky Aroye tendered agents’ copies of results in nine units where he also alleged overvoting.

Advertisement

Aroye said that there were no prior recordings of sensitive materials in seven units of the LG, urging INEC to adopt his statement on oath as evidence in the case.

When asked if the witness was able to visit all the units in the local government as the collation officer, he said there was no way he could have done that, considering the number.

Meanwhile, messers Kalu Agabi, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and Ukala, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), counsels to INEC, Okpebholo, and the APC, objected to the admissibility of the tendered documents.

The lawyers, however, reserved their grounds to the final written addresses.

Advertisement

Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the chairman of the tribunal, in his ruling, said that the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence.

Kpochi adjourned the sitting until Wednesday for continuation of hearing.

(NAN)

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Opposition Parties Form Alliance Against Tinubu, Announce Date To Unveil Mega Coalition

Published

on

Opposition Parties have reunited against Tinubu and announced date to unveil mega coalition.

Naijablitznews reports with the 2027 general elections fast approaching, opposition parties and disgruntled members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are intensifying behind-the-scenes discussions to form a mega coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sources revealed that the discussions, which involve key political figures from both the North and South, include elements from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), civil society groups, and APC defectors.

While details of the emerging coalition remain closely guarded to prevent disruption, insiders suggest that widespread discontent with Tinubu’s administration, especially in the North has fueled the urgency for a formidable opposition front.

Advertisement

Among those confirming these developments are:
– Olawale Okunniyi, Director General of the National Consultative Front

– Ralph Okey-Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

– Usman Bugaje, a prominent Northern political figure and former presidential aide

Okunniyi disclosed that the opposition coalition is expected to take shape by June or July 2025, following a national summit in May.

Advertisement

“This summit will bring together key stakeholders to shape a formidable, ultra-mega opposition movement. Expect something concrete by July,” he said.

He also hinted that major political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are actively consulting on their roles within the coalition.

“We could adopt an existing party—it might even be the PDP. However, rebranding and restructuring the party leadership would be essential,” he added.

‘Nigerians Are Suffering, APC is Weak’ – Okey-Nwosu
ADC Chairman, Okey-Nwosu confirmed that discussions are ongoing but stressed that caution is necessary due to alleged efforts by the APC to destabilize opposition parties.

Advertisement

“The opposition is mobilizing because this government is weak. Nigerians are hungry, suffering, and disillusioned. A citizens’ movement will emerge to reclaim the country in 2027,” he said.

He accused the APC of using state resources to suppress opposition voices, alleging that some opposition leaders are being threatened or enticed with financial offers.

“We know the APC is trying to dismantle existing parties. That’s why coalition talks are kept secret. The ruling party is more focused on retaining power than good governance,” he added.

Northern Stakeholders Push For Alternative
In the North, dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s policies is fueling calls for an alternative. Prominent Northern leader, Usman Bugaje stated that many political figures in the region are considering aligning with the emerging coalition.

Advertisement

“The North is deeply unhappy with the current administration. A viable alternative will emerge before the 2027 elections, either gradually or in a significant way,” he told Punch

Many Northern elites reportedly believe that Tinubu’s economic policies have negatively impacted their region and are looking for a political realignment.

Punch

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

PDP Crisis: Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye Suspended

Published

on

Following the dramatic scenes at its recent meeting, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to bar Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye from attending future BoT gatherings until the ongoing dispute over the party’s national secretary position is settled.

The decision was reached after a chaotic incident at the last BoT meeting, where a physical altercation erupted. The confrontation began when an aide to Senator Anyanwu tried to prevent Ude-Okoye from entering the meeting, despite his official invitation. Tensions have been high within the party due to the disagreement between the two over who should hold the crucial position of national secretary.

The national secretary of the PDP is a statutory member of the BoT, and the ongoing tussle between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye has only deepened divisions within the party. The confrontation occurred at last week’s meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja when Ude-Okoye was directed to sit at the high table, which sparked the heated exchange.

To address the crisis, the BoT has formed a committee led by Barr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), former Minister of Special Duties, to mediate between the two parties and provide a resolution for further action.

Advertisement

A source within the BoT, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the decision to suspend the two from attending future meetings was made in an effort to maintain order and prevent further disruptions. The source expressed the Board’s disappointment in how the situation unfolded but remains confident that the newly formed committee will resolve the matter amicably.

“The BoT was very disappointed with the way things played out. To avoid another incident, the Board has decided that both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye will not be allowed to attend future meetings until the issue is fully resolved,” the source explained. “Though both seem unwilling to back down, we are hopeful the committee will come to a conclusion, and everyone will respect the BoT’s final decision.”

The dispute over the national secretary position stems from when Senator Anyanwu stepped down to run for the Imo State governorship election, which he ultimately lost.

After his departure, the South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement, but Anyanwu contested this choice in court. The matter escalated, and while Anyanwu lost the case at the Appeal Court, the issue is now before the Supreme Court.

Advertisement

Further clarifications from the BoT source emphasized that Ude-Okoye was not at fault for attending the meeting without permission.

He had been officially invited and had received the approval of party leaders from his zone after being reaffirmed as the national secretary in Enugu State just a week before the Abuja meeting.

Another party leader also supported the BoT’s move, asserting that barring the two from further meetings was necessary to maintain order and avoid more disruptions within the party.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

Ex-Bayelsa LP governorship candidate Eradiri joins APC

Published

on

The November 11, 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying it is behind all the projects in his Agudiama/Ekpetiama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Eradiri, who registered for the APC at Ward 10 Constituency 2 in Yenagoa Local Government Area, said President Tinubu, through Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), gave his community potable water, shore protection, solar lights, and one kilometre road.

He said besides his community, almost all the communities in the Niger Delta region have benefitted from the light-up project and other interventionist programmes of the NDDC.

Advertisement

According to him, the Tinubu administration, through the NDDC, had also promised to embark on other projects, including the remodeling of a secondary school and providing quality accommodation for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in his community.

Eradiri, who was received by a crowd of residents and APC members in his ward, noted that through the Tantita Security Services Limited and the NDDC, the Niger Delta region had experienced peace and steady progress in infrastructural development.

He gave some instances, including the recent President’s assent to the Maritime University Bill into law and the Bill establishing the University of Technology and Environment in Ogoni land.

Eradiri said these would help to deepen the already existing peace in the region.

Advertisement

The former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youths and later Environment stressed that President Tinubu was steadily addressing the injustices and marginalisation the region suffered over the past years.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News