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The people of Ondo State will head to the polls on Saturday, November 16, 2024, to elect their next governor in an off-cycle election that promises to be a keenly contested race.
Voters across the state’s 18 local government areas will decide the fate of incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and 16 other candidates, including a former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the election will feature candidates from 17 political parties, with Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking re-election amidst a competitive field.
Since its creation on February 3, 1976, Ondo State has been led by 19 governors and administrators. The last governorship election saw Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC securing a decisive victory with 292,830 votes, defeating Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 195,791 votes.
INEC data reveals a sharp increase in registered voters for this election. With over 2.053 million registered voters, Ondo State now boasts 726,944 youths (35.41 percent) and 721,982 middle-aged citizens (35.17 percent) among its electorate. This marks a significant rise from the 1,647,973 registered voters in 2020.
The gender breakdown shows 1.034 million male voters (50.36 percent) and 1.019 million females (49.64 percent), reflecting a near-equal gender participation rate.
As the people of Ondo State prepare to choose their next governor, according to Nigerian Tribune several factors will shape the outcome of this highly anticipated election. See the factors below:
1. Division Among Akeredolu’s Supporters
Though the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed, his influence remains strong in Ondo State. Akeredolu, who served as governor from 2017 until his death on 27 December 2023 at age 67, was widely respected by the people.
Typically, Akeredolu’s supporters might be expected to back Governor Aiyedatiwa, the APC candidate, as Akeredolu won two terms under the party. However, Aiyedatiwa’s ability to secure their full support is uncertain.
Recently, the Akeredolu family, alongside ASEI Human Rights of Nigeria, publicly endorsed Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate. This endorsement could sway many of Akeredolu’s loyal supporters, potentially impacting Aiyedatiwa’s prospects in the election.
2. Aiyedatiwa and Mimiko’s Alliance
The alliance between Governor Aiyedatiwa and former governor Olusegun Mimiko may play a significant role in the election.
Mimiko, the first governor to serve two terms in the state, holds considerable influence in Ondo’s political landscape.
The recent political collaboration between Aiyedatiwa (APC) and Mimiko (historically PDP-aligned) has sparked interest and discussions about its possible impact.
With support from Mimiko and his loyalists, Aiyedatiwa may gain an edge in the race to remain in Alagbaka Government House in Akure.
3. Influence of Candidates’ Strongholds
A candidate’s stronghold can influence election outcomes, especially in historically high voter turnout regions.
In the previous Ondo State governorship election, voter participation varied across the candidates’ local governments, offering clues for the upcoming race. Last election data showed that Ilaje Local Government, where APC’s Governor Aiyedatiwa hails from, recorded 37,785 votes, while Ese Odo Local Government, where PDP’s Ajayi comes from, had 18,063 votes.
Since Aiyedatiwa’s local government recorded the highest turnout among the two leading candidates, similar support could benefit him if those votes are cast in his favour. In addition, going by the last election results, the APC recorded a landslide victory in Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo, Okitipupa, and Owo local government areas. For the PDP, Akure South was a complete sweep, while the remaining LGAs had the margins within close cut for both parties.
4. Leading Candidates’ Profile
While 17 candidates are competing in the Ondo gubernatorial election, it is largely seen as a two-horse race between APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and PDP’s Agboola Ajayi.
Aiyedatiwa, currently serving as governor, is a businessman and politician from Obe-Nla, an oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area. Running for a full term, his platform focuses on continuity, which could appeal to voters seeking stability in governance.
Meanwhile, Ajayi, a former deputy governor from Kiribo Town in Ese Odo Local Government, ran for governor in 2020 under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and now represents the PDP. He positions himself as a candidate for economic transformation, appealing to voters seeking change.
5. Zoning Settlements
While Nigeria’s Constitution does not mandate rotation of governorship or other political roles, informal power-sharing arrangements are common across parties and states, including Ondo, to ensure equitable power distribution.
Ondo State is divided into three senatorial districts: Ondo North, Ondo South, and Ondo Central.
With the late Governor Akeredolu, who won two terms from Ondo North, voters may favour candidates from other districts. However, a Tribune Online check revealed that both leading candidates, Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi, are from Ondo South.
This geographic distribution could influence voting dynamics, with Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi potentially attracting voters who prefer rotational governance over candidates from the same senatorial district as the late Akeredolu.
6. Akeredolu’s Former Deputies Face-off
The fact that both Aiyedatiwa (APC) and Ajayi (PDP) previously served as deputies to the late Governor Akeredolu adds a unique dimension to the Ondo 2024 election.
Ajayi served as Akeredolu’s deputy from 2017 to 2021, while Aiyedatiwa held the position from 2021 until Akeredolu died in 2023.
While Aiyedatiwa maintained a positive relationship with Akeredolu, Ajayi’s relationship with the governor soured in 2020. On 21 June 2020, Ajayi left the APC for the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences with Akeredolu. After losing the PDP primary to Jegede, he joined the ZLP to challenge Akeredolu in the 2020 gubernatorial election.
The two candidates’ history with Akeredolu may affect the voting behaviour of Akeredolu’s loyalists, potentially shaping the election outcome.
7. Support from Jegede’s Followers
Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP candidate in the last governorship election, commands a loyal following, and his endorsement could help unify the party’s base, which has been fragmented since the previous election.
As a PDP leader in Ondo State, Jegede urged party members in May 2024 to rally behind Agboola Ajayi in the upcoming election.
This endorsement could consolidate the PDP’s voter base, appealing to Jegede’s loyal supporters who may have felt alienated by past party dynamics. Ultimately, Jegede’s support could increase Ajayi’s visibility and credibility, boosting his chances of securing a significant vote share.
8. Tinubu’s Re-election Ambitions
In the 2023 general election, President Bola Tinubu lost Lagos State to the Labour Party and Osun State to the PDP.
Although Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, these losses in Southwestern states were seen as a blow to his political influence.
With the 2027 election approaching, Tinubu is keen on securing the majority of southwestern states to bolster his re-election bid.
Federal support from Tinubu and influence as the centre’s ruling party could give Aiyedatiwa a crucial advantage over other candidates in the upcoming election. However, the country’s current economic challenges, especially the rising cost of living occasioned by some policies of the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, could also be a factor in how the people of Ondo state decide at the poll.
A 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma, allegedly involved in various types of internet-related frauds, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism, offered operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, $100,000 (over N160 million) bribe but it was rejected.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, made this known while addressing the press on Friday.
Fayoade revealed that the investigation into Akpoguma began on November 7, 2024, after receiving reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.
He said the suspect admitted to the crime while speaking with journalists, stating that the monetary bribe was an attempt to clear his name.
Fayoade said, “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams.
“He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S.
Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonated Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.
“He convinces his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans. Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded more than seven victims using this method.
“To perfect these fraudulent activities, he created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmarkers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki. He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.
“Surprisingly, during the investigation, the suspect began pleading and offering money to be let off the hook. Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from Raider team to play along. On November 12, 2024, he offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira. The money was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued. So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly.”
Speaking about his actions, the suspect, Patrick Akpoguma, said he felt too intelligent to work for a salary, which is why he turned to fraud three years ago.
He said, “I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my path and try to get on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate. I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then, I’ve made over USD 500,000.
“I’ve achieved a lot—owning a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth N100m. Once I defraud people and feel I’ve taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has deployed 34,000 officers in Ondo ahead of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election.
Abiodun Alabi, the deputy inspector-general of police (DIG) coordinating election security, spoke on Friday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Alabi said adequate measures are in place to stop the infiltration of thugs during the poll, noting that operatives will be stationed at the 3,933 polling units in all LGAs of the state.
“We just want to dominate the security space, to let people know that we cannot allow anybody to truncate the electoral process,” he said.
“We have intelligence that some people are trying to organise some militias to truncate the electoral process.”
The police chief said tactical units, an aerial surveillance team, and marine police, among others, would be deployed in the state.
Alabi noted that there would be restrictions on movement on the election day from 6am to 6pm, adding that the police have received intelligence about plans to sabotage the poll.
He assured voters of their safety, noting that the police have done adequate threat analysis to ensure a peaceful election.
“No movement; we are going to restrict everybody’s movement. We don’t want anybody to infiltrate the state,” he added.
“It is part of the intelligence we have had that some people are trying to bring in thugs, hoodlums from the neighbouring states of Edo and Osun to come and cause problems here. We are not going to allow that to happen.
“We are working hand in hand with the military, who will take care of our borders. We are not going to allow anybody to infiltrate the state.”
A full list of President Bola Tinubu’s media aides has sparked reactions on social media.
On Thursday, Tinubu added a new member to his list of advisers on media-related matters.
Daniel Bwala, an ex-aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, was named the special adviser on public communications and media.
Bwala’s appointment increased the number of Tinubu’s media aides to 13.
In a post shared on Thursday, 36 Kiniun, an X user, compiled a list of all the president’s media aides and their portfolios in the administration.
Many X users criticised the list and berated the administration for paying lip service to cut the cost of governance.
Obum, an X user, said all the appointees’ assignments are identical and described their role as “a waste”.
“These people do the same thing. Check their timelines all the same tweets. What a waste,” the tweet reads.
Streams, another X user, said the appointments are “unnecessary.”
“There are a lot of very unnecessary appointments here. One person can do like 3 of these roles and still have a lot of time on their hands. But appointment for here na reward, and that’s why you can see a lot of people on this street fighting to be seen,” the tweet reads.
Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okunneye, better known as Bobrisky, has revealed that his ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission began after accepting the best dressed female award at the movie premiere of Nollywood actress, Eniola Ajao.
Naija News recalls that Bobrisky recently faced scrutiny over allegations that he paid for special treatment while serving a jail sentence for naira abuse. Viral audio suggested that he bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to secure preferential conditions in prison.
The EFCC arrested Bobrisky at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State as he attempted to board a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam.
Bobrisky’s arrest quickly made waves online when he alerted followers, sharing that he had sustained injuries in the process, saying, “Nigerians, help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
He was subsequently transported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where he faced questioning over allegations of bribing EFCC officers to drop previous money laundering charges.
In a post via his Instagram page, Bobrisky stated that he would never get involved in any price or award belonging to a female.
He wrote, “My problem started from when I collected best dressed female with N1 million price. For my life if I see award for best dressed female I go disappear from that location. Everyone know the truth that I am a baddie with class, you wanna compete with me? your mummy never, but when problem wan too much, I run”
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Friday, launched a scathing criticism against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “serial betrayer.”
He also controversially remarked that Nigerian singer Portable is “better” than Wike in terms of loyalty.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Abuja, Adeyanju accused Wike of betraying key political allies, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Rivers State governors Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi.
Wike, who was recently appointed as FCT Minister by President Tinubu, has faced scrutiny over his political maneuvers and alliances, particularly after switching allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
According to Adeyanju, “Wike has never worked anywhere; from a motor garage tout he became a local government Chairman and he has been betraying people.
“The only difference between Wike and Portable is that Portable does not betray people who have helped him but Wike betrays everyone who has helped him. Wike betrayed Goodluck Jonathan, he betrayed the wife, betrayed Rotimi Amaechi, he betrayed Peter Odili and those who helped him.
“Is it Tinubu that he would not betray? Even Tinubu is not that dull, he’s politically savvy and knows. He’s just using the long spoon to deal with him, there is nothing you will do with Wike that you will be safe.”
The activist lawyer also accused the minister of deceiving and sabotaging the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“Typical Wike, just like he deceived Peter Obi, Obi kept going to him but he went behind his back to sabotage him,” he added.
This comes after Wike called out Adeyanju for criticising his demolitions in the nation’s capital.
Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, Wike stated that Adeyanju was jobless, hence his reason for becoming an activist.
The former Rivers Governor claimed that Adeyanju came to him begging for the role of Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he turned him down.
Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.
The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.
The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.
Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.
The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.
Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.
Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.
“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.
He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.
“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.
“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.
Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.
At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.
Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.
The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.
He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.
Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.
“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.
The emergence of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been invalidated by the Court of Appeal.
The ruling of the Appeal Court also affirmed Tajudeen Baruwa as the re-elected NURTW president.
Recalls the Southwest Zone of the NURTW had last week, elected MC Oluomo as the new National President.
The election was conducted during the Quadrennial Delegate Conference held at the union’s Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State.
The ally of President Bola Tinubu has since resumed office at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja.
However, Court papers made available by Sahara Reporters on Friday show that the appellate court, in a unanimous judgement delivered on Friday, November 8, affirmed the March 11, 2024 ruling of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on the re-election of Tajudeen Baruwa as the National President of the NURTW.
The ruling was delivered by the trio of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba and Justice Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi.
In the Appeal numbered CA/ABJ/CV/293/2024 between Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin, Alh. Tajudeen Badru Agbede, Alh. Aliyu Isa Ore, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alh. Alhasan Haruna 313, Aliyu Tanimu, Alh. Hakeem Adeosun as 1st to 7th Appellants and Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Eze Job, Danjuma Saidu, Prince Isah Dahiru Uman, Suleiman Adamu, Odion Olaye J.P and Chief Herbert C. Iwuji as the 1st to 8th Respondents, the three Appeal Court judges dismissed the Appellants appeal and awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against them.
The enrolled order of the judgement obtained by the aforementioned platform shows it was signed by Deputy Chief Registrar, Judith M. Jabbe, and read by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka.
The judgement reads, “This is an appeal against the judgment/decision of the National Industrial Court Sitting in Abuja, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023 delivered on the 11th March, 2024 by Justice O. O. Oyewumi.
“Upon Reading the Record of Appeal compiled and transmitted before this court together with the respective briefs of argument;
“And After Hearing, O. I. Olorundare, SAN with F.T Sotikare, esq) Jimoh Balogun, Esq O. D. Emole, Esq I. Yunanah Esq) for the Appellants.
“Tolu Babaleye Esq with Adeniyi Adejoke Esq, Maku Oluwatoyin Esq, B. T Ataine Esq for the Respondents; it is hereby ordered that:
“This Appeal is devoid of merit and the same is hereby dismissed.”
Recall as earlier reported by Naija News that Baruwa, who claims the title of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has strongly opposed the inauguration of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the new President of the union.
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, Baruwa argued that MC Oluomo’s recent inauguration as National President disregards rulings by the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal, both of which affirmed Baruwa as the union’s legitimate leader.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has dismissed the report making the rounds that it is recruiting, warning potential job seekers against falling victim to scammers.
This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide on Friday in Abuja.
Ogungbemide said the clarification became necessary following desperate efforts by alleged fraudsters to scam unsuspecting job seekers.
“The attention of the FRSC has been drawn to a publication by online platforms misinforming the public about ongoing recruitment of personnel into the services of the Corps.
“This medium is to let the public know that the Corps is not recruiting at the moment, nor is there any ongoing arrangement to that effect, “he said.
He quoted the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, as admonishing applicants seeking to join the services of the Corps, as well as the general public to disregard the fake and misleading publications, adding that recruitment processes in the Corps had always been transparent, credible and made public.
Ogungbemide clarified that such recruitments were usually made public through advertorials and notifications on all available media platforms, including the Corps’ website, social media handles, and the National Traffic Radio.
“The public is by this publication warned to desist from any form of engagement with the purported scammers and purveyors of the misinformation as the Corps will not be liable should anyone fall victim,” he said.
Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), says Nigeria’s forex rate would have spiralled out of control but for divine intervention.
The naira currently exchanges for N1,730 to a dollar.
Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Congress in Abuja, Adeboye said his prayers, alongside those of “his people”, mitigated a free fall of the naira.
The cleric linked the currency’s depreciation to Nigeria’s over-reliance on fuel imports despite being an oil producing nation.
He criticised monies spent on “non-functional refineries”, describing them as a strain on federal coffers and a drain on the economy.
“When you quote me, quote me accurately. We need help — divine help — not human help. If we want restoration, we must first admit something is missing,” Adeboye said.
“Before our president came in, everybody knew that the reason we were having financial problems is the fact that a lot of money was being spent to import petrol.
“How can we be importing petrol when we have this resource in abundance here?
“We spent billions of naira on our refineries, and yet they didn’t work. So, we had to keep on importing fuel,” he added.
Adeboye said the removal of subsidies initially inspired hope but provoked backlash from those profiting from the status quo.
He alleged that the cabal struck back by creating instability — a scenario that worsened the country’s economic woes and accelerated the naira’s depreciation.
“They created problems, and suddenly, the naira began to decline rapidly,” Adeboye added.
“I called on my people to pray, and many joined in. Because the way the naira was declining, if God had not intervened, by now, $1 would be about N10,000.
“But God stepped in, showing us that we need prayers.”
Nigeria has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades since Tinubu ended the petrol subsidy regime and floated the nation’s currency in his first weeks on the saddle.
In August, Nigerians took to the streets to protest against hunger and ballooning inflation.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Ondo State, emphasizing the need for the process to genuinely reflect the will of the people.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged political stakeholders, candidates, and the electorate to uphold peace and civility throughout the electoral process.
He highlighted the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities without intimidation or fear before, during, or after the election.
The President reminded all candidates that the mandate to govern comes from the people, stressing that this privilege must be respected and safeguarded.
Commitment to Credible Elections
The President’s statement partly read: “President Tinubu anticipates a democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders.
“He commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its diligent preparations, particularly the timely distribution of sensitive materials across all 18 local government areas in the state.
“The President also acknowledges the deployment of security personnel to maintain law and order and appreciates the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that their personnel will act professionally, adhering to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible process.”
Strengthening Democracy
President Tinubu underscored the importance of a free and fair election in consolidating Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize the nation’s democratic values and allow the people’s voices to be heard.
“It is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and consolidate our over 25 years of democratic governance,” the statement concluded.
With heightened security measures and INEC’s assurances, all eyes are on Ondo State to deliver an election that will set an example for transparency and respect for the rule of law.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has caused damage to six vehicles, according to the state police command.
The police spokesman in the state, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday.
He explained that on Friday, a loud explosion was heard by police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters prompting the Divisional Police Officer to lead a team to the scene in collaboration with military personnel.
“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road.
“The joint team swiftly deployed preventive measures to protect lives and minimise property damage, successfully quenching the fire.
“Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost,” he said.
According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
Sadiq-Aliyu explained that further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds.
NAN
The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has reacted to his arrest and probe.
According to him, he knows the people behind his probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Okowa made this known during a solidarity visit by the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, led by Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), the Orodje of Okpe, to his residence in Asaba.
The ex-governor stressed that he is not afraid of the probe.
Recall that the EFCC is probing Okowa, who was a two-term governor, over an alleged diversion of the sum of N1.3 trillion.
The ex-vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the 2023 general elections, described the allegations made against him as malicious and politically motivated, adding that some individuals were attempting to distort facts to serve their interests.
Okowa, who dismissed the accusations of misappropriating money, stated that he welcomed the agency’s investigation and saw no need to block its efforts.
“In politics, there are many things one must face, but it’s unfortunate when baseless accusations are presented to the media.
“To claim that someone could misappropriate such an amount implies that they would need to take N16 to N20 billion monthly for 96 months.
“This is not just unreasonable; it’s a deliberate attempt to mislead.
“I am not afraid of any investigation and will not stop the EFCC from carrying out its duties. Unlike others who seek court orders to obstruct investigations, I believe in transparency.
“However, the public deserves accurate information, not fabrications by certain individuals,” he asserted.
Okowa stressed that the allegations were purely political, adding that he confidently addressed all questions posed by the EFCC.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has spoken about joining the the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to him, he's not afraid of joining the ruling party.
Wike made the statement while explaining reasons for not supporting the candidacy of the former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 presidential election.
He said equity and fairness were found wanting in the PDP, which was why he didn’t support Atiku.
According to him, he had no conversation with President Bola Tinubu before the polls on joining the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
“Now at my level, I came out in this country, and I said I was not going to support your (Atiku) presidency because you’re not fair; there’s no justice, no equity as far as PDP was concerned.
“I didn’t hide it, I’m not like them, to come out in the day and say a different thing, I come out in the night I say a different thing. No.
“Nigerians know me, I’ll say something I’ll do, and I’ll do. What I will not do, I will not do. I came out and I said I was not going to support this, and I have no regrets about it.
“The President knows. I never spoke with the President any day, and say look, “I’ll go to APC”, I never told anybody that, and nobody should think that I’m afraid that if I want to join APC, I cannot join APC.
“Who’s that person that I’ll be afraid of? Who is that person in PDP?”