Politics Archives - Page 15 of 19

APC Chieftain Tackles El-Rufai Over Call For Norhern-South-South Alliance

February 25, 2025 by admin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has described former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s call for an alliance between the North and South as unwarranted. Sunny-Goli stated that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria was in safe hands and did not need the kind of rescue that El-Rufai suggested during his condolence visit to late Chief Edwin Clark’s residence. Speaking during the condolence visit, El-Rufai said Nigeria was facing an existential threat and that the Niger Delta was the glue holding the nation together. He said, “Our nation, our democracy is in great danger, it is facing an existential threat, and the Niger Delta has been the glue that has been holding the country together. All people of goodwill must come together to ensure that we have good leadership.” In the statement released Tuesday in Yenagoa, Sunny-Goli described the former Kaduna State governor as calling for an alliance between the Northern and South-South regions in a desperate bid for political relevance. He pointed out that President Tinubu was diligently addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, which he inherited from his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasised that what Nigeria needed now was for all well-meaning citizens to support President Tinubu’s initiatives, which were aimed at repositioning the country. The statement read in part, “With due respect to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai, his call for a Northern-South-South alliance is unwarranted, especially when predicated on rescuing Nigeria, as he has suggested. “It is no secret that this administration inherited a troubled economy and security issues, but through bold policy measures, we are making progress. The Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying efforts against insurgents, restoring the nation to a path of peace and progress. “I would advise Malam El Rufai to wait until 2031 if he has ambitions for the nation’s highest office and not involve the South-South region in his political pursuits. While he has a right to his ambitions, the timing and context of his statement were inappropriate, particularly during a condolence visit to the late elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark’s residence, which should have been solely to sympathise with the bereaved family. “Furthermore, it is important to note that the South-South region is well represented in President Tinubu’s administration, with sons and daughters of the region holding significant positions. “This indicates the region’s close relationship with the president. For instance, Chief Nyesom Wike is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, marking the first time since 1976 that a Southerner holds this position. “Other key positions include distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Felix Omatsola Ogbe as Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Abubakar Momoh as Minister of Regional Development, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and our esteemed First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, among many others. “I believe the South-South could not ask for a better deal at this time. Perhaps in 2031, we can discuss an alliance, but for now, we fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Punch

PDP Governors Praise Adeleke For Success In Osun LG Elections

February 23, 2025 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the people of the state on the successful conduct of the Local Government Council Elections held on Saturday. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Director-General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, the forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, commended the PDP for securing a resounding victory in the elections. Describing the outcome as a validation of good governance, Governor Mohammed said, “This is a well-deserved victory after a hard-fought contest—for Governor Adeleke, the PDP, democracy, and the undeniable impact of good governance in public service.” He urged Adeleke to ensure that the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors embrace inclusivity and work towards sustaining peace and unity in the state. “The elected officials must be magnanimous in victory and promote a culture of tolerance to further consolidate the peace already enjoyed in the state,” he stated. The forum commended Adeleke for his administration’s grassroots development initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, and commitment to women’s inclusion, which they described as key factors in the PDP’s electoral success. “Having verified Governor Adeleke’s numerous capacity-building and empowerment initiatives, we are confident that he will lead the newly elected local government officials to maximise all opportunities for delivering life-changing dividends of democracy to Osun residents,” the statement read. The forum further described the election as “a referendum on Adeleke’s leadership and acceptability in Osun State.” The statement added, “Power in a democracy resides with the people. Once again, the people of Osun have spoken, reaffirming their trust in the PDP as a people-centred party.” The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission was also praised for conducting a credible election and upholding the integrity of the process. “With the successful conclusion of the exercise, it is evident that the voice of the people has been honoured,” the forum added. Punch

PDP Sweeps Osun Poll, Wins All 30 LGs

February 22, 2025 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party has won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital. Abioye also said the PDP also cleared the 332 councillorship seats in the poll. The OSSIEC chairman, who said Certified True Copies of the result of the elections would be made available to whoever is interested in having them, congratulated the candidates on their victory at the poll. He said, “From the available results as obtained from the field, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 332 wards emerged as winners. Their names as listed, I as the check returning officer of the Commission, returned them as due elected councillors of their respective wards. “The results are available anytime for anyone interested in the Certified True Copies. “For the 30 local government areas of Osun State, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party cleared all the seats. “To this effect, by the power conferred on me, as the Chief Returning Officer of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, I hereby declared the following persons as the duly elected chairmen of their respective areas.”

Court Orders Osun Electoral Commission To Hold Local Government Election.

February 21, 2025 by admin

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Friday held that vacancies exist in all the 30 local government areas in the state and mandated the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to fill the offices. Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Peoples Democratic Party in a suit number HIL/M/.192025 against Osun State Electoral Commission and Hashim Abioye, the OSSIEC chairman, also directed law enforcement agencies to provide security during and after the local government election. Aderibigbe held that vacancies exist in Osun LGs after the election conducted by OSSIEC on October 15, 2022, was invalidated by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; in Action Peoples Party VS Independent National Electoral Commission & ors. delivered on November 30, 2022. He also said the judgment of the Federal High Court was confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, Allied People Movement & ORS vs Action Peoples Party & ORS delivered on January 13, 2025. The order dated Friday, February 21, 2025, partly read, “1. An order of this honourable court is granted, recognising the existing vacancies across all the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, the election conducted by the first defendant on 15th October 2022, having being invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; in ACTION PEOPLE PARTY (APP) VS INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ors. delivered on the 30th November 2022, and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & ORS vs ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on 13th January 2025. “2. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling the defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the Local Government ELECTIONS already scheduled by the defendants for 22nd of February, 2025. “3. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling all the security agents comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Groups etc. to provide adequate security and maintain peace and order before, during and after the local government election scheduled by the Defendants for February 22, 2025, in Osun State.” Punch

Impeached South Korean President Yoon In Court Again For Hearings On Removal

February 4, 2025 by admin

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been arrested and suspended from duties over his declaration of martial law, was in court again Tuesday for hearings to decide whether to remove him from office officially. Yoon, a former prosecutor, plunged democratic South Korea into political turmoil when he declared martial law on December 3, suspending civilian rule and sending soldiers to parliament. His attempt to impose martial law only lasted around six hours as the opposition-led parliament defied armed troops to vote it down and later impeached him over the move. As part of a separate criminal probe, Yoon was detained in a dawn raid in mid-January on insurrection charges, becoming the first sitting South Korean head of state to be arrested. He is being held in detention but has been attending impeachment hearings at the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether his impeachment is upheld. If the court upholds the impeachment, an election must be held within 60 days to elect a new president. A convoy of black SUVs arrived at the court Tuesday, carrying Yoon to attend a hearing scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm (0500 GMT). At previous hearings, Yoon denied instructing top military commanders to “drag out” lawmakers from parliament to prevent them from voting down his decree, a claim refuted by opposition MPs. He has argued that he did not believe the short-lived martial law was a “failed martial law”, but rather one that “ended a bit sooner” than he expected. During Tuesday’s hearing, two former military commanders and an ex-spy agency official are set to testify as witnesses. Hong Jang-won, a former deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, testified before lawmakers that he had been ordered to arrest politicians — a claim that contradicts Yoon’s denial of such an order. Yoon, 64, was indicted in January, with prosecutors accusing him of being a “ringleader of the insurrection”. He faces a separate criminal trial on those charges. Insurrection is not covered by presidential immunity. If convicted, he faces jail time or the death penalty. AFP

Opposition Woos Obasa As Removal Divides Lagos APC

February 1, 2025 by admin

The removal of a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has continued to deepen division within the All Progressives Congress in the state. This was as opposition parties declared readiness to welcome the embattled lawmaker should he consider leaving the ruling party. Since Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025, by a majority of lawmakers over alleged misconduct and financial misappropriation, his removal has sparked conflicting reactions among members of the Governance Advisory Council, the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos. The division became evident when two GAC members, Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, who opposed Obasa’s removal, were criticised by another member of the group, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who dismissed their comments as “childish and inconsequential.” In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye had criticised the process that led to Obasa’s removal, while Taiwo, in a brief WhatsApp message, stated, “The lawmakers’ action is illegal. It shows total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership. The GAC is split over the matter, but we will all defer to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve the crisis.” However, Obanikoro rebuked both men, urging party leaders to refrain from making hasty statements on the issue. The Lagos State House of Assembly has said it expects Obasa to return to the House before determining the next course of action, including a possible probe. However, as of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the former Speaker had appeared before the House, as the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, did not respond to calls on Friday. Meanwhile, opposition parties in the state told our correspondent on Friday that they were open to accommodating the embattled former Speaker should he decide to exit the ruling party amid the ongoing crisis. The Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Benedict Tai, said the party would implement appropriate checks if Obasa eventually joined them. “If we accept him into the party, we will put checks and balances in place because no one can just come in and demand a position. The person must have spent years in the party. We need to be sure he isn’t coming to disrupt the party, as some have done in the past,” he stated. He noted that the PDP welcomed the crisis within the APC and intended to capitalise on it to regain lost ground in the state. “If disunity is an obstacle to their party, then we hope it worsens for them. They are our main challenge. The current situation in Lagos is favourable for the PDP, provided we learn from our mistakes and take advantage of their shortcomings,” Tai added. Similarly, the Labour Party in Lagos expressed its willingness to welcome Obasa should he consider leaving the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The Chairman of the party, Pastor Dayo Ekong, said the LP had no problem integrating Obasa into its ranks as long as his interests aligned with the party’s vision and principles. “If the impeached Speaker chooses to join the Labour Party, he will be welcomed because our party is open to everyone. As a party driven by the right ideals, we don’t want to interfere in APC affairs. However, if Obasa decides to join us, he will be accepted, provided his interests align with what the LP stands for,” Ekong stated. When asked whether Obasa might receive preferential treatment due to his political status and rumoured governorship ambition, Ekong said, “There are no automatic rights anywhere. People were at the party before he came in. What we will do is allow everyone to go through the primaries and test their popularity. It’s not about granting an automatic ticket to anyone. “Don’t forget that the 2023 LP governorship candidate is still in the party. But when we get to that bridge, we will cross it.”

Makinde Receives Condolence Visit From Obasanjo, Arapaja, PDP NWC Over Brother’s Demise•••As PDP National Working Committee Promises To Resolve Internal Conflicts

January 30, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday joined many distinguished personalities that paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo arrived Governor Makinde private residence in Ibadan at the early hours of Thursday to sympathise with the bereaved Governor and the entire Makinde family. Recall that Engineer Sunday Makinde, aged 65, passed away on January 24, 2025. Similarly, the National Working Committee (NWC)) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the National Deputy Chiarman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja paid Governor Makinde a condolence visit. During their visit, the Committee briefed the Governor about the rancour that erupted at the party’s national secretariat yesterday (Wednesday). They also maintained that the rancour will soon be resolved. While speaking, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja gave the assurance while reacting to the rancour, he described it as internal crisis which is expected to happen in such a big political party as PDP. He however assured party members that the rancour will be settled for the benefit and betterment of Nigerians ahead next general elections. In his condolence message, Ambassador Arapaja said that the late Engineer Sunday Makinde lived a fulfilled life which could be seen in Governor Makinde. Arapaja, the former deputy governor of Oyo State, prayed God to grant the deceased eternal life and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. The new secretary of the party, Udeh Okoye, were among the NWC that came to commiserate with Governor Makinde.

PDP Govs Plan Summit As Leaders Exchange Blows At BoT Meeting

January 30, 2025 by admin

Damagum, speaking to members of the Board of Trustees in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasised that he would do everything in his power to ensure the PDP National Executive Committee meeting takes place in February, as requested by the party’s Governors Forum and other party organs. A senior member of the National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the issue, disclosed that BoT members protested the assault on former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, by a supporter of the embattled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu during the BoT meeting. The source revealed that the primary agenda for the meeting convened by the Forum led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, includes the urgent need for a NEC meeting, ongoing preparations for the zonal congresses, the National Secretary crisis, a report from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum on the party’s status, and a review of the state of the nation. The PDP had been engulfed in crisis since the 2023 elections with many party members accusing Damagum, a close ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of being responsible for the unrest within the party. At present, the National Working Committee, BoT, zonal, and state chapters are all embroiled in crisis, with members aligning themselves with different leaders. Also, Wike, the Bauchi governor and others have continued to exchange harsh words, further escalating the schism in the party. Commenting on the crisis, Damagum, who called the situation unfortunate, accused some members of the BoT of being complicit in the turmoil. He stated “I want to say this with the highest sense of responsibility, part of this crisis that you see today within the NWC, is propelled by our leaders that are supposed to unite us. “It is very unfortunate, I would say it the way it is, where people are called, we all know the working of NWC, some of you here have been NWC members. I’ll be sitting down as the chairman only to see my NWC members called by certain leaders to visit certain places, without my knowledge. “And I want to use this opportunity to caution us, caution our leaders. You may have ambition, but you don’t ride on a dead horse to reach your destination. If you create crisis simply to further your ambition, you may get what you want, but your dream will not be realized because by that time, you have injured the horse you are going to ride to that destination. “And as the conscience of this party, some of us are also complicit. We should look inwards, search our conscience. This party is dear to all of us, it is the only thing we have. The hope of Nigerians today is on this party, so we should sheath our swords, work towards uniting ourselves so that we’ll have a credible vehicle that can challenge what is bedeviling us.” The party leader further urged leaders not to take any action that could disrupt the ongoing processes for the zonal congresses. He continued, “At the last meeting we had with the governor, we all agreed we’ll have NEC (meeting). I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to have this NEC in this February. “You are all aware we’ve started the process of zonal congresses. Even at that, I enjoin our leaders to also be mindful of doing anything that can mar these congresses. It is very important to sound this note because whatever we do, it is the structure you are building to hold what you have in your hand.” In his remarks, the BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara expressed frustration over the crisis. He cautioned party leaders not to let personal interests and ambitions take precedence over the party’s well-being. He stated, “This meeting comes at a time when the unity, focus and direction and ideals of our great party are being tested in ways that call for reflection and decisive action. “Primarily, let me express my profound disappointment over the crises currently rocking the leadership of the National Working Committee. As elder statesmen and women; leaders who hold the trust of the generality of our party members and the public, it is disheartening that these issues have not been resolved. “The failure to resolve these internal conflicts undermines the strength and credibility of our party. It is therefore imperative that the NWC rises above personal interests and places the survival and progress of our great party above all other considerations. In the light of these challenges, I must emphasize the urgent need for a National Executive Committee meeting. “I again urge the NWC to honour its words and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. It is pertinent to stress that party members across the country are in earnest expectation that the NEC meeting will hold this February. “The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of our party, and it is crucial that we convene without further delay to address these pressing concerns. The NEC meeting will serve as a platform to reaffirm our shared commitment to the unity, discipline, and ideals that bind us together as members of the PDP.” Earlier during the 79th BoT meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the former national youth leader who has being parading himself as the National Secretary, was assaulted by Anyanwu’s supporters. The Appeal Court sitting in Enugu had on December 20, 2024, upheld Ude-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary, and the decision was formally communicated to the party leadership on December 24. However, last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order, directing Anyanwu to remain in office until the Supreme Court resolves the appeal. Wabara had declared the meeting open at 12:05 p.m. with Anyanwu in attendance while while Ude-Okoye arrived five minutes later. At precisely 12:20 p.m., a commotion broke out in the hall with Anyanwu forced out of the meeting room. After being pushed out, Ude-Okoye ordered some individuals dressed in … Read more

APC Expels Aregbesola Over Anti-Party Activities

January 29, 2025 by admin

The All Progressives Congress has expelled a former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who led Osun State for two terms, had spearheaded a faction within the APC known as The Osun Progressives which was later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus. A letter from the APC leadership seen by newsmen on Wednesday officially confirmed Aregbesola’s expulsion. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused him of breaching Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which outlines disciplinary measures for members. The letter read in part, “At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the Disciplinary Committee. Having carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations, the SEC resolved to approve your immediate expulsion from the APC. “The decision was predicated on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party. As a result, you are no longer a member of the APC and must refrain from holding yourself out as one or acting on behalf of the party in any capacity.” The former minister’s expulsion followed a Sunday meeting of the Omoluabi Caucus, presided over by Aregbesola, where the group announced its decision to exit the APC, citing the party’s waning influence in Osun. Punch

Aare Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Governor Makinde Over Elder Brother’s Demise

January 26, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde over the demise of his elder brother, Engr Sunday Makinde. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a statement, said: “As a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, I, Aare Chief Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Makinde family on the tragic loss of their elder brother, the late Engineer Sunday Makinde. “Engineer Sunday Makinde, who died on January 24, 2025, at the age of 65, will be remembered for his contributions to our state and his role as a beloved family member. The sudden nature of his departure leaves a profound void that will be felt by many. “In this trying time, I stand with Governor Makinde and his family, offering my deepest sympathies. May the memories of Engineer Sunday Makinde and his legacy of service provide solace to his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren. “Let us all come together to honor his life and contributions to society as we support the Makinde family through this period of grief. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Governor Makinde.”