Politics Archives - Page 7 of 19

Soludo Appoints Key Officials, Special Advisers

March 23, 2026 by admin

The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has approved a fresh appointment of key officials to serve in various capacities within the state government. These appointments, including principal secretaries and special advisers, among others, were announced in a press statement released by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Monday. The appointees include the Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Iwouno; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Joachim Anetoh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Ben Nwankwo; State Chief of Protocol, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor. Others are Attorney-General of the State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN; Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime; Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Vincent Okechi; and Deputy State Chief of Protocol, Ms Ngozi Okoye. Others are Special Adviser, Medicals and Pharmaceuticals, Dr Godwin Nnadozie; Special Adviser, Innovation and Business Incubation & CEO, Solution Innovation District, Ms Chinwe Okoli; Special Adviser, Special Projects and Director, Project Evaluation and Monitoring, Prof. Ebuka Nwankwo; and Special Adviser, Community Security, Ken Emeakayi. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Soludo approved the appointment of Mrs Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State. Nnake, 39-year-old, hails from Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, is a seasoned finance and public sector professional with over 13 years of experience spanning finance, strategy development, and economic planning. She most recently served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State and as Chairman of Solution Fun City Limited

Aiyedatiwa Kicks Against Court Verdict Barring Him from Another Term

March 12, 2026 by admin

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has criticised the ruling of a Federal High Court in Akure restraining him from seeking another term in office, describing the decision as premature and a distraction from governance. Aiyedatiwa spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme. The governor said discussions about the 2028 off-cycle governorship election were unnecessary at this stage, noting that he had only recently secured a fresh mandate from voters in the state. “This is too early. Why don’t you wait till 2027 or when the off-cycle timetable will be out in early 2028? Maybe at that time, I might begin to think, wait a minute, do I have the right to contest or not? “At that time, one can begin to seek interpretation of some of these clauses in the constitution,” he said. Aiyedatiwa said his focus remained on delivering the mandate given to him in the November 16, 2024 governorship election. “I went into a free and fair, conclusive election, which I won on the 16th of November 2024, so it is still fresh. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the mandate that has been given to me. “Future elections were not in my mind at all because you have to go step by step, stage by stage,” he stated. The governor added that although he was aware of the constitutional provision limiting a governor’s tenure to eight years, he had not begun considering how it might apply to him. “I know the constitutional provision of eight years, but I have not even gone into that because I just won an election. All I was occupied with was to govern and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people until somebody woke up and began to challenge it,” he said. He also described the suit as a distraction following the political challenges he had faced. “You ask how I feel. I feel the same way. This distraction will be put to rest because it is a whole lot of distraction for me, having gone through election and survived impeachment,” he added. Responding to insinuations surrounding the suit, Aiyedatiwa dismissed claims that he was engaged in a political witch-hunt or forcing members out of the All Progressives Congress. According to him, the party remains dominant in Ondo State, adding that politics is ultimately “a game of numbers.” Earlier on Thursday, a Federal High Court sitting in Akure ruled that the governor would be ineligible to contest for another term in office in 2028. The suit was filed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Akin Egbuwalo, who asked the court to interpret Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, to contest for another term. The defendants in the suit included the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Aiyedatiwa, Adelami and the APC. In a judgment delivered by Justice Toyin Adegoke, the court held that Aiyedatiwa would be ineligible to stand for election in 2028, having been sworn in on December 27, 2023, to complete the tenure of the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and subsequently inaugurated on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election. The judge declared that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit an elected president, vice-president, governor or deputy governor to spend more than eight years in office. The court relied on the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Marwa v. Nyako.

PDP Chieftain, Segelu Writes Makinde, Seeks Recognition For Loyalty, Late Father’s Sacrifice

March 10, 2026 by admin

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has written an open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirming his loyalty to the governor while lamenting what he described as a lack of recognition despite years of political support and contributions to the party. In the letter, Oladimeji said his support for Makinde’s administration had never been motivated by personal gain but by his commitment to the progress and development of the state. “I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward,” he said. He added that his commitment to the governor and the party was rooted in his concern for the stability and development of the state. “Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State,” he stated. Oladimeji noted that he had consistently contributed to the growth of the party and supported Makinde during election campaigns and other political activities. According to him, during the 2018/2019 gubernatorial election that brought Makinde to power, he donated a campaign bus to support the campaign. “For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor,” he said. He added that he also supported the governor’s re-election bid in the 2022/2023 governorship election by facilitating the branding of three campaign vehicles. “During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I also facilitated the branding of three campaign vehicles to further support your re-election bid,” he said. Oladimeji further stated that he extended support to elected officials during the 2024 local government elections in Lagelu Local Government Area. “In addition, during the 2024 Local Government elections, I extended similar support to all elected officials in Lagelu Local Government Area, including every councillor,” he said. Despite these contributions, the PDP chieftain said he had not received any meaningful recognition. “However, it is also important for me to reflect honestly on the journey so far. Despite these sacrifices and contributions, I have not enjoyed any meaningful recognition or the dividends that often follow such sustained commitment,” he said. Oladimeji also recalled earlier political discussions regarding his aspiration to represent the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, stating that the support he had hoped for did not materialise. “From earlier engagements during the period when Chief Bisi Ilaka served as Chief of Staff, to subsequent political discussions surrounding my aspiration for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, the support I had hoped for did not materialize,” he said. The party chieftain also appealed to the governor to immortalise his late father, Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, whom he described as a committed political figure who paid a heavy price for his political beliefs. “I also made sincere appeals for the immortalization of my late father’s name in recognition of his sacrifices and contributions to the party and the people of Oyo State,” he said. He recalled that his father suffered humiliation during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic journey. “While serving as the Oyo State Party Chairman in the early years of our democratic struggle, he was publicly attacked and stripped naked by thugs at the Premier Hotel around 2001/2002 simply because he stood firmly for the party and the principles he believed in,” he said. Oladimeji added that the late politician was later assassinated while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. “Years later, on September 14, 2007, he was brutally assassinated in his constituency office at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government Area while serving the people as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives,” he said. According to him, such sacrifices should not be forgotten in the political history of the state. “These painful sacrifices remind us that politics must never forget those who paid dearly to build its foundation,” he said. Despite his concerns, Oladimeji reaffirmed his loyalty to Makinde and his commitment to the development of Oyo State. “Despite the disappointments and setbacks along the way, I continue to choose the path of loyalty, patience, and faith in God, believing firmly that history and the people will always remember those who served with sincerity, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.

Appeal Court dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal on Re-election Eligibility

March 9, 2026 by admin

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging a ruling of the Federal High Court in Akure in a suit questioning his eligibility to contest the next governorship election in the state. In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel on Monday, the appellate court held that the trial court properly exercised its discretion when it granted an application by the plaintiff, Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, to amend his originating summons in the case. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who read the lead judgment, ruled that Aiyedatiwa failed to show that the Federal High Court’s decision to allow the amendment occasioned any miscarriage of justice or denied him the right to a fair hearing. The appellate court therefore dismissed the appeal for lacking merit and awarded N2m in costs against the governor. The ruling affirmed the November 24, 2025, decision of the Federal High Court in Akure, which granted Egbuwalo leave to amend the originating summons in his suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility for re-election. Earlier in the proceedings, the Court of Appeal also dismissed an application filed by Aiyedatiwa seeking to set aside an order it made on January 27, 2026, staying further proceedings in the suit before the Federal High Court. The court held that the stay of proceedings did not amount to arresting the judgment of the trial court but was a lawful exercise of the appellate court’s jurisdiction aimed at protecting the integrity of its proceedings. According to the court, the appeal had already been entered, records compiled, and briefs filed as of the time the order was made. The panel further held that “the order was necessary to preserve the res in the matter and prevent the appellate proceedings from being rendered nugatory.“ It added that asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the order it validly made on January 27, 2026, would amount to inviting the court to sit on appeal over its own decision. The court noted that the option available to the governor was to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court. The panel subsequently awarded another N2m in costs against Aiyedatiwa.

2027: Sani, Abbas ask Kaduna APC to Deliver Two Million Votes

March 3, 2026 by admin

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday charged the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress in the state to deliver no fewer than two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The directive came as Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman of the party during the state congress held at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna. Sankay, born in 1983, is the current Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution to the Governor and was adopted by stakeholders after consultations across the 23 local government areas of the state. Addressing delegates at the congress, Sani described the exercise as a defining moment in the continued consolidation of the APC in the state. “This congress reflects our internal cohesion and democratic discipline. It shows that Kaduna APC is united and prepared for the future,” the governor said. He disclosed that 6,885 ward executives were elected across the 255 wards in the state during the ward congresses. According to him, 621 local government executives also emerged from congresses conducted across the 23 local government areas. “At the state level, 36 executive members have been affirmed and sworn in. This underscores the strength of our party structure and our presence in every community,” Sani added. The governor maintained that the adoption of consensus candidates was not a sign of weakness but an indication of political maturity and unity. “Our focus is governance, development and electoral victory. We must begin mobilisation from the polling units and ensure alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated. In his remarks, Abbas urged the new executives to immediately swing into action and unite all factions within the party. “You must deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu and the same for Governor Uba Sani in 2027. That is the task before you,” the Speaker said. He commended the outgoing leadership for securing victories for the party in the 2015 and 2023 elections, expressing confidence that the 2027 target was achievable. In his acceptance speech, Sankay thanked God and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust. “I will serve with discipline, courage and measurable results. We will strengthen internal democracy, deepen grassroots mobilisation and create opportunities for youth and women participation,” he said. The outgoing State Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd.), thanked party faithful for their support during his eight-year tenure, noting that he was leaving behind a more united and formidable APC in Kaduna State.

2027: Kwankwaso, Makinde Hold Closed-door Meeting

February 26, 2026 by admin

The 2023 presidential candidate and the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday, met Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, behind closed doors at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Although the outcome of the meeting was not made known to the public, it was believed that it was not unconnected with consolidating the existing age-long cordial ties between Kwankwaso and Makinde. Among Kwankwaso’s entourage were NNPP’s National Chairman, Dr Ajid Ahmed, the National Publicity Secretary, Najipo Johnson, and other Party’s top echelon. Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Kwankwaso disclosed that he was in Ibadan mainly to inaugurate the NNPP’s new state office as part of efforts aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and unity in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general election. He added that the meeting with Makinde transcended partisan considerations. “I am here in Ibadan together with the national chairman of our party, NNPP, Dr Ajid Ahmed, and other party officials to open our office here and discuss important issues relating to our party in Oyo State. “But before proceeding to the party office, I felt it was important to pay a courtesy visit to the governor, who has always been our friend. This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics,” he said. Kwankwaso, who recognised Makinde’s membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, admitted that he also had deep roots in the PDP before his eventual defection. He said, “In fact, we formed the PDP in 1998. By 1999, I was elected Governor of Kano State under the PDP and later served as Minister of Defence. “I also returned to Kano under the PDP and served in various national and international capacities, including as an envoy in Darfur and Somalia.” Kwankwaso recalled that he later joined the All Progressives Congress before aligning with the NNPP, where he is currently serving as the national leader. The former Kano State governor thereafter inaugurated the party’s office in Ibadan. According to him, the inauguration was to establish the party’s presence in the state capital, ahead of the 2027 general election. Kwankwaso recently lost his political godson and the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, to the ruling APC. There were also reports that the former Kano State governor may join the ADC ahead of the 2027 election. Kwankwaso has, however, stated that he would join any political party that would offer him a presidential or vice presidential ticket. Speaking on the defection of Governor Yusuf to the APC, Kwankwaso said the NNPP would ensure the governor did not return in 2027. The visit to Makinde, political pundits believed, was part of broader consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

FCT Poll: INEC Dismisses Claims of Result Manipulation

February 24, 2026 by admin

The Independent National Electoral Commission has debunked claims of result manipulation at the Kuroko Health Centre polling unit in Yangoji Ward, Kwali Area Council, following the Saturday Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement on Tuesday signed by INEC FCT Office Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu K. Idris, the commission said the viral figure of 1,219 votes for a political party was incorrect and misleading. “The official result recorded and uploaded from the said polling unit shows that the political party in question scored 121 votes, not 1,219 as alleged on social media,” the statement read. The clarification followed reports suggesting that the polling unit, which has 345 registered voters and 213 accredited voters, produced a mathematically impossible figure. According to the statement, the discrepancy arose from a simple human error by the presiding officer. The officer recounted the ballots and initially entered “122” for the party, later correcting it to 121 after a recount in the open. “She cancelled the ‘2’ at the end and slotted in a ‘1’ in front of the cancelled ‘2’ to make it 121. She also corrected the figures in words,” the INEC statement said. The commission stressed that technological safeguards within its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal make such manipulation impossible. “The number of accredited voters was 213. The score entered into the BVAS for the party concerned was 121. The total votes recorded were consistent with accreditation figures,” the statement added. It also noted that any attempt to enter a figure like 1,219 would have been automatically flagged and rejected by the system. INEC further assured the public that all results used for collation at the ward and area council levels were consistent with the BVAS data and that the FCT elections were conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. “The Commission urges members of the public and media commentators to verify information with official records before drawing conclusions capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said. The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that genuine errors are investigated and corrected immediately. “However, the present allegations are based on genuine errors which were immediately corrected; the misinterpretation of figures does not reflect the official record used in collating and declaring the results,” the statement concluded

Drama as Natasha Protests Exclusion from North Central Committee

February 16, 2026 by admin

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has protested what she described as a sustained pattern of marginalisation within the Senate, culminating in her alleged exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission. The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of committee appointments and influence in the 10th National Assembly, where committee memberships are widely regarded as critical platforms for legislative input, oversight functions, and constituency representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s grievance followed her alleged omission from the membership of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission — a body whose mandate directly impacts states within her geopolitical zone. The senator arrived at a committee meeting prepared to participate in the proceedings, only to discover that her name was missing from the official attendance list. Upon noticing the omission, she sought to consult the committee clerk to determine the reason for her exclusion, but was informed that the clerk was in the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam. She subsequently proceeded to the chairman’s office for clarification. Tension reportedly flared during the ensuing exchange, with Akpoti-Uduaghan alleging that the chairman indicated his actions were based on instructions from higher authorities, though no details were provided. She said, “This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate.” The Kogi Central lawmaker questioned the procedural and constitutional basis for excluding her from a committee handling matters central to the North Central geopolitical zone. In a statement later made available to journalists in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan said tensions escalated when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team. “Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said. Reaffirming her commitment to what she described as fairness and institutional integrity, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her position was anchored on the electoral mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central. She pledged to continue advocating for equitable treatment whenever legislative rights are undermined.

Chief Olayinka Segelu’s Contributions To PDP Highlighted Ahead Of 2027 Elections

February 15, 2026 by admin

IBADAN – THE attention of our office has been drawn to recent comments questioning Chief Olayinka Segelu’s electoral value and political relevance. We wish to put on record that Chief Segelu has been a consistent financier, mobilizer, and grassroots coordinator within the party structure in Lagelu Local Government and beyond. His contributions to the party’s growth are well-documented, including branding a campaign bus for Seyi Makinde’s first-term campaign in 2018/2019, and three vehicles for the re-election campaign in 2022/2023. These efforts were acknowledged by prominent party figures, including the late Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola and former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyetunde Olayiwola. A recent video from the last election in Lagelu Local Government showcases Chief Segelu’s grassroots influence across multiple wards and Igbo Elerinland. As 2027 approaches, we believe his proven commitment, leadership, and grassroots acceptance will speak louder than unfounded claims. Chief Olayinka Segelu remains calm, focused, and committed to contributing to the party’s growth and stability.

Oyo PDP Celebrates Ogundoyin’s Exit As Conference of Speakers Chairman, Says “We’re Proud Of You”

February 10, 2026 by admin

IBADAN – THE Oyo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Adebo Ogundoyin, on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. In a statement issued and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Micheal Ogunsina, the PDP described Ogundoyin’s tenure as impactful and exemplary, noting that his leadership brought renewed vigour, inclusiveness and reforms to the Conference. The party said it was proud of the numerous achievements recorded by the Speaker, stressing that since its formation, the PDP has always put forward its best hands in service to the people, a tradition it said was clearly reflected in Ogundoyin’s stewardship both as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. According to the statement, Ogundoyin emerged as the youngest Chairman in the history of the Conference, a development the party described as symbolic of a generational shift that ushered in a reform-driven and inclusive leadership era. The PDP highlighted the digital transformation of state legislatures during his tenure, noting that through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), legislative processes were modernised to enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability and citizen engagement. The party also commended the strengthening of legislative autonomy under his leadership, which it said further institutionalised the independence and voice of state legislatures across the country. It further stated that Ogundoyin deepened intergovernmental relations between the Conference of Speakers and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, with engagements focusing on constitutional amendments, governance reforms and the strengthening of democracy at sub-national levels. Under his chairmanship, the Conference intensified advocacy for the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures and made notable contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional review process. These, the party said, included advocacy for the establishment of state police, devolution of powers to sub-national governments, and expanded international and diplomatic engagements. The statement noted that the Conference held strategic discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria on legislative development and investment opportunities, as well as engagements with the United States Consul General and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, focusing on democratic values, legislative accountability and institutional capacity building. The PDP assured Nigerians that despite prevailing challenges, the party remains committed to protecting the interests of the people and will continue to present capable and credible leaders in service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.