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INEC warns parties to refrain from campaigning

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha has warned aspirants and political parties to stop campaigning for the governorship election with immediate effect or face sanction.

The REC who stated this on Monday in Benin, said that the commission was yet to lift suspension on campaign, noting that parties and candidates were expected to begin campaigning on April 24.

He said political parties were not expected to campaign publicly for the primary election as it is an internal affair of the parties.

He said the practice was not in line with INEC timetable, urging them to put a stop to it. He urged all the political parties and aspirants to pull down billboards, signposts as well as adverts on television and newspapers.

The REC said, “I am calling on the aspirants and the 16 political parties taking part in the September 21 election to comply with the timetable of the election. They are not supposed to campaign publicly for the primary election. It is against the law.

“I will urge them to pull down their banners, billboards and stop running jingles on the radio. They should also stop on television and newspapers. If they do not comply with this directive, we would have no other option than to sanction them,” he added.

He said the role of INEC in primary elections is to monitor and supervise proceedings and are not expected to announce results as primary is mainly an internal affair of the parties.

Reacting to the Edo State APC primaries that was marred by violence on Saturday, Onuoha said his duty is to do a report and send to the headquarters of the commission, adding, “we were present at the APC primary election.  We saw what happened and we will present our report to Abuja.”

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Edo 2024: PDP BOT member, Hon. Idahosa resigns membership

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, and member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Hon. Charles Idahosa, has resigned his membership of the party.

He announced his decision to quit the PDP in a letter titled “Letter of Resignation” which was addressed to the Chairman of Ehor Ward 1 of the party in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State and copied to the Chairman, BoT of the PDP, South South National Vice Chairman, the State Chairman and Uhunmwonde Local Government Chairman of the party.

“I trust this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to formally announce my decision to resign from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my role as a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT). As a representative of the South South Nigerian region, this decision comes after considerable contemplation and reflection on my personal and political journey.

“Throughout my tenure within the Peoples Democratic Party, I have been privileged to contribute to its vision and mission. However, after careful consideration, I believe it is time for me to pursue new paths and opportunities beyond the party’s confines.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the PDP community for their unwavering support and camaraderie during my time of service. I remain committed to upholding the values and principles that have guided my political engagement thus far. I look forward to new avenues of growth and contribution, and I extend my best wishes to the Peoples Democratic Party as it continues its important work,” the letter read.

Honourable Idahosa, a former Local Government Chairman and Political Adviser to ex-Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, did not however indicate his next political move.

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PDP Chieftain defects to APC in Kaduna

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By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

A Chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Kaduna state, Hon. Victor Matthew Bobai has announced his resignation from the party to team up with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

Bobai said he is an ardent supporter of the Governor Uba Sani’s led administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and remains committed to the fight for good governance and the establishment of a just and equitable government in Kaduna state.

Bobai, had served Kaduna PDP in various capacities under past Governors, like Ahmed Makarfi, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, among others before APC took over power in Kaduna state in 2015.

He also served as Assistant Director of Media and Publicity, Kaduna PDP Directorate of Campaign Management Committee in the 2023 general elections.

In a letter dated April 22 and tendered to his Sabon Tasha Ward, Chikun LGA Kaduna state, Bobai announced his defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC).

He averred that by resigning from the PDP he is pledging his hundred percent loyalty to Senator Uba Sani, the executive governor of Kaduna state, and the coordinator of all APC Northwest governors in the view to put their heads together to deliver the dividends of democracy to all and sundry, while appreciating the PDP for giving him decades of opportunities.

“I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of my constituents and the development of our dear state to align myself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). I have been an ardent supporter of Senator Uba Sani, the executive governor of Kaduna state, and President Bola Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Joining the APC will allow me to contribute more effectively to the progress and development of my community.

“I am committed to the fight for good governance and the establishment of a just and equitable government in our state. By resigning from the PDP and pledging my loyalty to Senator Uba Sani, the executive governor of Kaduna state, and the coordinator of all APC Northwest governors, I am reaffirming my dedication to this cause.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my membership. I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received from the party.

“Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from the PDP, effective immediately. I kindly request that you update your records accordingly.

“Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. I look forward to continuing my political journey with the APC and contributing to the betterment of our dear state,” Bobai said.

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OYO LGA election mockery of democracy – APC

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OYO LGA election mockery of democracy – APC

APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Olawale Sadare, in an interview on Monday in Ibadan, said that the election was ‘a script poorly written and poorly executed.

the results of the election announced by the Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Isiaka Olagunju, had indicated that PDP won the chairmanship and councillorship in all the 33 local governments in the state.

But, Sadare said it was regrettable that OYSIEC had made itself available for such manipulations.

While rating the election, Sadare said that it fell below standard and lacked any semblance of a real election.

He said that the state government just wasted the state resources and people’s time.

“As a party, we have done our part; the ball is now in the court of public opinion.

“I believe the general public will not want the situation to remain like this, in the interest of our state,” he said.

Sadare said that APC stakeholders would meet before the end of the week to review the exercise.

“Leaders in the APC in the state will soon meet to deliberate and take collective stand on the election.

“Whatever decisions we arrive at will be made available to the public,” he said.

Gov. Seyi Makinde, while commenting on the elections on Saturday, had said the security report about the elections had been excellent, indicating that it was violence-free.

He noted that his administration had successfully eradicated caretaker administration at the local government level, which had made people not to have a say in who should govern them.

The governor also urged people who might notice any untoward activity to report to relevant authorities for redress.

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