Why We Can’t Take Any Action On Umahi Now - INEC - Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Why We Can’t Take Any Action On Umahi Now – INEC

Published

on

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it cannot yet take a stance on the controversy surrounding the ruling which sacked Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State.

A National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, said this at the end of the management meeting of the management meeting of the commission, on Thursday.

An Abuja court had ordered Umahi’s removal over his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All progressives Congress (APC).

The court held that votes cast in the 2019 election were for the PDP and Umahi could no longer hold office after leaving the party.

READ ALSO:

The PDP had asked the electoral body to revoke the certificate of return it issued to Umahi and declare its candidate in 2019 as the new governor.

In its response, INEC had said it would make its position on Umahi known this week.

But in a statement on Thursday, the commission said it cannot take any action at the moment because of multiple court cases.

“It will be recalled that the commission met on Thursday 17th March on the matter, decided to defer its deliberation on the Ebonyi cases and stepped down the listed Memorandum to enable its Legal Services and Clearance Committee to study the new processes served on it in the light of the previously served ones and advise the Commission comprehensively.

“Since then, the commission has been served yet more Court Processes on the same matter, bringing the total to 12.

“The Commission deliberated extensively on these cases and decided to further suspend action on the defection of the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Ebonyi State and 16 members of the State House of Assembly from the PDP to the APC in the light of the conflicting judgements and orders served on it from Courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” he said.

READ ALSO:

He said that INEC also considers it prudent to stay action on the conflicting judgements and orders being aware of the pendency of Appeals and Motions for Stay of Execution of some of the judgements before various divisions of the Court of Appeal.

On Osun State governorship election, Okoye said that the commission would on Friday 25th March publish in its state and local government offices in Osun State the list and personal particulars of the candidates that political parties propose to sponsor at the election.

He said that these must be candidates who emerged from valid primaries in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.

He said, “The commission will publish the list and personal particulars of the candidates of 15 out of the 18 political parties that conducted primaries. The nominations of the Action Alliance (AA); African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not be published for their failure to comply with the commission’s Guidelines on Political Party Operations (2018) or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“The AA did not submit a nomination jointly signed by the National Chairman and Secretary of the party while the ADC and APGA nominated candidates that do not meet the age requirements for the office of Deputy Governor as enshrined in the Constitution. The commission has already communicated this position officially to the affected Political Parties.”

DAILY TRUST

Loading

Politics

BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

Published

on

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi

BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as a toxic political environment, persistent internal crises, and external interference undermining the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi disclosed his decision in a personally signed statement released on Sunday, stressing that his departure was not motivated by personal grievances against key party figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he still respects.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor, however, alleged that the same political forces he accused of destabilising the Labour Party had begun infiltrating the ADC through internal disputes, legal battles, and growing distrust among party stakeholders.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he said.

Obi’s resignation comes amid mounting tension within opposition circles over coalition arrangements and presidential calculations ahead of the 2027 election. Political observers say disagreements over zoning, candidate selection, and leadership control have intensified pressure within the ADC coalition project in recent months.

The former presidential candidate described Nigeria’s wider political climate as increasingly hostile to reform-minded leadership, lamenting what he called the normalisation of intimidation, insecurity, and political suppression.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people,” Obi stated.

He also suggested that some political allies had privately distanced themselves from him despite publicly identifying with his movement.

“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face,” he said. “Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.”

Obi further criticised what he described as distorted values within Nigeria’s political system, arguing that humility, fairness, and compassion are increasingly treated as weaknesses.

“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness,” he noted.

“A system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power.”

Despite leaving the ADC, Obi insisted he remains committed to national transformation rather than personal political ambition.

“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed,” he said.

“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”

The former governor also spoke about the emotional strain of his political journey, revealing that he has endured “silent pains,” “quiet battles,” and personal sacrifices while attempting to pursue reform under difficult political conditions.

“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country?” Obi said. “Why is integrity not valued?”

Obi’s exit is expected to trigger fresh political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential race, especially as coalition talks among major opposition figures continue to evolve.

Although he did not announce his next political platform, analysts believe the move could reshape opposition strategies and reignite debates over a unified challenger against the ruling party in the next election cycle.

 

BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

Loading

Continue Reading

Politics

2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

Published

on

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to support his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections, while also dismissing reports of any consensus candidate endorsed by the party leadership.

Adelabu made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with party leaders, members and supporters in his constituency, Ibadan South East Local Government Area, where he formally sought backing for his governorship bid.

The former minister said the visit was part of consultations ahead of his formal submission of expression of interest and nomination forms, adding that he had already purchased the forms at a cost of ₦50 million.

He told supporters that he had resigned from his ministerial position to fully pursue his political ambition and presented his nomination form to them for approval before proceeding further in the race.

According to him, the decision to contest was based on earlier encouragement from party members who urged him to step down from his federal appointment and join the governorship race.

Adelabu also dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had endorsed any aspirant as a consensus candidate in Oyo APC, insisting that no such arrangement exists.

He maintained that the president’s position was for aspirants to either reach a consensus or go through a direct primary election, describing any claim of a secretly endorsed candidate as false.

The former minister further stated that the APC operates as a structured democratic party where decisions are not made in secrecy, adding that party members will ultimately determine the flagbearer through established processes.

READ ALSO:

Adelabu, who described himself as a loyal member of the ruling party, said political developments within the APC should not be misrepresented or used to mislead members.

He noted that similar internal contestations had occurred in other states such as Lagos and Ogun, stressing that such processes are normal in a democratic party structure.

The governorship hopeful said he would formally notify the Oyo APC leadership of his ambition during a scheduled visit to the party secretariat on Tuesday, May 5.

He also disclosed plans to officially declare his governorship ambition on Tuesday, May 12, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where he is expected to address party stakeholders, ward leaders, women groups and youth representatives.

Adelabu urged APC members to remain united and ensure they obtain their party identification and voter cards, which he described as essential tools for electoral success in 2027.

Political activities within the Oyo APC have intensified in recent months as aspirants begin consultations ahead of the party’s primaries, with internal discussions ongoing on zoning and nomination procedures.

2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

Loading

Continue Reading

Politics

No Final Decision Yet — Kwankwaso Speaks On ADC Exit Rumours

Published

on

Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

No Final Decision Yet — Kwankwaso Speaks On ADC Exit Rumours

Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has addressed growing speculation surrounding his political future amid the worsening crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso clarified that no final decision has been taken regarding his possible exit from the ADC despite mounting reports linking him to a potential alliance with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former presidential candidate made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified social media accounts late Saturday.

According to him, ongoing legal disputes and internal instability within the ADC have created uncertainty within the party, forcing key stakeholders to begin consultations on possible political options.

“We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to the current challenges facing the party,” Kwankwaso stated.

“In light of the misleading narratives in the public domain, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates.”

The former governor explained that the same type of political and legal challenges that forced him and his supporters out of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) are now affecting the ADC.

Kwankwaso referenced the recent Supreme Court judgment involving the ADC leadership tussle, noting that although the court affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), the matter was still returned to the Federal High Court for further hearing.

According to him, the development has left the opposition party in a difficult position.

READ ALSO:

“The recent Supreme Court judgment, while affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), also remitted the matter back to the High Court. This has left the party in a precarious position,” he said.

Kwankwaso also pointed to a recent Federal High Court ruling reportedly questioning the legitimacy of the party’s convention, as well as moves by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking the deregistration of the ADC.

“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now also been forced into this difficulty,” he added.

The former Defence Minister disclosed that broad consultations have already commenced among major political stakeholders, including leaders of the NDC, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and other political groups.

“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations — including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time,” he said.

Kwankwaso also dismissed rumours suggesting he had already declared interest in contesting the presidency under the ADC or any other platform.

According to him, the ADC has not zoned its presidential ticket or endorsed any aspirant ahead of the next general election.

“I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded,” he stated.

The former governor further clarified that his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments and not because he had abandoned the party.

Political observers believe Kwankwaso’s next move could significantly shape opposition politics ahead of 2027, especially amid growing coalition talks involving major opposition figures such as Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other northern political blocs.

The ADC crisis intensified in recent weeks following legal disputes over the party’s leadership structure, leading to conflicting court decisions and temporary uncertainty over the recognition of the party’s national leadership.

Despite the growing speculations, Kwankwaso urged his supporters to remain calm, assuring them that any future political direction would be officially communicated at the appropriate time.

No Final Decision Yet — Kwankwaso Speaks On ADC Exit Rumours

Loading

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending