As impeachment axe dangles on Trump, Pence rules out 25th Amendment - Newstrends
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As impeachment axe dangles on Trump, Pence rules out 25th Amendment

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United States Vice-President Mike Pence has ruled out using the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office following the US Capitol riot.

But Democrats are moving relentlessly towards making him the first president to be impeached twice after he incited a mob assault on Congress.

With the House of Representatives on the cusp of impeaching President Trump, Pence encouraged Congress to avoid actions to “further divide and inflame the passions of the moment”.

Trump earlier refused to take any responsibility for the US Capitol riot, in which  his supporters smashed into the building, and said his speech for the mob was “totally appropriate”.

In a letter to House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mr Pence said the mechanism should not be used “as a means of punishment or usurpation” and reserved for cases of medical or mental incapacitation.

The focus instead should be on smoothing the transition to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, he said.

Ms Pelosi has called on Mr Pence to secure the majority of the Cabinet and vote to declare Mr Trump unfit to serve.

This came less than a week after the president fomented the violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Ms Pelosi has said if Mr Pence rejects use of the 25th Amendment, the House will move to impeach him.

Already, at least three Republicans have said they would vote for that.

The president’s comments appeared to encourage the protesters to march on the Capitol building, and he praised them while they were still carrying out the assault.

“People thought that what I said was totally appropriate,” Mr Trump said during his first appearance in public since the Capitol siege last week.

Trump brushed off Democratic calls on his Cabinet to declare him unfit from office and remove him from power using the 25th Amendment.

“The 25th Amendment is of zero risk to me, but will come back to haunt Joe Biden and the Biden administration,” President Trump said, adding, “As the expression goes, be careful of what you wish for.”

His remarks came during a visit to the site of the 450th mile of the border wall his administration is building.

The rampage through the halls of Congress sent lawmakers of both parties and President Trump’s own vice president into hiding, as crowds called for Mike Pence’s lynching for his role overseeing the vote count.

The scene also undermined the hallmark of the republic — the peaceful transition of power. At least five people died, including one Capitol Police officer.

Speaking on Tuesday, President Trump said the “real problem” was not his rhetoric, but the rhetoric that Democrats used to describe Black Lives Matter protests and violence in Seattle and Portland this summer, “Everybody to the ‘T’ thought it was totally appropriate,” President Trump said of his own comments.

He angrily lashed out at lawmakers’ push for his second impeachment this week, claiming: “It’s causing tremendous anger and division and pain far greater than most people will ever understand, which is very dangerous for the USA, especially at this very tender time.”

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Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

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Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.

The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.

Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.

“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.

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He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he “cannot and will not be disloyal” to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,” he added.

Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.

He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.

The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.

However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.

Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.

For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the state’s political environment.

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

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APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

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Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi
Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders, and political heavyweights to deliberate on succession planning and the party’s roadmap for the next election cycle.

Governor Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and reflected a collective agreement on the individual deemed most capable of sustaining APC’s political dominance in the state.

“But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” the governor stated during the meeting, signalling the formal adoption of Adeola as the party’s preferred candidate.

The announcement was followed by a show of excitement as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement, with supporters cheering, chanting, and celebrating what many described as a major political breakthrough within the party.

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Party leaders at the meeting reportedly emphasised the need for continuity, unity, and stability within the APC, noting that early consensus would help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen preparations ahead of 2027.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate, has long been considered a front-runner in Ogun State politics due to his influence, political structure, and federal legislative experience.

Political observers say the endorsement marks a significant turning point in the APC’s succession strategy, potentially narrowing the field of aspirants and consolidating support around a single candidate within the party hierarchy.

The development is also expected to reshape early political calculations in Ogun State, as attention now shifts to opposition parties and other potential contenders ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship race.

Analysts note that the APC’s early consensus move could give the ruling party a strategic advantage by reducing internal divisions and allowing it to focus on broader campaign strategy well ahead of the election season.

As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the endorsement of Adeola signals the beginning of intensified political realignments across Ogun State’s political landscape.

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

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ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, compromised neutrality, and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers made their position known after an inaugural caucus meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern over what they described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

In a strongly worded resolution, the ADC legislators alleged that the INEC chairman had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the expectations of an impartial electoral official. They claimed that his actions and public expressions raised questions about his neutrality in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

A key allegation raised by the caucus is that the INEC chairman allegedly operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account where he was said to have expressed political opinions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and made posts relating to sensitive national issues, including claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Although INEC has previously denied any connection between Prof. Amupitan and the account in question, the lawmakers insisted that online investigations and digital claims circulating in the public space warrant deeper scrutiny and official clarification.

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“The office of the INEC chairman is too critical to be tainted by allegations of partisanship,” the caucus stated, warning that failure to address the issue could erode confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

The lawmakers further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has taken steps they consider prejudicial to the ADC, including what they described as recognition of a disputed internal leadership faction within the party. They argued that the commission’s actions interfere in internal party affairs and undermine its role as an independent electoral referee.

The caucus also raised concerns over an ongoing court case involving the ADC’s leadership dispute, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026, alleging possible undue influence and warning against what they described as judicial interference in party matters.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the lawmakers argued that internal party disputes should not be subjected to external interference and urged strict adherence to constitutional and legal boundaries governing political party administration.

Beyond INEC, the ADC caucus also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing some judicial officers of compromised conduct in politically sensitive cases. They called for investigations into alleged misconduct and possible disciplinary action where necessary.

The lawmakers referenced recent concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership over judicial independence and alleged political influence, including the controversial practice of political figures making donations or gifts to judicial officers.

Describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC lawmakers urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and ensure accountability across all arms of government.

They also lamented what they described as a decline in judicial integrity, citing respected jurists such as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Kayode Eso, and Justice Mohammed Uwais as benchmarks for judicial independence and credibility.

Reaffirming their position, the caucus insisted that INEC must not only be independent in name but must demonstrate transparency, impartiality, and credibility in both perception and practice, warning that any erosion of trust could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

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