Edo poll: Oshiomhole accuses Obaseki of frustrating APC campaign

Ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has condemned Governor Godwin Obaseki for denying the All Progressives Congress (APC) access to public school premises for campaign activities.

During the APC’s ward-to-ward campaign in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, expressed his frustration. He highlighted that many of the schools being denied to the APC were constructed during his tenure as governor, which, he argued, made the situation even more perplexing.

Oshiomhole criticized Governor Obaseki, reminding him that his position as governor is merely a temporary stewardship on behalf of the people of Edo State. He warned that Obaseki would be held accountable for his actions once his tenure concludes.

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“We will deny Obaseki the use of federal roads if he deprives us of using government schools again. Next time he stops us, we will enter and use the facilities,” Oshiomhole declared.

Regarding the upcoming election, Oshiomhole mentioned that the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, would participate in a debate. He insisted that the debate be conducted in the Esan dialect and moderated by Esan people, emphasizing the importance of local engagement.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, outlined his vision for Edo State, pledging to declare a state of emergency in critical sectors such as roads, education, health, and security if elected.

Edo poll: Oshiomhole accuses Obaseki of frustrating APC campaign

APC Oyo confirms death of state chairman Omodewu in US 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has confirmed the passing of its chairman, Isaac Omodewu, saying it is a collosal loss not only to the party but the entire country.

The Otu-born lawyer, Omodewu, died Sunday night in the United States where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness since November 2024.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Olawale Sadare, expressed utmost shock and disbelief over the transition of Omodewu who served in various ministries as a commissioner between 2011 and 2019 in the two-term administration of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

He that despite Omodewu’s illness, he has kept in touch with friends, associates and most Oyo APC stakeholders until he breathed his last on Sunday at the age of 61.

He said, “A big Iroko has fallen and a big vacuum has surfaced in our party (APC). Our late chairman was an epitome of humility, kindness and selflessness.

“He emerged as the state chairman at a turbulent period and he did his best to stabilize the party.

“It is even regrettable he transited at this time when his efforts on total reconciliation have begun to yield full results as desired.

“While we commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our National Chairman and the entire APC faithful in Nigeria, we pray God to grant him eternal rest and give members of his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kogi, Bayelsa gov election disputes 

The Supreme Court on Monday concluded hearing in the governorship election disputes of Kogi and Bayelsa states and reserved judgment till a later date.

The ruling was on the appeals filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Kogi State’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Timipre Sylva of the Bayelsa’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both Ajaka and Sylva had challenged the declarations made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the 2023 governorship elections in their respective states.

Ajaka had appealed the judgment of a three-member tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of APC as governor of Kogi.

However, after the Appeal Court judgment in June, Ajaka alleged that the judgment was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.

While delivering judgment, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate was not limited to the decision of the appellate court.

Sylva also in May expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the governorship election in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru.

The tribunal in its judgment delivered May 17, 2024, in Abuja, upheld the election and the return of Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Eruwjadkpo as lawfully elected governor and deputy respectively, leading Sylva to file for an appeal.

In July, the Court of Appeal Abuja dismissed the appeal to challenge the judgment of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Justice James Abundaga who read the lead judgment of the Court of Appeal affirmed the declaration of Diri and the People’s Democratic Party PDP as the joint winners of the November 11, 2023 poll.