Election Tribunal: Tinubu, INEC, APC object to Channels TV witness on subpoena - Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Election Tribunal: Tinubu, INEC, APC object to Channels TV witness on subpoena

Published

on

Election Tribunal: Tinubu, INEC, APC object to Channels TV witness on subpoena

Livy Uzoukwu, lead counsel to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party, and Labour Party, LP, told the court, “the intend to start today by calling a witness, who is on subpoena and I would hand over to J.S. Okutepa, SAN while PIN Ikwueto, SAN will lead the technical team and software presentation.”

Okutepa introduced  the witness, recorded as PW3 and led Lucky Obewo Isawode, senior reporter/editor from Channels Television, who swore an oath and climbed the witness stand.

He said he was in court to adopt his earlier written deposition and present a video recording of statements made by the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu and national Commissioner, Festus Okoye.

Then objections start flying from respondents counsels…

Akin Olujimi, SAN (Tinubu and Shettima) is the first off the blocks, saying the witness and his testimony was not pre-listed and front-loaded in time, according to electoral law. The first Respondent (INEC) and Fourth Respondent (APC) follow suit with similar reasons for objections.

READ ALSO:

Okutepa urged the court to dismiss the objections. After characteristic banters of fireworks, the Haruna Tsammani-led panel reserves ruling on the objections till final address and orders PW3 to proceed with his adoption of deposition and subsequent video presentation.

It was a fierce session of objections from the Respondents in Obi vs Tinubu June 9† as the defendants succeeded in stopping a witness on subpoena from giving evidence.

Immediately the witness, Lucky Obewo Isawode, senior reporter/editor, Channels Television was recorded as PW3 and sworn for him to adopt his deposition, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, leading the first Respondents (INEC) team objected, saying it was against the Electoral Act to present evidence without pre-listing and front-loading in the petition. The other members of the defense tag team – Tinubu, Shettima and APC – chorused in support of INEC.

This drew JS Okutepa, SAN, leading the Petitioners’ witness in evidence to respond by urging the court to dismiss the objections and allow the witness proceed.

After real fierce exchanges and citations, the Haruna Tsammani-led panel ordered that the witness should go ahead while objections will be ruled on during presentations of final addresses.

READ ALSO:

Having wasted over 30 minutes, Okutepa resumed with his witness. Immediately PW3 brought out the enclosed flash drive to replay on the large screen television that had been waiting for use, the Tinubu and Shettima counsel stepped out again, objecting this time that the flash drive should not be played since they were not served before hand, calling it an ambush.

Another series of legal fireworks and citations took over.

By the time the Tribunal decided that the PW3 should go ahead and play the video, it was already 6.00 pm that the court was forced to adjourn to tomorrow, Saturday,  June 10.

Ironic, isn’t it, that INEC is quoting the Electoral Act? Their reckless disregard to the Electoral Act while conducting the election in dispute gave birth to this Tribunal in the first place.

Tomorrow is another day, for whatever will be will certainly be.

Election Tribunal: Tinubu, INEC, APC object to Channels TV witness on subpoena

Politics

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Published

on

Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Lawmakers of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, while also declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026.

The endorsement was announced at a joint meeting of the PDP lawmakers in Osogbo, where they said the decision was driven by what they described as the need for political stability, continuity in governance, and sustained development at both the state and federal levels.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was based on his administration’s policies and interventions, which, according to them, have had a positive impact on Osun State and the South-West region.

READ ALSO:

Egbedun noted that backing President Tinubu for a second term would strengthen federal-state collaboration, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and economic reforms, while also ensuring continued federal presence in Osun.

The lawmakers also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, citing what they described as his people-oriented leadership style, commitment to workers’ welfare, and ongoing projects across key sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and local government development.

According to the PDP legislators, Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritised inclusive governance, fiscal discipline, and the restoration of public confidence in government, adding that these achievements make him deserving of a second term in office.

They dismissed suggestions that endorsing President Tinubu, who belongs to a different political party, contradicts their loyalty to the PDP, arguing that the move reflects political pragmatism and the overriding interest of Osun State.

The lawmakers stressed that their decision does not weaken the PDP in Osun but rather positions the state to benefit from harmonious political alignment between the state and the federal government.

Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP, the legislators said they would continue to work for the party’s success in future elections while supporting leadership choices they believe would advance peace, stability, and development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Continue Reading

Politics

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Published

on

Former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has opened up about life after leaving office, his ongoing projects, and the future of Kano State politics in an exclusive interview.

Ganduje described life after office as less stressful but still busy, noting that he remains actively involved in party politics both in Kano and Abuja. He explained that while the pressures of leadership are gone, politics and governance never truly end. “You can’t just stop, since politics and governance never really end,” he said.

The former governor revealed that he is spending much of his time writing books to keep his mind sharp and contribute to knowledge-based politics. Among his current projects are “Abuja: Evolutionary Development of a City in Nigeria’s Capital Territory,” “Progressive Leadership and Sustainability of Democracy in Nigeria,” and “Progressive Party Ideology and Philosophical Direction.” Ganduje stressed the importance of education, research, and ideology in sustaining democracy and shaping effective governance.

READ ALSO:

Reflecting on his early life, Ganduje highlighted how knowledge, experience, and patience shaped his political journey. From attending primary school in a remote village to earning a PhD from the University of Ibadan, he emphasized that education and persistence were crucial in achieving his goals. His career spanned roles as local government secretary, commissioner, deputy governor, governor, and APC national chairman, providing him with extensive governance experience from the grassroots to the national level.

On Kano politics, Ganduje expressed pride that his predictions of a progressive return to APC in the state have been realized. He highlighted APC’s success in delivering the highest number of delegates and votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during primaries and defeating the PDP in the general election by over 500,000 votes.

Addressing the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ganduje dismissed claims that the movement could challenge APC dominance in Kano. “The Kwankwasiyya Movement will not have any impact. Even though you see large crowds, the APC can mobilize bigger numbers if we choose,” he said, stressing that public sentiment favors APC due to concerns over the use of state resources for national ambitions by opposition leaders.

Ganduje also left the door open for political reconciliation with Kwankwaso, provided they share a common vision for the state and country. “I am ready. Politics is about interests. There are no permanent enemies or friends… What matters is what we want to achieve,” he said.

On the national stage, Ganduje addressed fears that northern Nigeria may not support President Tinubu in 2027, dismissing the notion as wrong. He emphasized that most Northerners accept the rotation of the presidency and are supportive of Tinubu completing his term. “Politics will always have noise, but the reality on the ground is different,” he added.

Ganduje’s reflections highlight the intersection of political strategy, education, and leadership experience in shaping both personal legacy and the future trajectory of Kano State and Nigerian politics.

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Continue Reading

Politics

El-Rufai Says Son Bello Remains Loyal to APC Despite Criticism of Party

Published

on

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai

El-Rufai Says Son Bello Remains Loyal to APC Despite Criticism of Party

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has clarified that his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by personal conviction, even as he continues to critique the ruling party. Bello currently represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he serves his constituents independently of his father’s political stance.

El-Rufai made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday evening, shortly after reportedly resisting an attempted detainment by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Egypt. The former governor, now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasised that Bello is mature enough to chart his own political path.

READ ALSO:

“My son Bello was elected under the platform of the APC and his electorate seem to be happy with the work he is doing, so since he is an adult of over 30 years, he can make his own choices. Politics is about personal preference,” El-Rufai said, explaining that his son’s continued stay in APC does not contradict his own opposition to the party.

He added that if Bello chooses to remain within the APC without engaging in any of the party’s perceived wrongdoing, guided by the values and home training he received, “then Alhamdulillah.”

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, born in 1988, has represented Kaduna North since 2023 and currently chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations. His work in the National Assembly has earned commendations from constituents, reinforcing his independent political credibility within the APC framework.

El-Rufai’s clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where personal choices sometimes diverge from family or party affiliations. The statement highlights the balance between individual political conviction and broader party loyalty, particularly in high-profile political families.

El-Rufai Says Son Bello Remains Loyal to APC Despite Criticism of Party

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

Trending