Gov Aiyedatiwa leads in Ondo APC gov primary amid protests - Newstrends
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Gov Aiyedatiwa leads in Ondo APC gov primary amid protests

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Gov Aiyedatiwa leads in Ondo APC gov primary amid protests

As the collation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election results commences in Ondo State, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seems to be coasting to victory.

Aiyedatiwa, who contested Saturday’s governorship primary election alongside 15 other aspirants, is in early lead as results continued to trickle in from polling units across the state.

Although the seven-man primary electoral committee of the party led by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State was yet to announce the winner of the exercise at the time of this report, it was gathered that the committee may eventually announce the governor as a winner based on the reality on the ground.

To retain his seat, the incumbent is seeking the ticket of the party alongside 15 other aspirants, among whom are; Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Jimi Odimayo, Jimoh Ibrahim, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaacs Kekemeke.

Others are Wale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema,  Olusola Oke (SAN), Olamide Ohunyeye, Morayo Lebi, Oladiran Iyantan, Prof. Francis Faduyile, Mayowa Akinfolarin, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele, as well as two female aspirants, Funmilayo Adekojo and Funke Omogoroye.

A total of 171,922 accredited members of the party took part in the direct primary election exercise held in 203 wards of 18 local government areas in the state.

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However, the primary election was not without violence and discrepancies, as some aspirants alleged that voting did not take place in most of the 203 wards.

Addressing journalists at BON Hotel in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday, the aggrieved aspirants called for the cancellation of the governorship primary election of the party over alleged fraud perpetrated by the Electoral Committee led by Governor Ododo of Kogi State.

The aspirants, who also asked the national leadership of the party to, as a matter of urgency, remove the chairman of the Electoral Committee, noted that they no longer trust in his ability to conduct a free and fair election following the current controversy trailing the exercise.

But the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, commended stakeholders and members of the party in Ondo state for their orderly conduct and massive turnout during the direct primary election in the state.

Governor Ododo gave the commendation while receiving reports from members of the APC Governorship Primary Election committee, security agencies and other stakeholders who monitored the conduct of the election in different parts of the 18 local government areas in the state.

According to Governor Ododo, “I have received reports from our committee members and security agencies as well as NGOs monitoring the election including video footage and I can say that the process has been transparent and we are going to produce a candidate that will unify the APC ahead of the November, 2024 governorship election in the state.”

Responding to questions over delay in arrival of materials in some wards and local government areas, Governor Ododo said he was certain that the delay had no adverse effect on the conduct of the primary election.

The Kogi State Governor also expressed confidence that concerns noticed in the revalidated membership list would not have any major impact on the outcome of the primary election, stressing that the committee is well guided by the APC guidelines for the nomination of candidates for general elections and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Governor Ododo called on the aspirants and their supporters to see the primary election as a contest among brothers and sisters in one family seeking to make the family better as a candidate of the party in the November, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State.

Gov Aiyedatiwa leads in Ondo APC gov primary amid protests

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Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

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Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a statement shared via her social media platforms on Friday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration,” she stated.

The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, did not disclose her next political move or indicate whether her resignation is linked to the 2027 general elections, unlike some other cabinet members who have recently stepped down.

Despite her exit from office, Onyejeocha maintained that her commitment to national service remains unwavering, describing her resignation as the beginning of a new phase.

She commended the President’s leadership, noting that serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.

“Your trust, support, and visionary leadership have been invaluable. Working under your Renewed Hope Agenda has been an honour and privilege. Thank you for believing in my capacity to contribute to nation-building,” she said.

The former minister also expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for their cooperation and dedication during her tenure, highlighting efforts made in advancing workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.

She further extended gratitude to her constituents for their continued support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her time in public office.

“Serving Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve,” she added.

Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

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Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

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Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike
Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter has formally rejected the Nyesom Wike‑aligned faction and pledged unwavering loyalty to the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC), reiterating that all actions outside the party’s constitution are invalid.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, described the rival faction’s so‑called congress as a nullity, a charade, and a political exercise in futility. He emphasized that the PDP in Ondo is guided strictly by rules, due process, and constitutional order, warning that no legitimate congress can occur without valid ward and local government structures recognised by the lawful leadership.

The statement quoted Ondo PDP Chairman Victor Aisida, who affirmed that the state party remains united and constitutionally compliant, dismissing the parallel congress promoted by dissident elements. He stressed that members and aspirants should focus on grassroots mobilisation and party strengthening, rather than distractions created by individuals pursuing personal ambitions.

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The State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Akure brought together Local Government Chairmen, State Executive Council members, and major stakeholders, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Ondo PDP under the recognised Turaki-led leadership. Among the key attendees were Eddy Olafeso, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former National Vice Chairman (South West), former state chairman Clement Faboyede, and Tunde Akindehin.

Addressing the meeting, Olafeso reassured party members that the PDP is intact, united, and fully prepared for upcoming elections, urging active participation in the ongoing membership registration exercise to reinforce the party’s grassroots base. He also encouraged aspirants to continue consultations and mobilization efforts, highlighting that victory remains achievable under the PDP platform in Ondo State.

The Ondo PDP also commended the leadership of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, praising his guidance and consistency in providing direction for the party during a critical period of internal disputes.

The state party warned the public and its members to ignore distractions and noise orchestrated by individuals pursuing illegitimate political agendas, reiterating that the PDP is fully aligned with the national leadership and committed to upholding constitutional and lawful processes.

Political analysts note that Ondo PDP’s position reflects a growing trend among state chapters publicly supporting the Turaki-led NWC, underscoring the ongoing national leadership tussle within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party continues to emphasise legality, due process, and democratic engagement as central to its operations.

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

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Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

The Festus Keyamo has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its recent decision to derecognise rival factions of the party’s leadership linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

In a statement posted on X, Keyamo said the leadership dispute in the ADC is primarily a legal issue, not a political one, stressing that the faction led by David Mark had created the problem themselves. “Law does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations,” he said.

Keyamo dismissed arguments about maintaining the status quo ante bellum, highlighting that what matters is a pending court case brought by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman. He warned that until the legal matter is resolved, any actions by either faction could be declared invalid, potentially leaving the ADC without candidates for upcoming elections.

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Rather than vilifying INEC, the minister suggested that the party view the derecognition as a timely warning, stating, “Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank them for this timely action, which forewarns the party of the danger ahead.” He also advised the ADC to resolve its internal crisis, seek accelerated court hearings, or explore alternative political options.

Keyamo rejected claims that the government or the All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the ADC’s crisis, emphasising that the leadership dispute arose from internal mismanagement and poor legal planning. He added that continuing with planned congresses and conventions in defiance of court orders would compound the party’s problems.

The minister’s statement follows INEC’s derecognition of the David Mark-led faction, which was guided by a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. INEC has also indicated that it will not recognise any faction until the court delivers a final judgment.

Keyamo’s remarks come amid rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in party leadership disputes and the implications for 2027 general elections preparations.

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

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