Osun APC primary: Oyetola appeals court ruling nullifying his candidacy – Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Osun APC primary: Oyetola appeals court ruling nullifying his candidacy

Published

on

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola

OSOGBO-GOVERNOR Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, yesterday, appealed the Federal High Court judgement that nullified his nomination as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the July 16, 2022, governorship election in the state.

The governor and his deputy have also applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to stay the execution of the court judgment pending the final determination of the appeal.

Oyetola, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan noted that Justice Emeka Nwite of the FHC, Abuja, had while delivering a ruling in the suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, invalidated the candidacy of Oyetola and his deputy, Benedict Alabi, because Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, who submitted their names to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, violated the provisions of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 82(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Oyetola and Alabi, in an appeal filed by the APC through their counsels, Dr Abiodun Layonu (SAN) and Abdulfatai Oyedele, listed 19 grounds of appeal against the lower court judgment.

READ ALSO:

According to them, the decision of the Federal High Court was against the weight of evidence and constitutes a grave miscarriage of justice. They, therefore, asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the ruling of the lower court and affirm their nominations as valid and lawful.

In the appeal, the governor and his deputy argued that all the actions taken by Governor Buni in respect of their nominations were valid and legally cognizable as they complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

The appellants noted that the setting up of the defunct Caretaker Committee/Extra-ordinary Planning Committee, CCEPC, by the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party did not violate the provision of the Constitution and Section 82(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The statement reads: “By the provision of Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act 2022, it is only an aspirant that participated in the primary election that can complain that the provision of the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the political party have not been complied with in the selection or nomination of candidate of a political party for an election.

“The nomination and sponsorship of candidates of a political party is strictly an internal affair of a political party which is not justiciable. The 1st respondent (the PDP) therefore lacks the locus standi to bring any cause of action that relates to internal affairs of the appellant (APC).”

Another ground of appeal, filed by the appellant, was that the suit initiated by the PDP had been caught by the Issue of Estoppel which indicates that where an issue has been decided by a competent court, the court will not allow it to be re-litigated by different parties.

Vanguard

Politics

PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers Star chapter has slammed the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress, APC, over the call for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s resignation or impeachment.

Okocha, in a press conference on Monday, March 10 issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to either resign or face impeachment.

Okocha accused the governor of mismanaging the state and alleged that Fubara’s administration had plunged the state into chaos.

He claimed that the Supreme Court, in its verdict, indicated that there is no functional government in Rivers State, citing multiple infractions by the governor, which he described as impeachable offenses.

Responding, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Sydney Tambari Gbara, dismissed the ultimatum, saying Okocha is irrelevant.

READ ALSO:

According to him, Okocha issued the 48-hour ultimatum “without giving any cogent reasons”, for the governor to resign or be impeached.

Gbara asserted that Okocha “is a character that has been known in Rivers State political scene as a man who speaks from the both sides of his mouth, makes derogatory or illogical utterances that are not always in line with current reality”.

The PDP claimed that nobody in Rivers State takes Tony Okocha’s “comment seriously anymore because of his past antecedents. He is irrelevant.”

“So therefore, this 48 hour ultimatum is obviously laughable and it is degrading our political landscape in Rivers State, bringing our state down as if we are mediocre and unserious people”.

Gbara, who accused Okocha of “trying to impress his pay master”, urged Nigerians, particularly Rivers people, to disregard the ultimatum.

“Governor Fubara is on top of the situation in Rivers State and he is busy commissioning projects. He has no time to listen to characters like Tony Okocha”

PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

Continue Reading

Politics

I’m still in APC — Fayemi

Published

on

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi

I’m still in APC — Fayemi

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has left the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his commitment to the party.

In a statement titled ‘Nothing Has Changed’, Fayemi clarified that he remains a founding member of the APC and has not defected, contrary to circulating media reports.

Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Fayemi stated: “My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

READ ALSO:

“As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card-carrying foundation member of the APC, and this position has not changed.”

He, however, emphasized his continuous advocacy for greater internal democracy and inclusion within the ruling party.

“While I have been at the vanguard of the demand for greater internal democracy and inclusion in the ruling party, I believe it is still not too late for our party to change course and move towards greater inclusion and internal democracy,” he added.

Fayemi’s remarks come amid speculation about internal rifts within the APC, but his statement reinforces his commitment to the party’s progress.

I’m still in APC — Fayemi

Continue Reading

Politics

El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

Published

on

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state

El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gaban, has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially joined the party.

Gaban described El-Rufai’s defection as a historic moment, emphasizing that it underscores SDP’s growing influence as a party committed to progressive governance, national development, and democracy.

“Today marks a historic moment as former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, officially joins the Social Democratic Party (SDP)!” Gaban announced.

READ ALSO:

According to him, El-Rufai’s entrance has strengthened the party’s ranks and reinforced its position as a formidable political force in Nigeria.

“As a man known for bold reforms, governance excellence, and national impact, his presence will further energize our movement and inspire more Nigerians to join us in building a better future,” Gaban added.

Reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to integrity, vision, and transformation, the chairman urged Nigerians to align with the party, stating:

“SDP is the party that truly puts the people first. We welcome El-Rufai and encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to join the movement. The future is SDP!”

El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

Continue Reading

Trending