Osun tribunal: INEC admits over-voting in governorship poll - Newstrends
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Osun tribunal: INEC admits over-voting in governorship poll

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Adegboyega Oyetola and Senator Ademola Adeleke

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has admitted that there was over-voting in the July 16 governorship election that brought in Ademola AdelekeĀ as governor of Osun State.

A Deputy Director in the ICT department of INEC, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, disclosed this while giving evidence before the Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petition filed by Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC), against the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the election.

Cross-examined by the petitioners’ counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN, Oladunjoye, who was referred to as a star witness of INEC, admitted that in Ward 4 unit 7, Ede South Local Government, there was an over-voting of 75, as the figure of accreditation on the BVAS report presented by INEC was 313, while the result on form EC8A was 383.

Oladunjoye’s attention was also drawn to paragraph 21.36 of his witness statement where she said the accreditation figure was 830, but in the BVAS report presented by INEC, the figure of accreditation was 793, admitting that there was an over-voting of 37.
The witness also admitted that in paragraph 26.7 of his witness statement, there was an accreditation figure of 402, while the accreditation figure on the INEC BVAS report was 263, admitting that there was an over-voting of 139.
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Also in paragraph 23.24 of his witness statement, Oladunjoye agreed that the accreditation figure she mentioned was 448, while the accreditation figure on BVAS was 224, admitting that there was an over-voting of 224.

The witness, who said under cross examination that she was not a presiding officer on the election day, added that it was only the presiding officers that had explanation on what transpired at the polling units on the election day.

The INEC representative, who admitted that she signed and certified a BVAS report for the petitioners, further said the copy of the report was different from the one issued to the respondents, adding that she never indicated that the report issued to the petitioners was an interim document, which would be subjected to synchronisation.

She testified that the synchronisation was done after election result had been declared on July 17, and BVAS report was issued to the petitioners on July 27.

After the cross examination of the witness, Chief Olujinmi hinted that the irregularities identified in the BVAS report presented by INEC was just a tip of an iceberg, saying there were loads of over-voting during the election.

The tribunal had admitted as exhibits the load of BVAS machines and CTC of Form EC8 series brought to the tribunal by the INEC counsel.

After the cross examination of the witness, the INEC counsel, Prof. Ananaba, told the court that he would no longer be calling any other witness, as he applied to close his case.

Counsel for Adeleke, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, subsequently opened his defence by tendering form EC8 series used for the election.

However, the tribunal raised issue as to the safe custody of the BVAS machine tendered and admitted in evidence, as the panel ordered that the machines should be kept at the Central Bank vault in Osogbo.

The tribunal adjourned till tomorrow (today).

The Nation

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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.

ā€œIt 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,ā€ 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.

ā€œYour 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,ā€ 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.

ā€œServing 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,ā€ 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, WĆ”ndĆ© T. ƀjĆ yĆ­, 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. ā€œLaw does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations,ā€ 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, ā€œInstead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank them for this timely action, which forewarns the party of the danger ahead.ā€ 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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