Court orders INEC to recognize APC polling/collation agents in Edo

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize and allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) polling and collation agents to participate in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, which is scheduled for this Saturday.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case (suit No. FHC/AB/CS/1326/2024), issued the injunction after the APC challenged INEC’s decision to exclude its agents from the election. The APC, represented by counsels Abdulghani Arobo, Ayodele Toe, and Ayodeji Ibekunle, argued that the exclusion violated the party’s rights.

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The court directed INEC to temporarily accept and issue official tags to the APC agents for full participation in the election, pending the final determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Nwite stated, “An order of interim injunction of this honourable court is hereby made restraining the defendant from depriving the polling and collation agents of the plaintiff official tags and full participation in the forthcoming Edo governorship election.”

Summon elders meeting over Benue APC Crisis, ex-Senate president tells Ganduje

Former Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, has asked the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to invite all party elders of APC to appropriately advise it on the leadership tussle in Benue State.

Ebute, Senate president in the Third Republic, in a statement, also took a swipe at three members of the Benue State National Assembly Caucus for seeking to distract the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr (Dr) Hycinth Alia over a tussle for party leadership in the state.

The APC in Benue State has been in crisis, following the power tussle between Governor Alia and the loyalists of secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The former Senate president said the two senators from Zones A and B Senatorial Districts of Benue State and a Member of the House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency have constituted themselves into the so called National Assembly Caucus, giving the impression that the governor is rejecting the peace move by the President Bola Tinubu.

He said the two Senators and a Member of the House of Representatives had their candidatures and their election to the National Assembly by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) when he was the leader of the party in Benue State.

“Having been elected to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, I expect them to sponsor bills and carry out oversight functions that will lead to the development of their constituencies particularly and Nigeria generally.

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“I do not expect them to constitute themselves into a so-called National Assembly Caucus of only three (3) and distract the attention of the Benue State Chief Executive.

“In all states of the federation where a particular political party produces the governor, the governor is the leader of that party in the state.

“We, elders and party leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State have advised the governor not to allow the sharing of party leadership functions with any other government official no matter how highly placed.

“It is not the issue of the governor respecting peace moves by the President, it is the issue of standing by the rules of the general practice of the presidential system of government whereby the president of the country is the ultimate leader of the party in the country, while governors are the leaders of the party in their states.

“Finally, I advise the National Leadership of the APC led by Dr Abdullahi Ganduje to invite all elders of APC, including me to advise them appropriately.”

This policy poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s food security ambitions, as local farmers, facing unfair competition from low-cost producers in Asia, Europe, and America, are compelled to reduce or entirely abandon their production efforts. It jeopardizes job creation, wealth generation, and the sector’s long-term prosperity, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s sustainability and development.

“President Tinubu and his advisers would be wise to redirect their efforts towards crafting sustainable solutions to the systemic shocks afflicting the economy rather than compounding the crisis with measures destined to ignite further turmoil,” he said.

Summon elders meeting over Benue APC Crisis, ex-Senate president tells Ganduje

I never said I’d be VP to anyone in 2027 – Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has denied saying he has agreed on a deal to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

He also said that contrary to reports, he remains committed to the Labour Party and that anyone looking for a collaboration must state their true intentions.

In a series of posts via his official X handle on Saturday, September 14, Obi said he is ready to partner with those who share his vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress. He emphasised he is not desperate to become president or any position, but is determined to see Nigeria develop.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, he does not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

“I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record. I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

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I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.” he said

He further stated that he is committed to bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms.

“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.

I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.

My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words. For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.

I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria. My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing” he said

I never said I’d be VP to anyone in 2027 – Peter Obi