Politics

PDP challenges Imo tribunal judgement, heads to appeal court

The Imo State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said the appeal court will serve them justice in the case of the legal battle surrounding the November 2023 governorship election.

The state chairman of the PDP, Chidi Dike, said this on Sunday while speaking to newsmen in Owerri.

He was reacting to the last Friday judgment of the Imo governorship tribunal that affirmed Governor Hope Uzodimma of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as the governor of the state.

According to the opposition party, the last tribunal judgment did not reflect the facts as presented by the PDP to the court for that reason they would head to the appeal court.

“From every indication, the ruling of the tribunal did not reflect the true facts presented before the tribunal by our legal luminaries. The fact of the matter is that the party and its candidate in the November 11 governorship election, Distinguish Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu won the election which facts were presented to the tribunal. While rejecting the ruling, this does not vitiate our confidence in the judiciary and its ability to correct the lopsided view of the Judges that sat in Abuja.

“We state in unmistakable terms that the population of Imo electorates rejected the candidate of the APC and placed their confidence in the PDP following the abysmal performance of the APC in Imo State. The Peace-loving people of Imo State had before the poll expressed their tiredness and loss of confidence in the Governance of APC and yearned for a change which they trooped out en masse in November to further elucidate, but their efforts were thwarted by INEC and their officials.

“However, we restate our confidence that these anomalies of the tribunal will be corrected. PDP is a constitutional party and we have unflinching confidence in the constitution of Nigeria and its interpreters in the higher echelon of the Judiciary.

“Let me at this juncture appreciate our party members across the state. What you have demonstrated in the 24 hours following the tribunal judgement is indeed a great show of solidarity and absolute loyalty. Your calls and text messages are hereby acknowledged and I pledge in my honour that I and the Caretaker Committee Members will not take it for granted.

“We will not fail you. While assuring you that your mandate and that of the Imo people will be recovered. I want to say again that we are not going to rest on our oars. We urge you to remain resolute as the Court of Appeal will definitely serve us Justice,” he said.

Politics

Ekiti North stakeholders plan grand endorsement rally for Gov Oyebanji

Ekiti North stakeholders plan grand endorsement rally for Gov Oyebanji
Stakeholders across the five local government areas of Ekiti North Senatorial District — Ido/Osi, Ilejemeje, Ikole, Moba, and Oye — are set to hold a Grand Endorsement Rally in honour of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Aduye, to add their voice to the growing call for his return to office for a second term.

According to a release by the planning committee, the rally is scheduled for 10.00am on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Event Arcade, Akinlade Estate, Olojudo Road, Ido-Ekiti.

Themed “One Ekiti North! One Voice! One Agenda! BAO Again!!!”, the event represents a powerful, collective affirmation of support for Governor Oyebanji’s sterling leadership and impressive developmental strides across the state.

The decision to endorse the Governor and his deputy follows extensive consultations and careful consideration by stakeholders across all segments of Ekiti North.

The consensus is unambiguous: Governor Oyebanji is not only fulfilling his promises, but has exhibited exemplary integrity, proven competence, and a compassionate, people-first approach to governance.

His inclusive style, pragmatic reforms, and relentless commitment to infrastructure, public service delivery, and human capital development have earned him widespread admiration and trust.

The rally will convene a broad-based coalition of political leaders, youth and women’s groups, professionals, artisans, the traditional institution, and civil society actors — all united by a common belief in the Governor’s transformative record and forward-looking vision for Ekiti State.

At the heart of the endorsement lies a triad of values that define the Ekiti North identity:

United – Our strength lies in our solidarity. Across wards, communities, generations, and political affiliations, we stand as one people with a shared destiny.

Progressive – We are forward-looking, committed to bold ideas and sustainable development that uplift every member of our community.

Principled – We are guided by values. Integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to service form the core of our political culture.

“Governor Oyebanji embodies the spirit of selfless service and transformational leadership that our people deeply respect. Ekiti North is not only endorsing him — we are reaffirming our confidence in a leader who represents the very best of our aspirations.”

Stakeholders emphasize that the rally is more than a political gathering — it is a civic declaration of trust, unity, and a shared vision for the future of Ekiti.

Politics

Reps in closed-door meeting with Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas

Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, is currently meeting with the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State.

The meeting is holding after several postponements.

The meeting signals the lawmakers’ decision to exercise their constitutional right to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaking at the meeting, Ibas apologised for not attending the previous meeting and requested for additional time to prepare to brief the committee.

Ibas said he is still settling down in his new role and appealed for the understanding of the committee.

Following his plea to the committee, journalists were then excused and the meeting went into a closed door session.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator after declaring an emergency rule in Rivers State.

Ibas’ appointment followed Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Sim Fubara in line with the emergency rule proclamation.

Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike have been at loggerheads over the political structure in the state.

The face-off led to Tinubu suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.

Politics

Defection is a new dawn in Delta – Ned Nwoko

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC -Delta) has described the the defection of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a new dawn in the political history of the state.

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil theft, gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja, in his reaction to the defection of the Delta Governor.

He noted that it was a new dawn also for the realisation of the much desired Anioma state.

According to him, with the Delta governor’s defection to the APC, a significant chapter in our nation’s political history is being rewritten.

“This moment is not just about shifting allegiances, it is about the bold possibilities now within reach.

“For the first time in decades, we have a real chance to restructure Nigeria’s federating units through constitutionally backed reforms that serve justice, equity, and true federalism

“It now behoves on you to rise to this historic moment. The past must not be carried into the future.

“Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.”

He said that Oborevwori, as governor leading the charge among five PDP governors now aligning with the APC, he has stepped into a party re-energised and focused.

According to him, this a party that has begun laying the groundwork for bold constitutional amendments, chief among which is the creation of two new viable states; Anioma and New Delta.

“Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.

“Your defection must not be symbolic, it must be transformative.

”This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development. It is time to right the wrongs of the past.”

The lawmaker added that the creation of Anioma State would finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North.

He said that the proposed New Delta will address the communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.

“For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful tradeoffs from the South.

“We are not lobbying from a place of weakness, we are standing firmly in a position of strength.

“These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy.

”Two new states will mean two new engines of development,” he said.

Nwoko noted that the realignment must mean responsibility.

“This is the golden hour for the South, and especially for Delta. Your move to the APC must be anchored in vision. Embrace the party’s progressive agenda.

”Lead the charge for constitutional reform. Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy,” he added.

Nwoko said that the governors alignment with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda would ensure that a New Delta and Anioma is not left behind.

He added that the state would also benefits from the vast opportunities available at the centre.