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Ondo guber: Aggrieved APC aspirants opt for court as Ganduje’s peace deal flops
Aspiring candidates from the aggrieved faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who competed for the party’s nomination in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election have decided to pursue legal action. They are contemplating suing the committee led by Governor Usman Ododo, which oversaw the recent primary election, alleging that the entire process was fraudulent.
The primary election, held on April 20, saw incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa declared as the winner amid controversies and accusations of irregularities from several aspirants. Some claim that the election deviated from the party’s procedures, while others argue that no election took place at all.
During the primary, Mr. Gbenga Edema, one of the aspirants, raised concerns about the conduct of the process, stating that the electoral materials were delayed and the election concluded prematurely.
Following Aiyedatiwa’s victory, six aspirants, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and others, filed petitions challenging the outcome, insisting on the nullification of the election due to alleged irregularities and questioning Ododo’s suitability to lead the committee.
Efforts were made by the APC’s national leadership, represented by Abdullahi Ganduje and the National Working Committee, to reconcile the disputes between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the aggrieved aspirants. However, these attempts failed, leading to a deadlock.
Despite appeals to withdraw their petitions, the aspirants remained steadfast, emphasizing that no legitimate primary election occurred and expressing their intention to pursue legal recourse. They assert that the election was pre-determined, casting doubts on its legitimacy and vowing to oppose Aiyedatiwa in the November election if their concerns are not addressed.
One of the aggrieved aspirants, Hon. Olugbenga Edema, reiterated the illegitimacy of Aiyedatiwa’s victory and criticized the party’s dismissal of their complaints. He emphasized the need for internal conflict resolution mechanisms but indicated their readiness to resort to legal action if necessary.
Meanwhile, members of the Ondo APC youth group protested at the party’s national headquarters, demanding the annulment of the election results. Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, maintains that the process was fair and denies allegations of certificate forgery leveled against him.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Rivers State to ceremonially flag off the Original Trans-Kalabari Road project.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, welcomed the former president on Monday.
The Trans-Kalabari Road is a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the Kalabari region.
Governor Fubara recently stated that the Trans-Kalabari Road will be a transformative project, enhancing accessibility and boosting economic activities in the area.
The project is anticipated to improve transportation, facilitate trade, and promote socio-economic development for the communities along its route.
Jonathan has previously commended the vision and commitment of the Rivers State government under Governor Fubara’s leadership.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that over 261,703 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Ondo State ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, revealed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure that out of 1,991,344 registered voters in the state, 1,729,641 have collected their PVCs.
She mentioned that all 210 centers for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise have been identified, listed, and published on the INEC website.
Babalola also noted that 18 political parties would participate in the November 16 gubernatorial election.
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, urged stakeholders to mobilize prospective registrants for the upcoming CVR ahead of the governorship election. He appealed to representatives of media houses, civil society organizations, political parties, security agencies, and People Living with Disabilities to help sensitize prospective registrants to register early, avoid double registration, and discourage underage registration.
Ajayi recalled that the last CVR exercise ended in July 2022, before the 2023 general elections. The new CVR exercise will run from Monday, May 27, to Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, including weekends.
He emphasized that this period would allow young people who have reached the voting age of 18 and other eligible voters who missed previous CVR exercises to register.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited victims of the Kano mosque attack who are receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Hospital on Sunday.
Obi explained that his visit aimed to show solidarity with the injured, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery. He also took the opportunity to thank and encourage the hospital management.
Additionally, Obi extended his condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over the tragic incident.
A 38-year-old man, Shafi’u Abubakar, ignited a petrol bomb, setting a mosque in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area, on fire during early morning prayers. The Kano State Police Command confirmed on Friday that the death toll from the mosque explosion had risen to fifteen.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi emphasized the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in society, noting that the incident was a stark reminder of these values.
“Yesterday, Sunday the 19th, as a follow-up to my earlier condolence message regarding those who lost their lives in the horrific and devastating terror attack on May 16, 2024, in the Gezawa local government area of Kano State during the morning prayer session, I visited Murtala Mohammed Hospital in Kano to sympathize with those injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.
The visit was to physically show solidarity with the wounded, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery, as well as to thank and encourage the management of the hospital.
Most importantly, it was to send a message to the victims that we stand together in condemnation of any senseless act of violence and killing in our country.
Once again, I sincerely send my condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over this very sad incident. I extend my thoughts and prayers, especially to the families of the victims.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in our society to create a safer and more harmonious community for all.
For the deceased, may Almighty Allah forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest,” Obi stated.
JUST IN: Former President Goodluck Jonathan Visits Rivers State, Meets Gov Fubara
Ondo guber: 261,703 PVCs remain uncollected — INEC
Peter Obi visits victims of Kano mosque explosion
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