Polls: Get balanced views on Nigerian election process, Gbajabiamila tells EU mission, others
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged election observer missions and monitors in Nigeria to get balanced views by speaking to a broad range of stakeholders before making their conclusions on the outcome of the forthcoming general elections.
He noted that being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious country, different people would naturally have different biases and push opinions that, though they represented their interests, might not necessarily be correct.
Gbajabiamila, who spoke when a delegation of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria visited him at the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday, stated that reports on election outcomes could only reflect what truly transpired when observer missions engaged with multiple stakeholders.
The delegation was led by Mr Barry Andrews.
For instance, the Speaker said there were 18 political parties contesting various elective positions, beginning on February 25.
He added that among the contestants, there were those who, by his assessment, were frontline contenders, others with their areas of strength and so on.
Gbajabiamila advised the mission to speak to not only every political party but also to as many stakeholders as possible, adding that this would help shape the reliability of any report on election outcomes this year.
The Speaker assured the delegation that Nigeria was fully prepared for the elections and had made every possible arrangement for the process to be successful.
“We are prepared for it, and those saddled with the responsibility, from Mr. President, the National Assembly, INEC, the political parties, to all the other stakeholders along the chain, we are all ready to make the votes count.”
“The electoral law is in place. We have done all we needed to do, and now we have to wait and see how things pan out.
“Election is a process that leads to the final day. It’s very complex, but at the same time it can be very simple, depending on the attitude of the actors”, Gbajabiamila added.
He also told the delegation that the use of technology this time around was an added advantage, which INEC would deploy to fast-track the process.
“We are hoping there will be no problems in the area of deployment of technology and also security issues, we hope not to worry about it much”, he said.
The Speaker informed the group that an area of concern remained the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), which he said was still not very high, compared to the number of registered voters.
However, he told the visitors that sensitisation was ongoing and “it is our firm belief that the number of PVC collections will be ramped up way before the elections proper.”
On the part of the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila said the Legislature did much to improve the electoral law to expand the opportunities for participation by many Nigerians.
He stated that the Legislature, particularly the House, had hoped that ‘Direct Primaries’ would be captured in the law as the main method of picking political party candidates in order to transfer the power of decision-making to the majority of party members, but the move suffered a setback.
“Nonetheless, there is no law that is perfect. We have come a long way with the current law and it is work in progress for our electoral system”, the Speaker further said.
Earlier, Andrews, told Gbajabiamila that the EU Mission was happy to be invited to observe the polls, just as it had done on seven previous occasions.
Andrews assured Gbajabiamila that the body had its work cut out and had a reliable data-collection methodology to give a report on the outcome of the polls.
He informed the Speaker that the body would formally unveil its work plan at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, while it would release a preliminary report on the elections two days after the conclusion of voting.
Osun election tribunal verdict: Gbajabiamila congratulates Oyetola, says people’s Mandate finally restored
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun State governorship election held last year, Oyetola Adegboyega, on his victory at the election tribunal.
Gbajabiamila said the tribunal verdict was a welcome development and a fair deal for the people of Osun State who stood behind Oyetola to return for the second time.
With the judgment, the Speaker noted that APC remains the party to beat at all times, especially during the forthcoming general elections.
Saying that the people of Osun State have been vindicated by the verdict, Gbajabiamila called on all APC members in Osun and across the country to remain law-abiding and brace up for the general elections.
Speaker Gbajabiamila was glad that the Osun governorship election tribunal was convinced that indeed there were anomalies during the election, which is why it restored the people’s mandate.
He urged Oyetola to be magnanimous in victory at the end of the whole process.
Gbajabiamila condoles Gov. Sule over son’s death
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has condoled with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi A. Sule over the death of his son, Hassan A. Sule.
Gbajabiamila expressed shock at the death of the young Hassan, whom he described as a promising and respectful young man.
The Speaker said he was pained that the governor lost a son who would have been counted as one of the leaders of tomorrow owing to his education and training.
“I received the news of the passing of Hassan A. Sule with rude shock. Here was a young man who was ready to take after his father as a leader.
“It is painful when a father loses his son, especially a young, promising one like Hassan. But as believers, we cannot question our Creator.
“As painful and devastating as the death of Hassan is, we find solace in the fact that he had a good upbringing and lived up to the expectations of not just his parents but also of society as a whole.”
“I pray that Allah (SWT) will rest his soul peacefully and give His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule and his entire family, especially Hassan’s mother, the fortitude to bear this painful death,” Gbajabiamila said.
2023: GOV AKEREDOLU CANVASSES VOTES FOR TINUBU, JIMOH IBRAHIM, OTHER APC CANDIDATES IN ONDO SOUTH
- ••Says APC Parades Best Candidates For The Elections
- ••No Place For Traitors In Our Senatorial District-Olusola Oke
- ••APC Govt Has Done Well In Ondo-D’Gov
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON on Monday urged the people of Southern Senatorial District of the State to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
Governor Akeredolu said the party parades the best candidates from the Presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Senatorial candidate, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim and the three House of Representatives candidates as well as the nine House of Assembly candidates in the Senatorial district.
The campaign rally held at Methodist Primary School, Okitipupa was attended by a huge crowd of party supporters and members.
The Governor was received into the venue by party members amidst pomp and pageantry.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said only candidates of the APC can deliver good governance to the people of the State and the Country at large.
He assured that Tinubu will fulfill his electoral promises, adding that he has track records and experience to lead the country.
The Governor also called on the people of Ondo South Senatorial District to elect Jimoh Ibrahim as the Senator representing the district.
According to him, the Senatorial candidate is well equipped and prepared to provide quality representation for the people of the district.
Governor Akeredolu equally canvassed votes for the House of Representatives candidates of the party in the three Federal Constituencies in the Senatorial District.
The three House of Representatives Candidates include: Prince Jimi Odimayo, Okitipupa/ Irele Federal Constituency; Donald Ojogo, Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency; and Hon. Festus Adefiranye, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
Equally, the House of Assembly Candidates are: Akinsuroju Nelson, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency; Ifabiyi Olatunji, Odigbo Constituency 1; Babatunde Fashonu Odigbo Constituency 2; Ogunlano Christopher , Irele Constituency; Ayebusiwa Chris
Okitipupa Constituency 1; Gbegudu Ololade
Okitipupa Constituency 2; Akinruntan Abayomi
Ilaje Constituency 1; Fayemi Olawumi
Ilaje Constituency 2 ; and Messiah Oluwatoyin Allen, Ese Odo Constituency.
Governor Akeredolu also presented the Flag of the party to all the Candidates at the rally.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the administration of Governor Akeredolu has done well in the state, stressing that the people should vote enmass for APC in the forthcoming elections.
One of the leaders of the party in the South, Chief Olusola Oke vowed that the people will resist traitors and vote against them in the elections.
He assured Governor Akeredolu that the party in the Southern Senatorial district will return massive votes for the APC and its candidates.
Chairman of the party in the State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin said the people of the district has demonstrated love by coming out in their large number to attend the rally.
He called on them to translate the love into votes on Election Day, noting that all candidates of the party should be voted for across board.
Adetimehin also received over 2000 members of the People Democratic Party into the APC. They were led by Akinyomoro Aye and Eniyanwumi Sunday.
The decampees pledged to work for the victory of the APC in the coming elections.
The rally was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Members of the State executive council from the South; Local Government Chairmen from the South, Members of the Party’s State Working Committee; National Assembly members; and other stakeholders.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 23, 2023.
PRESS STATEMENT
Osun Election Tribunal: Akeredolu Hails Judgement, Says The Will Of The People Prevailed
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has hailed the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, which declared Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as the winner of the July 16 Osun Guber poll.
Governor Akeredolu said the judgement reflects the will of the people of the state who voted massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Oyetola in the election.
According to the Governor, the Tribunal judgement has again restored the hope of a common man and reinforced confidence in the judiciary.
“We received with delight, the news of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal which declared Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as winner of the July 16 governorship election in the State.
“This is indeed a victory for democracy. No doubt, the judgment will further consolidate and deepen our country’s democratic values and Election Petitions jurisprudence. It will also sustain the faith of the people in our democratic process. The will of the people has prevailed.
“I congratulate my dearest brother, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (Ileri-Oluwa). I also rejoice with the good people of Osun State and the entire APC family. This is a victory for all.
“While we relish the victory of the moment, I like to assure my dearest brother, Gboyega that we will be with him all the way to the Supreme Court. We shall hold hands together and march on this path of shared conviction. At the end, this victory shall be permanent.
“Evidently, this ruling has put paid to issues surrounding the election. We are confident that this mandate restored will provide a new lease of life for Osun State.
“We urge our party members to savour this victory with joy while also seeing it as a great booster ahead of the forthcoming elections.”
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 27, 2023.
January 27, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Suspends Ebonyi State Chapter Chairman, Okorie Tochukwu Okoroafor
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its emergency meeting held on January 27, 2023 extensively reviewed the conduct and activities of the Ebonyi State Chairman of our Party, Okorie Tochukwu Okoroafor.
Pursuant to Sections 29 (2) (b) and 57(3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) the NWC has on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the suspension of Okorie Tochukwu Okoroafor with effect from today, Friday, January 27, 2023, over allegations of anti-party activities and violation of provisions of Section 58 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Consequently, Okorie Tochukwu Okoroafor has been referred to the Party’s appropriate Disciplinary Committee for further action.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
January 27, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Expands Ekiti State Caretaker Committee
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of our the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), approved the expansion of the Ekiti State Caretaker Committee of our great Party
The Members of the Expanded Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Committee are;
- Arch. Sadiq Obanoyen -Chairman
- Hon. Ojoade Fajana – Member
- Chief Mrs Adijat Eniola Balogun – member
- Hon. Oladimeji Joshua Ayodele – member
- Chief Boboye Adekunle – member
- Hajia Lawal Idayat Tosin – member
- Comrade Waliu Olawole Oladipupo – member
- Erelu Toyin Olumilua Mark – member
- Dr. Alade Beatrice Modupe – Member
- Aare Temitope Amerijoye – Member
- Akogun Bunmi Ogunleye – Member
- Olugbenga Adewole – Member
- Hon Ajibola Samuel – Member
- Barr. Dosu Babatunde – Member/Secretary
The NWC urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Ekiti State to continue to work together and remain focused on the task ahead.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
January 27, 2023
Press Statement
Osun: PDP Rejects Tribunal Judgment, insists On Adeleke’s Victory by Lawful Votes
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal which seeks to nullify the mandate freely given to our Party and Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke by the people of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship election.
The judgment of the Tribunal is contrary to the Will of the people of Osun State which was expressed by the overwhelming votes cast for our Party and Candidate at the election.
The July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State was adjudged by Local and International Observers to be free, fair, transparent and clearly won by the PDP and our Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke in confirmation of the wishes and aspiration of the people.
The Will of the people of Osun State as expressed by electing Governor Adeleke must be respected. As a law-abiding Party, the PDP will explore all available legal means to restore the victory of our Party.
The PDP charges the people of Osun State to be calm, remain at alert and continue to support Governor Adeleke as we restate our confidence in the Institution of the Judiciary to dispense justice in this matter at the Appellate Court.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
January 27, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Releases Timetable for Fresh Governorship Primary in Abia State
Following the sad event of the death of our Abia State Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof. Uchenna Eleazar Ikonne, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the National Working Committee (NWC) has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of a fresh Governorship Election Primary in Abia State.
The Timetable and Schedule of Activities are as follows;
- Notice to INEC – Friday, January 27, 2023
- Sale of Forms – Friday, January 27- Tuesday, January 31, 2023
- Last day for the Submission of already purchased Forms – Wednesday, February 01, 2023
- Screening of Aspirants – Thursday, February 02, 2023
- Screening Appeal – Friday, February 03, 2023
- State Congress
(Gubernatorial Candidate Nomination)-Saturday, February 04, 2023
Fresh aspirants are permitted to participate in the current exercise alongside those who contested in the earlier primary.
All Party leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming member and supporters of the PDP in Abia State are guided by this accordingly.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
GOD HAS BEEN KIND TO ME; I SURVIVED MANY BATTLES – PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Daura returned all thanks to God for safety in life’s journey over many years, highlighting the years of battle during the Nigerian Civil War and some personal challenges as testimonies of divine protection and guidance.
President Buhari, who visited the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk, after commissioning of two roads, said the destiny of man, country and the world remains in the hands of God.
The President concluded two-day commissioning of projects with the Musawa General Hospital, Government Day Secondary School, Musawa, Gora-Makauraci-Malamawa road, and Sandamu-Baure-Babban Mutum road, Gurjiya -Sandamu-Karkarku roads in Daura.
“This opportunity to serve the nation comes from God. All over the world, Nigeria is known for its diversity, with different religions and cultures.
“We are also known because we have a huge population of millions of people.
“For the President of Nigeria, at this time, to come from Daura is the grace and mercy of God,” he said.
President Buhari said that he secured his first job early after school to manage a co-operative in Daura, but had to escape and join the army when there was pressure that he should get married.
” I told Governor Aminu Bello Masari the story of how I left Daura to join the army. That was how God planned it. We make choices in life, but eventually destiny is before God.
“I was at the war front during the civil war, and saw how many died. Some fell right beside me. God kept me.
“Many bridges were blown just before we arrived at some places, and after we crossed. I arrived at some places to see bodies of my own colleagues that we were fighting together. I am alive today only by God’s grace,” the President added.
President Buhari noted that the Daura Emirate and community gained international recognition by divine purpose, not man’s efforts.
The President assured the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura, after handing over on May 29, 2023.
“The Emir has spoken extensively and I don’t have much to add. I have three of my classmates that are here today in the Emirate Council.
“I also hear of how the Emir has been giving recognitions and titles to my staff and family members. I am grateful for all the support,” he stated.
The Emir of Daura noted that the survival of the President when his car was bombed in 2014 was a divine act, which happened shortly before he won elections in 2015.
“The visit of the President is historic. He was invited by the Governor to inspect and commission development projects.
“The Governor has performed exceedingly well, beyond the projects that had been spotlighted. Close to seven years, he has been working for the people and he has made a big impact.
“Governor Masari is not a thief. The governor has done his best with available resources. He has showcased his record of service by inviting the President to witness progress in the state.
“The President has seen a lot in two days, but he has not seen all. We know the good works of the governor and really commend him,” Faruk said.
The Emir thanked the President for Federal Government projects in the state, and extoled the governor for creating an enabling environment for many to thrive.
“As a state, Katsina benefitted a lot from your position, Mr President and the Daura community remains grateful for all. For a long time, we will be talking about the blessings of God in our domain,” he added.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 27, 2023
We’ll complete all ongoing projects – Bassey Otu
The governorship standard-bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has assured the people of the state that if elected as governor, his administration would continue with the good works of the incumbent Governor Ben Ayade.
Otu gave the assurance in Okpoma when the Cross River APC campaign team arrived at Yala Local Government Area (LGA) in conclusion of its tour of the northern senatorial district.
“I am always excited whenever I am in Yala because of your political consciousness. We will complete all the projects that are yet to be completed. This state was almost insolvent when governor Ayade took over but out of his ingenuity and deep vision he has laid a solid foundation for the State.
“When we take over, we will facilitate loans and grants to Yala sons who are involved in businesses, including ensuring that our sons who are local contractors are encouraged to rise and compete with companies like Julius Berger,” Otu promised.
The APC guber flag bearer added: “I took Yala salt somewhere and I was told that it is the most organic salt you can ever have. We will harness the full potential of this mineral resource by establishing a salt factory. People know me for keeping to my words. If I say I will do something, you can take it to the Bank”
Speaking, Ayade appealed to Otu to make the completion of Okpoma-Mfum road his first project in office.
The governor said: “All through my stay in office, I did not sell any government property, instead I have built so many. I want to publicly appeal to our incoming governor, Senator Bassey Otu, that when you get into office, please make sure you complete this Okpoma-Mfum road. Let this be your first project in office.
“During my first term, all my projects were in the south. In politics, charity begins from the other side before coming home.”
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Director General (DG) of the Cross River APC Campaign Organization, Amb. Soni Abang, insisted that for the sake of fairness, equity and justice, Otu from the southern senatorial district is the right person to be the next governor of the state.
Despite being from Cross River Central where the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor emanates from, Abang noted that it was not the turn of the senatorial district.
He said: “I am from the central part of this state and I can say that it is not our turn to be governor. It is witchcraft to want to take what is not yours and we are not like that.”
Other speakers at the event praised Ayade for constructing the Okpoma-Mfum road, which he has pleaded with Otu to complete. They called on the voters to reject the PDP and vote for all the candidates of APC.
