Year: 2025

The member representing Edo South in the Senate, Neda Imasuen, has described the Supreme Court judgement upholding the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo as a moment of renewal in the state.

He called on well-meaning citizens of the state to join hands with the governor as he steers the ship of the state towards greater heights.

PUNCH Online reports that on Thursday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Lawal Garba, held that the Candidate of the People Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, failed to prove allegations of over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and other infractions cited as grounds to challenge Okpebholo’s electoral victory.

In a unanimous judgment, the court ruled that based on the evidence before it, Ighodalo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

Specifically, the court noted that the PDP candidate failed to substantiate claims of non-compliance, having only challenged the results in 395 out of the 4,519 polling units where elections were conducted.

The panel of justices further held that the 19 witnesses called during the trial were not sufficient to help the case of the appellant in challenging the outcome of the election.

The panel also held that it found no reason to set aside the previous judgments of the lower courts, noting that the appellant failed to prove, without doubt, admissible evidence to the claim that the election was marred by irregularities and over-voting.

However, in a statement on Friday, Imasuen said that judgment not only affirms the will of the people but also reinforces the collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.

The statement read, “I warmly congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo on his resounding and well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, which has finally brought an end to the long and strenuous legal contest surrounding the Edo State governorship election.

“This is a moment of renewal, and I urge all well-meaning sons and daughters of Edo State to join hands with the Governor as he steers the ship of our great State towards greater heights.

“The Supreme Court’s landmark judgement not only affirms the will of the people, but also reinforces our collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.

“By dismissing the petition and holding that the claims against the election lacked substance, the apex court has now drawn a clear line under the matter, allowing us to fully focus on the task of governance and development.”

Imasuen said that the victory is not just personal to Governor Okpebholo, but a triumph for the entire people of Edo State who deserve peace, stability and purposeful leadership.

He stated that the time for politicking is over, adding that it is time for healing, unity, and rebuilding trust in the promise of democracy.

He added, “As the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, I restate my unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with Governor Okpebholo to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. T

“Together, we must channel our collective energies into the pursuit of good governance, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, education, security, and economic progress for every Edo citizen.

“Once again, congratulations, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The victory is for all of us.”

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that former President Muhammadu Buhari would not have won the 2015 presidential election without the crucial support of Tinubu and the Action Congress of Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday night, Onanuga dismissed recent claims by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who argued that the merger that formed the All Progressives Congress in 2013 contributed only three million votes to Buhari’s eventual win.

The parties involved in the merger were the Congress for Progressive Change, Action Congress of Nigeria and All Nigerian Peoples Party.

Mustapha on Wednesday had said that Buhari already commanded a consistent base of over 12 million votes before the merger, suggesting that the CPC’s alliance with ACN and ANPP played a minimal role in his victory over former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, Onanuga countered the claim, stating that while Buhari had a strong northern following, he lacked the national spread required to win the presidency on his own.

Onanuga said Buhari, despite his millions of votes, was “nowhere” in the South and needed ACN for the electoral “spread” necessary to win the presidential election.

The presidential spokesperson asserted that ACN got Buhari the “important votes” in the south.

“It was clear to ACN, a very strategic arm of that alliance, that without additional support, there was no way Buhari could have won the election.

“Yeah, he was getting 12 million votes if you put all the 19 states together, but in the south, Buhari was nowhere. Buhari needed the spread. ACN had six.

“Buhari got the votes he needed in those six states. They may not be in millions, but there were important votes.

“He won in all those six states, and he got more than 25 per cent. At the end of the day, he won in about 25 states, more than the constitutional requirement of 24 states,” he said.

Onanuga further stressed that the former president remained grateful for Tinubu’s role in making the 2015 victory possible.

He said, “Buhari never forgot the help that Tinubu rendered to him. He wouldn’t have become president without Tinubu’s assistance.”

The Presidency has dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu is behind recent disruptions faced by opposition parties in the country, calling the claims unfounded and politically motivated.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night.

Onanuga denied reports that the President was interfering with meetings or activities of opposition coalitions, particularly the new alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others under the African Democratic Congress.

“There is this tendency in Nigeria to scapegoat Tinubu for everything. People face challenges and the first thing they say is, ‘It’s Tinubu.’ But it’s not true. He wasn’t even in the country when some of these events happened,” Onanuga said.

Opposition leaders had alleged that venues booked for political events were suddenly cancelled, and that members of the ADC coalition had to walk long distances to reach the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja to avoid attracting security attention and risking a blockade.

Onanuga rejected claims that the current administration is suppressing dissent or stifling opposition voices.

“This government allows freedom of speech. I’ve heard people say this government is against freedom of speech. That’s baloney. This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and freedom of the press. If a hotel cancels an event booking, does that mean Tinubu owns the hotel?” he asked.

Speaking on the emerging coalition between Atiku and Obi, Onanuga argued that political mergers do not guarantee electoral success.

“Atiku has been in the presidential race more than anyone – more than Tinubu, more than Obi. Each time, he fails at the gate. Buhari failed several times too, but he eventually succeeded—with Tinubu’s help,” he said.

He added that Atiku’s political strategy in 2023, which relied heavily on northern sentiments, was rejected by voters in the South. “If he tries that again, how will he get southern support? Even with Obi as a running mate, it doesn’t guarantee that Obi’s 2023 supporters will follow him again,” he said.

Speaking further, Onanuga maintained that Tinubu still commands support in the North, citing key appointments and policies as proof of goodwill toward the region.

“This president is doing a lot for the North. He has appointed people from the North-West and North-East into top positions. In politics, a good turn deserves another. The noise does not match the reality. People are benefiting,” he said.

He concluded that at the appropriate time, the President would draw on the goodwill generated by his administration’s actions across the country.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved to improve landlord-tenant relations as the state’s Tenancy Bill passed the second reading stage on Thursday.

During plenary, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the bill aimed to redefine the legal framework for tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and eviction processes in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill is titled: ‘A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State.’

Obasa said the bill covers procedures for recovering premises and related matters across the state.

If passed, the law would ensure that landlords, tenants, and agents fully understand their rights and responsibilities.

Obasa urged members to consider tenants who depend on end-of-year bonuses and annual leave allowances to pay rent.

He also highlighted the soaring cost of building materials and how landlords rely on rental income.

Obasa stressed the government must reassess its housing promises and ensure they are fulfilled.

After deliberation, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing for further review.

The committee is to report back in three weeks.

Mr Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) described the legislation as crucial, saying it aims to bring order to tenancy matters.

He said the bill promotes harmony by clearly defining rent structures — annual or monthly — and eviction notice procedures.

Olumoh added that the bill specifies roles for landlords, tenants, and agents, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities.

He said it also offers legal clarity to guide courts in resolving tenancy-related disputes fairly and promptly.

Describing the bill as timely and people-centred, Mr Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) called for an enforcement body within the law.

He said such a body would check landlords who impose arbitrary rents beyond legal limits.

According to him, the bill would relieve tenants and help them plan finances without unnecessary strain.

Mr Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo I) commended the bill for its inclusive and all-encompassing nature.

He said it covers everything from agent conduct to rent agreements and dispute resolution processes.

Mr Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) described the bill as a welcome development that outlines landlord rights on levies like tenement rates and land use charges.

He said the bill also affirms tenants’ rights and the courts’ authority over tenancy disputes.

“This law is long overdue and will modernise housing relationships in Lagos,” he said.

Mr Ajayi Oladele (Ibeju-Lekki II) said the bill will reduce conflicts often caused by estate agents.

“For the first time, everyone will understand their legal standing clearly,” he stated.

Ms Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos-Island I) praised the bill for promoting fairness and addressing rent timelines — monthly or yearly — and how they relate to eviction processes.

A former governor of Osun State and interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress Coalition, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed optimism that the party would defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next general elections.

To this end, the former governor called on party members to work together to achieve success in the subsequent elections.

Aregbesola stated this while addressing members of the party in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Thursday.

The ex-minister for Interior stressed the need for party members to put aside their personal interests and differences and work towards a common goal of taking over power from the ruling APC.

He said, “Let us work together, let us put personal interest aside, and let’s get united. It is that unity we want. We should remember that we have many elections ahead; we have the presidential, we have the National Assembly, and we have the state assembly elections. We still have time, but with a big task. If we unite, we won’t be defeated in the elections. Unity is paramount in this situation.”

According to him, the ADC has garnered significant support from prominent members of the opposition parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, among others who have thrown their weight behind the party as a coalition movement platform aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

Also speaking, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the November Ondo State governorship election, Mr Gbenga Oedema, said the essence of the meeting was for Aregbesola to brief members of ADC on the state of affairs of the coalition.

“Less than two weeks ago, the coalition decided to adopt the ADC, African Democratic Congress, as the party for which we are going to manage our affairs as a political party. So ever since then, we have not had the opportunity or the privilege of somebody at the level of national to brief us, and you see that when he came, he gave us a lot of insights.

“Even the court cases that people have been hyping, he spoke about it, and he made it clear that such court cases have no effect on our activities. It’s only a stop in a teacup, which the opposition or the party in government is trying to hype as if it’s of no use. So he has briefed us about a lot of issues that we should respect,” he said.

A former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Akin Akinbobola, said the coalition was on the right path, lamenting that Nigeria was sinking and there was a need to quickly salvage her from sinking.

“Our leader has spoken to us on the need for people of progressive minds, people of like minds, to come together and rescue this country from the titanic situation that we have found ourselves in. Nigeria is sinking, and we need to salvage Nigeria from sinking. The hardship, the hunger in the land, the insecurity, and the collapse of almost every sector are based on a lack of good security, a lack of good infrastructure, and a lack of openness in governance.

“There’s a need for people who want the progress and the development of this nation to come together. That’s what the coalition is offering, using the ADC as the vehicle to actualise that,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress has extended its congratulations to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following the Supreme Court’s validation of his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

In a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party also praised the judiciary for its professionalism, dedication to the rule of law, and steadfast commitment to upholding constitutional order and electoral democracy.

After months of legal battle, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba upheld Okpebholo’s election and dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who sought to overturn the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Reacting, the APC stated, “The All Progressives Congress welcomes the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo state in the 2024 governorship election.

“Our great Party congratulates Governor Okpebholo on this historic victory. We thank our teeming members, supporters and the good people of Edo state for their steadfast support during this legal challenge.

“We commend the judiciary for its dedication, professionalism and commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order and defence of electoral democracy as demonstrated in the adjudication of this matter.

“With this final judicial affirmation, Governor Okpebholo is now poised to expand and consolidate on the monumental development strides he has started since his inauguration as Governor.”

The APC called on all stakeholders, especially opposition candidates, to work together with Governor Okpebholo in advancing good governance and promoting development for the collective progress of Edo State and its people.