Category: Politics

A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Emmanuel Fayose, has expressed concern over the deplorable state of federal roads in the state, urging the government to urgently intervene.

Fayose lamented that the poor condition of the roads has caused untold hardship, exposing motorists and travellers to danger, distress, and prolonged suffering.

He spoke on Saturday at Iluomoba Ekiti, where he provided truckloads of gravel stones to fill up some dilapidated and impassable portions of the Ijan-Iluomoba axis of the Ado-Ijan-Ikare federal road to enable the transporters, who had been stranded for some days, to continue with their journeys to their destinations.

The PDP chieftain said, “I travelled in from Abuja yesterday. I decided to come by road to get a feeling of what the people are feeling. I discovered that the road is very bad. On getting to Iluomoba Ekiti, I realised that the road was very bad, and there were many trucks, buses and vehicles stuck on the road and they could not move.

“When I alighted from my car to view the portions, some of the drivers and other road users told me they had been sleeping there for five, six days to one week, sleeping on the floor with mosquitoes biting them. Some of them are on business trips carrying goods and products, some are even carrying perishable goods. They cannot deliver them, and they cannot reunite with their families.

“Moved by the ugly situation, I promised to fix the road so that it can be accessible for them, and it is the promise that I have come to fulfil today. We are not in government, but just to help the road users in our own little way. This is the road leading to Ekiti airport, and the facility has been under lock and key. The Federal Government should come to our aid.

“I am using this medium to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to look into our situation. In Ekiti State, we don’t have good roads; it is quite unfortunate. If you come through Abuja, as you can see, this road is very bad. If you come through Aramoko, it is the same thing, same story everywhere.

“Our people are suffering, there is hunger in the land, our youths are riding okada, no jobs, no electricity, no water, just like we are in the jungle, yet we have allocations every month. The state government is insensitive to the plight of the people. This is really unacceptable”, he said.

Speaking further, he added, “The state government can do some palliative works on this road (Ado – Ijan – Ikare Road) and other ones because our people are the ones using these deplorable roads, and they are the ones who are experiencing the sufferings and feeling the pains.”

A Kaduna-bound truck driver, Abdullahi Kamilu, who said his vehicle had been on the portion for an upward of four days, said, “The Federal Government should assist in fixing this road. One sachet of water here is N100. A plate of rice without meat is N1,000. With meat is N2,000. We thank Emmanuel Fayose for coming to our rescue.”

Also, another stranded truck driver heading to Abuja, Taiwo Ishola, said, “It is not easy to remain in one spot for days. I am supposed to have gotten to Abuja and returned to Lagos. We need good roads. We thank Emmanuel Fayose for bailing us out. He used his personal resources to buy these truckloads of stones to fill up these bad portions, may God bless him.”

The New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress have conducted their primary elections for the forthcoming by-election for the House of Representatives, representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency in Jigawa State.

PUNCH Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled August 16, 2025, for the by-election for the constituency following the death of Isa Dogon Yaro, the constituency member, on May 9, 2024.

The NNPP primary election was held on Saturday at the party’s local government secretariat in Babura, while the APC primary took place at the Duplex in Babura.

Declaring the results shortly after all the delegates completed casting their votes, the Chief Returning Officer for the NNPP primary election sent by the party, Muhammad Gako, declared Salisu Sabo the winner, saying he scored a total of 114 votes cast during the election.

“Salisu Sabo emerged as the NNPP flag bearer after winning unopposed with 114 votes,” the Chief Returning Officer said.

In his acceptance speech, Sabo promised to work with all party members and the good people of Garki/Babura constituency to enhance secondary education.

He also encouraged voters to prioritise merit and the quality of candidates who will effectively address their needs.

On the other hand, the APC primary election, held at the Duplex in Babura saw Rabiu Garki emerging as the party’s flag bearer.

Announcing the winner shortly after the primary election, the chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Ismaila Gadaka, declared the election peaceful, free, and fair.

He declared that Garki emerged as the party’s flag bearer as he received all 110 votes cast by delegates from the 22 wards of the constituency.

Garki, while speaking after announcing him as the flag bearer, commended Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, party leaders, and members for placing their trust in him.

He pledged to prioritise youth employment and job creation to improve the livelihoods of his constituents, if elected.

In his remark at the occasion, the APC state chairman, Aminu Gumel, expressed satisfaction with the election’s process and conduct.

He noted that despite their confidence in winning, the APC will campaign across all 22 political wards in the constituency, assuring the people that their candidate will work in line with the APC manifesto and the administration of Governor Umar Namadi.

PUNCH Online reports that both parties in the state have emphasised the importance of working with the people and representing their interests in the National Assembly, as the by-election is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both parties vying for the support of the electorate.

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has cleared aspirants for its July 21, 2025, party primaries ahead of the August 16, 2025, National Assembly bye elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.

According to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the state caretaker committee, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday, those cleared for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Okojie.

He noted that for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, was cleared as the party’s sole candidate.

Festus Edogun was, however, not cleared by the party to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial District ticket.

Edogun was said to have bought the form from PDP headquarters in Abuja, and he was asked to bring the proof of purchase of the form to the appeal committee.

The aspirants were screened on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the state party secretariat in Benin by a five-man panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee.

The committee is chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary.

Other members include Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.

Members of the committee presented the certificates of clearance to the aspirants on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Edo PDP Secretariat.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Aikpitanyi, after receiving his clearance certificate, commended members of the committee for their professionalism, diligence and fairness in the discharge of their duties.

He noted, “I want to sincerely thank members of the screening committee for their professionalism, fairness, and diligence in discharging their duties. With this clearance, we are set for the task ahead.

“I’m fully prepared to carry the PDP flag in Ovia, and with the overwhelming support of our people, we will secure victory and ensure the delivery of quality, purposeful representation to our constituents.

“I am confident of winning. Together, with the support of my people, we will make Ovia shine again, and shine even brighter.

“We will focus on grassroots development and Ovia the envy of all.”

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Saturday backed the position of Governor Monday Okpebholo warning Peter Obi from coming into the state without security clearance.

The state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, stated this on Saturday shortly after Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion were announced as the senatorial candidate and the House of Representatives candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.

Tenebe said also said that the party would campaign “rigorously to prove to all that we actively won the 2024 governorship election.”

“The party also believes that the governor was right warning Peter Obi to get security clearance before coming into the state because of the opinion people have about Obi in the state especially when the last time he came here, three people were killed,” he added.

On the election, he said, “Now that we have our candidates, we will hit the ground running, we are going to campaign as if we have never won elections in this state. We want to let the people know that we actually won the last governorship election.”

Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Returning Officer of the APC Edo Central Primary Election Committee, Ugboaja Stanley, said election was conducted in the 51 wards in the five local government areas in Edo Central and Ikpea emerged the winner with the 255 delegates from the zone affirming the outcome.

His counterpart for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Lucky Ajokperiniovo said Igbinedion emerged the candidate of the party for Ovia Federal Constituency after other aspirants stepped down for her.

The National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has said the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is open to working with available political forces to rescue the country from crisis.

Tanko, who is a former spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, said salvaging Nigeria required a collective and inclusive effort that transcends party lines.

He stated this in an interview with our correspondent on Friday.

“We want a unifying force that will work together as a team. So, we are ready to work with anyone or group that beckon on us to rescue Nigeria and return it to the right path.

“That has always been the message of Peter Obi. Nigeria is in dire need of rescue. It is a decision that everybody must be involved in, not a singular decision for Obi to take.

“Any means that can get Nigeria on the right path is what Peter Obi will do. The target is to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

Tanko’s comments were in reaction to a renewed push by PDP leaders to bring the former Anambra State governor back to the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as a major political force whose return would strengthen the party’s electoral chances.

“Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back, indeed, because he is a great asset for any political party.

He acknowledged that Obi’s defection from the PDP to the Labour Party was a major blow during the 2023 election, but emphasised that the former governor still enjoys immense goodwill within the PDP.

The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for fairness in key elective and appointive leadership positions in the ongoing constitutional review exercise by the 10th National Assembly.

The group made the call at the South East Zonal Public hearing for Imo and Abia states which was held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Saturday.

In a submission by its National Executive Committee, presented by Chizoba Iheka, the group commended the Benjamin Kalu-led Committee for its ongoing effort to birth a reviewed constitution for the country.

Ohaneze stated, “We advocate a deliberate service in this constitution to ensure that the key federal positions including the presidency, the Senate president, the Speaker, and other major offices of the country reflect the six geo-political zones.

“This will promote inclusiveness, a sense of brotherhood, and fairness in the distribution of leadership roles.

“It will be recalled that since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in the country, nobody from South-East geo-political zone has ever held the position of a leader.

“Nobody from South-East geo-political zone has ever held the position of Attorney General of the Federation, Head of Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, and Minister of Internal Affairs and Agriculture, among others.”

The group noted that the proposal will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive federal structure, addressing the historical marginalisation of South-East and promoting national cohesion and development.

The All Progressives Congress has condemned the African Democratic Congress for its criticism of President Bola Tinubu regarding the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it both insensitive and unacceptable.

In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC criticised the ADC for politicising what should be a solemn period of national mourning, describing the party’s remarks as senseless and ill-timed.

On Thursday, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “good, decent, and honourable man” whose values of discipline, patriotism, and integrity will be remembered.

At a Special Federal Executive Council session held in Buhari’s honour at the State House, Tinubu noted that despite his flaws, Buhari’s unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.

However, in a statement on Friday, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the tribute, calling it a “deliberate publicity stunt” by what he described as an unpopular administration.

In response, the APC said the ADC’s outrage over the late President’s state burial only highlights the party’s hypocrisy and lack of sensitivity.

The statement read in part, “The party’s criticism of the dignified state burial accorded the late President is as spooky as it is unconscionable.

“Again, the ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity. It has cut its own portrait as a party of mindless political dregs, a dump of Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians, ready to do or say anything in chase of attention but sinking itself deeper in quicks and ignominy.

“That the ADC is blowing up over the state burial of the late President only reflects the party’s duplicity and insensitivity. What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial? Withhold empathy and support for the bereaved former first family? As a party that can begrudge the dead, the ADC must surely disdain the living.

“It is unacceptable for the ADC to politicize a solemn moment of national grief, more so, as its senseless statement was issued during the week of national mourning for the late President. The party’s reference to heartfelt gestures and activities of the government in honour of the late President as “exploitation” is beyond the pale.

“It falls far outside the widest and wildest stretch of justifiable opposition politics. Clearly, the party and its villainous leaders have allowed their humanity to be corroded by desperation for inordinate and self-serving power.”

APC warns Nigerians to beware of ADC’s deceitful politics and baseless attacks on a hardworking President.

The statement read in part, “The late President Buhari lived a life of illustrious service to country as a soldier, military Head of State, a two-term democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was also just a human being, a father, survived by a loving but grieving family worthy of our collective empathy and support at this difficult time.

“President Bola Tinubu showed compassion and a deep sense of loss of a friend, close political associate and predecessor. He demonstrated patriotism and leadership by overseeing and participating in honouring the late President who gave so much to our dear nation.

“Nigerians must remain wary of the ADC and its band of political marauders prowling for power with nothing to offer Nigerians except peddling falsehood and vilifying a President who is hard at work for the transformation and progress of our nation.”