Elections News Trend September 2019

SourceDateStory TitleSummary of ReportsSubject/CategoryPage No/Weblink
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 30th September 2019Benue Senatorial Seat: Akume Appeals Tribunal JudgmentThe Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume has appealed the judgment of the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition tribunal against his petition challenging the emergence of Emmanuel Orker-Jev as Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District. In the petition filed on 24th September 2019 at the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, Akume is asking the appellate court to set aside the decision of the tribunal and return him as winner of the senatorial district election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Orker-Jev of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the February 23, 2019 election, having scored majority of the votes cast at the election. However, Akume and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging irregularities and substantial non-compliance with electoral provisions and guidelines had approached the tribunal to upturn Orker-Jev’s victory and declare him winner.Senator George Akume, Senator Emmanuel Orker-Jev, Benue North West Senatorial District https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/30/benue-senatorial-seat-akume-appeals-tribunal-judgment/
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 30th September 2019Governorship polls: Collection of PVCs ends today in Kogi, BayelsaAs preparations for elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States continue, the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ends today, 30th September 2019. The collection of PVCs commenced on 2nd September 2019, between 9am and 3pm from Monday to Friday. Moving towards elections in the two States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 68 political parties for the November 16, 2019 governorship elections. In an update made available on its Facebook page on Friday, 27th September 2019, INEC gave the summary of party nominations for Kogi 2019 election as follows: 49 submitted nominations; 41 valid nominations; 8 invalid nominations; 18 withdrawals after submission of nominations, leaving a total of 23 parties contesting the election. The update for Bayelsa State made available on INEC's Twitter handle showed a total of 52 submitted nominations; 46 valid nominations ; 6 invalid nominations; one (1) withdrawal after submitting nomination, leaving a total of 45 Parties contesting the election.

Bayelsa and Kogi 2019 Governorship Elections, PVCs, Party Nominstionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/govship-polls-collection-of-pvcs-ends-today-in-kogi-bayelsa.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 30th September 2019Kogi Governorship: Ohinoyi urges women to unite against violenceThe Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, has urged women in Kogi State to unite and speak with one voice in order to put an end to violence and intimidation against them in elections. Dr. Ibrahim gave the advice at his palace in Okene when a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), paid him an advocacy visit ahead of the governorship election slated for November 16. He described women as nation builders who should be treated with respect and given equal opportunity in the political space. The traditional ruler also stated that it was appalling that despite the campaigns for inclusion of more women in politics, it had not been “fully implemented” in Nigeria and Africa in general. The Ohinoyi, while condemning violence before, during and after elections in Nigeria, underscored that it was high time politicians put aside the “must win” syndrome kind of politics and adopt a model whereby the voice of electorate would be reflected through the ballot.Kogi State 2019 Governorship Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kogi-govship-ohinoyi-urges-women-to-unite-against-violence.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 30th September 2019APC chieftain clears air on party’s National Secretary vacancyThe North East Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Sadiq Ajiya, has clarified that Yobe and Borno States have equal rights to produce the party’s National Secretary. Ajiya who stated this on Sunday, 29th September 2019 in Abuja, added that the seat of the APC National Secretary was limited to Borno and Yobe States. The position of APC National Secretary became vacant following the emergence of Mai Mala Buni as Governor of Yobe State after the March 9, 2019, governorship elections. Ajiya, who was reacting to a letter by the party’s State Chairmen which appeared in some national newspapers, stated that they had the right to express their views but insisted that there was no crisis in the party. According to him, “What we have is a gap in communication and I am pleased to tell you that as family members, that seat is limited to Borno and Yobe and key stakeholders from the two States will meet soon to decide among themselves". APC National Secretary, Borno and Yobe Stateshttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-chieftain-clears-air-on-partys-natl-sec-vacancy.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 30th September 2019EFCC invites Zamfara REC, EOs for allegedly defrauding ad-hoc staffThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Zamfara State over alleged defrauding of ad-hoc staff to the tune of N80 million. Some Local Government Electoral Officers were also invited for questioning. This was sequel to the petition brought to the Sokoto zonal office of the agency by one of the ad-hoc staff, alleging disparity in their allowances compared to what was given to their colleagues in other States. The Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara State and some officials of the Commission were reported to have been quizzed by the EFCC for hours in the last two weeks. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Head, Abdullahi Lawal, who confirmed the development, stated that investigation was still ongoing.


Zamfara State REC, INEC, Election Officials https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/efcc-invites-zamfara-rec-eos-for-allegedly-defrauding-ad-hoc-staff.html
The Guardian NewspaperMonday, 30th September 2019Sylva promises to deliver Bayelsa Governorship for APCThe Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would overwhelmingly win the November 16,2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State. Addressing supporters at the kick-off of campaign for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, David Lyon, and his running mate, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, in Yenagoa, the Minister maintained that the duo would usher in the “much-needed progress” in the State. In his remarks, David Lyon faulted Governor Seriake Dickson’s claim that he was not validly elected at the primary, insisting that he remains the authentic candidate of the APC in the State. However, an aggrieved stakeholder, Peter Ozobo, and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming election, Duoye Diri, alongside his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpor, have instituted suits seeking Lyon’s disqualification, as well as that of his running mate from the upcoming poll.Bayelsa State 2019 Governorship Election, David Lyon, Governor Seriake Dicksonhttps://guardian.ng/politics/sylva-promises-to-deliver-bayelsa-governorship-for-apc/
ThisDaylive Online Friday, 27th September 2019LG Polls: PDP Rejects Administrative Charge imposed by SIEC in NigerThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the administrative charge imposed on candidates contesting the November 30, 2019 Local Government election by the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), describing the action as not only illegal but unconstitutional. On Wednesday, 25th September 2019, the Niger State Chairman of the party, Tanko Beji, told journalists in Minna that the party had written to the SIEC to withdraw the decision, adding that if the Commission failed to do so, the party (PDP) will have no option than to test the veracity of the law in the court. The SIEC, in a memo to all the registered political parties in the State signed by its Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Bobi, asked all Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship candidates contesting the election to pay administrative charges of N100,000 each, while Councillorship candidates would each pay N20,000. Beji stated that, “As a public institution, we don’t think it is right for the Commission to demand from individuals to pay money to it to enable it conduct election". However, he added that the PDP was ready to participate in the election.Niger State Local Government Elections, Niger SIEC, PDPhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/26/lg-polls-pdp-rejects-administrative-charge-imposed-by-siec-in-niger/
ThisDaylive Online Friday, 27th September 2019APC Dissociates Self from 2023 Posters of Leaders, Blames PDPThe All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it is not responsible for the recent pasting of posters of some of the party members and leaders in some parts of the country. The posters of the National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, for the 2023 general election were recently seen in some parts of the country. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, while addressing a press conference Thursday, 26th September 2019 in Abuja, stated that having won the last general election convincingly and having been given the mandate to run the affairs of government for the next four years, the major and only focus of the party at this time is governance, adding that, " We are not involved in any activity about 2023 elections and wherever you see such, you can be sure it is from mischief makers. And of course we know it is part of the PDP strategy to continue to take actions to distract the governing party from focusing on what is important to the people of Nigeria; which is to deal with challenges that we are all faced with". APC, PDP, 2023https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/26/apc-dissociates-self-from-2023-posters-of-leaders-blames-pdp/
Thisdaylive Online Friday, 27th September 2019APC Governors: No Crack in PresidencyThe Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), which encompasses all the Governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that there is no crack in the Presidency. President Muhammadu Buhari had recently directed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to, henceforth, seek presidential approval for agencies under his supervision. Also, the President recently appointed an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and disbanded the Economic Management Team chaired by Osinbajo.
These moves by Buhari had been subjected to sundry interpretations, and were perceived as an attempt to whittle down the power of the Vice President. However, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, who is the Co-Chair of the PGF Media and Communications Programme Steering Committee, on Thursday, 27th September 2019 insisted that there was no crack in the presidency, describing any claim to the contrary as gossip and rumours. He declared that the President and the Vice President are still working together harmoniously. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, spoke during the inauguration of the PGF Media and Communications Programme Steering Committee held at the PGF secretariat in Abuja. He cited the Vice President's representation of President Buhari at Zimbabwe and the fact that the Vice President presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, 25th September 2019 proof to contradict the rumours.
APC Governors, PGF, Presidency, Vice Presidenthttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/27/apc-govs-no-crack-in-presidency/
The Guardian NewspaperFriday, 27th September 2019APM set to appeal against Dapo Abiodun’s victory at the tribunalThe Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ogun State Chapter, on Thursday, 26th September 2019, stated that it would appeal the judgment of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu’s panel. The Acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Olumide Balogun, who spoke at a press conference held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, on behalf of the party, claimed that Justice Halilu had earlier ruled in favour of the second respondent, Governor Abiodun, in a related matter filed against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The party also said that Abiodun had once written to the registrar of the High Court No 26 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a court where Justice Halilu was the judge. The APM presented two court orders to journalists at the briefing allegedly filed by the Governor before Justice Halilu prior to the primary election, contesting the decision of the APC at the State level to have consensus arrangement.
Another letter, allegedly written by Governor Abiodun seeking his recusal from another suit, was equally said to have been filed before Justice Halilu. Balogun, therefore, alleged that the party had been robbed of justice by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in connivance with the Chairman of the tribunal panel. Confirming the decision of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to appeal the tribunal judgment that dismissed their petition, Balogun added that the decision to appeal was arrived at after a number of questionable judicial proceedings was brought to the knowledge of the party leaders and stakeholders.
Ogun State, Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Dapo Abiodun, APMhttps://guardian.ng/news/apm-set-to-appeal-against-dapo-abioduns-victory-at-tribunal/
The Guardian NewspaperFriday, 27th September 2019Tribunals in Plateau wind down except for gubernatorial pollOn Thursday, 26th September 2019, the National and State Assembly election petition tribunal in Plateau State wound up the petitions before them, leaving only the governorship election petition between General Jeremiah Useni and Governor Simon Lalong, which is yet to be decided. The petition of Binda Milaram of All Progressives Congress (APC) against the election of Bala Tongil of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Mangu South Federal Constituency was dismissed. The tribunal found that the petitioner’s evidence being frivolous and weak, could not sustain the grounds of the petition. At another venue at West of Mines in Jos North on the same day, the tribunal there also delivered judgments, including those of Zainab Dogo against Abubakar Mohammed for Quaan Pan North State constituency and that of Mannir Abdullahi Barau against Ibrahim Baba Hassan for Jos North-North State Constituency. The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove their cases beyond every reasonable doubt and the two petitions were dismissed accordingly. However, citizens of the State are anxious, as the governorship election petition is still pending.Plateau State, National and State Assembly Election Petition tribunal https://guardian.ng/politics/tribunals-in-plateau-wind-down-except-for-gubernatorial-poll/
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 27th September 2019Reps step down motion requesting INEC to deregister partiesThe House of Representatives has stepped down debate on the motion calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister unpopular political parties. The motion sponsored by Hon. Francis Uduyok was seeking the electoral body to deregister parties that failed to win at least a seat in the National or State House of Assembly in the 2019 general elections. However, Chief Whip of the House, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, told the House that the Supreme Court had, in a case filed by the National Conscience Party, ruled that INEC lacks the constitutional power to deregister political parties. Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase who presided over the plenary ordered the motion to be stepped down. Meanwhile, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has decried the move by the House of Representatives to compel INEC to deregister unpopular political parties. IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Ademola Babatunde stated that the Council under the leadership of Peter Ameh had directed that a response be issued to inform the lawmakers that the purported decision was undemocratic and ran foul to any known constitutional democracy. He added that move be stopped, as the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction.
House of Representatives, INEC, Political Parties, IPAChttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/reps-step-down-motion-requesting-inec-to-deregister-parties.html
Daily Trust NewspaperWednesday, 25th September 2019Atiku drags Buhari to S/Court over tribunal judgment"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate in the February 23 election, Atiku Abubakar, have formally filed their appeal against the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal at the Supreme Court. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a senior lawyer in the legal team of Atiku and PDP, disclosed that the appeal was predicated on 66 grounds, which they believed Justices of the tribunal erred in their verdict on Atiku and PDP’s petition against the election of President Muhammadu Buhari.
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Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, Atiku Abubakar, Muhammadu Buharihttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-drags-buhari-to-s-court-over-tribunal-judgment.html
Daily Trust NewspaperWednesday, 25th September 2019Plateau Assembly suspends commissioner nominees screening over unpaid allowances"The Plateau State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of commissioner nominees over unpaid allowances. Our correspondent reports that, 19 out of the 23 nominees were screened before the suspension. The lawmakers commenced the screening last week.
A source at the assembly said the suspension was not unconnected to the unpaid two months allowances of the lawmakers.

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Plateau State House of Assemblyhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/plateau-assembly-suspends-commissioner-nominees-screening-over-unpaid-allowances.html
Daily Trust NewspaperWednesday, 25th September 2019Tribunal affirms election of Oshiomhole’s brother"The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, on Tuesday 24th September2019 , dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Afebu Aigbonaga, against the election of Seidu Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Etsako West constituency II poll to the state House of Assembly. Aigbonaga had filed petitions at the tribunal challenging the declaration of Oshiomhole as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Election Petion Tribunal, Edo State, APC.https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tribunal-affirms-election-of-oshiomholes-brother.html
Daily Trust NewspaperWednesday, 25th September 2019APC govs inaugurate c’ttee to end executive-legislative face-off"Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have inaugurated the Legislative Programme Steering Committee. The PGF deputy chairman and co-chairman of the committee, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, who spoke yesterday at its inaugural meeting, said the team was constituted to impact on the process of strengthening the legislative initiatives of the forum across APC states.
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APC Internal Crisis, Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Obaseki, APC.https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-govs-inaugurate-cttee-to-end-executive-legislative-face-off.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 23rd September 2019Tribunal judgement: Ihedioha says no victor, no vanquishedGovernor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has commended the judgement of the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed his election as Governor of Imo State. Ihedioha stated that the Nigerian judiciary has once again demonstrated courage and much honour in the discharge of its constitutional duty. In a statement signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Chibuike Onyeukwu, Ihedioha stated that, ” For me there is no victor, no vanquished”. Meanwhile, the APC governorship candidate in Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma, has urged his supporters to remain calm over the judgement. In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Declan Emelumba, Uzodimma stated that his supporters should not despair but should be confident that Justice will be served at the end of the day.Imo State, Governorship election Petition Tribunal, Governor Emeka Ihediohahttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tribunal-judgement-ihedioha-says-no-victor-no-vanquished.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 23rd September 2019Kogi guber poll: SDP candidate, Natasha Akpoti picks running mateThe gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the November 16 election in Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti, on Sunday, 22nd September 2019, announced Engr. Khalid Adams Ogbeche, an Information Security Analyst, as her running mate. She further called on Governor Yahaya Bello who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to begin to prepare his hand over notes, stating that the call has become necessary in view of the overall support she enjoys from the people of Kogi State who have since rejected Bello. The SDP candidate in a statement by the spokesman of the Natasha Akpoti Campaign Organization, Odaudu Joel Minister, also stated thus: “We are set and by the grace of God and the support of Kogites, SDP shall win the November 16 election and form a desired people-centred government which will engender the transformational leadership that will break Kogi people loose from the shackles of poverty and oppression foisted on them by the outgoing Bello’s administration.The Natasha/Khalid ticket would stimulate a desirable path to the expected economic development Kogi urgently requires; and the emancipation and rebuilding of Kogi State”. Kogi State 2019 Governorship Election, SDP https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kogi-guber-poll-sdp-candidate-natasha-serves-bello-quit-notice-picks-running-mate.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 23rd September 2019Aftermath of primaries: Crisis deepens in Kogi PDPCrisis appears to be deepening within the ranks of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election. This is credited to be a fallout of the party’s primary election, which saw the emergence of Musa Wada as the governorship candidate for the November governorship election in the State. Wada polled 748 votes to win the party’s ticket. However, the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, and Abubakar Ibrahim, son of a former Governor of the State, kicked against the emergence of Wada and consequently petitioned the National Working Committee of the party. Neither Melaye nor Ibrahim's petitions to the party’s appeal committee was not resolved in their favour. Consequently, Melaye turned down the appointment given to him by the party to serve as its campaign Director-General for the November 16 governorship election. Abubakar Ibrahim, who came second in the primary election, argued that he would have won if the election did not end violently and has taken the matter to court, seeking to be declared candidate of the party.
Kogi State 2019 Governorship Election, PDPhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aftermath-of-primaries-crisis-deepens-in-kogi-pdp.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 23rd September 2019Governorship polls: Lado, Ashiru, others head to appeal courtSome governorship candidates have indicated interest in taking their cases further after the verdicts of the election petition tribunals did not go in their favour. In Katsina State, the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Yakubu Lado Danmarke, has expressed interest to challenge the outcome of the Governorship election petition at the Court of Appeal. The Katsina State Governorship election petitions tribunal had upheld the election of Governor Aminu Masari as the duly elected Governor of the State. Lado had challenged Masari’s election on two grounds. He claimed that Masari had no prerequisite qualifications to contest and that, the election was marred with malpractices. In Kaduna State, the PDP governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, is set to appeal the verdict of the tribunal which favoured the State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai. Ashiru’s party has expressed confidence of winning at the Court of Appeal. Counsel to Governor El-Rufai, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) stated that PDP will lose at the Court of Appeal, adding that the tribunal judgment was based on facts and the law. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Senator John Owan-Enoh, whose petition against Governor Ben Ayade was dismissed by the election petition tribunal has expressly indicated that he will proceed to the Court of Appeal to seek further redress. Also, the candidate of Allied Peoples Movement’s (APM) governorship candidate in the Ogun State, Adekunle Akinlade, has expressed hope in an appeal against the judgment of the election petitions tribunal, which dismissed his petition against Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory.Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Court of Appealhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/govship-polls-lado-ashiru-others-head-to-appeal-court.html
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 23rd September 2019Senate will Support Buhari’s Measures on Economy, Insecurity, Says SaniThe Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Uba Sani, has stated that the Senate under the leadership of Senator Ahmad Lawan will give absolute support to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its determination to reinvigorate the nation’s economy. The Senator, who represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, stated this while interacting with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, 22nd September 2019. He also commended the recent decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement the cashless policy in the money market, stating that the major goal of the policy is to curb corruption, counterfeiting of notes, black economy/parallel economy, money laundering, acts of terrorism and tax evasion. He added that President Buhari’s recent constitution of an inclusive and highly competent Economic Advisory Council is a clear indication that he is committed to bequeathing a strong and virile economy to Nigeria and Nigerians.President Muhammadu Buhari, Second Term, Nigerian Senatehttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/23/senate-will-support-buharis-measures-on-economy-insecurity-says-sani/
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 23rd September 2019Senate may review Its Decision on Edo AssemblyThe Senate which resumes plenary on Tuesday, 24th September 2019, after a two-month annual vacation may revisit its earlier decision on Edo State House of Assembly that had been embroiled in inauguration crisis since June 2019. According to the Senate spokesman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, there is an update on the Edo Assembly issue which must be collectively decided upon by all Senators. According to Senator Adeyeye, “For all I know, the Senate’s stand on Edo Assembly issue may have to be reviewed in view of updates on the matter since we went on vacation. The matter will be tabled at plenary like other outstanding issues before the Senate. It will be holistically considered vis-a-vis latest information before us and it is going to be a collective decision of all senators”.Edo State House of Assembly, National Assemblyhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/23/senate-may-review-its-decision-on-edo-assembly/
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 20th September 2019Diri begs aggrieved aspirants, says Bayelsa is for PDPThe governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 16, 2019 election in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has urged aggrieved aspirants of the party to lay their greivances aside and support him, for the collective interest of the party. Diri stated this while speaking with journalists at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Yenagoa, the State capital. He stated that some aspirants were unsatisfied with the outcome of the indirect primaries from which he emerged winner out of 21 aspirants. According to him, he has reached out to aggrieved aspirants and many of them are currently working with him towards the election. Diri further stated thus: “We need to build consensus; we need to build unity within PDP. I am well prepared for this office; I have come with a lot of experience. This is a PDP State, we are confident we will win”.

Bayelsa State 2019 Governorship Election, APC, David Lyon, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyohttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/diri-begs-aggrieved-aspirants-says-bayelsa-is-for-pdp.html
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 20th September 2019PDP to INEC: Do not use violence to manipulate Kogi Governorship ElectionThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any attempt to use what the party has described as“extrapolations on violence” to manipulate the November 16 Governorship election in Kogi State. The party also asked critical election stakeholders, including INEC, to warn Governor Yahiya Bello and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from any act of violence in the election, adding that the people of the State were on alert and fully prepared to confront the Governor and his party on all fronts. The PDP, in a statement released on Thursday, 19th September 2019 through its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, claimed that it was already aware of alleged plots by Governor Bello to orchestrate violence as a strategy to manipulate and win the election. The statement also read thus: “The PDP wants INEC and Governor Yahaya Bello to note that the November 16 election is a determined march by the people against a suppressive, cruel, chaotic, sadistic, acrimonious and inhuman administration. It is a determined march against acute poverty, hunger and starvation, fear, general low life and despondency in the State, which Governor Yahaya Bello and the APC represent”.
Kogi State 2019 Governorship Election, PDP, https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-to-inec-dont-use-violence-to-manipulate-kogi-govship.html
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 20th September 2019APC raises 39-man reconciliation Committee for AdamawaThe North-east zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a 39-member central steering committee to reposition its Adamawa State chapter. The committee led by Abdulrahman Adamu, which has the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello as co-Chairmen, is to work with the APC National Working Committee (NWC). The committee was not only tasked to reconcile all aggrieved aspirants/candidates that vied for positions during the 2019 general elections, but also to develop a programme of action to reposition and strengthen APC in the State. The membership of the committee includes the immediate past Governor of the State, Bindo Umaru Jibrilla, former Chairman of the Econonic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Dahiru Bobbo, Sen. Jonathan Silas Zwingina, and Sen. Ahmed Hassan Barata, among many others.
Adamawa, APChttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-raises-39-man-reconciliation-cttee-for-adamawa.html
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 20th September 2019INEC trains Electoral Officers ahead of Kogi State Governorship ElectionThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has commenced a two-day training for its Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers in Kogi State on the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the State. Declaring the workshop open, on Thursday, 19th September 2019 in Lokoja, a National Commissioner of INEC, Mrs Amina Zakari, stated that the training was part of the Commission’s preparation towards ensuring a hitch- free governorship election in the State. She also stated that the workshop was aimed at strengthening the Electoral Officers’ knowledge of their role in the forthcoming election. Zakari explained that EMSC, which was an integrated structure of the Election Management System (EMS), was a vital part of the 2019 General Elections, which assisted the Commission in tracking the implementation status of electoral activities for compliance monitoring and readiness assessment. Also speaking at the training, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa States, Malam Mohammed Haruna, stated that after the training workshop, 108 staff involved are expected to have become more knowledgeable in early identification of challenges through its data driven system for effective election plan.INEC, Training, Kogi State Governorship Election https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/as-inec-trains-electoral-officers.html
ThisDaylive Online Friday, 20th September 2019PDP Crisis over House Minority Leadership festersOn Thursday, 19th September 2019, an altercation ensued between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) as the Chairman of the Board, Senator Walid Jubrin, and the Board Secretary, Senator Adolphus Wabara, openly disagreed on the status of the report of the Senator Iyorchia Ayu-led committee that investigated the emergence of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as the minority leader of the House of Representatives against the wish of the party. After over six hours of meeting of the BoT, both Jubrin and Wabara emerged to address journalists on the outcome of the meeting. While the Board Shairman told journalists that the Board was yet to submit the report of the Ayu Committee to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the Board Secretary insisted that they had deliberated on the report and submitted same to the party. According to Wabara, “We have discussed the Ayu report and have submitted the report to the NWC”. Senator Jubrin countered Wabara, stating thus: “I am the Chairman; we have not submitted our report.” He added that the matter would be handled internally in the overall interest of the party. Jubrinalso declined to answer further questions, stating that, “It is an internal affair and we will resolve it internally”.
PDP, House of Representatives Minority Leadership https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/20/pdp-crisis-over-house-minority-leadership-festers/
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 16th September 2019PDP Governors back Atiku’s Bid to Appeal to Supreme CourtState Governors who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have decided to support the party’s presidential candidate in the last general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to get the Supreme Court to upturn the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which rejected his petition to be declared winner of the election. The PDP Governors Forum, on Sunday, 15th September 2019, encouraged Atiku and the PDP to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court, stating that posterity would not be kind to them should they abandon the party and Atiku to fight the legal battle alone. In the statement from its secretariat in Abuja, the Chairman of the forum and Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, stated that the judgment stood justice on its head. He also added that the party was hopeful that the Supreme Court will rewrite that history by ensuring that such stains and tar are removed from our judicial archives.Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Atiku, PDP, PDP Governors' Forum.https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/16/pdp-govs-back-atikus-bid-to-appeal-to-scourt/
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 16th September 2019Court summons Okorocha over incitementA Magistrate Court in Owerri, Imo State has summoned the former Governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha, to appear beofre it on October 8, 2019 over allegations of incitement. The Imo State government had charged Okorocha to court over accusation that the former Governor had been inciting his supporters to disobey the government. In the suit, the Imo State Attorney General on behalf of the state government alleged that Okorocha had been in the habit of making seditious and inciting statements against the government even on air using his radio station (Reach FM).
Imo State, Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Rochas Okorochahttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/court-summons-okorocha-over-incitement.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 16th September 2019Kalu cautions supporters against attacking Tribunal membersA former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu, has cautioned his supporters against making derogatory statement against any member of the three-man Tribunal panel which called for supplementary elections in part of his constituency. He spoke against the backdrop of the verdict delivered last week by the Tribunal led by Justice Cornelius Akintayo. Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Senator by some Abuja-based Abia State citizens, Orji stated that the judiciary must be accorded due respect by Nigerians regardless of party affiliation, adding that the Appellate court would correct what he termed the undoing of the Tribunal in last week’s verdict.

National And State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Kalu https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kalu-cautions-supporters-against-attacking-tribunal-members.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 16th September 2019Anambra 2021: PDP chairman assures of transparent primariesThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Anambra State, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, has assured members of the party of his commitment to conduct free, fair, and credible primary for the 2021 governorship election. Nwobu gave the assurance, on Sunday, 15th September 2019 at the PDP South East Interactive Stakeholders meetings themed ‘Putting Anambra State Back into the Political Track of the South East’. He stated that under his watch, the party would conduct credible primaries to select the best candidate for the 2021 governorship election.

Anambra State 2021 Governorship Election, PDPhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/anambra-2021-pdp-chairman-assures-of-transparent-primaries.html
Punch NewspaperMonday, 16th September 2019Niger Local Government primaries: Police arrest 62 for political violenceThe Niger State Police Command has arrested 62 political thugs during the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) party primaries for allegedly attacking innocent residents. The APC conducted its primaries for aspirants for the positions of Chairmen and Councillors for the forthcoming November 30 Council polls in the State. Alhaji Adamu Usman, the State Commissioner of Police in an interview with journalists in Minna, stated that the suspects were from five Local Government Areas in the State. He also stated that one Toyota vehicle with dangerous weapons, such as machetes, daggers and knives were recovered from some of the suspects and that they would be charged to court for unlawful assembly, disturbance of public peace, possession of dangerous weapons and sponsoring thuggery in accordance with the Niger State Anti-Thuggery law.Niger State Local Government Elections, APC, Nigeria Policehttps://punchng.com/niger-lg-primaries-police-nab-62-for-political-violence/
ThisDaylive Online Friday, 13th September 2019National Assembly Lacks Power to take Over Edo Assembly, Court RulesThe Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has declared that the National Assembly does not have the power to take over the functions of the Edo State House of Assembly or any other State House of Assembly. The court, while delivering judgment on Thursday, 12th September 2019 in a suit filed by the Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yekini Idiaye and a member of the House, Hon. Henry Okhuarobo, also held that the National Assembly lacks the power to direct Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to issue fresh proclamation to the House of Assembly, as such a directive would amount to extending the tenure of the State lawmakers. Idiaye and Okhuarobo had approached the Federal High Court to challenge moves by the National Assembly to take over the functions of the State Assembly. In his judgment, Justice Kolawole Omotosho declared that it is only the court that could direct the National Assembly to take over or seal the Edo State House of Assembly, stating thus: “The National Assembly lacks the power to take over the Edo State House of Assembly. It amounts to taking over the functions of the Edo State House of Assembly, as the House is not an appendage of the National Assembly. The court will be extending the tenure of members of the Edo State House of Assembly if it holds that the Governor should issue fresh proclamation". Nigeria is a Federal State and State governments are autonomous. Our political actors must see it like that and treat them as such”.Edo State House of Assembly, National Assemblyhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/13/nassembly-lacks-power-to-take-over-edo-assembly-court-rules/
The Guardian NewspaperFriday, 13th September 2019INEC trains security agencies, election monitors for Bayelsa Governorship ElectionAhead of the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa and Kogi States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, 12th September 2019 commenced a two-day training for security agencies and election monitors in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The training organised by the Electoral Institute (TEI) of the Commission, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative on Election Security (ICCES), is to adequately prepare security agencies and election monitors for the task ahead. Speaking at the opening ceremony, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Monday Udoh, stated that the objective of the training was to ensure efficient and hitch-free conduct of the elections. He buttressed that the Commission considers security a critical component of the electoral process and one of the key indices for ensuring credibility of elections. The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police (CP) who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of operations, Jude Kolawole, stated that the training would help security agencies in the State to be fully equipped for the exercise.He added that men and officers of the State Police command were ready for the gubernatorial poll, slated for November 16, 2019.
Bayelsa and Kogi States 2019 Governorship Election, INEC, Nigeria Policehttps://guardian.ng/politics/inec-trains-security-agencies-election-monitors-for-bayelsa-guber-poll/
The Guardian NewspaperFriday, 13th September 2019APC seeks level-playing field in Rivers congressesThe All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated its resolve to ensure a level-playing field for those vying for various positions in the Rivers State chapter of the party. The APC Acting National Secretary, Mr. Victor Giadom, who met with Peter Odike, a founding member of APC in Rivers State, stated that the measure is required to upstage the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in the 2023 polls. Odike, who applauded the party on the decision to settle the crisis of the party in the State, pledged to co-operate with the caretaker committee, headed by Mr. Isaac Abot Ogbogbula, to achieve the objective. However, Odike's position was in sharp contrast with that of a section of APC stakeholders in Rivers State led by Senator Magnus Abe, who argued that the party is again treading the same route of exclusion and disdain for the rights and feelings of party members in that the State chapter of the APC that resulted in the party being denied participation in the last general elections in the State.
APC, Rivers State, Peter Odike, Magnus Abehttps://guardian.ng/politics/apc-seeks-level-playing-field-in-rivers-congresses/
Daily Trust OnlineFriday, 13th September 2019PDP Board of Trustee dismisses Wike’s allegation against panel on ElumeluThe Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed Governor Nyesom Wike’s allegation that the committee set up by the board to probe the emergence of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives against the wish of the party was corrupt. Wike had stated that the Iyorchia Ayu-led panel was corrupt and commended a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, for withdrawing his membership of the committee. However, the BoT chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, dismissed the claim on Thursday, 12th September 2019, in a statement, explaining that the fact that the committee had submitted its report did not mean that Elumelu and other erring members of the House of Representatives were set free, adding that the party's Disciplinary Committee headed by Chief Tom Ikimi was also on ground to perform its role. Similarly, the BoT Secretary and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, who is also heading one of the committees set up to look into the matter, reponded to Governor Wike's allegation, stating that neither he nor the other distinguished members of this committee are corrupt.
PDP, House of representatives, Minority Leadership, Governor Nyesom Wike, Adolphos Wabara, Senator Walid Jibrinhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-bot-dismisses-wikes-allegation-against-panel-on-elumelu.html
Punch NewspaperFriday, 13th September 2019Tribunal upholds Ayade’s victory, sacks lawmaker, orders rerunThe Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Cross River State on Thursday, 12th September 2019 declared Governor Ben Ayade, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, as winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the State. The Chairman of the three-man Tribunal, Justice Josiah Majebi, dismissed all the arguments of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator John Owan-Enoh, stating the petition was a pre-election matter and the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain it. “The petition failed and is accordingly dismissed. We hereby found that Prof Ben Ayade is duly elected as Governor of Cross River State in the March 9, 2019 governorship election”, Justice Majebi stated. Senator Owan-Enoh had asked the Tribunal to, among others, declare that he was unlawfully excluded from the election and that the declaration of Ayade as winner of the election was wrong, and a fresh election must be conducted.Rivers State, Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, PDPhttps://punchng.com/tribunal-upholds-ayades-victory-sacks-lawmaker-orders-rerun/
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Atiku heads to Supreme Court as Buhari wins at TribunalThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Atiku Abubakar in the February 23 elections have resolved to challenge the judgment of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal which affirmed the election of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, 11th September 2019. The Tribunal ruled that Atiku and PDP failed to prove allegations of irregularities against President Buhari and his party during the election. The five-member panel of the Tribunal held that Atiku and PDP failed to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, allegations of corruption and non-compliance with the Electoral Act against Buhari and the APC.
Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Buhari, Atiku, APC, PDPhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-heads-to-s-court-as-buhari-wins-at-tribunal.html
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Senatorial tussle: Jev defeats Akume at TribunalThe National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi on Wednesday, 11th September 2019 dismissed the petition brought by by Senator George Akume against the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Barrister Emmanuel Orker Jev. Akume, now Minister of Special Duties, had taken Jev to the Tribunal, seeking to reclaim his seat at the upper chambers of the National Assembly following his defeat at the recently concluded 2019 polls. However, in his ruling, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice R. O. Odugu, found that the petitioners failed to prove that the election was marred by corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). According to Justice Odugu, “Most of the statements of the witnesses are based on hearsay which is inadmissible in law. The petition is hereby, dismissed and the petitioners will pay a cost of N100,000 each to the three respondents".National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Benue North West Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Jev, Senator George Akumehttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senatorial-tussle-jev-defeats-akume-again.html
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Local Government poll: 800 eye APC tickets in Kebbi StateOver 800 people have indicated interest to contest in the Local Government election in Kebbi State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). There are 21 Local Government Areas and 225 Wards in Kebbi State. The spokesman of the party in the State, Alhaji Sani Dododo, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital that the aspirants have expressed their interests to contest for the election slated for 26th October 2019. He added that the party has structured the State into six zones and six committees were set up to handle the consensus in the zones.
He further stated that 300 aspirants have indicated interest to contest for Chairmanship positions, while 500 are aspiring for Councillorship positions. “We are committed to safeguarding the interest and peace of our party. We opted for consensus and we believe it will be fair for all our aspirants in the State”, Dododo stated.
Kebbi State, Local Governnment Elections, APCVhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lg-poll-800-eye-apc-tickets-in-kebbi.html
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Ekiti to conduct Local Government poll December 7Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has fixed 7th December 2019 for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State. The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Jide Aladejana, stated that the tenure of the 177 councillors and 16 Local Government Chairmen and other appointed officials will lapse on 19th December 2019, having assumed office on 19th December 2017. Aladejana also gave assurances that the Local Government polls would be conducted in a transparent manner devoid of rigging.
Ekiti State, Local Government Electionshttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ekiti-to-conduct-lg-poll-december-7.html
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Anambra: Chidoka loses at TribunalThe National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra State has upheld the election of Ifeanyi Ibezi, the Lawmaker representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency of the State. Obinna Chidoka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had dragged Ibezi of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Tribunal, seeking the nullification of his election on the ground of multiple voting and non-compliance with electoral laws. The judgement, read by Justice R. Irele Ifijeh and Justice O.O. Odubanjo of the Tribunal, held that the petitioner was unable to prove that the results he presented before the Tribunal were generated during the election.National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Obinna Chidoka, Ifeanyi Ibezi, APGA, PDPhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/anambra-chidoka-loses-at-tribunal.html
Daily Trust OnlineThursday, 12th September 2019Bayelsa, Kogi guber: INEC releases result of 133 party primariesThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the results of the primaries conducted by the registered political parties for the November 16 governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States. According to the report, 64 parties conducted primaries that were monitored by INEC in Bayelsa State with seven women emerging as candidates, while 59 parties in Kogi State conducted primaries that were also monitored by INEC and which produced four women among the candidates. Speaking on the reports from the primaries, INEC Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, stated that “Some parties may choose, for whatever reason, not to sponsor any candidate even after conducting primaries. It is our resolve as a Commission to proactively disclose information to the media and the public. We had not previously officially published the result of our monitoring”.
Bayelsa and Kogi 2019 Governorship Election, Party Primaries, INEChttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bayelsa-kogi-guber-inec-releases-result-of-133-party-primaries.html
The Guardian NewspaperThursday, 12th September 2019Akpabio loses at TribunalThe National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Wednesday, 11th September 2019, upheld the declaration of Christopher Ekpenyong, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as winner of the February 23 Senatorial election in the North West Senatorial District of the State. Godswill Akpabio, the first petitioner had challenged the victory of Ekpenyong on the ground that he was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the election. He also alleged that the election that produced Ekpenyong as winner was invalid owing to non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. He also sought an order of court declaring him (Akpabio) as the winner of the election, having, according to his claim, polled the highest number of valid and lawful votes at the poll. The Tribunal held that the petitioner’s evidence was too weak in all ramifications to prove non-compliance with the Electoral Act, not to mention substantial non-compliance, which is the only ground for nullification of the election. The Tribunal further stated that the petitioner failed to bring any witness from the polling units and thus could not prove substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. By a majority judgement, the Tribunal dismissed the petition and upheld the declaration of Ekpenyong as the winner.National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunalhttps://guardian.ng/politics/akpabio-loses-at-tribunal/
ThisDaylive Online Wednesday, 11th September 2019Tribunal sacks Senate Spokesman, Adeyeye, Declares Olujimi Winner in EkitiA National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State has nullified the election that produced Senator Dayo Adeyeye of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the National Assembly election in Ekiti South Senatorial District. The Tribunal in a unanimous verdict declared former Minority Leader and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Biodun Olujimi, as winner of the February 23 election in the Senatorial district. Delivering the judgement, the three-man Tribunal led by Justice D.D. Adeck, nullified elections in some polling units to declare Olujimi winner of the polls. Eventually, Olujimi polled a total of 54,894 to emerge victorious over the Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity, who polled 52,243 votes.National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Biodun Olujimihttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/11/tribunal-sacks-senate-spokesman-adeyeye-declares-olujimi-winner-in-ekiti-2/
Daily Trust OnlineWednesday, 11th September 2019Ihedioha drags Okorocha to court over incitementGovernor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has dragged his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, to court, over alleged incitement. Ihedioha alleged that his predecessor “has been in the habit of making seditious and inciting statements against the government even on air using the radio station, Reach FM, which is widely listened to in Owerri and beyond”.
However, reacting to the summons, Okorocha stated that the action was embarrassing and among the many actions taken by his successor to step on his toes. Okorocha also described his successor as appearing overwhelmed with his (Okorocha's) rising popularity since leaving office and described the court case as a very bad example.
Imo State, Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Rochas Okorochahttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ihedioha-drags-okorocha-to-court-over-incitement.html
Daily Trust OnlineWednesday, 11th September 2019Ajimobi loses at TribunalThe Oyo State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, on Tuesday, 10th September 2019, dismissed the petition filed by a former Governor of the State, Abiola Ajimobi, challenging the declaration and return of Senator Kola Balogun as the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District. The Tribunal held that the petition filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 23 general elections lacks merit and the petitioner was unable to convince the Tribunal of alleged inducement in the election. The Tribunal chaired by Justice Anthony Akpovi therefore upheld the election of Senator Muhammad Kola Balogun as the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District.National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Kola Balogun, Senator Abiola Ajimobihttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ajimobi-loses-at-tribunal.html
Daily Trust OnlineWednesday, 11th September 2019Tribunal upholds Lagos Representative, Johnson’s electionThe National and State House of Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday, 10th September 2019 affirmed the victory of Hon. Ganiyu Johnson as Member representing Oshodi-Isolo 2 Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives. Emmanuel Nnodim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had challenged the victory of Johnson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the election was marred by irregularities, corrupt practices and non- compliance with the Electoral Act. Justice S. I. Okpara who delivered judgement in the petition stated that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of malpractices and non-compliance beyond reasonable doubt. According to the judge, the evidence tendered before the Tribunal was based on hearsay which is not credible enough to invalidate the election. Owing to this, Justice Okpara stated thus: “In the light of this, we find no merit in this petition and it is hereby dismissed”.
National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Oshodi-Isolo 2 Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson, Emmanuel Nnodimhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tribunal-upholds-lagos-reps-johnsons-election.html
The Guardian NewspaperWednesday, 11th September 2019AAC seeks injunction to stop inauguration of new panel for Rivers gubernatorial pollThe African Action Congress (AAC) has filed a suit at a Federal High Court seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the President of the Court of Appeal from setting up a new panel to hear the Governorship election petition in Rivers State. The defendants in the suit are the President of the Court of Appeal, the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal, Biokpomabo Awara, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The presiding judge, Justice Kolawole Omotosho, has ordered the President of the Court of Appeal, the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal, Awara, INEC and others not to take any steps that that would render the outcome of an originating summons before it as irrelevant. Justice Omotosho further stated that the pending suit would not stop the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal that sat on September 7, 2019, from continuing its proceedings.
Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal, PDP, AAC, INEChttps://guardian.ng/news/aac-seeks-injunction-to-stop-inauguration-of-new-panel-for-rivers-gubernatorial-poll/
Daily Trust OnlineWednesday, 11th September 2019Kogi Governorship: APC presents Bello, Onoja to INECThe All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally presented the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate for the November 16 Governorship election in the State. The party also submitted the name of Governor Bello’s Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja, as his running mate in the forthcoming election.
A statement issued on Tuesday, 10th September 2019 by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello, Onogwu Muhammed, stated that the party submitted the names contained in Form CF. 001 to INEC on Monday, 9th September 2019, in line with the Commission’s guidelines. According to the statement, INEC also acknowledged that Governor Yahaya Bello has nominated his current Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja as his running mate.
Kogi State 2019 Governorship Election, Governor Yahaya Bello, Edward Onoja, APChttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kogi-govship-apc-presents-bello-onoja-to-inec.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 10th September 2019PDP kicks as Tribunal affirms El-Rufai’s victoryThe Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Kaduna State has declared the State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as winner of the March 9 Governorship election in the State. The Tribunal judge, Justice Ibrahim Bako, struck out the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isa Ashiru, over lack of evidence. Ashiru had filed a petition challenging the victory of Governor El-Rufai who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In his reaction, El-Rufai described the outcome of the Tribunal as a welcome development and called on all residents of the State to join hands with his administration to turn around the State.Kaduna State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Governor El-Rufai, APC, PDPhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-kicks-as-tribunal-affirms-el-rufais-victory.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 10th September 2019Tribunal sacks Senator Orji KaluThe National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abia State has nullified the election of Orji Uzor Kalu as the Senator representing Abia North. The Tribunal has also ordered for a rerun election for the Abia North Senatorial District in all the affected areas within ninety days and the results duly collated and winner announced.
In a unanimous judgement delivered by a member of the Tribunal’s panel, Justice I.P.C Igwe, the panel held that the petitioner had successfully proved his allegation of substantial non-compliance with the guidelines on conduct of elections. The Tribunal frowned at the exclusion of over 30,000 votes from Arochukwu Local Government Area alone without good reason from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the figure was much higher than the 10,000 votes with which the second respondent, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, was leading the petitioner. Counsel to the candidate (Senator Mao Ohuabunwa) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Mr Mike Onyeka, hailed the judgement, noting that it had heightened his confidence in the judiciary.
Abia State, National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Senator Orji Kaluhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/updated-tribunal-nullifies-orji-kalus-election-as-abia-north-senator.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 10th September 2019Bayelsa APC Governorship candidate picks Senator Degi as running mateThe Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief David Lyon, has nominated the senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, as his Deputy Governorship candidate ahead of the November 16, 2019 election. Degi-Eremienyo, is currently the Vice Chairman of both Special Duties Committee and the Gas Resources Committee in the Senate.Bayelsa State 2019 Governorship Election, APC, David Lyon, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyohttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bayelsa-apc-govship-candidate-picks-senator-degi-as-running-mate.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 10th September 2019Tribunal sacks Ebonyi PDP Rep, declares APC candidate winnerThe National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday, 9th September 2019, sacked Lazarus Ogbee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal constituency. The Tribunal declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 23 National Assembly election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ogbee as the winner with 31,296 votes against 27,700 votes scored by Comrade Chinedu Ogah of APC. Dissatisfied with the results, Ogah proceeded to the Tribunal, alleging that his votes were cancelled in some of the polling units and wards, hence he prayed the court to declare him winner of the election. The Tribunal, which restored the stated cancelled votes by lNEC, declared Ogah as the winner of the election.
National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Ebonyi State, PDP, Ezza South/Ikwo Federal constituencyhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tribunal-sacks-ebonyi-pdp-rep-declares-apc-candidate-winner.html
The Guardian NewspaperTuesday, 10th September 2019Tribunal dismisses petition against Oluremi TinubuThe National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, on Monday, 9th September 2019, dismissed the petition challenging the election of Senator Oluremi Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of Lagos Central senatorial seat. A judgment delivered by the three-man Tribunal led by Justice Kunaza Hamidu, held that the petition filed by Chief Adesunbo Onitiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Oluremi Tinubu failed, as it did not establish any prima facie case against her. The Tribunal declared: “The petition lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The declaration of Senator Oluremi Tinubu by Independent National Election Commission (INEC) as winner of the February 23, 2019 National Assembly election is hereby affirmed.”National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, Lagos Central Senatirial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Adesunbo Onitiri, APC, PDPhttps://guardian.ng/politics/tribunal-dismisses-petition-against-oluremi-tinubu/
The Guardian NewspaperTuesday, 10th September 2019INEC Oyo commends EFCC for role in monitoring 2019 General ElectionsThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State has attributed the credibility of the 2019 general elections to the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in monitoring the elections across the country to prevent compromises through vote-buying and selling.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Mutiu Agboke, stated this in Ibadan on Monday, 9th September 2019 during an appreciation visit to the Ibadan zonal office of the EFCC.
According to Agboke, “Your intervention in the 2019 elections is not something that can be wished away. it gave credibility to the conduct of the elections". Agboke also expressed gratitude to the acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, for working with the electoral body to discharge its duties to the satisfaction of Nigerians, stating thus: “The mandate given us was that we should collaborate and interface with all the agencies of government to deliver acceptable elections".
INEC, EFCC, Oyo State, Mutiu Agbokehttps://guardian.ng/politics/inec-commends-efcc-for-role-in-monitoring-2019-general-elections/
The Guardian NewspaperTuesday, 10th September 2019Exhibit honesty during Bayelsa guber poll, Dickson urges corps membersGovernor Seriake Dickson has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who are to be deployed as election officers for the November 16,2019 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State to exhibit honesty during the exercise. He made the appeal on Monday, 9th September 2019 during the close of the 2019 Batch “B” stream two orientation course at the State’s permanent orientation camp in Kaiama. The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Talford Ongolo, urged them to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credibility in the electoral process. He called on the corps members to remain apolitical in the course of discharging their duties as ad hoc staff. He further stated that, “The State government will continue to engage corps members in developmental programmes for the mutual benefit of the State and the scheme. I urge you to initiate and embark on viable projects that will positively impact on your host communities”. Bayelsa State 2019 Governorship Election, Governor Seriake Dicksonhttps://guardian.ng/politics/exhibit-honesty-during-bayelsa-guber-poll-dickson-urges-corps-members/
The Guardian NewspaperTuesday, 10th September 2019APC inaugurates committee to rebuild structures in RiversThe All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a five-member executive caretaker committee to rebuild political structures for the party’s chapter in Rivers State. National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, stated this on Monday, 9th September 2019 while performing the inauguration in Abuja. The caretaker committee is headed by Isaac Ogbobula as Chairman and Baridon Badom as Secretary, while other members are, Friday Kinika Owhor, Mrs. Beatrice Amobi and Prince Abolo Stephen. Oshiomhole recalled that the Supreme Court nullified the party’s congresses in Rivers State, which resulted in lack of a formal structure for the party in the State. However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has decided that it is time to commence the process of rebuilding the party in Rivers State.All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State, Adams Oshiomholehttps://guardian.ng/politics/apc-inaugurates-committee-to-rebuild-structures-in-rivers/
The Guardian NewspaperMonday, 9th September 2019ADC, NCP, SDP task INEC, FG on free, fair, credible guber elections in Kogi, BayelsaThe leadership of Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and National Conscience Party (NCP) have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government to ensure that the coming Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Kogi and Bayelsa States on November 16 are free, fair, and credible. National Chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, while expressing confidence that his party has picked the most qualified and popular candidates to fly its flag in the elections, added that, “All we expect from INEC is to create a level-playing ground for all the parties and candidates in the race to Kogi and Bayelsa Government Houses and I can bet it that ADC stands better chance to defeat the two major parties in the race.” SDP spokesman, Mr. Yemi Akinbode, expressed the need for all the minor parties to come together to form a common front ahead of the Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial polls, in spite of the likelihood of Presidential inteference. National Chairman of National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr. Tanko Yinusa, stated that it is important for INEC to put its internal mechanisms in order before, during and after the November 16 Governorship elections in the two States. Bayelsa and Kogi 2019 Governorship Election, ADC, NCP, SDPhttps://guardian.ng/politics/adc-ncp-sdp-task-inec-fg-on-free-fair-credible-guber-elections-in-kogi-bayelsa/
The Guardian NewspaperMonday, 9th September 2019Uduaghan to appeal Tribunal’s verdictThe three-man panel of the National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, led by Justice Chinwe Onyeabo has nullified the victory of Sen. James Manager who contested the election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23, 2019 poll over non-compliance with electoral guidelines in some parts of the Senatorial district and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the Senatorial district within 90 days. Former Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan has commended the ruling of the Tribunal, stating that he would however appeal the verdict. He argued that rather than order a re-run election, a certificate of return should be issued to him, and he should be sworn in as winner of the Delta South Senatorial District election. Uduaghan contested the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).Delta South Senatorial District, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, APC, PDP, INEChttps://guardian.ng/politics/uduaghan-to-appeal-tribunals-verdict/
The Guardian NewspaperMonday, 9th September 2019PDP ready to reclaim Kogi, pledges peaceful, issue-based campaign – WadaThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Kogi State, Musa Wada, says the party is ready to reclaim the mantle of leadership in the State by November 16. He stated this while speaking to journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State on Sunday, 8th September 2019. He added that members of PDP in Kogi would not be afraid of the power of incumbency and would be committed to peaceful and issue-based campaign. Wada, who was issued with the Certificate of Return by the party on Friday, 6th September 2019, stated that PDP was going to take action and constitute necessary committees and in due time, launch a peaceful campaign across the State.Kogi State Governorship Election, PDP, Musa Wadahttps://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-ready-to-reclaim-kogi-pledges-peaceful-issue-based-campaign-wada/
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 9th September 2019PDP Governors Condemn Raid on Umahi’s Residence, Demand Police InvestigationThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has condemned the recent raid on the Abuja residence of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State. The forum made this known through a statement issued by its Chairman, Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson on Sunday, 8th September 2019 in Abuja. The forum described the raid as an attack on democracy. The Governors further stated that the raid was already generating some tension, and called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu to investigate it.Governor David Umahi, PDP Governorshttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/09/pdp-govs-condemn-raid-on-umahis-residence-demand-police-investigation/
ThisDaylive Online Monday, 9th September 2019Political Thugs Set Police Station ablaze in NigerThe All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government primary election held in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, 7th September 2019, turned violent as suspected thugs believed to be supporters of a Chairmanship aspirant set the Kuta police station ablaze. The suspected thugs were reported to be protesting the outcome of the APC primary election in which another aspirant was declared winner. During the uproar, the police was reported to have rescued the electoral officers and election materials, which were then taken to Kuta, Niger State. It was in an attempt to retrieve the materials from the police that the thugs burnt down the police station in Kuta. Spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, DSP Mohammed Abubakar who confirmed the incident, stated that one life was lost. He added that investigation has commenced to unravel the perpetrators of violence, assuring that they would be arrested and prosecuted.Niger State Local Government Elections, APC, Nigeria Policehttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/09/political-thugs-set-police-station-ablaze-in-niger/
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 9th September 201910 months after, Osun’s Oyetola yet to constitute cabinetOsun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola is yet to constitute the State Executive Council, 10 months after he was sworn in. Oyetola was reported to have assigned the former Commissioners that served under the past administration as supervisors in charge of ministries. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan, plans to appoint Commissioners is ongoing. He further explained that local governments have been asked to send their nominations, adding that as soon as that is done, the Governor will submit the names to the State House of Assembly.
Osun State, Governor Gboyega Oyetolahttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/10-months-after-osuns-oyetola-yet-to-constitute-cabinet.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 9th September 2019INEC releases revised communication policy, pledges Freedom of Information commitmentThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged total commitment to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act and to also ensure maximum accountability and transparency. This is contained in a 56-page revised “Communication Policy” of the Commission, which was formally released on Sunday, 8th September 2019 by INEC in Abuja. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in the foreword section of the document, stated that for the Commission to succeed in discharging its constitutional responsibilities, it is necessary for it to have an efficient and effective communication strategy internally and with the public, which is comprised of various stakeholders. He also stressed the need for effective communication strategy within the over 16,000-staff strength of the Commission itself. In its executive summary, the document reads in part: “The framework for the disclosure of information to members of the public under the FOI Act will therefore form an integral part of the Communication Policy of the Commission”.
INEC, Freedom of Informationhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-releases-revised-communication-policy-pledges-foi-commitment.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 9th September 2019Submission of Bayelsa, Kogi Governorship candidates ends today – INECThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the submission of the list of nominated candidates for the Bayelsa and Kogi States Governorship elections ends on Monday, 9th September 2019. The Commission made this known through its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye. The Commission had fixed Thursday, 5th September 2019 as deadline for the conduct of party primaries for the November 16 Governorship elections in the two States. Mr. Okoye further added that INEC would receive all nominations at its Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja and that all nominations must be received latest at 6pm on September 9, 2019. He enjoined political parties to strictly comply with the timelines earlier released by the Commission, as it will not entertain any late submission under any circumstances.
Bayelsa and Kogi 2019 Governorship Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/submission-of-bayelsa-kogi-govship-candidates-ends-today-inec.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 3rd September 2019PDP Governorship primary: Governor Bello urges peaceful electionGovernor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Monday, 2nd September 2019, urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State to ensure a peaceful Governorship primary election, as scheduled to hold today, Tuesday, 3rd September 2019. Bello made the call when he received his Adamawa counterpart, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who is in the State to oversee the PDP primary election for the November 16 Governorship poll. He stated that his administration had transformed the State from headquarters of crimes to community of safety through sustained investment in the security subsector of the State. He noted that the recent peaceful conduct of the APC Governorship primaries was a testament to the peace Kogi was enjoying, stressing his determination to ensure sustenance of peace and harmonious relationship among citizens of the State. Bello enjoined members of the PDP to emulate the APC as they would go into their primary election today by conducting the exercise peacefully.
Kogi State Governorship Election, PDP, Primary Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-govship-primary-gov-bello-urges-peaceful-election.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 3rd September 2019ANRP gets candidate for Kogi Governorship ElectionThe Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) has elected Engr. Emmanuel Orugun as its Governorship candidate for the November 16 election in Kogi State. Orugun, who emerged candidate via affirmation by 118 delegates at the party’s primaries held in Lokoja, Kogi State on Sunday, 1st September 2019, assured that he would work towards increasing the revenue profile of the State to make it financially buoyant and self-sustaining. Orugun promised to make all efforts to protect both Kogi citizens and non-indigenes living in the State by strengthening the security apparatus and providing adequate equipment including intelligence gadgets for easy information gathering and communications. He also stated that if elected, his administration would give attention to the educational system, healthcare delivery, urban renewal and overall infrastructural development in the State.
Kogi State Governorship Election, ANRP, Primary Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/anrp-gets-candidate-for-kogi-governorship-2.html
Daily Trust OnlineTuesday, 3rd September 2019Court orders re-run election in Ede Federal ConstituencyThe Election Petition Tribunal has ordered a re-run election in some polling units in Ede South, Ede North, Ejigbo and Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State over irregularities. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Bamidele Salaam was declared winner of the February 23 National Assembly election and sworn in as member of the House of Representatives. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the election, Mr Adejare Bello, challenged the result of the election at the Election Petition Tribunal. The Tribunal held that there were irregularities in some polling units, as challenged by the petitioner and ordered re-run election in the affected polling units.
Osun State, Ede Federal Constituency, Election Petition Tribunal, Re-run electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/court-orders-rerun-election-in-ede-federal-constituency.html
ThisDaylive OnlineTuesday, 3rd September 2019Tribunal Dismisses Petition against Ndume’s Election as SenatorThe Borno National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Monday, 2nd September 2019, dismissed the petition seeking the nullification of the election of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume as Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The three-member panel of justices led by Justice Peter Kekemeke, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the suit for being incompetent and lacking in merit. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 National Assembly election for Borno South Senatorial District, Malam Kudla Satumari, had asked the Tribunal to nullify Ndume’s election on the grounds that the poll was marred by alleged electoral malpractices, amongst others. However, delivering judgment in the petition, the Tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, as is required for allegations of electoral malpractice and irregularities, and therefore dismissed the case.Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South Senatorial District, Election petition Tribunalhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/02/tribunal-upholds-umahis-election/
ThisDaylive OnlineTuesday, 3rd September 2019Tribunal Upholds Umahi’s ElectionOn Monday, 2nd September 2019, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, upheld the election of Governor David Umahi who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the March 9 Governorship election in the State. The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate in the election, Chief Ajah Agha, had petitioned the Tribunal on what he termed the unlawful exclusion of his name in the ballot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Delivering judgment of the Tribunal, Justice A.B. Abdukarim dismissed the PDM governorship candidate’s petition for lack of merit. He stated that: “PDM did not submit the name of their candidate to INEC when they were supposed to do so. Your party sent the name three days after closure of submission, according to findings. Also, your party did not organise primaries as to produce a candidate according to INEC’s guidelines, therefore your petition lacks merit”.Ebonyi State, Governor David Umahi, PDP, PDM, Election Petition Tribunalhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/02/tribunal-upholds-umahis-election/
The Guardian NewspaperTuesday, 3rd September 2019Supreme Court dismisses Perjury Suit against President Buhari The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23, 2019 Presidential election for alleged perjury. The appellants, Kalu Kalu, Labaran Ismail and Hassy El-Kuris, through their counsel, Ukpai Ukairo, had approached the apex court praying it to nullify the President’s nomination and subsequent victory at the poll, on the ground that he allegedly lied on oath in his Form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Mary Odili, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the case was statute-barred. Furthermore, Abubakar Abdullahi, a Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice, who announced appearance for President Buhari was issued a stern warning by the panel of Justices and charged to desist from using public office to defend a private litigation. President Buhari was also reminded that this action contravened the Public Officers’ Code of Conduct. The case was earlier dismissed by the Court of Appeal for same reason having upheld the ruling of a Federal High court that threw out the appeal for being filed outside the 14 days recognised by law for a pre-election matter.
President Buhari, 2019 Presidential Electionhttps://guardian.ng/news/supreme-court-refuses-to-disqualify-buhari-for-alleged-perjury/
ThisDaylive OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019Elumelu, Others Remain Suspended -PDPThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, 1st September 2019, stated that the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and others remain suspended from the party, pending when the National Working Committee (NWC) receives and reviews the report of the investigation on the alleged disobedience of the lawmakers to the party’s directives. This was disclosed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan while speaking on the fate of the party members whose suspension was supposed to last for one month for their alleged disobedience to the decision of NWC to adopt Hon. Kingsley Chinda and others as the Minority Principal officers. The suspended members are Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwadi, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-Majid. The NWC stated that after preliminary examination, the roles played by the above-mentioned members, bordered on indiscipline, insubordination and disobedience of party directives, contrary to provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended). According to Ologbondiyan, the Senator Adolphus Wabara-led committee investigating the matter is yet to submit its report.PDP, House of representatives, Minority Leadershiphttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/02/elumelu-others-remain-suspended-says-pdp/
ThisDaylive OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019APC Wins at Ekiti Tribunal as Panel Dismisses Three PDP’s PetitionsAll Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has recorded landslide victories at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado-Ekiti, as the tribunal threw out three petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against three APC candidates in the February 23 National Assembly elections. The PDP contestants: Senator Duro Faseyi , Hon. Kehinde Agboola, Mr. Nicolas Olusola Omotosho and had filed petitions against Sen. Olubunmi Adetumbi, Mr. Peter Owolabi, Mr. Ibrahim Olanrewaju of the APC over their Senatorial and House of Representatives poll victories. The PDP and its candidates, through their counsel, Ahmed Raji SAN, had petitioned the APC, its candidates and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that APC had no candidates for Ekiti North Senatorial District, Ekiti North Federal Constituency I and II, where Adetumbi, Owolabi and Olanrewaju were declared winners respectively by INEC. But the lead counsel to the respondents, Chief Rafiu Balogun, in his defence, argued the claim by the petitioners that the APC did not conduct primaries amounted to hearsay, since the witness called by the petitioner testified that he only saw some protesters, alleging that there was no election. Also, the petitions were statue barred since they were not filed within 14 days after the primaries as stipulated by the law.APC, Ekiti State, National Assembly, Election Tribunalhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/09/02/apc-wins-at-ekiti-tribunal-as-panel-dismisses-three-pdps-petitions/
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 2nd September 20192,578 delegates to participate in Kogi PDP Governorship primariesThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that no fewer than 2,578 delegates are expected to participate in its Governorship primary election scheduled to hold in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, 3rd September 2019. Publicity Secretary of the party in the State, Prince Bode Ogunmola on Sunday, 1st September 2019, stated that the party was fully prepared for the election. He added that the party was certain of delivering “very credible, transparent and free” primary election. He expressed optimism that the winner of the primary would emerge the next Governor of the State. The national leadership of the PDP has named the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, as Chairman of the five-member panel to conduct the party’s primary election in the State.

Kogi State Governorship Election, PDP, Primary Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2578-delegates-for-kogi-pdp-govship-primary.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019Bayelsa PDP primary: Aspirant denies luring delegates through fake bank alertsA Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Pastor Keniebi Okoko, has denied an allegation by the State party leadership of sending fake alerts to bank accounts of delegates to lure them to vote for him at the upcoming party primaries in the State. Okoko, who is one of the 21 Governorship aspirants in Bayelsa State contesting for the PDP ticket for the November 16 election in the State, disclosed this in Yenagoa, the State capital on Monday, 2nd September 2019, through a press statement signed by him. The Bayelsa State PDP Chairman, Mr Moses Cleopas had on Sunday, 1st September 2019, raised alarm that some aspirants, including Okoko, were sending fake bank alerts to delegates to induce them to vote in their favour, contrary to the constitutional provisions of the party.
Bayelsa State Governorship Election, PDP, Keniebi Okokohttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bayelsa-pdp-primary-aspirant-denies-luring-delegates-through-fake-bank-alerts.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019Competent women would participate in our government – Bayelsa Governorship AspirantAn aspirant for the upcoming Governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Frederick Agbedi has promised to involve qualified women in his cabinet if he gets elected as the Governor of the State. Agbedi, who is currently a member of the House of Representatives, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, further stated that women have been following his campaign train and making meaningful inputs. According to him, including women in a cabinet is not the goal; rather it is about including women who are competent. In addition, he stated that, “It is the responsibility of the leader to identify competent hands that he would bring into governance, who will deliver using their knowledge, agility and educational background".
Bayelsa State Governorship Election, PDP, Hon. Frederick Agbedihttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/competent-women-would-participate-in-our-government-bayelsa-governorship-hopeful.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019APC reschedules Bayelsa Governorship primary for a second timeThe National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has again shifted the date for the Bayelsa Governorship primary to 3rd and 4th September 2019. APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu clarified in a statement, that the decision was taken in deference to a court order. On Wednesday, 28th August 2019, Issa-Onilu had announced that the primaries, hitherto scheduled for 29th August had been shifted to Saturday, 31st August 2019. The APC spokesman further stated that out of the seven Governorship aspirants that were screened, six were cleared to participate in the primaries. He added that the APC NWC upheld the disqualification of Dr. Briyai Oyeins Frankland from participating in the primaries based on a provision of the party’s guidelines for the nomination of candidates, which requires that aspirants must be card-carrying members of the party for a period of one year.







Bayelsa State Governorship Election, APC, Primary Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/again-apc-shifts-bayelsa-govship-primary-to-sept-3-4.html
Daily Trust OnlineMonday, 2nd September 2019Bayelsa's terrain favours indirect primary – APC chieftainA chieftain of the APC in Bayelsa State, Mr Livingston Egbe, has suggested that with the difficult terrain of the State, only indirect primaries can ensure a transparent election to produce the party’s candidate for the Governorship election slated for 16th November 2019. Egbe, who is the director of Planning, Research and Strategy in Senator Heineken Lokpobiri’s campaign organization, made the suggestion, on Sunday, 1st September 2019, while speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, the State capital. According to him, “Direct primary is a recipe for disaster; it is a recipe for electoral tricks. Therefore, in order to avoid all those acrimonies and arguments, let us adopt an acceptable mode of primary and that is indirect primary, for the sake of transparency and accountability”.

Bayelsa State Governorship Election, APC, Primary Electionhttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bayelsa-terrain-favours-indirect-primary-apc-chieftain.html

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