Cooperative Societies In Ekiti Get One Million Dollar US Grant

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July 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has revealed that the U.S. African Development Foundation, has collaborated with the State with a grant of one million Dollars grant to support 10 agricultural cooperatives in the state.

Among the beneficiaries is Ode-Ekiti Cooperative which is already producing locally milled rice as part of the initiative’s success stories.

The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, who who revealed this to journalists in Ado Ekiti said that the state is stepping up efforts to support small businesses and grow the local economy through targeted financial interventions.

The commissioner revealed that the state government is finalizing plans to launch a billion naira Cooperative Fund aimed at providing affordable financing to cooperative societies and small-scale entrepreneurs across the state.

According to Mr Oyebode, the fund will complement existing partnerships with financial institutions like Bosak Microfinance Bank and Access Bank, which are already supporting business owners and women entrepreneurs in various parts of Ekiti.

“Our job as a government is to support those creating value,” As businesses grow, they will employ more people, increase productivity and as well generate more revenue into government coffers”

On infrastructure, the Commissioner confirmed that over ₦193 billion has been invested by the present administration in key projects, including road construction, healthcare, public school upgrades, and land clearing for agriculture all geared toward improving the ease of doing business.

“When roads are accessible, transportation becomes cheaper, and goods move faster, that’s how economies grow,” he explained.

He also spoke on the recent Business Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ado Ekiti, where the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, (PEBEC), engaged with local entrepreneurs to address challenges and improve the state’s investment climate.

He commended the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) for its role in streamlining business processes, helping entrepreneurs overcome bureaucratic delays and access faster solutions to their challenges.

The finance commissioner urged residents to remain hopeful and supportive, saying that Governor Oyebanji has achieved significant progress and, with continued support, he can do even more for the state.

“This is the first time we’ve had a peaceful transition between governors of the same party in Ekiti. Governor Biodun Oyebanji has done so much in a short time, and with continued support and a second term, he can achieve even more for our dear state.”

LP Directs Obi To Resign Within 48hrs After He Joined ADC

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 3, 2025

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The Julius Abure- led Labour Party has directed Peter Obi, its 2023 Presidential candidate to resign from the party within 48 hours.

The ultimatum comes on the heels of Wednesday’s meeting by key opposition leaders in the country to adopt the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as the platform to contest the 2027 election , to oust the ruling APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office.

The magazine reported that Obi was among the aggrieved opposition leaders who held a meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Wednesday, where they declared ADC as the coalition platform to defeat President Tinubu in the next election.

Other coalition leaders who gathered in the nation’s capital yesterday for the historic event, included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors, Nasir El Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, amongst others.

There are suggestion that Obi is planning to realise his presidential ambition in the new party due to the leadership crisis that have rocked LP for mounts, with two factions in the party struggling intensely to control its soul.

Obi is backing a faction of the party led by Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance and Senator of the Federal Republic.

The former presidential candidate had earlier in the week disclosed that he was willing to spend one term in office if he gets the coalition ticket to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

In his first reaction after attending the ADC meeting, the former Anambra state governor said the ADC will put Nigerians ”first” .

According to the Abure-led LP , Obi should be bold enough to leave the party now that he has decided to join the ADC, a party it said its leaders were the ones who mismanaged the country for many years.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Iloh in a statement issued on Thursday, also described Obi and other coalition leader as power whose only interest is personal aggrandizement, adding that the party is aware that Obi has been having meetings with other opposition leaders in the country, and has been trying to lure some LP members to join him in the coalition.PA

Part of the statement: “We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them have refused to defect with him.

“Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition and therefore, any of our members who is part of the coalition are given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party.

“Labour Party is not available for people with a dual agenda, people with a deceptive persona. The party will not avail itself to individuals who have one leg in one Party and another leg elsewhere. People that in the morning, they will claim to be in the Labour Party and in the evening they are in coalition.

“Nearly 70 percent of Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate. The new Nigeria that the youths are dreaming of, is not what can be realized from what we are seeing in the coalition.

“These people are opportunistic politicians who are only interested in relaunching themselves into circle of power, people who are desperate to continue holding on to power.

“The new Nigeria of our dreams can only be realised through the Labour Party and the party is willing to lead Nigerians along that trajectory.”

ADC: Atiku, Others Are Expired, Hungry, Frustrated Politicians; They Will Fail- Tinubu Group

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 3, 2025

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Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate.

The Tinubu Media Force, TMF, has declared the leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as frustrated persons who are trying to grab power by all means. The coalition will fail in its quest to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election in 2027, the group supporting President Tinubu political aspirations said on Wednesday.

The magazine reported that some key opposition leaders in the country had on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital disclosed that they have chosen the ADC as the platform to contest against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the next election.

The aggrieved opposition leaders include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, former governors Ahmad Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, amongst others who left their parties to join the ADC.

Reacting, the TMF said the coalition leaders are only interested in power grab and have nothing tangible for Nigerians, they are displaced politicians who lack principle and only seeking rehabilitation after losing political relevance.

According to TMF National Coordinator , Gbenga Abiola, Nigerians must reject the coalition of “frustrated” leaders who are only trying to “resurrect” their dead political careers.

He stressed that they are only angry with Tinubu because he has refused to patronize them, accusing the coalition of trying to hijack the resources of the country for their own benefits.

AbioaLa :“The resurrection of the ADC is not based on principle, but is a desperate coalition of displaced politicians seeking lost relevance.

“It is neither visionary nor purposeful, just a forced alliance of familiar faces trying to revive their political careers without real solutions.”

“It is a patchwork held together by shared grievances, not shared goals or national interest.

“Nigerians must reject alliances offering only recycled chaos, unrepentant ambitions, and no clear path to progress or stability.

“These individuals once wielded enormous influence and power under Buhari, controlling patronage and amassing vast wealth.

“However, Tinubu’s refusal to serve old interests or maintain outdated political structures has unsettled them deeply.

“Now, these power seekers stand with their former PDP rivals under the ADC banner, craving control again,” he said.

Abiola also noted that the coalition leaders are also trying to confuse Nigerians by adopting ADC as their platform because it sounds like APC, describing their action as a low-effort strategy aimed at deception, but Nigerians are now wiser.

“We can see through the mimicry. This is not a movement, it’s a recycling hub for failed political ambition,” he said.

Following the meeting held at the Yar-Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, a former Senate President, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were appointed the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of ADC.

Those that attended the meeting also include, John Oyegun, a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Fderation and Minsiter of Justice, Aminu Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representative and governor of Sokoto state, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Liyel Imoke, a fromer Governor of Cross Rivers state and Bolaji Abdullahi, a former Minsiter of Youths and Sports.

Others are Gabriel Suswam, Tunde Ogbeha, Mohammed Abubakar, Emeka Ihedioha, Oserheimen Osunbor, Celestine Omehia, Victor Umeh, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Bindow Jibrilla, Babachir Lawal, Aishatu Binani, and Dele Momodu.

I Always Knew Tinubu Has No Capacity To Govern Nigeria – Rotimi Amaechi

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The Source

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July 3, 2025

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By Gideon Njoku

“I warned APC not to ever invite me to their meetings and they still did not expel me”

A two-term Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, on Wednesday said he always knew President Bola Tinubu has no capacity to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.

Amaechi, Transportation Minister under the Muhammadu Buhari Administration, said this at the official unveiling of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Abuja.

Amaechi, also, resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, a Party whose foundation member he was after he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a Party under which he was a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and a two-term Governor.

Speaking after he defected to the ADC along with very prominent politicians across political parties, Amaechi said that the country is completely destroyed under Tinubu and that a change is required to save it. He, also, alleged that between the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the 2027 elections is already hijacked.

The former Minister lamented that things have become so bad that most Nigerians are unable to afford to eat because there is no money to buy food.

Amaechi disclosed that he resigned from the APC Tuesday night and expressed surprise that even though he warned the APC not to send invitation to him for meetings, he was not expelled.

On whether the ADC is coming up just for the sake of change, he said: “No, it is not about changing the government. If it is about changing the government, there is no need of changing the government, it is about changing Nigeria.

“Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the Federal Government is busy going around trying to hijack the election. INEC is helping them to hijack the election.

“No, no, no. What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement, it must be a movement that brings in Nigerians to, on their own, take over government, not us.

“I left APC last night. I never attended one meeting. Last time they invited me I warned them. I said, if you invite me to any meeting anymore… In fact, I was surprised that I wasn’t even expelled because I warned them in writing, don’t even invite me to any meeting. You can’t be in a club where majority of people are stealing and you don’t say anything.

“I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country. I have never, because now, people want Buhari to come back. What happens in Nigeria is that when a new government takes over, it becomes worse than the previous government that makes people say let the previous government come back.

“People are asking for Buhari because things were better during Buhari’s administration. Dollar was I think ₦460 or five hundred and something, now a dollar is N1,580, that is more than one hundred percent.”

“Whether it’s a deliberate government policy or not, any government that does not take into consideration the people you are governing is not a policy. President Tinubu said he is not here to make Nigerians happy.

“I have the right to be ambitious, I am not over ambitious.”

“Leaders Of Coalition Greedy, Selfish Old Men” – Fmr Presidential Candidate, Kachikwu

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Ayodele Oni

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July 2, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADC) in the 2023 election, Dumebi Kachikwu, has described leaders of the Coalition that fused with the Party as a bunch of greedy and selfish old men.

He stated that they believe that political power is their birthright and stand for nothing other than their interests and will pay any price to hold political office.

Kachikwu, reacting to the adoption of the ADC by the opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others, pointed out that the coalition leaders are romancing with former executive members of the party

The coalition members in Abuja on Wednesday, announced the ADC as the platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The group has also announced former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman of the ADC, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola appointed as the party’s interim national secretary.

Kachikwu said that he is watching the announced takeover of the ADC leadership by the coalition with amusement.

He claimed that the coalition is dealing with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu, saying the tenure of the Nwosu-led executive of the ADC ended on August 21, 2022.

Kachikwu berated the coalition group, saying that they represent a bad chapter in Nigeria’s past. He, however, said that if they want to join the party, they should do so through the front door.

The statement reads: “It is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar-led group announce their takeover of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

“As is expected, I have been inundated with a lot of calls and messages seeking my reaction to the unfolding dramedy.

“The facts of the matter are as follows: The Atiku-led group is in some form of alliance with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu.

“The tenure of the Nwosu-led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country.

“From the foregoing, I want to then pose the following questions: Can you build something on nothing? Can you shave a man’s hair in his absence?

“Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord? These yesterday’s men who represent a bad chapter in Nigeria’s past have bought bad market from a man who represents a bad chapter in ADC’s past.

“Nigerians have watched in amazement as this group of mostly geriatrics shopped around for a party to prosecute their ‘chopping must continue’ ambition.

“This further cements the opinion most hold that political parties in Nigeria stand for nothing and will fall for anything.

“They have told us that they are fighting for the rights of ordinary Nigerians and that they are on a rescue mission but what is confusing to the Nigerians they want to rescue is that these men made up of a former vice president, former governors, ministers and political office holders are the same people who have presided over the affairs of this nation for the past four decades.

“We have nothing to show for their decades of leadership other than being seen as a nation divided by tribe and religion and thriving in mediocrity.

“We are a nation lacking in the basics, whose majority are poor, but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade.

“No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright. You stand for nothing other than your interests and will pay any price to hold political office.

“Nigerians are tired of your generation and reject everything you have to offer, which is nothing. Nigerians yearn for new names, new faces, fresh ideas, and progressive ideals.

“We yearn for a new Nigeria that thrives on meritocracy and de emphasises tribe and religion. We dream of a nation that works for all Nigerians irrespective of region or religion.

“We want a nation whose laws and opportunities are equal to all men. We desire inclusiveness for all and social protections for the weak amongst us. Nigerians have never asked for much other than a leadership that truly cares. You have failed us and stand rejected by us.

“If you seek to be a part of the ADC, do the proper thing and come through the front door. We are a party of decent and well-behaved people.

“Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but also proposes, something that your group is not conversant with.

“I strongly suspect that you will be shopping for another party very soon, and as you do that, we, the members of the African Democratic Congress, wish you Bon Voyage. Thank you and God bless.”

House Accuses Senate Of Undermining Its Legislative Activities; Steps Down All Bills From Red Chamber

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 2, 2025

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Tajudeen Abbas and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The House of Representatives on Wednesday July 2, 2025, ignited a cold war with the Senate following its decision to step down all bills forwarded from the red chamber for concurrence.

The green chamber of the National Assembly said the tit-for tat policy was borne out of the Senate’s somewhat consistent disregard for over 140 bills sent to it for same concurrence purposes.

Arising from a very heated debate, the House at the end of plenary resolved to pay back the Senate in its coins for its relentless efforts at undermining their legislative activities.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion raised by the House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda in response to a Senate bill seeking to amend the Federal Orthopedic Hospital Management Act to allow for the setting up of the Federal Orthopedic Hospital Obokun, in Osun state.

Curiously, the bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Bamidele Okpeyemi.

Trouble had started following the decision of the presiding officer to yield the floor to Hon Chinda for the purpose of seconding the motion for the bill to be go for a second reading.

But rather than seconding the bill which had been officially approved for consideration by the Committee of the Whole, the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency lawmaker berated the red chamber for its penchant for holding down bills from the House.

“I am reluctantly supporting the motion for second reading. This is because we don’t get the same cooperation from the Senate.

“Mr Speaker, having said so, I will reluctantly second the motion for the second reading of this bill.”

His position was re-echoed by many contributors who called for the application of the principle of “reciprocity” in handling bills and other matters emanating from the Senate.

“My suggestion is that the Rules and Business Committee of the House should liaise with the their counterpart in the Senate ,to sign a deal.

“They have withheld bills from the House several times in the past .It is better we make it known to them to the effect that if they don’t treat our bills ,we will not also attend to theirs.

“Let there be tit-for-tat because the House of Representatives is an institution that cannot be undermined by the Senate and vice versa”, Hon Ahmed Jaha from Borno state noted.

The House resolved to step down all bills from the Senate pending the resolution of differences between two Chambers.

But before arriving at the decision to halt concurrence debates on Senate bills, the House asked Hon Chinda for an amendment of his motion from ‘reluctantly supporting the motion for second reading’ to that of an outright rejection.”

“If I am given the opportunity to review my position you know that I would not want to support the second reading of the bill.

“I will, therefore, ask that we step it down and then have a meeting with the leadership of the Senate to resolve this issue”, Hon.Chinda, said.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, while suing for calm expressed serious concern over the development .

He called for the adoption of common ground in handling the matter.

Senator Abbo Says ADC Coalition Is A Marriage Of Convenience

By

Akinwale Kasali

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July 2, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Opposition Coalition of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, continue to gather momentum, former Senator, Elisha Abbo, of the Ninth Assembly, who is a key figure in the newly unveiled opposition coalition, has described the adoption of the ADC as a ‘marriage of convenience.’

Abbo stressed that the alliance is driven by national interest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition alliance was formally unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja and is designed to consolidate various political interests in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Abbo highlighted the pragmatic nature of the coalition, stating that it reflects the realities of modern Nigerian politics.

“This is a gathering of politicians, and politics is a game of interests; personal, regional, and national. These diverse interests cannot be divorced from one another, but they will be harnessed,” he said.

Abbo noted that democratic principles would guide the coalition in selecting candidates for all elective positions, including the Presidency.

“Ultimately, democratic principles will be applied in selecting and electing candidates for all positions. It’s important to remember that this is just an interim leadership structure. A national convention will follow the congresses, during which the party’s national executives will be elected,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about ideological differences within the coalition, Abbo dismissed them as unfounded, pointing to the APC’s formation in 2013 as precedent.

“This has happened before across Africa. Strange bedfellows have come together, united by national interests. The party in power today, the APC, was also a concoction of different political and personal interests. People from the PDP, ANPP, CPC, and ACN all came together to form the APC. That was also a marriage of convenience, and it brought them to the Villa,” he said.

Abbo further maintained that while the new alliance is indeed a marriage of convenience, it is built on a shared commitment to rescuing Nigeria.

“It is a marriage of convenience because, of course, any marriage must be convenient to succeed. Without convenience, a marriage cannot work. So, yes, it’s a marriage of convenience, but one driven by national interest,” Abbo added.

He however expressed optimism about the coalition’s prospects, urging citizens to prepare for change.

“Nigerians should get ready for a better country,” he said.

The emergence of the ADC as a unified opposition front signals a possible realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape, as the coalition positions itself as a viable alternative to the APC.

ADC Collapses Structure As Nat Chairman, Other Exco Members Resign

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 2, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As a follow up to the take over of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), by leaders of Coalition Group, the National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has resigned his position

This is to enable former Senate President, David Mark, to take over as the Protem National Chairman.

Nwosu, while announcing his resignation in Abuja on Wednesday, said other ADC executives under his leadership have decided to resign and support Mark.

Mark was appointed the party’s Interim National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named the national secretary on Tuesday.

A group within ADC had earlier kicked against hijack of the party by the leaders of coalition .

Speaking at the unveiling of the ADC as the coalition party ahead of the 2027 general election, Nwosu said the opposition coalition was not about seeking power, but moving Nigeria to “global reckoning”.

He stated: “ADC has always been about the rejuvenation of Nigeria and Africa. This journey started about 18 months back and we have over 12 NEC meetings.

“When we were consulted, we said we have also been consulting because we are a party that believes in coalition.

“A day like this shows that we are ready to sacrifice anything for Nigeria. We don’t have any doubt in the man, we all have decided to resign.”

The event held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja attracted politicians from major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP).

Politicians at the event included the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar; his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai; and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Among many others were former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola; former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and ex-Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Coalition To Save Nigeria From One Party State – David Mark – Protem Chairman

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 2, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

“To all suffering Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet; for whom the next meal is not guaranteed, this coalition is for you.”

Protem National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, (ADC), Senator David Mark, has told Nigerians that the essence of the coalition is to stop President Bola Tinubu from turning the country into one party state.

Mark, retired Army Brigadier-General, and a former Senate President, who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, while addressing members, also lamented the present state of the National Assembly, which has been turned to an appendage of the President.

According to him, “it is on record that within two years of the current administration coming to power, it has hijacked all democratic institutions, and sent our country on a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship.

“The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective, to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state.

“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications.

“A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerians. A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty.

“Equally disturbing, is the total emasculation of the legislative institution. Never in our history, have we witnessed a National Assembly where legislators, the trustees of the very bastion of our democracy, saddled with the sacred duty to protect Nigerians from misuse of executive power, are reduced to cheerleaders and praise singers of the President, head of the executive arm.

“Nigeria’s National Assembly has been turned to a mere appendage of presidential authority which is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people.

‘Without doubt, the transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly to a mere appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people.

“It is the reason why the government is able to get away with various whimsical, unconstitutional policies and actions or inactions that have reduced more Nigerians to abject poverty and widened the boundaries of insecurity and fear.

“It is imperative to state that our democracy has a history, which is the reason why we all affirm that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. Today, the labour of our heroes is under vicious attack and our Republic faces a mortal danger.

“This coalition is therefore for all Nigerians who share in our belief that all of us, the young and the old, man and woman, rich and poor, living with disabilities or not, town dwellers or villagers, we all have the patriotic duty to save our country.

“Accordingly, to all suffering Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet; for whom the next meal is not guaranteed, this coalition is for you.”

On the current state of affairs, Mark stated that “We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on daily basis.

“Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed. Indeed, the Nigerian people deserve a government that protects them and make them feel safe in their own homes.”

On decision to adopt ADC as a platform, he explained that “After extensive deliberations, and discussions, which spanned several months with deserving platforms, the coalition has decided to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the vehicle for this historic journey.

“Having adopted the ADC, we commit ourselves to building and transforming it into a strong political party, not merely as another electoral vehicle, but as a fortress and platform of our revived democracy.

“It will be the harbinger of democracy where members of the party will reign supreme. A party that obeys its rules and constitution in the best democratic traditions. A party of equal stakeholders, equal joiners and equal owners.

“It is the great house into which all patriots are invited. A party that recognises the experience of the old and the energy of the youths. To all Nigerians, we say here is the new big tent into which all patriots are invited.

“Here, the North shall hold hands with South, the youth shall find equal footing with the elder, women will be equal partners with men, the farmer and the technocrat shall labour side by side, not for the triumph of one party over another, but for the triumph of Nigeria herself.”

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Edo State Governorship Battle

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 2, 2025

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Chief Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, ruled to reserve verdict. on the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, Edo State Gubernatorial Election.

The Source reports that the Appeal Court had, on May, 29, 2025, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and Ighodalo challenging the verdict of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal affirming the electoral victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the rival All Progressive Congress APC in the off-circle poll.

The Justice Mohammed Danjuma-led three-member Appellate Court, had in a unanimous decision dismissed PDP’s appeal as unmeritorious.

The PDP and its candidate are insisting that the outcome of the polls was heavily tainted and manipulated in favour of the APC and Senator Okpebholo.

However, dissatisfied with the Appeal court ruling, the PDP and its candidate approached the country’s apex court seeking a reversal or in the alternative a cancellation of the polls, with a fresh one ordered.

The five-member panel of Supreme Court Justices, headed by Justice Garba Lawal which adjourned proceedings sine die ,after the parties involved had adopted their final written addresses, said a date for judgment will be communicated to them.

Represented by Ken Mosia SAN ,the Petitioner ,Chief Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, prayed the highest Court in the land to order the removal of Governor Okpebholo, and declare him the rightful winner having polled the highest number of valid votes.

As earlier argued at the trial and Appeal courts, the PDP and its candidate premised their argument on the fact that the results were allegedly manipulated in favour of the APC and its flagbearer at some polling units and wards during the said election.

However, the APC, aligning with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, prayed the Court to dismiss the appeal against the victory of the party and its candidate for lacking in merit.

According to Kanu Agabi SAN, the INEC Counsel, the Petitioner cannot approbrate and reprobate at the same time. The PDP and its candidate having argued that the election was substantially marred by irregularities, and therefore illegal, according to Agabi, cannot, at the same time, ask the Court to award to them what is unlawful.