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Kogi Govt Says Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Visit An Attempt To Stir Trouble

By
Ayodele Oni
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Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

By Ayodele Oni

The Kogi State Government has reacted to the homecoming Sallah celebration by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha, the Senator representing Kogi Central, despite a last-minute ban imposed on public gatherings in the State.

The State Governor, Usman Ododo, had, on Monday, announced a ban on rallies citing security reports less than 24 hours to the embattled Senator’s homecoming rally to which she was billed to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival with her constituents.

The Senator, however, rejected the ban, saying she would proceed with the event.

While the roads were blocked with heavily armed Police Operatives and Soldiers alongside men of the Civil Defence Corps, the female Senator left many amazed when she flew into her Ihima countryhome, in Adavi Local Government Area of the State in a helicopter.

Following the development, a statement condemning her action issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described Natasha as  manipulative.

The statement referenced an early morning social media post by Senator Natasha warning that if anything happened during the event, the trio of Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible.

The Government said her posturing was “yet another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim after deliberately violating the ban on political gatherings imposed by the State Government to maintain law and order.

“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

“We will not allow any part of the State to go up in flames nor permit killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended Senator.

The statement stressed that “Ododo absolutely has no interest in the political theatrics of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law. She has once again proven that she has no respect for rules and the laws.

“Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her tools of political engagement.

“The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the State’s security directives, have further confirmed her status as a security threat to the people of the State.”

Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator representing Kogi Central District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, overcame all obstacles thrown her way to be with he Constituents.

Both the State Government and the Police, to stop her from visiting her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with them, placed a ban on the movement of people on Tuesday. No convoy, no assembly of any kind, the State Government ordered. The Police also advised the Senator to cancel her visit. Both cited fear of violence if she arrives her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with her people. And so did the Chairman of her Local Government who ordered a curfew in the LGA.

But a defiant Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived her Ihima Community in a white Helicopter to a rousing welcome from the crowd which had gathered as early as 8.00am to await her.

It turned out a big celebration as her jubilant and excited supporters were entertained by a number of local musicians and other entertainers.

They went into a frenzy as soon as she came out from the Helicopter.

Addressing them, the embattled Senator said:

“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed; that roads will be blocked; and convoys leading into the State will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said this is not political season this is not campaign time.

“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”

Earlier Tuesday, she had issued a statement to the effect that nobody could stop her from visiting her Constuency. She asked Nigerians to hold Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, and the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello responsible if violence breaks out during her visit.

Edo Killings: “We  Will Monitor, Ensure Victims Get Justice” – NHRC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Killing Of Hausa Travelers In Edo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Human Rights Commission NHRC, on Tuesday April 1, 2025, commended the Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for his efforts, so far, in dousing tensions, and calming frayed nerves in the face of the Uromi killings.

The Source reports that about 16 Northern travelers were on Thursday March 26, brutally murdered by a mob who  mistook the traditional hunters from Kano as part of the kidnappers that have been terrorizing some parts of the State of recent.

The Edo State Governor, since the unfortunate incident which has drawn widespread condemnation, has been engaging in a series of trouble-shooting efforts.

On Monday, the Governor paid a sympathy visit to the Kano state Government and the families of the victims where he promised to assist them.

Before then, he had visited the Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, a scion of Kano State ,and other relevant stakeholders in Abuja in a bid to calm down tension.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, particularly, expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin a retired Commissioner of Police, and the banning of illegal vigilante groups within the State .

The Commission, however, cautioned that, a lot still needs to be done in terms of ensuring justice for the victims and preventing a repeat of the ugly scenario in future.

“We Commend the Edo State Governor for his swift action in suspending the Commander of the Edo state Security Corps CP Friday Ibadin rtd, and banning of illegal vigilante groups in the state.

“However, more need to be done to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such tragedies in the future”, Ojukwu stated.

The Commission’s boss also warned against the resort to self help and jungle justice by Nigerians, noting that the right to life is well captured in both the country’s Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Similarly, he underscored the victims’ rights to freedom of movement as equally enshrined in the Nigerian and International human rights laws and their sanctity.

To this end, the NHRC urged all relevant authorities to take all legal steps towards arresting and prosecuting those found culpable in the dastardly act.

“The Commission demands that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice.

“We call on the Government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

“There is no justification for mob action anywhere in the world”, the Commission’s Executive Secretary noted.

He described the killing of the travelers as horrific, and a gross violation of the right to life.

He assured that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation as well as engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served .

Ekiti Airport Commences Round The Clock Operation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State Airport

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.

The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

The Governor, who spoke on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

“The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

“To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing. There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather. ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

“We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport. If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night.

“We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.”

The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops.

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December.

Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

The Governor who disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

Diphtheria Outbreak: LASG Confirms 10 Cases, Urges Lagosians To Be Vigilant

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has announced  10 confirmed cases of Diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025.

It stated that Health Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the outbreak.

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, stated that suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one.

Providing an update on the outbreak, the health Commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results.

“Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results”, he said.

He further disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas, LGAs, with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases.

According to him, other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.

He emphasised that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that this measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.

“As part of the State’s response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients – 14. Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry”, the Commissioner said.

Abayomi stated that data analysis from the outbreak report shows that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. He, however, noted that a decline in the number of cases in recent weeks indicates that containment measures may be yielding positive results.

“The state government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread”, he said.

Prof. Abayomi averred that confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA. “These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts”, he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing. He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far. This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers. He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.

He added that Lagos residents are presently celebrating the  Eid-al-Fitr, that the Easter celebrations is forthcoming, just as Schools will be going for Second-Term, Abayomi urged strict adherence to precautionary measures.

He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitisers, and avoid crowded places.

He emphasised the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat. “Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi commended the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing technical assistance and resources to combat the disease.

He assured Lagosians that the state government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, is intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.

The Commissioner further reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, urging them to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

Tribunal Delivers Judgement In Edo Gov Election Dispute Amidst Viral Leakage

By
Ayodele Oni
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Edo Governorship Tribunal

By Ayodele Oni

A viral report on social media has leaked the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal handling the last year’s Governorship election in Edo State.

This is just as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Fixes Wednesday, to deliver judgement in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

The PDP and Ighodalo are challenging the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.

They alleged that the election was marred by irregularities.

The three-member Tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had, on March 3, reserved judgement in the petition after parties adopted their final written addresses.

The tribunal will deliver judgement in the three petitions marked: EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 and EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.

Report reveal that there has been jubilation in Edo APC as the leaked Tribunal Judgement Shows 2-1 majority in favour of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

A storm of excitement swept through Edo APC circles late Sunday evening after what appeared to be a draft copy of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment surfaced in a WhatsApp group populated by senior party stakeholders.

The document, which seems to mirror an official format, complete with judicial language, cited authorities, and even a breakdown of the votes in contention indicates a 2-1 majority ruling affirming the declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo was cited in Abuja on Monday where he had gone to commiserate with prominent Indigenes of Kano over brutal killing of some of the Indigenes by mob attack in Edo.

The Governor was also guest of President Bola Tinubu who commended him for his administration’s stride in the state.

The draft judgment appears to have dismissed the petition filed by PDP’s Asue Ighodalo and his party on grounds of insufficient proof that non-compliance substantially affected the outcome of the election.

Citing cases like Oyetola v. Adeleke and Atiku v. INEC, the judgment stated that while there was some evidence of irregularities, it wasn’t enough to overturn the INEC-declared result.

However, the leaked document also includes a fiery dissenting judgment by one of the Justices, who found in favour of the PDP candidate, stating that substantial non-compliance had indeed occurred across over 500 polling units and that the recalculated votes clearly put Ighodalo ahead.

His minority verdict called for INEC to nullify the current certificate of return and issue a new one to Ighodalo.

Kogi Govt, Police,  Restrict Movement, As Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Visits Okenne

By
Ayodele Oni
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Police Command has announced ban on all forms of rally and procession in the state.

A statement by the command, issued on Tuesday, ahead of the visit by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the state and a follow up to the earlier one issued by the state government, restricting unauthorized movement.

The statement by the command, signed by SP William Ovye Aya, Public Relations Officer reads:  “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of Rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.

“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State.

“The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.

“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State.

“As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on any one who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”

The Kogi State Government had issued a restriction on “unauthorized movement” and demanded that any convoy of persons coming into the state must obtain permit from law enforcement agencies.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday, the first visit since her suspension from the Senate. It is also the first since some constituents initiated her recall.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government’s decision was based on credible intelligence that required proactive measures be taken to avert a security breach

The government particularly referred to Kogi Central Senatorial District, where the senator hails from, saying there were suspicions of a security breach.

The statement said: “In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal point to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order.”

“The Kogi State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring that the state remains a haven of peace and security.

“In light of credible intelligence reports, the government has deemed it necessary to take proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the state.

“It is heartwarming to note that the State witnessed a peaceful Sallah, however, some security threats are threatening the peace of the state. In Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette all in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi West, fishing activities have resulted in serious crisis, leading to the loss of two lives.

“All fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area are hereby suspended until peace is completely restored. Security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace and implement our directive.”

Bobrisky Announces Arrest On Arrival In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bobrisky
Bobrisky

By Ayodele Oni

Questions have continued to rage over the purported arrest of Bobrisky shortly after his return to the country.

Bobrisky, a controversial Nigerian socialite  announced that he was arrested by immigration officials shortly after returning to Nigeria.

He had left Nigeria for five months to enable him attend to his “sanity and health.” Bobrisky took to Instagram on April 1, 2025, stressing that he was arrested without being told the reason.

“Guys I have just been arrested by immigration in Nigeria, I don’t know what I did o.”

Bobrisky’s arrest comes months after he publicly disclosed that he had left Nigeria to focus on his well-being.

In a previous interview, he shared that constant online backlash and personal struggles had taken a toll on his mental and physical health, prompting him to relocate.

The details surrounding his arrest remain unclear, and authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

However, the news has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some of his supporters expressing concern while others speculate about possible legal issues.

RCCG Elder To Adeboye: Forgive Pst Iluyomade, He’s Not A Rebel

By
James Orji
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Pastor Idowu Iluyomade

Quincy Ayodele, an elder in the Redeem Christian Church of God, RCCG, has appealed to the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to forgive Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the estrange Pastor-in Charge of the City of David Parish of the Church.

Ayodele, a prominent herbal expert made the appeal in a chat with Daddy Freeze, according to a report by Church Times on Monday, she said Iluyomade did not rebel against the church contrary to media reports.

The magazine reported that Pastor Iluyomade was suspended last year by the church following the outrage that greeted his wife’s lavish 60th birthday party, few days after one of the parishioners and former Group Managing Director, Access Corps, Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son died in a tragic helicopter crash in the United States in February 2024.

The Wigwes’ tragic death threw the country into mourning, and not a few Nigerians had criticised the flamboyant pastor and his wife for throwing the party against the public mood at the time, particularly as the demised banker was a major financier of the church.

Following the fallout with the RCCG, Iluyomade founded his own church ‘The Family Fellowship’ in January this year, a development that has further angered some members of the church who accused him of rebelling against the GO Pastor Adeboye and the authority of the Pentecostal church.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye
Adeboye suspended Iluyomade

According to Ayodele, the former City of David Head Pastor did not rebel against the church, he only left after he was prevented from entering his former church, adding that all effort by some elders of the church to ensure that he was accepted back into the fold was rejected by Pastor Adeboye.

She accused Pastor Adeboye and the authority of the church of abandoning Iluyomade during his challenging times, saying as a father, Adeboye should have forgiven his ‘son’ in line with his teachings to his congregants to forgive those who offend them.

She said Iluyomade had no intention to establish his own church, that he had no other option after he was rejected, even when he had served out his suspension by Pastor Adeboye.

Part of what Ayodele said: “We were expecting that after the three months he would be restored to the City of David. but to our surprise, whatt we heard was that he was given a letter that he must not step into the City of David.

“Pastor Adeboye and Pastor Iluyomade were like father and son..They are so close..There is nothing Adeboye wanted that Iluyomade would not go out of his way to make available.”

Some elders of the church wrote letters to Adeboye begging him to forgive Iluyomade without success, she said, adding that at a time, the former RCCG pastor and his family had to go back to ‘The Kings Court’ one of the RCCG parishes he founded to worship there.

She said, “They wrote letters and signed their names on the letters to Pastor Adeboye. But there was no response from Baba Adeboye.

‘The pastor in the church welcomed them and accorded them the honour of the founding pastors, only to be told later that they should not be accommodated.

“Pastor Adeboye taught us that if one sheep is missing out of 100, Jesus would go after the lost sheep..I was now asking will he now allow Iluyomade to be lost to the world.”

Pastor Adeboye refused to forgive the estarnge pastor even after some prominent Nigerians appealed on his behalf.

“They went to beg him, and he said he (Iluyomade) was paying loan. But he has been paying loans without coming to ask for money from you. So, why don’t you leave him and let him finish paying the loan?

“He said it’s okay; he will let him come back. He did not. Other people went to beg him, rolling on the floor and asking for his forgiveness..He did not.” Ayodele said.

Establishing his own church was the last resort for Iluyomade after he was roundly rejected, Ayodele said.

She said. “He does not even know how to start a church. He was an Anglican before he joined RCCG. His father was a reverend. He had left Anglican for almost 32 years. If he goes back to Anglican, where is he going to start from?

“I can tell you that the people they helped abandoned them in their moment of trials. They were not even praying for him in the City of David that he left. That was what made me go to him. When I got to him, he was weeping, telling me that he was told not to step into the church.”

In a viral video on his verified instagram account announcing the birth of his new church four months ago, Pastor Iluyomade, invited the public to the maiden service which took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos.

The message reads: “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.”

The church, sources said, has since acquired a prime site in the upscale Lagos coastal city, Eko Atlantic where the church permanent site will be built.

Adebanjo Made Lagos Labour Party Stronghold- Abure

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Julius Abure LP Chair

Lagos state has become one of the strongholds of the Labour Party, LP, according to the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure.

The LP chairman made this known on Tuesday when he paid a condolence visit to the late Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo in Lagos, who Abure credited for the political success achieved in the state during the 2027 general elections.

The party had created an upset and shattered pundits’ predictions by defeating the Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state, placing LP candidate Peter Obi ahead in the election.

Tinubu, a former governor is the political godfather of the state, was at the time of the election APC National Leader.

Abure said the success achieved in the state could not have been possible without the support of Pa Adebanjo, one of the major backers of the LP presidential candidate.

The former Anambra state governor won many local governments in the state after polling  575,735 votes to defeat Tinubu who scored 573,001 votes, even though the votes were not enough to for him to win the presidential election, as the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC declared Tinubu the winner.

Obi came a distant third in the contested election, which LP still claims it won.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Late Adebanjo

Abure, while tracing how the party achieved the milestones said Adebanjo helped in navigating the LP to victory, saying his elderly role and ‘several interventions’ led to the party’s ‘strong performance.’

Abure: “Recall that the Labour Party played a major role in the 2023 general elections. I can remember whenever a crisis came up, he (Adebanjo) would summon me to Lagos.

“We would discuss and reach amicable resolutions in those crises.

“Our strong performance in the last general elections can be credited to his several interventions. He navigated several of such cases, particularly in Lagos, and today, that state is one of the strongest bases of the party. I learnt a lot from Pa Adebanjo personally, that culture of resistance, defending what is right, defending democracy and the rule of law, I learnt it from him.

“I am happy that the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria was achieved in his lifetime. Many of his contemporaries were not that lucky. He saw an unbroken democracy for close to 25 years, and he participated in it. We were able to identify and put together all our candidates from the presidential candidate down to the least position and the ruling oligarchy didn’t believe what they saw in the 2023 general elections.

“For the first time, we mobilised the youths of this country. For the first time, the youth of the country saw hope and they were living it. They envisioned themselves in it and we were able to achieve that change. Pa Adebanjo, as old as he was, led the struggle.”

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