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Bayelsa poll: Court dismisses APC aspirant’s suit seeking Sylva’s disqualification

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Bayelsa poll: Court dismisses APC aspirant’s suit seeking Sylva’s disqualification

A Federal High Court in  Abuja on Tuesday, dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of Mr Timipre Sylva from contesting the Nov. 11 Bayelsa governorship poll.

Delivering judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that the plaintiff, Mrs Ogbomade Johnson failed to prove the case upon preponderance of evidence as required by law.

Justice Ekwo said that Johnson failed to prove her case that that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not conduct valid governorship primary election from which Sylva emerged as the party’s candidate.

The judge rejected the police report relied on by the plaintiff, and  held that it was not the duty of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to monitor the conduct of political parties’ primary elections.

“Therefore, Exhibits A23, A24, A25/26, and A27 of the plaintiff are of no moment. They are products of illegality having not been authorised by the Electoral Act, 2022 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The conduct of party primaries is not a police case unless and until a criminal act is committed in the process of such party primaries,” he said.

Justice Ekwo agreed that by the evidence presented by Sylva and the APC, he was convinced that the party held a valid primary election.

“Upon considering the facts of this case and the documentary evidence tendered by the plaintiff, I find that the plaintiff’s case is weak and has not been proved upon preponderance of evidence as required by law.

“The plaintiff has failed to give this court such evidence that is capable of creating a doubt in the mind of the court that the governorship primary election of the 1st defendant in Bayelsa did not hold on April 14or even if it did hold, it was not conducted in accordance with the party’s guidelines as stated in Exhibit H of the 1st defendant.

“I find upon the evidence before me that the governorship primary of the 1st defendant was conducted on April 14 in accordance with the party’s guidelines

“I find in the end that the plaintiff has not proved this case upon preponderance of evidence as required by law. The case therefore fails for lacking in merit.

“Consequently, I make an order dismissing the case of the plaintiff for lacking in merit.

“This is the order of this court,” Justice Ekwo declared.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/575/2023, was filed by Mrs Johnson, an APC aspirant for Bayelsa governorship election against Sylva, the immediate-past Minister of State for Petroleum.

NAN reports that Johnson, in the suit dated April 24 but filed April 27 had sued APC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sylva as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

She prayed the court for an order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to delist the names of APC and Sylva from among the list of political parties and candidates for the November election.

The aggrieved aspirant also prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Sylva from parading himself as the APC’s governorship candidate in Bayelsa, among others.

She sought a declaration that the APC was duty-bound in contract to commence and conclude primary election in Bayelsa in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the regulations and guidelines of the political party, after having demanded and received the sum of N10 million from her, along with other five aspirants.

Johnson further sought a declaration that by virtue of the conduct of the APC’s primary poll on April 14 in contravention of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the regulations and guidelines of the political party, the APC had no candidate to field for the poll, among other reliefs.

In a counter affidavit deposed to by Sylva, the ex-minister prayed the court to dismissed the suit.

He said contrary to Johnson’s deposition, he was eminently qualified to contest for election into the Office of Governor of Bayelsa and did not suffer from any disqualifying factor which barred him from contesting.

He averred that he had only served as Bayelsa governor on one occasion.

Besides, Sylva averred that he vied for the APC primary alongside five others, including Johnson on April 14.

He said he emerged its candidate having polled the highest votes from the votes collated from 102 out of 105 wards in the eight local government areas where party members voted in a direct primary in accordance with the guidelines for poll, APC’s constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

He said contrary to Johnson’s argument, the primary was held and the results in which he garnered the majority of the votes was accepted and he received congratulatory messages from major APC stakeholders in the state, indicative of the fact that his victory reflected the aspirations of the party members.

Also the APC, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Dr Stanley Ugboaja, the chief of staff to deputy national organising secretary, asked the court to dismissed the suit.

The party argued that the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on Jan. 27, 2012, in respect of the consolidated appeal was actually in support of Sylva’s bid for a second term in office and not against it as falsely stated by Johnson.

It said that the direct primary poll was conducted by its national body in accordance with the guidelines for the conduct of same as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act and its constitution.

The APC, which averred that INEC monitored the poll  also said that the electoral umpire issued a report in respect of the primaries.

 “An appeal against the result of the said primaries was lodged with the Appeals Committee of the ist defendant.

“The Appeal Committee rejected the said appeal as unmeritorious. A copy of the report of the Appeal Committee is attached herewith and marked Exhibit F.

“That by a letter dated 13th April, 2023, the plaintiff was requested to provide the list of her agents in all the 105 electoral wards in Bayelsa State but she failed to comply.

“She did not even bother to vote in her electoral ward. A copy of the said letter is attached herewith and marked Exhibit G,” the party told the court.

NAN recalls that the APC had cleared Mrs Johnson, Sylva, Joshua Maciver, Festus Daumiebi, Mrs Maureen Ongoebi and David Lyon as aspirants in the April 14 primaries.

In the primary election conducted in the 102 of the 105 wards of the eight local governments in the state, Sylva was said to have scored 52, 061 votes; Maciver scored 2, 078; Johnson scored 584; Daumiebi scored 557; Ongoebi scored 1, 277 and Lyon scored 1, 584 votes.(NAN)

POLITICS

2027: INEC ‌‍⁠⁠‍‍⁠⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‍⁠‍‍Engages Adamawa PWDs on Electoral Process

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa has sensitised Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) on the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Muhammad Nura, said this at the inauguration of the exercise on Monday in Yola.

He said that persons with disabilities constituted an important part of the electorate, adding that the commission was geared toward ensuring an inclusive electoral process.

Nura said that the commission recognised the need to identify and address barriers to ensure that no eligible voter was left out.

“Our commitment to electoral inclusion requires continuous sensitisation, effective collaboration with disability organisations, and improved voter education. And the identification of reasonable measures to facilitate participation by voters with various forms of disability,” he said.

According to Nura, the commission is paying attention to the accessibility of polling units; availability of voter education materials in appropriate formats, and effective communication with voters with different forms of disabilities.

He said that the commission would deploy appropriate assistive devices in accordance with its procedures, to enhance support for different disability clusters.

Aliyu Shaba, Head of Department, Voter Education, said that the exercise was designed to strengthen implementation of inclusive guidelines, voter education and mobilisation.

He said, “the workshop is about moving from awareness to practical action.

“As we prepare for the 2027 general election, let us strengthen our collective responsibility to ensure interventions reach those for whom they are intended,” he said.

Shaba highlighted that the exercise would strengthen capacity, improve implementation and ensure that no eligible PWDs exercise their franchise.

Also, Sani Sabo, Chairman, Joined Association of Person with Disabilities, lauded the gesture.

Sabo, represented by his deputy, Dalhatu Muhammad, assured their members to mobilise participation in the election. (NAN)

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2027: Buba Yakub Mobilises Adamawa Support for Tinubu, APC

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From Yagana Ali, Yola

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has called on the people of Adamawa State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, while reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of his former constituents.

Buba Yakub made the call during an empowerment programme organised by the Rt.

Hon. Yusuf Capt. Buba Support Group in Faci, within the Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, where more than 1,000 people benefited from cash grants and other forms of assistance.

The programme brought together APC leaders, political stakeholders, community representatives and beneficiaries, providing a platform for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections and renewed engagement with communities in the constituency.

The NTAC Director-General urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements and reforms in revenue generation, tertiary education, national unity, security, local government autonomy, foreign exchange stability and broader national development.

He also called for support for APC candidates contesting presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, state assembly and other elective positions in Adamawa State.

According to him, the empowerment initiative was conceived by his support group and endorsed by him as part of his commitment to giving back to the people who elected him to the House of Representatives on two occasions.

He explained that his continued engagement with the constituency was motivated by a desire to sustain the relationship he built with the people during his years in elective office.

Buba Yakub further pledged to deploy his political experience, networks and available resources towards mobilising support for the APC across Adamawa State, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in the forthcoming elections.

He maintained that political mobilisation should be accompanied by sustained engagement with the people and efforts to address their needs.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Professor Ibrahim Umar, commended Buba Yakub for maintaining close ties with his former constituency despite his current national assignment.

Professor Umar observed that the NTAC Director-General was not seeking elective office at the moment but had continued to provide assistance to his former constituents through financial support and other empowerment initiatives.

He described the programme as an indication of continued engagement with the people beyond the period of elective service.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the beneficiaries and supporters who attended the event reflected the enduring relationship between Buba Yakub and the constituency he previously represented.

He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of maintaining contact with constituents and responding to their needs even after leaving the National Assembly.

Professor Umar also expressed support for Buba Yakub’s appeal for the re-election of President Tinubu and the election of other APC candidates in 2027.

He urged party supporters to remain committed to the political direction being advocated by their leaders.

Also speaking, the representative of the Adamawa State Governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, called on APC leaders and supporters to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wesley urged party stakeholders to emulate Buba Yakub’s approach to engaging supporters and translating political influence into practical activities at the community level.

He challenged party leaders to work towards securing support for the APC in their respective polling units, wards and local government areas.

According to him, effective grassroots organisation and sustained engagement with voters would be important to the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.

The event attracted several prominent APC figures in Adamawa State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Galadima; its candidate for Adamawa Central Senatorial District, Comrade Salihu Mustapha, PhD; the APC National Vice-Chairman for the North-East, Barrister Idriss Shuaibu; and the Adamawa State APC Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Bello Madagali.

Also in attendance were members of the National and State Assemblies representing constituencies across Adamawa Central, including Rt. Hon. James Barka of Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, Hon. Wakili Aliyu Boya of Fufore/Song Federal Constituency, Rufa’i Umar of Gombi State Constituency and Hon. John Alaba of Uba Gaya State Constituency.

Their participation highlighted the political significance of the gathering as APC stakeholders intensified preparations for the 2027 elections.

The presence of party leaders and elected representatives also provided an opportunity to reinforce calls for cooperation among stakeholders and stronger engagement with supporters across the state.

A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of cash grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 to 565 APC supporters drawn from the 22 wards of the Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency.

According to the organisers, more than 500 additional party supporters received various forms of assistance, bringing the total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the initiative to over 1,000.

The intervention was designed to provide financial assistance to beneficiaries while reinforcing Buba Yakub’s continued engagement with the constituency.

For recipients, the cash grants and other forms of support represented immediate assistance that could help address some of their financial needs.

The organisers said the programme formed part of the support group’s broader efforts to reach constituents through empowerment activities and community-based interventions.

Beyond the empowerment programme, special interventions were also extended a day earlier to individuals and communities affected by insurgent attacks, as well as people contributing to efforts to address insecurity in the area.

The assistance targeted former constituents affected by recent attacks in communities around Garaha-Dutse, Lhar, Bunya and other locations.

The intervention underscored the continuing humanitarian challenges facing communities affected by insecurity and the need for support for people whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted.

For affected households, assistance of this nature can help meet immediate needs while communities continue to grapple with the consequences of attacks and displacement.

The organisers said the initiative was part of the group’s engagement with vulnerable residents and communities facing difficult circumstances.

The programme combined financial assistance, community engagement and political mobilisation as APC stakeholders looked towards the 2027 general elections.

For Buba Yakub, the initiative provided an opportunity to reconnect with a constituency he represented in the House of Representatives while calling for support for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

His appeal centred on the argument that support for the party should extend across the various elective positions, from the presidency to legislative seats at the federal and state levels.

However, the administration’s cited achievements and the expected electoral benefits remain positions advanced by the organisers and speakers at the event.

As political activities gradually build towards 2027, the gathering in Faci reflected the growing importance of grassroots engagement, empowerment initiatives and political alliances in Adamawa State.

The programme concluded with a renewed call for APC supporters to remain active in their communities, strengthen party structures and participate in preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

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POLITICS

2027: Tompolo Mobilises Support for Tinubu in Ogun, says Economy Stabilising 

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The Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Government Ekpemupolo, has called on the people of Ogun State to massively vote for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to continue to enjoy the gains of his administration. 

He made the call during the inauguration of the state chapter of the movement and donation of 26 campaign vehicles and other materials in Abeokuta, on Friday.

 

Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, who was represented by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Kestin Pondi, praised Tinubu for his bold policies which he noted, were making Nigeria attractive to investors again and stabilising the economy.

He pointed out that the bold reforms by the Tinubu administration have done away with perennial fuel queues in the country, and ensured more infrastructure development, regular payment of salaries and pensions among others.

“We have a president who said Nigeria must be better. Today, there is no more capital flight, investors are returning and the naira is stabilising.

“Go everywhere and tell them your son, your brother, your father must return to Aso Rock. Make them understand that he’s the best. The reforms have no doubt come with challenges but just like the challenges a woman in labour faces but rejoices at the birth of her child, we shall all be happy,” Tompolo said. 

Continuing, he noted that: “Every developed country has gone through this path Tinubu is taking us through and came out stronger. Nigeria will come out stronger with the policies and reforms of Tinubu. Let us keep faith with him. He means well for Nigeria.” 

Tompolo reiterated that the movement was in the state to work together with other campaign groups to ensure that the APC wins from top to bottom.

Also speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement for the support, which she noted, will complement all other campaign efforts.

She said Ogun was ready to support the president as a mark of appreciation for the many good things the state was enjoying as a result of his policies and reforms.

Speaking directly to the electorate, the governor said: “No matter how confident we are, we have to come out and vote. There is no room for complacency, no need to say it is a done deal because the deal can only be done at the polling booth. We have received a lot from the president because we supported him before. If we do it again, it means we appreciate him and we want more.” 

APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, said it was imperative to support Tinubu as “he has changed the narrative of our country.”

“For the first time since independence, we are seeing changes in all sectors of the economy. Things are changing for good, investors are coming back, international organisations have acknowledged the positive changes, the macro economy is doing well and the micro economy is picking up and will do better in no distant time” he stated. 

While pointing out that Tinubu is their own son and and they had resolved to give him no less than 2 million votes come January 2027, Adeola appreciated the Movement for the donation which he pointed out would aid the campaign.

National Coordinator of the Movement, Sunday Asuku, in a remark, advised the people to be at alert and not allow themselves to be deceived by the opposition who have nothing better to offer and do not mean well for the country.

“The right choice before Nigeria is Tinubu. With President Tinubu, we’re on track. Don’t allow anyone to use you to derail the journey. Come January 2027, vote for Asiwaju,” he said. 

Media Unit 

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