Connect with us

Politics

Aggrieved aspirants ask court to nullify all PDP primaries conducted in Oyo

Published

on

Some aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have asked the Federal High Court in Ibadan to nullify all State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial District Primaries conducted in the state.

The eight aspirants through their counsel, Tunde Falola,  are urging the court to set aside the PDP Primaries conducted on May 21st, 22nd and May 23, 2022, in Oyo State, because they were allegedly conducted in flagrant violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), the PDP’s Constitution as well as its Guidelines.

They are also seeking an injunction restraining PDP and INEC from using and/or utilizing any other list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates for the nomination of candidates into various elective positions at the 2023 general election in Oyo State other than the list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates which emanated from Ward and Local Government Area Congresses conducted on the 30 April 2022 and 10th May 2022 in Oyo State in compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act, PDP’s Constitution as well as its Guidelines.

The Plaintiffs in the suit are Hon. Taofeef Abiola, Niyi Aborisade(a lawyer), Hon. Taiwo Jimoh, Sakiru Olaide Raheem, Akande Olalekan, Jelil Azeez, Ayoade Olusegun and Anifowoshe Dayo James.

The PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are joined as respondents to the suit.

In the suit, the plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that having regards to the combined provisions of Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), Sections 15(2)(e) and 18(2)(c) of the PDP’s Constitution and the Guidelines for Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention of the party, the Defendants are statutorily bound to accord recognition to, act on and/or deal with the list of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates elected at the Ward and Local Government Area Congresses conducted in Oyo State on 30th April 2022 and 10th May 2022 respectively for the nomination of candidates for 2023 general elections in the state”.

They further urged the court “to declare that the purported lists of Ad-hoc delegates used for the conduct of State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial District Primaries on May 21st, 2022, May 25th, 2022, May 22nd, 2022 and May 23rd, 2022 for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 General Elections in Oyo State are illegal and unconstitutional, having not emanated from the Ward Congress conducted on April 30, 2022, in Oyo State”.

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit and deposed to by one of the Applicants, Taofeef Abiola, they claimed that they are card-carrying members of the PDP in Oyo State and as aspirants who participated and contested for the various elective positions in the Oyo State Chapter of the party.

The politicians also maintained that having complied with the combined provisions of Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the Constitution of the PDP, the Guidelines for Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention of the PDP, the lists of Ad-Hoc and National Delegates elected through the Ward and Local Government Area Congresses held on said April 30, 2022, and May 10, 2022, respectively in Oyo State and no other lists of delegates ought to be accorded recognition as the authentic and lawfully elected delegates of the PDP in Oyo State by the INEC for nominations of candidates at the 2023 General Election in Oyo State.

“That in preparation for the 2023 General Election, the second Defendant (PDP) released and published the Time-Table and Schedule of Activities for its Ward, Local Government Area and the National Convention, to elect party Ad-Hoc and National Delegates.

“That under the above, the second Defendant also adopted its January 2020 Guidelines for the Conduct of the said Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention.

“That in line with the party’s already published Time-Table referred to in paragraph 9 above and under the Provision of Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the second Defendant’s Constitution, the second Defendant Conducted its Ward Congresses in Oyo State on April 30, 2022, and Three AD-HOC Ward Delegates were elected from each of the Wards in the State.

“That contrary to the aforementioned directive by the second Defendant and in sharp contravention of the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the 2nd Defendant’s Constitution, a minority group within the second Defendant Party in Oyo State who did not participate at the said Ward and Local Government Area Congresses have connived with some Elements and National officers of the second Defendant and perfected, planned and jettisoned the authentic and legally recognisable list of delegates emanating from the said Ward and Local Government Area Congresses.

“That notwithstanding our protest also, the 2nd Defendant’s Agents who conducted the primaries insisted and went on with the purported primaries.

“That at the said primaries also, the authentic Ad-hoc Delegates who could have voted for me as well as other Plaintiffs were severally beaten and injured by the thugs sponsored by the said minority group within the 2nd Defendant, who was behind the manipulation of the lists in question”.

However, the court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.

Comments

Politics

APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

Continue Reading

Politics

2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

Published

on

A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

Published

on

The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Entertainment

Advertisement

MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page

Advertisement

MEGAICON TV

Advertisement

Trending