Politics
Harris Leads Trump 44% to 42% in New Poll
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Vice President Kamala Harris opened up a marginal two-percentage-point lead over Republican Donald Trump after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and passed the torch to her, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.
That compares with a marginal two-point deficit Biden faced against Trump in last week’s poll before his Sunday exit from the race.
The new poll, conducted on Monday and Tuesday, followed both the Republican National Convention where Trump on Thursday formally accepted the nomination and Biden’s announcement on Sunday he was leaving the race and endorsing Harris.
Harris, whose campaign says she has secured the Democratic nomination, led Trump 44% to 42% in the national poll, a difference within the 3-percentage-point margin of error.
Harris and Trump were tied at 44% in a July 15-16 poll, and Trump led by one percentage point in a July 1-2 poll, both within the same margin of error.
While nationwide surveys give important signals of American support for political candidates, a handful of competitive states typically tilt the balance in the U.S. Electoral College, which ultimately decides who wins a presidential election.
A pollster with Trump’s campaign played down any polling showing an increase in Harris’ support, arguing that she was likely to see a temporary rise in popularity because of widespread media coverage of her new candidacy.
“That bump is likely to start showing itself over the next few days and will last for a while,” pollster Tony Fabrizio said in a memo circulated to reporters by Trump’s campaign.
Candidates often expect a bump after formally accepting their party’s nomination at stage-managed, televised conventions such as the one that Trump had last week. But the poll showed no sign of that.
Bump or not, the most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll underscored the rationale for Biden dropping out of the race and for Harris replacing him on the ticket.
HARRIS SEEN AS SHARPER THAN BIDEN, TRUMP
Some 56% of registered voters agreed with a statement that Harris, 59, was “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,” compared to 49% who said the same of Trump, 78.
Only 22% of voters assessed Biden that way.
Biden, 81, ended his reelection effort after a debate with Trump in which he often stammered and failed to aggressively challenge attacks by Trump that included falsehoods.
Some 80% of Democratic voters said they viewed Biden favorably, compared to 91% who said the same of Harris. Three quarters of Democratic voters said they agreed with a statement that the party and voters should get behind Harris now, with only a quarter saying multiple candidates should compete for the party’s nomination.
When voters in the survey were shown a hypothetical ballot that included independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Harris led Trump 42% to 38%, an advantage outside the margin of error. Kennedy, favored by 8% of voters in the poll, has yet to qualify for the ballot in many states ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Harris campaigned in the critical battleground state of Wisconsin on Tuesday. She won support from major party figures and attention has since turned to who she will pick as her running mate.
Many respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they knew nothing about the Democrats seen as potential picks to join Harris’ ticket.
About one in four registered voters said they had never heard of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a former Democratic presidential candidate who had the highest favorability rating – 37% – of the potential Harris running mates in the poll.
One in three had not heard of California Governor Gavin Newsom, with about the same share saying they looked on him favorably. Half of registered voters in the poll had never heard of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and two thirds knew nothing of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
The poll, which was conducted online, surveyed 1,241 U.S. adults nationwide, including 1,018 registered voters.
Politics
Rep. Oseni Mourns Late Ido LG Political Stalwart Tijani Abdullahi
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The Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State is in mourning following the passing of a prominent political figure, Alhaji Tijani Abdullahi, whose demise marks the end of an era of selfless leadership and unwavering dedication to community development.
A member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as a visionary politician who significantly shaped the political evolution of the council.
In a heartfelt statement released over the weekend by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni paid glowing tribute to the late Abdullahi, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to the progress of his people.
“Alhaji Tijani Abdullahi was more than a political leader; he was a beacon of wisdom. His contributions to the political landscape of Ido Local Government cannot be overstated. He was a principled man who championed justice, fairness, and development,” Oseni remarked.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved family, political associates, and the people of the council area, the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), urged them to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late politician.
“This is an immeasurable loss, but we must find comfort in the remarkable life he lived. His dedication to our council and his relentless pursuit of good governance will forever be cherished,” the lawmaker added.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Politics
Photos: Oyo APC Warns Ibadan North Chair on Project Claim
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has raised concerns over an alleged attempt by the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr. Seun Olufade, to claim credit for a federal government-funded project. The party warned that proceeding with plans to commission the facility as a local government achievement would amount to fraud and misrepresentation.
The project in question, a Cassava Processing Plant located in Barika, Agbowo, Ibadan, was facilitated by the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The ultra-modern facility is being financed by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja.
In a statement issued over the weekend by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC accused the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state of consistently interfering with developmental projects facilitated by APC lawmakers. The party alleged that PDP-led local government officials often frustrate such projects while also attempting to claim them as their own.
“Recently, we have witnessed multiple instances of lawlessness, with some council chairmen deploying thugs to halt the commencement or completion of projects facilitated by APC federal lawmakers, citing a lack of state government approval,” Sadare stated.
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He referenced the halted construction of the Brewery-Arolu-Agoro-Adogba-Monatan Road project in Ward 06 of Egbeda Local Government, facilitated by an APC federal lawmaker. According to him, the project was obstructed by PDP-aligned operatives on the day of its flag-off and has since been abandoned.
The APC further alleged that Mr. Olufade has scheduled an elaborate commissioning ceremony for the Agbowo Cassava Processing Plant this Friday, despite having no involvement in its facilitation or execution.
“The Cassava Processing Factory is a federal project aimed at empowering grassroots communities and supporting national food security initiatives. It is unacceptable for the Ibadan North Chairman to mislead the public by taking undue credit for a project he played no role in executing,” the statement read.
The party also accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of mismanaging local government funds, arguing that the scope of the Agbowo project surpasses what any local government could independently finance under the current financial structure in Oyo State.
“As of today, Governor Makinde has been controlling the allocations meant for the 33 local government areas since 2019. It is, therefore, deceitful for anyone in the PDP-led administration to claim credit for projects funded by the federal government through APC lawmakers,” the party insisted.
APC urged residents of Barika and Agbowo communities to remain patient, assuring them that necessary installations and final preparations for production at the cassava processing facility would soon be completed.
The party concluded its statement by warning against what it described as “political scavengers” attempting to take credit for APC-initiated projects, particularly as the constituency prepares for a bye-election to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Hon. Olaide Akinremi.
As of the time of reporting, Mr. Seun Olufade and the Ibadan North Local Government administration have yet to respond to the allegations.
Politics
Oyo North 2027: Youth Mobilizer ,Omidiji Endorses Ogunesan’s Senatorial Ambition
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The 2027 senatorial ambition of Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan for Oyo North has received a major boost as a prominent youth mobilizer in the district, Hon. Ponmile Omidiji, has publicly endorsed the former Oyo State Head of Service as his preferred candidate.
Hon. Omidiji, who served as the Director of Youth and Students for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship campaign in Oyo State during the 2023 elections, described Ogunesan’s aspiration as “a welcome development and worthy of total support.”
He cited her track record and antecedents as key factors that position her as the frontrunner in the race for the senatorial seat.
According to the youth mobilizer, Ogunesan’s ability to identify, nurture, and engage talents is unmatched, making her an invaluable asset in the struggle for a better life for the people of Oyo North. He emphasized that her commitment to human capital development has been evident throughout her career.
“Looking at it holistically, it is obvious that Mrs. Ogunesan fits in all aspects. Her passion for the well-being and development of Oke Ogun and Oyo North as a whole makes her the best candidate for the job,” Omidiji stated.
He further lauded the aspirant’s leadership qualities, noting that she possesses the competence and vision to sustain the developmental strides of Senator Fatai Buhari while also taking the senatorial district to greater heights.
“Oyo North deserves a leader who embodies innovation, altruism, and strategic foresight. Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making her uniquely qualified to represent our people,” he added.
Hon. Omidiji called on the people of Oke Ogun to rally behind Ogunesan’s candidacy, stressing the need for collective support to actualize her vision for a prosperous Oyo North.
“When we rally behind candidates who are committed to our welfare, we create a framework within which our interests are not merely heard but are prioritized,” he concluded.
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