Politics

3 killed, scores injured in Osun PDP, APC clash

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

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There are strong indications that the 2023 general elections in Osun state would be characterized by an orgy of violence as members of the two key political parties, the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including security personnel attached to political officers in the state have started shooting and mercilessly attacking themselves with guns, cutlasses, clubs, knives broken bottles, charms and other dangerous weapons in Osun East Senatorial district of the state.

PDP members claimed that some armed political thugs from the APC camp attacked the homes of the father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ilesa East/Ilesa West/ Atakunmosa-East/Atakunmosa-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Olusanya Omirin and the home of the father of the immediate past PDP Chairman of the State, Honourable Sunday Bisi in Ilesha East local government area of the state on Friday evening.

The attackers who were said to have rained live bullets on the building of their victims were said to have shot and injured scores of people in the shooting activities which lasted an hour in the area where the attacks took place.

Omirin’s father, an octogenarian, is said to have escaped by whiskers while the father of Bisi is also said to have been smuggled out of the house to avoid being killed by the attackers.

The situation was however said to have thrown people living in the vicinity into a panic condition as few of them were said to have vacated their residences to avoid being killed or injured in the violent attacks.

Also, a PDP member who identified himself as Kolawole revealed that two members of the party had been killed in Ilesha by the APC members and charged to concerned to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

But, the APC debunked the claims saying, the PDP were the attackers who always unleash terror on its members saying, one of its members had been killed by the PDP thugs.

The party acting Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal who made this known said, “I sympathise with the leaders and members of our party in Ilesa over the killing of one of them during the onslaught on the members of our party yesterday in Ilesa.

“The police should do their work and get to the root of the killing of our members by the PDP hoodlums.

“I am imploring our members to refuse the temptation to size up with the PDP combatants whose only idea of winning the election is shedding of human blood,” Lawal enjoined.

However, a statement signed by the PDP Acting Chairman in Osun State, Dr Akindele Adekunle, affirmed that the inhuman acts were performed by the APC members.

According to the statement, ”hoodlums in the service of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday descended on the homes of the father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ilesa East/Ilesa West/ Atakunmosa-East/Atakunmosa-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Olusanya Omirin, in Ilesa East local government, causing major scare for the octonogorian who had to rush for safety as live bullets rain down on the building.

“Similar despicable attack was visited on the home of the father of the immediate PDP Chairman of the State, Honourable Sunday Bisi, which threw residents, especially the PDP chief old man in palpable fear.

“The attacks are a continuation of the APC’s pattern of violence to intimidate members and supporters of the PDP from active participation in the upcoming elections.

“The rejected APC having realized the resolve of the people to vote against it has taken to violence and attacking our party members and innocent citizens to scare them away from the election,” the statement noted.

He added that “just today, the homes of the fathers of Honourables Olusanya Omirin and Sunday Bisi came under fierce attacks by APC thugs, with live bullets viciously unleashed at them. Posters and billboards for PDP candidates in Ilesa East were violently removed and our members were targeted for vicious attacks.

“Our immediate question as a party is what exactly is the sin of the old men that they were the target of APC attacks or is it just because they are the fathers of the two PDP chiefs?” This is pure evil and it is our passionate call on every lover of democracy to come to the aid of our party members in Ijeshaland, and by extension, the whole of Osun state, in the face of APC resort to violence,” he said.

The PDP called on security agencies in the state to come to the rescue of PDP members and supporters, warning that it could not continue to guarantee the patience of members and supporters to the unceasing attacks of the APC.

“We are committed to a peaceful election, but will however warn that the PDP will not be intimidated by this attempt by APC to discourage our participation in the elections. We charge our members not to be provoked by the APC, and instead, continue to be focused on the drive to vote all PDP candidates in the general elections,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Sooko Lawal, the APC acting Chairman insisted that “a member of the party at Ward Nine, Irojo, Ilesa East Local Government Council Area of the state, Ebenezer Alaro was attacked by perpetrators said to be operating on the directive of Sanya Omirin, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa-South Federal Constituency.”

Speaking through the party spokesperson, Chief Adekola Olabisi via a statement in Osogbo, he stated that,” it was learnt that Alaro, who was the driver of the Cabsta vehicle used by the APC candidates for the party’s resumed ward-by-ward rally in the constituency yesterday, was chased to the front of his father’s house where he was shot around 1:00 p.m. by hoodlums led by ‘Bongo,’ a notorious thug in the community.

“It was gathered that Omirin was earlier sighted at Irojo Junction of the ancient town in the midst of masked men in police uniform who went on rampage alongside the PDP thugs, an incident which subsequently led to the killing of the APC member.

“Sources close to the scene of the crisis disclosed that the police later came to remove the corpse of the slain APC member to the Wesley Guild Hospital morgue.

“Information also has it that the shop belonging to the APC Women Leader in Ward 9, Irojo, Ilesa East Local Government Council Area, popularly known as ‘Iya Ruka’, was earlier destroyed by the rampaging PDP thugs.

“It was also observed that all the billboards, from Osunjela to Ilesa, of the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other APC candidates, were also destroyed by the rampaging thugs.

“A source who craved anonymity for fear of being attacked disclosed that for the past few days, the PDP hoodlums had embarked on massive destruction of APC posters and billboards and then turned around to fabricate lies to cast APC members in a bad light,” tye statement added.

Commenting on the development, the Acting Chairman, said the killing of the APC member by the PDP janjaweed was callous, wicked and inhuman.

Lawal stated that the life of a fellow human being means nothing to the leadership of the PDP in Osun State as there could not be any rationalisation for Dr Akindele Adekunle, the propagandist PDP chairman, to have rushed to the press, distorting the fact of the killing of the APC member.

The Acting APC State Chairman hinted that it was a pity that the PDP leadership in the state reasoned that violence could secure victory for their party in the forthcoming general elections.

Lawal charged the police to get to the root of the killing of one of his party men by the PDP.

The state APC acting chairman warned the PDP handlers to stop the injection of violence into the body polity telling the PDP that such ungodly conduct would earn them no good in the long run.

“I sympathise with the leaders and members of our party in Ilesa over the killing of one of them during the onslaught on the members of our party yesterday.

“The police should do their work and get to the root of the killing of our members by the PDP hoodlums.

“I am imploring our members to refuse the temptation to size up with the PDP combatants whose only idea of winning the election is shedding of human blood,” Lawal enjoined.

While reacting to the crisis, the state police command spokesperson, Mrs Yemisi Opalola confirmed that it was true that, a report of a dead person killed in Ilesha was reported to the command and that, investigations were ongoing on the matter.

Nigerian Tribune

Politics

2027: Thousands defy downpour to rally for Gov. Mbah’s re-election

Published

12 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Enugu Gov, Dr Peter Mbah

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…Insist 8-year tenure tradition stands

Thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

The crowd, which surged for the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Politics

Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be his final outing, citing his age as the primary reason.

The former Vice President made this commitment on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest on the Arise Television programme, Prime Time.

Speaking during the interview, he said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”

When asked why Nigerians should vote for him after so many attempts, especially considering his age, Atiku explained that since Nigeria faces a leadership crisis, he represents both the past and the future of the nation.

He recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, asserting that the country was in dire need of it.

Atiku has made multiple attempts to become Nigeria’s president since entering partisan politics.

He took his first shot at the presidency in 1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola.

He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress (AC) banner, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, the former Vice President contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries but lost the nomination to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He subsequently returned to the PDP to contest the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Most recently, in 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Politics

ADC won’t surrender to tyranny — David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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• ADC will win 2027 election —Atiku

•We need viable candidate to defeat Tinubu —Amaechi

•Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts —Obi

•Renewed Hope is a scam —Aregbesola

NATIONAL Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, said the party would not surrender to attempts being made to silence the voice of the people and destroy democracy in the country.

He stated this while speaking at the eighth national convention of the ADC held at Rainbow Events Centre, Abuja.

Mark said since the beginning of the current journey, the ADC had faced many challenges and hurdles as well as fierce and unprecedented betrayal.

He noted that recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have raised fundamental questions about the process that govern our democracy.

However, he told those who orchestrated the obstacles before the ADC that they have not weakened them but rather welded them together, stressing that “Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.”

He said, “Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us; through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction. They sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to them to ensure that you – the delegates, the members, the owners of this party – would never gather. But we are here.

“At our recent press briefing, we made it clear that the integrity of democratic institutions must be protected at all times. We also made it clear that in an ever shrinking democratic space that is orchestrated by those in the ruling party, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat.

“Dear party members and leaders, let me remind all of us that strong political movements are not built in moments of ease and in comfort. They are built in times like this, when a broken nation cries out for change and the people look for those who would lead with commitment and honesty.

“We will not surrender, because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of our democracy. To surrender therefore is to yield to tyranny and therefore become complicit in the destruction of our democracy.

“And let us here be the answer to every doubt, every threat, and every shenanigan designed to keep Nigeria trapped in a one party future. The ADC cannot be wished away. The ADC cannot be litigated into silence. The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people – and the Nigerian people have spoken by showing up today.”

Mark, who said he accepted the responsibility to lead the party with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as the platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt, described the convention as one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian democratic history because it represented the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, and a former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, urged party leaders and members to be united and resilient amid escalating political pressure.

He described the gathering as defining moment, noting that the convention represented not just a meeting but a convergence of purpose to rebuild Nigeria.

ADC will win 2027 election – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed optimism that the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The Waziri Adamawa stressed the need for all leaders in the party to bring genuine change to tackle all challenges facing the country.

He said, “Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform “What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.

“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. They said, “If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.” They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.

“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.

“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today”

ADC needs viable candidate to defeat Tinubu – Amaechi

Also speaking, a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said only a viable candidate can defeat Tinubu in 2027.

He said the economic situation in the country was so bad that the citizens might find it difficult to buy fuel and eat food with the collection of annual company tax.

He said, “June is here. When they start collecting annual company tax, you will see what will happen. Nobody can buy petrol. Nobody can feed. Let me repeat for those who attack me. If you Nigerians are not hungry, I am. You can attack me as much as you want. The situation is bad. It’s terrible.

“And if you think President Tinubu will give you power, you are wasting your time. ADC must come together, decide on a viable candidate. It must be a viable candidate. We did it in APC. When we joined APC, we looked for a viable candidate and we stopped them. No ethnicity, no religion. We are back to square one. It’s ethnicity and religion that brought you here. It’s religion, religion. Today, we are here, no Muslim market, no Christian market. The market is Naira. This is up to you.”

Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts – Obi

Also speaking, the ADC chieftain and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Peter Obi, underscored the need for unity among critical stakeholders for the sake of the country.

He criticised the government for Nigeria’s ranking in terrorism, increased debts profile, borrowing amidst subsidy removal, and non funding of 2025 budget.

Renewed Hope is a scam – Aregbesola

While presenting the statutory Secretariat Report titled “ADC is Unstoppable because It Is the Son of Nigeria”, the ADC National Secretary and a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam.

Aregbesola said President Tinubu ought to have stepped aside for failing to provide steady electricity supply. (Tribune)