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Enugu Guber: Disregard call for another review, withholding of Certificate of Return, group tells INEC

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…Says it’s a call for anarchy

A pro-democracy and good governance advocacy organisation, the Enugu Good Governance Group, E-3G, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to disregard call by the Labour Party for another review of the outcome of  March 18 governorship election in Enugu State, saying it is a call for anarchy.

The group said having dutifully collated the results of the 17 local government areas and declared the winner, INEC had exhausted its constitutional powers, and therefore urged the election management body to go ahead to present the Certificate of Return to the winner, Dr. Peter Mbah, of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The group made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Addressing the press, the National Coordinator of the group, Odinaka Okechukwu said: “The Enugu Good Governance Group is aware that the Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party and its governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, have petitioned the the INEC calling on the election management body to: declare the March 18 governorship election as inconclusive; cancel votes in Nkanu East local government area; and withhold the issuance of Certificate of Return to any candidate until issues enumerated in their petition are resolved.

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“However, we recall that collation of the results of the 17 local government areas of Enugu State was completed as at 19th March. By the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the only other duty left for the State Returning Officer was to add up the figures, announce them, and declare the winner in line with Section 64 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“But upon the insistence of the Labour Party, INEC bent backwards to review the results before eventually declaring Dr. Peter Mbah of the PDP the winner on 22nd March.

“Therefore, we see the latest calls by the Labour Party not only an attempt to convert the INEC to an Election Petition Tribunal, but also a call for anarchy; and we condemn it in totality.

“All political actors, including the Enugu Labour Party and its governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, must understand that election is a process guided by timelines and various constitutional “powers vested in several institutions to ensure the sustenance of our democracy. Mounting pressure on one institution to overreach itself will never go well for the nation’s democracy”.

It said, despite reported issues, the 2023 Enugu governorship election “was comparatively and substantially free, fair, and credible”.

“We therefore call on the INEC to disregard the call for a further review of the declared result and go ahead to hand over the Certificate of Return to the declared winner. Doing otherwise will be going beyond INEC’s mandate and an invitation to a possible anarchy.

“We also urge the Enugu Labour Party and any other party dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to make use of the provisions of Section 130 of the Electoral Act 2022 by approaching the Election Petition Tribunal with their complaints”, the group stated.

The E-3G equally faulted the call for the cancellation of the results of Nkanu East LGA, saying it was founded on false premises and propaganda.

“Contrary to the wrong figures about registered voters, accredited voters, and the figures on I-REV dished out about Nkanu East, authentic data at INEC showed that Nkanu East actually has 82,959 registered voters, while 33,156 voters were accredited by BVAS. INEC I-Rev also confirmed the initial 30,350 votes recorded in the local government area.

“For this reason, the people of the local government area have continued to wonder how INEC arrived at its decision to reduce the 30,350 votes polled by the PDP in Nkanu East where the people trooped out in their numbers to vote for their son by 13,394 votes, while retaining the results of Nsukka LGA and Isi-Uzo local government areas, which was recklessly padded to give the Labour Party candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, undue advantage. But people and the PDP have not brought the house down”.

Throwing more light on the alleged electoral malpractices by the Labour Party in Nsukka and Isi-Uzo LGAs in particular, and most parts of Enugu North zone, Comrade Okechukwu said: “It is well noted that massive rigging and misuse of the security agencies marred the 18th March election in these areas such that the about 17,000 votes earlier polled by Chijioke Edeoga in the afternoon suddenly jumped to 30,294 votes.

“This magic was reportedly achieved by inflating the votes of four Wards, namely, Obukpa, Ihe, Nkpunano, and Owerre/Umuoyo to 12,779. This is the total vote of a whole LGA on a good day. It is equally striking that Ihe and Nkpunano Wards generated a uniform number of 3,410 votes each.

“Again, it is noteworthy that the Labour Party recorded over 17,000 votes in the University of Nigeria Nsukka alone recorded even while students, who constitute the larger voting populations in the academic community, were on compulsory election break.

“It is equally a cause for concern that Nsukka local government area recorded a miraculous 45,476 voters on a day Sun newspaper reports “Enugu Polls: Law Voter Turnout in Nsukka” showed a huge voter apathy.

“Other parties and observers have also put it on record that Chijioke Edeoga and his Labour Party turned Isi-Uzo local government area into a war zone, using security agents to hijack election materials after arresting their perceived political opponents. It was worst in Eha-Amufu Ward 3 where efforts to cook up over 35,000 votes was gallantly resisted by the Council Chairman, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, and the people.

“It has also been reported that when the Labour Party could still not win, Supervisory Polling Officer (SPO) in Umualor and some other wards were abducted into the bush where the results were rewritten to give Edoega and the Labour Party over 12,000 magic votes”, the group concluded.

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2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences

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Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of NDC
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Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.

It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.

Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

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The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.

“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.

“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.

“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”

While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”

It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.

Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.

It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.

“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.

“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.

“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.

“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.

“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

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“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

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Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.

According to the National Chairman:

“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”

“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

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Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.

Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.

“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”

“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”

The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.

He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.

“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”

Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.

“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
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“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”

The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.

“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”

“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”

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