Politics
SDP’s Muritala Ajaka is Kogi consensus governorship candidate – Kogi East Elders
The Kogi East Elders Committee on Monday unveiled the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka as the consensus governorship candidate for the November 11, 2023 election in the state.
“Having carefully examined the candidate’s capacities, popularity/acceptability, network and in consideration of the various recommendations and reports received from the grassroots, we, on behalf of the alliance working groups under the auspices of Kogi East EldersCommittee announce that Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, SDP is hereby endorsed as the Kogi East consensus candidate and is presented to the Kogi people,” the Kogi Elders Committee led by Chief Arc. Gabriel Adukwu announced this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
The move by the Kogi East stakeholders to select a consensus candidate from the nine contestants from the senatorial zone is aimed at uniting the entire Igala and Bassa people to pursue the recovery of the governorship seat as a collective political project.
The Committee urged all other candidates to unite behind Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka to rescue Kogi State from its current state of decline. Prior to the decision of the committee, four candidates of different political parties had voluntarily announced their decision to step down for Ajaka.
The Kogi East elders, however, called on Citizens of Kogi State to take up the Candidacy of Alhaji Muritala Ajaka as a collective project.
Below is the full statement issued by the committee endorsing Alhaji Ajaka as the consensus governorship candidate for Kogi state:
PRESENTATION OF CONSENSUS CANDIDATE FOR THE 11TH NONEMBER KOGI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION BY KOGI EAST ELDERS COMMITTEE ON 12TH JUNE , 2023@ CHIDA HOTEL, ABUJA
Background:
Multiplicity of Candidates:
The situation of Kogi State, particularly Kogi East in the past nearly eight years to say the least, has been a sad commentary which has placed Kogi State in a steep- falling state. The zeal by many to revamp this backward trend has led many candidates to throw their hats into the ring to contest for the State’s November 11, 2023 governorship election. Unfortunately, the multiplicity of candidates vying for the governorship position on different political platforms, presents a huge challenge for the stakeholders of Kogi East if a candidate from the zone is to emerge victorious.
In the face of this challenge, Ukomu Igala Organisation set up a committee towards the end of 2022 to address the problems of Kogi East political backwardness and streamline the number of candidates contesting for the governorship position in the State. Before long, we were joined by Igala-Bassa Relief and Development Initiative, Advisory Council, Kogi East Elders Council, Igala Elders Consultative Forum, Ojuju Agbadufu, Igala in Focus, Political Critical Stakeholders and over 40 platform participants joining us in the search for a consensus candidate.
Search for A Consensus Candidate
The Committee started by interacting with the various aspirants on the 29th of March 2023, on the 4th and 11th of April, 2023 respectively with the aim of making them to understand what was at stake. Thereafter, the Committee issued a preliminary report before the primary elections in different political partiesand suggested that the process for a consensus Candidate, could only be addressed among candidates who are able to secure their parties tickets,
Our Committee found that all the candidates are ably qualified however, only one candidate will occupy the seat.
Following the conclusion of the political parties primary elections and the subsequent release of INEC list of candidates who emerged their party flag bearers, the engagement with the candidates continued and we received recommendations from over 40 groups and associations of Kogi East extraction of their preferred candidates. We also examined certificates of the candidates and likely encumbrances to the best of our abilities. We are happy to report that all the candidates met the basic lawful requirements
The Committee went on further consultations with other critical stakeholders from across Kogi East grass roots and interacted with citizens from other senatorial zones.
The candidates were encouraged to interact among themselves with the purpose of agreeing on a candidate to present. The candidates met several times and requested that they be given up to 9th June to present their report. Only yesterday 11th June, 2023, the Committee received report of five among the Nine candidates who stepped down for Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
Presentation of Our Consensus Candidate
While this process lasted, the Committee was not unaware of the high expectations of Kogi citizens to pick a consensus winning candidate but we kept appealing for calm and patience to enable us conclude the process objectively in line with the people’s desires. The Committee having carefully examined the candidate’s capacities, popularity/acceptability, network and in consideration of the various recommendations and reports received from the grassroots, we, on behalf of the alliance working groups under the auspices of Kogi East EldersCommittee announce that Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, SDP is hereby endorsed as the Kogi East consensus candidate and is presented to the Kogi people. We wish you well and sincerely pray for you to succeedin accordance with objectives of government and governancerun with good intentions. It is however necessary to note that thesuccess of a leader or any one bestowed with trust such as theone conferred on our Committee does not occur when he doeshis own will, but when he fulfills the desires and yearnings ofthe people he presides over.
We want to use this medium to call on all other candidates to please rally round Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka for the sake of the entire Kogi State to ensure our victory at the poll. We plead that the candidates collapse their structures to close ranks with the other candidates and work together to achieve the desired aim to rescue Kogi State.We wish you well and sincerely pray for you to succeed in accordance with expectations of the critical mass of Kogi people.
By this endorsement, all Citizens of Kogi State are invited to take up the Candidacy of Alhaji Muritala Ajaka as a collective project.
May God help Us all
Thank you.
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.
“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.
Politics
Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda
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.”
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.”
It
“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.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday.
The governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes over his closest rivals in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Olumayokun Oluyede and African Democratic Congress, Dare Bejide, across the state’s 16 local governments.
The Returning Officer for the election, Prof Adenike Oladiji, who is the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at the INEC’s headquarters on Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oladiji said, “Therefore, I, Adenike, am the returning officer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election…Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and stands re-elected.”
While the APC polled 319,224 votes, the PDP candidate polled 40, 533 votes, and the ADC candidate amassed 12,872 votes.
There are 988,251 registered voters, and 384,940 are accredited.
Out of the 382,109 votes cast, the total valid votes in the election were 375, 777.
According to INEC’s results, the PDP candidate, who hails from Efon-Alaaye in Efon LGA, lost in his local government area.
While the APC and its candidate, Oyebanji, scored 8,742 votes, the PDP, which came second in the LGA, garnered 2,051 votes.
Below are the full results of the governorship election as collated at the State Collation Centre from the 16 LGAs on Sunday.
Efon Local Govt
Collation officer: Prof. Joseph Ojo
ADC – 201
APC – 8742
PDP – 2051
Ijero LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Olaniran Akanni
ADC – 2026
APC – 25506
PDP – 2479
Ikere LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Jayeoba
ADC – 245
APC – 11116
PDP – 9872
Emure LG
Collation Officer: Prof Emmanuel Oluwafemi
ADC -732
APC – 14325
PDP – 851
Ekiti South West
Collation Officer: Prof. Kola Oladunmoye
ADC – 1076
APC – 14705
PDP – 1800
Ido/Osi
Collation Officer: Prof. Otalobi Akintunde
ADC – 561
APC – 17901
PDP – 1449
Collation Officer: Prof Bolaji Stephen
ADC – 674
APC – 28258
PDP – 3644
Ado LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Toye Fasinmirin
ADC – 1054
APC – 38026
PDP – 3817
Ilejemeje LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Mogaji
ADC – 579
APC – 8984
PDP – 1243
Ise/Orun LG
Collation Officer: Dr John Isa
ADC – 365
APC – 12907
PDP – 1627
Oye LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Jide Popoola
ADC – 998
APC – 18975
PDP – 2891
Moba LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Suleiman Adegboyega
ADC – 994
APC – 20500
PDP – 1572
Ayekire/Gbonyin LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Oso Bamidele
ADC – 314
APC – 17133
PDP – 1563
Ikole LG
Collation Officer: Prof. Sadiat Adifala
ADC – 812
APC – 26508
PDP – 750
Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA
Collation Officer: Prof. Michael Adeyemi
ADC – 511
APC – 29278
PDP – 2119
Ekiti East LGA
Collation Officer: Prof. Olabode Olatunbosun
ADC – 1730
APC – 26359
PDP – 2795
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