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Nigeria on the road to perdition

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Okutepa SAN
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By Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN.

On Friday, the 23rd day of August 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria legitimized what appears from facts available on records, an otherwise illegitimate electoral process that produced Ahmed Usman Ododo as governor of Kogi State. The facts of the fraudulent election that produced the Kogi State Governor were completely overlooked by the court because the witness that produced the BVAS machines demonstrated in open court, which records are there in the records of proceedings before the three tiers of court, did not frontload witness statements on oath and filed along with the petition.But this witness came from INEC upon orders of court which orders the trial Tribunal later in judgment set aside suo motu.

Note that INEC pursuant to orders of the Tribunal of 14th February 2024 made under paragraphs 41(1),(5), and (6) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2022, produced the BVAS machines that were used in the disputed five Local Governments of Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Lokoja LGAs. Note also that INEC authorised the witness that demonstrated the BVAS machines tendered and demonstrated with the codes to access the contents of the BVAS machines.

Let me congratulate the Nigerian judiciary for having the courage to overlook the facts of the electoral frauds and manipulations as seen on the records under legal technicalities to give judicial legitimacy to an otherwise fraudulent electoral processes that produced the Governor for the people of Kogi State. The essence of democracy is legitimacy derived from the sovereignty of people and not one man show as we see in the Nigerian brand of democracy that always get stamps of legitimacy from the institutions that have duties and responsibilities to checkmate illegitimate electoral processes.

Yesterday, the premises of the Supreme Court witnessed one of the processes used in the production of the governor that was affirmed as winner of the election of November 11, 2023, in Kogi State. Right under the nose and the hallowed premises of the Supreme Court yesterday was a clear case of the facts of barbaric conduct that produced the government that was legitimized by the Supreme Court.

The governorship candidate of SDP who pursued his grievances with courage of convinction through legitimate channels to the Supreme Court was mercilessly attacked by political hoodlums and hooligans.Nigerian security agencies were in the court premises.The attacks were done in their presence and under their watch.To date, no arrest had been made or a statement issued by the appropriate agency of government to show that the Nigerian government did not approve of that attack.

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Nigerians are watching the unholy conspiracy against the sovereignty of Nigerians and democracy in Nigeria. The seeds of anti-democracy being sown will germinate. Those encouraging democratic barbarism will not be spared the wrath of justice from the one that delivers undiluted justice to all.

The deprived people are watching the way the compromised systems are forcing on the people those the people have rejected in the exercise of their civic responsibilities. As the late Dele Giwa put it, no evil done by man to man will go unpunished. If not now, certainly in the future.

For those who exercised their legal rights to approach the court to be attacked in the courts premises is a signal that our institution of justice is being disrespected and ridiculed. The attacks on SDP candidate should not be treated with levity. It must not be dismissed as the normal thing.

Nigerian Federal Government must not sit and watch the desecration of the Supreme Court by political thugs and criminals attacking those who approached our courts for remedies. That is the civilized thing to do.The justification of that attack by Kingsley Fawnon, the spokesperson for Kogi State government, speaks volumes.It shows how reckless some functionaries in the Kogi government have become.It also shows the thinking of the leadership of the Kogi State headed now by Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo must come out to show that he is not in support of the barbaric attacks. Until then, it is safe to conclude that Kingsley Fawnon spoke on his behalf and at his instance.Whichever is the case the way we are going in Nigeria and given the seemingly conspiracies by the institutions of governance to legitimize an otherwise illegitimate processes, Nigerian democracy is heading to calamity.

Nigeria is on the road of perdition. The only way Nigerian democracy can be saved is for the Nigerian judiciary to stop ignoring facts of fraudulent electoral processes and not to give garment of legitimacy to otherwise illegitimate electoral processes that produced winners under flawed electoral processes.

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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.

“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.

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“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.”

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.

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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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BREAKING: INEC declares APC’s Oyebanji winner of Ekiti gov election

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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.

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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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