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LG Polls: Oyo APC drags governor, OYSIEC to court

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to court over its exclusion from the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

Also joined in the suit was the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission(OYSIEC).

Oyo State Caretaker Chairman of APC, Chief Akin Oke, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Oke said the APC, through its lawyers, had prepared the originating processes and forwarded same to the state’s Chief Judge.

He expressed the hope that the case would be attended to timeously by accepting it for filing and assigning it to a judge for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde had on assumption of office in 2019 sacked the elected local government chairmen and councillors on the platform of APC, a year into their tenure.

The sacked chairmen and councillors had approached the court to challenge the dissolution, which the Supreme Court ruled in their favour on May 7, 2021

NAN recalled that the OYSIEC had before the judgment commenced electoral processes for the conduct of local government elections for May 22, in which APC did not participate on account of the pending judgment.

Oke said that the courts were imbued with extensive powers under the High Court Laws of Oyo State, Nigerian Constitution and High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Oyo State.

“Gov. Makinde and OYSIEC are planning to go ahead with the conduct of the local government elections slated for this Saturday (May 22) without the APC and other registered political parties.

“This action of the governor and OYSIEC is a waste of the state’s resources. The action is aimed at making mockery of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Oke described APC’s exclusion from the elections by OYSIEC as deliberate and unconstitutional, adding that OYSIEC goofed by commencing the process while there was pending litigation.

He also noted that OYSIEC had in its guidelines imposed a nomination form fee of N250,000 and N100,000 to be paid by the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants, respectively.

“These fees are illegal because election processes cannot be monetised. The OYSIEC having realised this illegal imposition of fees have now decided to refund the candidates.

“But not after OYSIEC had closed every avenue for participation in the electoral processes,” he said.

The caretaker chairman said that the APC said was aware that some Magistrate Courts in Oyo State are sitting over criminal matters considered urgent, in spite of the ongoing JUSUN strike.

“If the Oyo State judiciary could permit criminal matters to be heard in a strike, we trust his lordship, the chief  judge would mandate the necessary units and personnel to effect filing, as well as assigning  timeously before election day,” Oke said. (N0AN)

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N’Delta group Aims To Gather 10 Million Votes In Support Of Tinubu’s Re-election

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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A grassroots sociopolitical organisation based in the Niger Delta, Door-2-Door, has expressed its commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The group aims to mobilise and secure 10 million votes for the President.

Door-2-Door was founded by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and an influential figure in the Ijaw nation.

In a statement released in Warri, Delta State, on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Sunday Adekanbi, the organisation characterised its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election as unwavering.

“As emphasised by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door is unequivocally committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our goal of mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President is non-negotiable,” the statement read in part.

The organisation also praised President Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the party.

Offering heartfelt congratulations to Professor Yilwatda on his well-deserved election, the group described him as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that his dedication to public service and commitment to democratic values would guide the party to greater success.

The statement continued, “Professor Yilwatda is, without a doubt, the right fit for the challenging position of APC National Chairman. His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him exceptionally qualified to lead the party toward new heights.

“Throughout his decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has shown remarkable talent and extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are essential as the APC prepares to address challenges and solidify its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We have full confidence that under his leadership, the APC will be strengthened both institutionally and ideologically. We look forward to witnessing how his vision and expertise will enhance the party’s strengths, boost grassroots support, and inspire Nigerians to unite behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.

“Indeed, Professor Nentawe possesses the intellectual rigor and leadership charisma that this crucial moment demands. As Nigeria approaches the next election, Door-2-Door, under the leadership of High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We believe that with his guidance, the party will achieve a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to all Nigerians.”

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FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

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Rail lines
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The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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Benue Governor, Alia Dissolved State Executive Council

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Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the state executive council, retaining only the position of Chief of Staff, which will now be held by Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Atagher, an experienced administrator and former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, effective immediately, at the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.

Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced that the dissolution affects only the commissioners.

Governor Alia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their two years of service, encouraging those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a valuable learning process.

The former commissioners have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries.

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