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Bayelsa Poll: INEC Excludes Sylva’s Name From Candidates List

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Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources
Timipre Sylva
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the name of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, from the final list of candidates ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The amended list which was uploaded on the commission’s website on Tuesday was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

Sighted by Channels Television on Wednesday, the column for the names of the APC candidate and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, was left blank with “court order” remarks on it.

According to Oriaran-Anthony, the action of the commission was in obedience to court orders on the lists, served on the commission.

Recalling that the commission published the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election on June 9 in accordance with the provision of Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Election, she said after the publication, INEC was served with an order of court in respect of the nomination of candidate of the APC for the poll.

“By virtue of the provision of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Commission is bound to enforce the orders of the court on the nomination of candidates by political parties in the state,” Oriaran-Anthony said.

“The Amended list of candidates in respect of the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election is hereby amended pursuant to the orders of court served on the commission.”

On October 10, the Federal High Court in Abuja disqualified Sylva from participating in the state governorship election.

Justice Okorowo ruled that Sylva, having been sworn in twice and served five years as governor of the state, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

The judge also declared that Sylva was not qualified to run in the November poll because if he wins and is sworn in, he would spend more than eight years in office as governor of the state.

But the APC in in Bayelsa State said it will appeal the Federal High Court judgment disqualifying Timipre Sylva, its candidate in the forthcoming governorship election.

The Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Bayelsa Governorship Campaign Council, Perry Tukuwei, argued that the suit by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in breach of the Electoral Act.

 

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Politics

2027: Obi Unsure of ADC Presidential Ticket, Emphasises Commitment to ‘Cause’

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Peter Obi
Peter Obi
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is uncertain about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Obi told supporters that his focus remains on a broader political mission rather than personal ambition, noting that there is no guarantee he will emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I cannot be certain that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. What matters is that we are committed to a cause,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor reflected on Nigeria’s current political climate, questioning how the situation evolved and the potential consequences if ongoing reform efforts are abandoned.

“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project,” he added.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to his ideals despite reported threats, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty.

“It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncertainty of political alliances, warning about the possibility of shifting loyalties among stakeholders.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Ogun Lawmakers Back Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Endorse Adeola for Governor

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Senator Solomon Adeola and President Bola Tinubu
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No fewer than 20 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development as key achievements.

The endorsement, announced on Wednesday in Abeokuta, aligns with an earlier position taken by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sherrif Yusuf, said the decision reflects confidence in the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy and expand critical infrastructure nationwide.

According to Yusuf, the administration has made notable progress in fiscal reforms and road development connecting key economic corridors, adding that continuity would help consolidate ongoing gains.

The lawmakers also unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as an experienced legislator with a strong record of performance and commitment to public service.

Yusuf highlighted Adeola’s contributions in the National Assembly, including leadership roles in strategic committees and advocacy for development projects and empowerment initiatives across Ogun State.

In addition, the Assembly members expressed support for Governor Abiodun’s future political aspirations beyond his current tenure, noting that his administrative experience and governance record position him for higher responsibilities.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for leaders whose policies and vision align with the aspirations of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Aduda Defects to APC, Pledges Abuja Win for Tinubu in 2027

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Senator Philip Aduda at that APC National Secretariat Abuja
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Former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections.

Aduda was formally received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed him the party’s insignia in the presence of key members of the National Working Committee and supporters.

Welcoming the former lawmaker, Yilwatda described the APC as Nigeria’s leading progressive platform, highlighting ongoing economic reforms and major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration. He pointed to the Sokoto–Badagry road project as a strategic corridor expected to boost agriculture, commerce, and national connectivity, adding that recent policies have strengthened the non-oil sector and improved the country’s trade balance.

Explaining his decision, Aduda said his defection was informed by “alignment and realignment,” citing what he described as visible development strides in the FCT. He commended Tinubu for granting the territory autonomy from the Treasury Single Account and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, moves he said have enhanced career progression for civil servants.

“I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t secure a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognised us and given us representation in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda stated.

He dismissed opposition parties in the territory as weak, expressing confidence that the APC would dominate the FCT in 2027. He also referenced the party’s performance in recent area council elections, where it secured five out of six councils, as evidence of its growing political strength.

Also speaking, FCT APC Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a political heavyweight whose defection would significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. He noted that the APC is well-positioned to mobilise over 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT ahead of the next general elections.

The high-profile defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Abuja, as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls.

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