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Lau is the new Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate

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Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North)
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*As Bwacha formally defects to APC
 
The Senate on Tuesday received a letter from the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu, nominating Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North) as the new Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate.

Ayu said Senator Lau’s nomination was against the backdrop of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha’s defection from the opposition party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week.

The letter was read at the Start of plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter reads in part, “following the defection of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha to the ruling APC, the PDP Senate caucus has nominated as his replacement, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau.

“Senator Lau is from Taraba State, the North East geo-political zone of the country, where the position has been zoned.

“The PDP Senate caucus has duly informed the National Headquarters of the party, in view of which we so communicate to you.

“We believe that Senator Lau will be an asset to the leadership of the Senate.

“Thank you and accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

Meanwhile, the former Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba South), has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bwacha’s defection brings the number of APC Senators to 70, PDP 38 Senators and Young Progressives Party (YPP) 1.

His decision to leave the opposition party was conveyed sequel to a point of order raised by the lawmaker during plenary.

Relying on Order 42 of the Senate Rules (Personal Explanation), Senator Bwacha gave reasons for his defection.

He said, “In view of my desire for equal competition, and about my desire to enjoy the full operations of my fundamental human rights, Mr. President, I want to announce this day, that it is appointed to me, henceforth, to enjoy free air.

“As King Solomon said, there’s a time for everything; now is a time for me to leave the People’s Democratic Party.

“Mr. President, I say I have opportunity to breathe freely because of a deliberate isolation and huge division and factionalisation in the party in my state.

“Mr. President, I had to leave because I seek to breathe better. This day, I announce henceforth my exit from the People’s Democratic Party, and to join the governing party because of the visible presence of the party in my Senatorial District.

“I say this without fear of contradiction that my constituents are happy about this movement because of what they have seen on ground in Taraba South Senatorial District.

“So, we make bold to pay the PDP back by ensuring that better days are ahead for the party in Taraba State.”

Immediately after his announcement to defect from the opposition party, Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East), came with a counter point of order to oppose Bwacha’s defection citing the provisions of  Section 68 (g)(h) and subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The lawmaker, against the backdrop of the provisions cited, requested the Senate President to declare Bwacha’s seat vacant.

Sekibo was however ruled out of order by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Lawan observed that Sekibo’s demand was null as Senator Bwacha had explained that the PDP in Taraba was factionalised.

He also drew Sekibo’s attention to a letter by the National Chairman of the PDP nominating a new deputy leader to replace Bwacha.

According to Lawan, the decision by the PDP caucus in the Senate to intimate the National Body of the opposition party of a new nomination translates to an acceptance of Bwacha’s resignation from the PDP.

The Senate President, on the strength of the reasons advanced, ruled Sekibo out of order.

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Ekiti Has Spoken Loudly Through the Ballot, Says Ayodeji Ajayi

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A former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and current Board Member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State.

 

 

Ajayi, who represented Ise/Orun Constituency in the State Assembly, described Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the just-concluded governorship election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the people of the state.

 

 

In his congratulatory message, the former lawmaker said the governor’s victory was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership and sustainable development across the state.

 

 

According to him, the outcome of the election signifies the appreciation of Ekiti people for the numerous developmental projects and people-oriented policies implemented by the Oyebanji administration since assuming office.

 

 

He noted that Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through prudent management of resources, improved infrastructure, support for workers and pensioners, as well as deliberate efforts to enhance economic growth and social welfare in the state.

 

 

Ajayi, commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, describing the election as a triumph of democracy and the collective will of the electorate.

 

 

The EKSWAMA board member also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.

 

 

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would bring about greater development, accelerated economic growth and improved living standards for residents across the state.

 

 

“Your re-election is a testament to your exemplary leadership, dedication to service and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.

 

The people have spoken through their votes and renewed their mandate because of the remarkable achievements recorded under your administration,” Ajayi stated.

 

 

He urged residents of the state to remain united and continue to support the governor in his efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive Ekiti.

 

 

Ajayi, further called on political actors to put aside partisan differences and work together with the government in the interest of the state’s development, stressing that the election was over and that the focus should now be on delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.

 

 

He prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance for Governor Oyebanji as he begins another term in office, expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and take Ekiti State to greater heights.

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Ado West LCDA Chairman Congratulates Oyebanji on Re-election Victory

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The Chairman of Ado West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adebolu Aladesanmi, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his victory in the recently concluded governorship election.

 

In a congratulatory message, Aladesanmi described the governor’s re-election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust the people of Ekiti State have in his leadership, vision, and commitment to the development of the state.

 

The council chairman noted that Governor Oyebanji’s first term in office had been marked by significant achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, adding that the electoral victory was a reward for his administration’s people-oriented policies and impactful governance.

 

According to him, the governor’s second-term mandate presents another opportunity to consolidate on the gains already recorded and further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

 

Hon. Aladesanmi expressed optimism that the renewed mandate would translate into greater progress and improved welfare for residents of Ekiti State, stressing that Ado West LCDA remains committed to supporting the governor’s developmental agenda.

 

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ado West LCDA, I celebrate this well-deserved victory. We look forward to sustained collaboration that will advance the welfare of our people as he prepares for the next term,” he stated.

 

The chairman also prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oyebanji as he prepares to commence a second term in office, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to deliver democratic dividends to the people of the state.

 

He urged residents to remain supportive of the governor’s administration and work together to ensure continued peace, unity, and development in Ekiti State.

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Oyebanji’s Re-Election a Victory for All Ekiti People, Says Commissioner

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The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji following his declaration as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

 

In a congratulatory message issued shortly after the announcement of the election results, Aluko-Ajisafe described Oyebanji’s victory as a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in his administration by the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

She noted that the outcome of the election was a testament to the governor’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership, and the numerous developmental strides recorded across various sectors of the state since assuming office.

 

 

According to her, the overwhelming support received by Governor Oyebanji at the polls demonstrates the electorate’s appreciation of his people-oriented policies and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti residents.

 

 

Aluko-Ajisafe also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political stakeholders, and the people of Ekiti State for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process.

 

 

 

She expressed optimism that the governor’s renewed mandate would usher in greater development, economic growth, and improved living standards for residents of the state.

 

 

 

The commissioner urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to rally behind the governor and support his administration’s efforts to advance the development of Ekiti State.

 

 

“Governor Oyebanji’s victory is a victory for all Ekiti people. It is an affirmation of the good work being done by this administration. I congratulate His Excellency and pray for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he continues to lead our dear state to greater heights,” she said.

 

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Governor Oyebanji was declared winner of the governorship poll by INEC after securing victory across the state, earning a fresh mandate from the electorate for another term in office.

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