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Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has rejected the apology offered by his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, regarding the ongoing political crisis in the state. In response to Aiyedatiwa's apology, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the Governor, expressed the governor's refusal to accept the apology and insisted that his deputy must answer questions before the state House of Assembly.

Aiyedatiwa had blamed the ongoing crisis on desperate politicians in the state and stated that he remained loyal to the governor. He denied any involvement in sponsoring protests against Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa also commended Akeredolu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their intervention in resolving the crisis.

However, Akeredolu's spokesperson disagreed with the deputy governor's statement that the governor had intervened in the crisis by persuading the House to embrace political solutions. He also refuted the denial of sponsorship of protests against the governor. Odebowale urged the deputy governor to address the allegations of misconduct brought against him by the House of Assembly. The political crisis in Ondo State remains a contentious issue that has raised concerns and cast a shadow on the state's political landscape.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its deep disappointment with the Supreme Court's verdict regarding the appeals filed by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The Supreme Court dismissed these appeals, stating that they lacked merit.

In a statement signed by the PDP's spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, the party conveyed its concerns about the Supreme Court's reasoning. The PDP believed that the judgment contradicted the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2022, and the guidelines and regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential election.

The party criticized the Supreme Court for what it perceived as a failure to uphold the law. The PDP emphasized that many Nigerians had expected the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional requirements for a presidential election in Nigeria, including the need to secure at least 25% of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They also raised concerns about violations of electoral rules, manipulations of election results by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the condoning of issues related to forgery, falsehood, and perjury based on technicalities.

The PDP expressed its deep concerns about the overall impact of the Supreme Court's judgment, as it seemed to have shaken Nigerians' confidence in the judiciary, especially in the Supreme Court's role as the last hope for the common people.

Despite this disappointment, the PDP urged Nigerians not to be discouraged and to remain committed to the pursuit of a credible electoral system that genuinely reflects the will of the people.

In summary, the PDP's statement highlighted its dismay at the Supreme Court's judgment and its concern for the implications it holds for Nigeria's democracy. It also emphasized the importance of continuing the pursuit of transparent and credible elections.

Tonto Dikeh, a well-known Nollywood actress and a former candidate for the governorship in Rivers State, has ignited a new wave of controversy as she officially becomes a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The actress, who previously ran for the governorship election representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidified her transition to the APC through a statement posted on the party's official Twitter page. Her formal introduction to the party was carried out under the guidance of the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Tonto Dikeh's decision to switch political affiliations has generated mixed reactions online. Some have praised her for making this move, while others have criticized her, citing her past confrontations with the APC. This shift underscores the intricate nature of Nigerian politics, where political alliances can be fluid and dynamic.

Tonto Dikeh's political journey has taken unexpected turns, especially when she initially declared her intention to run for the position of governor in the Rivers State gubernatorial election. Her campaign encountered challenges, leading her to reconsider her political affiliation based on advice from political mentors.

While her move to the APC may raise eyebrows, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving and complex landscape of Nigerian politics, where loyalties can adapt to changing circumstances and strategic considerations.

The Federal Government is taking significant steps to maintain the January to December budget cycle, with a goal of passing and signing the 2024 budget before December 31, 2023. This development was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, following a meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During the briefing with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, several ministers were present, including Mohammed Idris from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, Doris Uzoka-Anite representing the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Simon Lalong from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Nkeiruka Onyejecha, the Minister of State for Labour.

One of the significant outcomes of this meeting was the approval of the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Papers (FSP). This approval aligns with the Fiscal Responsibility Act's requirement for the executive to present a medium-term economic outlook to the National Assembly ahead of budget presentations.

The Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented some key assumptions made by the FEC regarding the 2024 budget. These assumptions included a reference price for crude oil at $73.96, an exchange rate of N700/$, oil production estimated at 1.78 million barrels per day, debt service amounting to N8.25 trillion, inflation at 21 percent, and a projected GDP growth rate of 3.76 percent.

The proposed 2024 budget was presented with an estimated aggregate expenditure of N26.01 trillion, encompassing statutory transfers of N1.3 trillion, non-debt recurrent expenditure amounting to N10.26 trillion, debt service projected at N8.25 trillion, and N7.78 trillion allocated for personnel and pension costs.

Minister Bagudu explained that the increase in debt service was attributed to the federal government's debt scrutiny at nine percent, resulting in a significant increment. Personnel costs also rose due to transfers as part of the agreement with labor.

Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council approved applications for financing from the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA), which offers nearly zero-interest financing. The total financing from the World Bank amounted to $1.5 billion, and it was presented as support for Nigeria's efforts to restore balance in the economy and government finances.

In addition, the FEC approved an $80 million financing from the African Development Bank for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project (EKZ), aimed at empowering young people in technology and the knowledge economy sector.

Lastly, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, presented a memo addressing the scope of road infrastructure inherited from previous administrations, totaling 18,897 kilometers of roads and bridges. The FEC approved the continuation of these projects and directed a committee to strategize funding solutions. Additionally, the council encouraged using concrete for ongoing projects to mitigate inflation and variation.

Notably, the Federal Executive Council meetings have now been rescheduled to take place on Mondays, diverging from their previous Wednesday schedule.

President Bola Tinubu has given his nod to the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers for various agencies and parastatals within the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This significant announcement was made in a State House release on a Friday, issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

The rationale behind these appointments is to align with President Tinubu's unwavering commitment to drive Nigeria's economic resurgence by focusing on expanding trade, especially through the facilitation of small, medium, and large-scale industries. Among the distinguished individuals selected for these key roles are: Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN (Corporate Affairs Commission); Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin (Industrial Training Fund); Kamar Bakrin (National Sugar Development Council); Olufemi Ogunyemi (Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority); Nonye Ayeni (Nigeria Export Promotion Council); Aisha Rimi (Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission); Bamanga Usman Jada (Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority); and Charles Odii (Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria).

In addition, the list of appointees includes Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke (Standards Organisation of Nigeria); Rabiu Olowo (Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria); Anthony Atuche, CFA (Nigeria Commodities Exchange); Veronica Safiya Ndanusa (Lagos International Trade Fair Complex); Lucia Shittu (Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board); and Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin (National Automotive Design and Development Council).

The statement emphasized that the President has high expectations for the new appointees. He anticipates that they will perform optimally in accordance with the newly established key performance indicators set by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This signifies a clear direction toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies and parastatals, with the overarching goal of bolstering Nigeria's economic growth through trade expansion and industry facilitation at all levels.

The 2023 general election in Nigeria has caused a significant political upheaval, particularly in the North Central region, where a wave of change swept aside many political heavyweights. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the most affected party in the region, as all of its incumbent senators, except Abba Moro from Benue South, lost their bids for re-election.

The North Central region, comprising six states - Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) - holds a considerable number of Senate seats, totaling 19 senators. Prior to the 2023 election, the Senate representation from the region was dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in some states, while the PDP held its ground in others.

The pre-2023 election Senate composition in the North Central region was as follows: Niger - APC (3); Kogi - APC (3); Plateau - APC (2), PDP (1); Kwara - APC (3); Nasarawa - APC (3); Benue - PDP (3); and FCT - PDP (1).

However, the political landscape in the North Central region underwent a significant transformation after the 2023 election. Apart from Abba Moro, all incumbent PDP senators lost their re-election bids. Consequently, the Senate representation from the region for the 10th Assembly stands as follows: Benue - PDP (1), APC (2); Kogi - APC (3); Nasarawa - SDP (2), PDP (1); Plateau - PDP (2), APC (1); FCT - Labour Party (1); Kwara - APC (3); Niger - APC (2), PDP (1).

With this new composition, the PDP finds itself in the minority within the North Central region's Senate representation for the 10th Assembly. The APC holds the majority with 11 senators, while the PDP has 5 senators. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has 2 senators, and the Labour Party has 1 senator.

Interestingly, since its formation in 1998, the North Central region has produced six out of the 14 PDP chairmen so far.

The diminished presence of the PDP in the North Central region's Senate representation raises questions about the party's future strategy and its ability to influence legislative decisions effectively in the region. To regain prominence in subsequent elections, it will be crucial for the party to regroup and rebuild its support base.

Edwin Onuh, a prominent member of the PDP from Benue State, expressed deep concern over the party's dwindling fortunes not only in the North Central region but across Nigeria as a whole. Onuh sees the outcome of the 2023 general election as a sign of the PDP's demise in the country. He emphasizes the urgent need for the party to regroup and strategize if it wishes to survive.

According to Onuh, the PDP is currently in a state of coma and requires immediate attention, similar to a patient in the political intensive care unit. He stresses the necessity of addressing the party's internal challenges before it succumbs to a final demise.

Another PDP member, Sunday Okechuku from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), echoes Onuh's sentiments and attributes the party's electoral losses in Abuja during the last election to what he refers to as the "Peter Obi - 'Obidients' tsunami" that swept across the country. Okechuku believes that the PDP needs to address its internal divisions and reevaluate its strategies to reverse its declining fortunes.

The PDP's position in the 10th Assembly in the North Central region will require strategic planning, effective leadership, and the ability to work across party lines to achieve positive outcomes for the region. It remains to be seen how the party will navigate these challenges and rebuild its political influence in the region in the coming years.

Mr. Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his support for the removal of subsidy on fuel in Nigeria. He revealed that he had been advocating for this since his time as a member of the Economic Management Team during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

Obi believes that the major issue in Nigeria is the government's tendency to ask the masses to endure hardship and make sacrifices for a promising future, only to witness things worsening instead. According to him, subsidy removal is essential because it is essentially an organized crime that enables individuals to exploit the country's resources for personal gain.

Taking to his verified Twitter account, Obi emphasized that the claims of high fuel consumption by Nigerians were exaggerated and used as a cover-up for corruption. He firmly stated that the country's resources were being stolen, while the citizens were made to believe that they were consuming vast amounts of fuel.

Obi also pointed out that his manifesto clearly outlined his plans to remove subsidies. He envisioned a governance approach that involved the people, demonstrating through statistics and empirical evidence how much money could be saved and how those savings could be utilized to improve the lives of the suffering masses.

Obi highlighted the recurring problem in Nigeria, where the government urges the population to endure hardships and make sacrifices for a better future, only to witness the situation deteriorating further down the line. His stance on subsidy removal stems from his belief that it perpetuates organized crime and hinders the country's progress. He remains committed to governing alongside the people, providing transparent explanations of the potential savings and how they will be utilized to benefit the suffering masses.

The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja made a significant development on Tuesday by admitting forms as exhibits in a petition challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, along with his party, presented the exhibits known as Forms EC8B. The petition, labeled as CA/PEPC/03/2023, was filed against President Tinubu, his deputy Alhaji Kashim Shettima, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the proceedings, Mr. Obi and his party, represented by Mr. Ben Anichebe, SAN, submitted Forms EC8B from the 17 states they contested. These states include Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Sokoto, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos. The forms contained the collated presidential election results from various local government areas (LGAs) within these states.

However, the respondents' counsels, including Mr. Kemi Pinhero (representing INEC), Mr. Wole Olanipakun (representing Tinubu and Shettima), and Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (representing the APC), objected to the tendering of the Forms EC8Bs by the petitioners. They reserved their reasons for objection until their final addresses.

Nonetheless, the court admitted all the documents submitted by the petitioners as their schedule of documents and marked them as exhibits. The five-man panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, subsequently adjourned further hearing of the petition until Wednesday, allowing both parties to present their arguments and counterarguments.

This development signifies a crucial step in the ongoing presidential election petition, as the court acknowledges the relevance of the collated results from the contested states. The admission of these exhibits paves the way for a thorough examination of the electoral process and the validity of the election results. As the proceedings continue, all parties involved eagerly await the court's final decision, which will determine the fate of President Tinubu's election victory.

President Bola Tinubu has commenced his tenure by announcing a fresh round of appointments. Nosa Asemota has been appointed as Tinubu's official photographer, while Adelani Opeyemi will serve as the official photographer for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tolani Alli, the official photographer of the immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, shared the news of their appointments.

Taking to Twitter, Tolani expressed congratulations to Nosa Asemota, now the Official Photographer to President Bola Tinubu (ABAT 001), and to Adelani Opeyemi, the Official Photographer to Vice President Kashim Shettima (002). He extended his best wishes to both photographers and invoked divine guidance, protection, and favor for their new roles. Tolani encouraged them to excel and concluded by invoking blessings upon them.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were inaugurated on Monday at the Eagles Square in Abuja, signifying the official commencement of their respective tenures. Subsequently, on Tuesday, both Tinubu and Shettima formally assumed their offices, ready to embark on their duties and responsibilities. The new appointments of official photographers reflect the beginning of their administrative journey.

The Court of Appeal in Kano has taken a significant step in the ongoing case involving the Labour Party (LP) candidates in Abia State. In a recent development, the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court, which had invalidated the primaries that led to the selection of Alex Otti and other LP candidates in Abia State.

This decision was made by Justice Mbaba on Saturday, who not only suspended the judgment but also granted Alex Otti's application to appeal as an interested party. In doing so, the Court of Appeal has put the judgment of the Federal High Court on hold temporarily. The appeal will now be heard and determined before any further actions are taken based on the initial judgment.

The Court of Appeal's order was issued in response to a motion for leave filed by the Abia Governor-Elect. The motion sought permission to appeal as an interested party against the judgment delivered by the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on May 18, 2023, in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/107/2023. The Court of Appeal has granted this request, allowing the Abia Governor-Elect to participate in the appeal process.

Moreover, the Appellate Court has gone a step further by granting an order for stay and suspension of the judgment issued by Justice Yunusa J. of the lower court. This means that the effects of the judgment will be put on hold until the appeal, for which leave has been granted, is heard and resolved.

The suspension of the judgment by the Court of Appeal signifies a significant development in the case. It offers a ray of hope to Alex Otti and the other LP candidates whose positions were challenged by the previous ruling. As the appeal process progresses, all parties involved will eagerly await a final decision that will determine the validity of the LP primaries in Abia State.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 20 for the adoption of processes in the lawsuit brought by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS). This decision was made by the court registrar due to the absence of Justice Binta Nyako, who was on an official assignment at the time.

The judge had previously cautioned the lawyers representing the DSS and Kanu on May 3, urging them not to disrupt the proceedings on the next adjourned date. However, the day's proceedings had been hindered by an oral application from DSS counsel Idowu Awo, who requested additional time to respond to a further affidavit served by Kanu's lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, in open court.

NAN reported that Kanu, through his legal team, had filed a lawsuit against the DSS and its Director General as the first and second respondents. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2341/2022, sought the court's permission to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the DSS to grant Kanu unrestricted access to his medical doctor, among other requests.

Previously, on February 1, the court had granted Kanu permission to apply for an order of mandamus following an ex-parte motion presented by Ozekhome. In response, the DSS filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The DSS argued that there was a valid judgment from another court, delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on June 3, 2022, in a separate suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021) between Kanu and the DG of DSS and two others. In that judgment, the court extensively addressed the issue of granting the IPOB leader access to his personal physician. The DSS claimed that the current suit was similar to the previous one and noted that Kanu had already filed an appeal against the judgment.

In a recent development, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has made serious allegations against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Matawalle, Bawa personally approached him, requesting a hefty sum of $2 million. These claims have stirred controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the EFCC.

On Wednesday, Governor Matawalle addressed the situation, urging Bawa to ensure that the EFCC's investigations were not solely focused on outgoing governors but also extended to officials within the presidency. This statement indicates Matawalle's concern that the probe may be politically motivated, targeting certain individuals while sparing others.

In response, the EFCC maintained its stance that the governor was under investigation for allegedly diverting N70 billion, which was originally allocated for contracts in Zamfara state. However, during a recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Matawalle vehemently denied these allegations. Instead, he claimed that the investigation was launched against him because he refused to fulfill Bawa's monetary request.

Governor Matawalle clarified that he was not resisting the probe and reiterated his immunity as the serving governor. He emphasized that no official invitation had been extended to him by the EFCC. Matawalle further alleged that the accusations against him were fabricated, and the real motive behind the investigation was Bawa's disappointment over not receiving the requested two million dollars.

Highlighting his side of the story, Matawalle disclosed that he had met with Bawa at a specific location, a house known to both of them. It was during this encounter that Bawa explicitly expressed his desire to meet with the governor and requested the substantial sum of money.

These allegations and counter-allegations have sparked a heated debate and cast a shadow over the credibility of the EFCC. The accusations leveled by Governor Matawalle against Chairperson Bawa have raised concerns about potential corruption within the anti-corruption agency. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the ongoing investigations and the reputation of the EFCC.

Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, an economist at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, has issued a warning to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, advising him against resorting to bank loans to cover the salaries of the state's civil servants.

In an interview on a radio program in Osogbo, Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that Governor Adeleke should prioritize paying salaries based on the available funds in the state's coffers. He discouraged the practice of borrowing money from banks specifically for the purpose of settling salaries.

Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the importance of utilizing the Osun Inland Revenue Service (OIRS), the state's agency responsible for generating internal revenue, to increase funds rather than relying on borrowed money for salary payments.

He asserted, "There must be a moratorium now on borrowing; Osun must never borrow to pay salaries. You pay salary only based on what you have, not by going to the bank and borrowing with the intention of paying salaries. It should never happen."

Furthermore, Dr. Ogunyemi urged Governor Adeleke to seek guidance from his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, regarding his successful management of Osun State without resorting to borrowing for four years.

"The era of politicking is over. The Governor should approach Oyetola and learn from him how he was able to govern Osun State during that critical period without depleting the state's resources," Dr. Ogunyemi advised.

He commended the remarkable performance of Governor Oyetola and encouraged Governor Adeleke to acquire insights from his predecessor's effective strategies for governance and financial management. By doing so, Governor Adeleke can gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the challenges of sustaining Osun State without depending on loans.

The Free Nigeria Movement (FNM) has expressed its belief that the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal represents the last hope for many Nigerians who have lost faith in the country due to the controversial outcome of the presidential election. In a statement issued by the group's Convener, Moses Paul, FNM charged the tribunal to conduct its proceedings with justice, equity, and fairness, without any deviation from due process.

Paul warned that FNM would not hesitate to protest against any fraudulent outcome from the tribunal. He highlighted the challenge of character that Nigeria currently faces, and criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, for demonstrating a disregard for the country's laws, including the Electoral Act of 2022 (as amended).

FNM emphasized that the judges at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) are aware of the high level of political consciousness that was evident during the last general elections, particularly the presidential election of 25th February 2023, and the apathy that characterized the gubernatorial election that followed. The group believes that this should be a cause for concern for both the judges and all Nigerians, and that it should guide their decisions when adjudicating on the matters before them.

The Convener called on the judiciary, through the judges of the PEPC, to be the voice of reason and save Nigeria's democracy from collapse. In conclusion, FNM hopes that the tribunal will uphold justice and fairness in its proceedings, and that its final decision will reflect the will of the people.

The Osun state governorship election has been a subject of controversy since its inception on July 16, with allegations of over-voting in some polling units. The Osun governorship election tribunal ruled in January that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gboyega Oyetola, was able to prove that there was over-voting in some of the polling units. Consequently, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and issue a fresh one to Oyetola as the duly elected governor of Osun.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Adeleke appealed the judgment. On March 24, a court of appeal sitting in Abuja reinstated Adeleke as the duly elected governor of the state. In its judgment, a three-member panel of justices held that the election tribunal erred when it ruled that Oyetola and the APC had proved their allegation of over-voting.

However, the controversy is far from over, as the Supreme Court in Abuja has fixed Tuesday, May 9, to deliver judgment on the disputed governorship poll in Osun state. A five-member panel of justices led by John Okoro fixed the date on Monday after all the parties involved adopted their written briefs in the matter.

In his appeal, Adeleke argued that there was no majority judgment as the second judge on the panel, Rabi Bashir, failed to write her opinion as required by section 294(2) of the constitution. He also challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal to preside over the petition on the grounds that it failed to consider the preliminary objection he filed against the petitioners.

The forthcoming judgment by the Supreme Court will have significant implications for the political landscape of Osun state and the country at large. All eyes will be on the apex court as it makes its final decision on the disputed governorship election.

Akinyemi Onigbinde, a renowned Professor of Political Philosophy, specializing in public policies, politics, and governance, has criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, over the outcome of the recently concluded 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. In an interview, Prof. Onigbinde accused Yakubu of "messing up" the election, which saw Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as the winner.

The 2023 presidential election has been marred by allegations of fraud and unconstitutionality, with the opposition calling for its nullification. Prof. Onigbinde alleged that the election was not free and fair, "without prejudice to the outcome of court judgment," and that "INEC deliberately disabled BVAS for the presidential election."

In response to the criticism, Prof. Onigbinde clarified that being a professor did not mean that all professors are incompetent, and cited an example of a professor who was the returning officer for the Abia governorship election and rejected a bribe from politicians. He further explained that INEC chairmen are not usually chosen from the dominant ethnic group, especially in cases where a presidential candidate is likely to emerge and win.

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had no prior relationship with Attahiru Jega before appointing him as the INEC Chairman, as he wanted someone with some level of integrity to head the commission. However, he noted that President Buhari appointed people from his Fulani ethnic group to head various positions, including the INEC Chairman, which he believed was an attempt to "hatch an agenda."

When asked to explain what he meant by "Nigeria cannot be redeemed by election," Prof. Onigbinde stated that elections were not enough to fix Nigeria's problems, and that it required more than just elections to solve the country's issues.

Hudu Yunusa Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa State, has finally spoken up about the controversial declaration of Aishatu Dahiru, popularly known as Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended Ari after his illegal declaration of Binani as the winner, which was contrary to the Electoral Act. After following due process, INEC later declared Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the authentic winner of the election.

Ari, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, recently claimed that he acted within the ambit of the law. He stated that the results to be announced by the INEC Collation Officer differed from the copies he signed and uploaded on the Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He also alleged that attempts were made to replace him with his secretary and accused two national commissioners of meeting with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Government House, Yola, during the supplementary election.

“It was based on this that I compiled all the polling unit results and declared the election winner based on the highest number of valid votes scored by the candidate of the APC,” Ari stated. “I had the breakdown of the valid votes scored by the two leading candidates in the supplementary election, using the results from the polling units as collated into all relevant forms EC8B, C, D and E respectively by properly and legally appointed and recognised collation officers and my humble self as the Adamawa State Chief Collation Officer and Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).”

However, INEC has denied claims of its officials meeting with Fintiri during the supplementary election. INEC had previously asked the Inspector-General of Police and necessary security agencies to investigate and prosecute Ari for his role in the illegal declaration of Binani as the winner of the governorship election.

The spokesperson for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has suggested why the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, may be at odds with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Bwala stated that Tinubu's manifesto indicates that he might fight Buhari's policies.

In a tweet, Bwala recounted how Buhari has been blaming the PDP administration for the country's challenges. He noted that it would be interesting to hear the excuses that would emerge from Tinubu's government.

Bwala further stated that during the outgoing administration of Buhari, the government blamed their failures on the PDP. He wondered who Tinubu would point to since his manifesto is geared towards fighting his predecessor.

The statement by Atiku's spokesperson comes at a time when Nigerians are anticipating the government of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, who will be taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari after the 2023 general elections. It remains to be seen how the new administration will address the issues confronting the country.

Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, has withdrawn her lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Her suit was filed in a Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent INEC from announcing any other results of the governorship election in the state.

According to Sen. Ahmed, she had been declared the Governor-Elect by INEC and, as such, the results could not be voided. However, on April 25th, 2023, she filed a notice of discontinuance through her counsel, Hussaini Zakariyau (SAN).

Zakariyau confirmed that his client had withdrawn the suit by way of a Notice of Discontinuance, which effectively ended the case. The defendants in the case were INEC, PDP, and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

No reason was given for the withdrawal of the lawsuit. However, this development has put an end to the legal battle that could have further dragged on the process of governance in Adamawa State.

The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, has returned to Nigeria to a warm reception from hundreds of his supporters and well-wishers across the country ahead of the May 29, 2023 handover. Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT), in his private jet at exactly 4:30 pm.

Tinubu, who had been away for over a month, was received by top party officials, including Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His arrival was met with cheers from party faithful who had gathered to welcome him back.

After his arrival, Tinubu headed straight to his vehicle and was believed to be heading to the Defence House, the official residence reserved for President Elects since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

His return has put an end to speculations by a section of members of the opposition political parties and his adversaries that he may not be able to take over power after the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure on May 29 due to ill-health.

Tinubu's return has generated a lot of excitement among his supporters and has further intensified political activities in the country ahead of the handover. The Nigerian people are eagerly anticipating the next steps from the president-elect and his team as they prepare to take over the reins of power in the country.