EDO: OBASEKI TURNED AGAINST YOU — AKPABIO MOCKS OSHIOMHOLE
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, turned against his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, despite the latter being instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Speaking during a debate on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio said: “The man you brought in as governor (Obaseki) has turned against you and against democracy.”
Responding, Oshiomhole said: “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him, just the way you supported Governor Udom.”
Oshiomhole made Obaseki’s emergence as governor possible in 2016 against the wishes and advice of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The APC leaders had opted for his then-deputy, Pius Odubu, or another politician as a successor.
With Oshiomhole’s support, Obaseki defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Two years into Obaseki’s tenure, party leaders expressed dissatisfaction with Obaseki for not including them in his administration.
The issue got to Oshiomhole, whose peace effort failed as Obaseki vowed never to allow a godfather to dictate to him or blackmail him.
Obaseki’s declaration began the Cold War between the duo.
Before the 2024 governorship election, Obaseki had approached Oshiomhole to mend fences in the interest of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who eventually lost the poll.
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#NewsUpdateJUST IN: PDP WINS 10 LGAS AS APC CRITICISES PLASIEC OVER PLATEAU LG ELECTIONS
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victories in all 10 local government areas (LGAs) announced so far by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), in the ongoing local government elections.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed dissatisfaction, labeling PLASIEC a “disappointment” in its handling of the election process.
PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Cishak, announced the results from 10 out of the 17 LGAs before officials took a recess, awaiting results from the remaining seven LGAs. The results announced so far are from Kanam, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Langtang South, Qua’an Pan, Riyom, Jos South, Bassa, Mikang, and Jos North.
Reacting to the outcome, Shittu Bamaiyi, Acting Publicity Secretary of the APC in Plateau State, criticized both the electoral commission and the PDP-led government, describing the election process as fraudulent.
He said, “The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission is a total disappointment and a disaster in the conduct of yesterday’s local government elections. Governor Mutfwang’s and PLASIEC’s assurances of transparency, credibility, and fairness turned out to be a smokescreen for deceit and malpractice.”
Bamaiyi alleged that the elections were manipulated from the start, with delays in the commencement of voting and deliberate shortages in ballot papers and results sheets in areas considered strongholds of PDP opponents. He noted that LGAs such as Kanke, Kanam, Wase, Shendam, Langtang-South, Bokkos, Jos-North, Pankshin, and Bassa received only 20% of the required ballot papers.
“Despite repeated requests for more ballot papers, PLASIEC refused to budge, leaving many voters disenfranchised. In some areas, elections didn’t take place at all, despite the arrival of sensitive materials, which were allegedly withheld on instructions from ‘above,’” Bamaiyi added.
The APC urged its supporters to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that the party would pursue all legal avenues to ensure the right processes are followed.
At the time of reporting, results from the remaining seven LGAs were still awaited, even as the venue for the swearing-in of the winners had already been set.
Peoplesmind