Tag: 2023Election

Elections: It’s an offence to make calls at polling units – Ogun REC cautions

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday cautioned voters against the use of mobile phones at the polling units during Saturday’s election, declaring that it is a criminal offence.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaye, gave the warning in Abeokuta while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

According to him, voters would not be allowed to make calls or take photographs with their mobile phones while casting their votes.

Ijalaye further expressed the preparedness of the electoral body to conduct a free, fair and credible election with the support of the various security agencies and other stakeholders.

According to him, we have been strategising and strategising on the way forward to ensure that elections in Ogun State will be devoid of rancour or violence of any sort whatsoever. We want to appeal to the good people of the Gateway State to endeavour to just come out peacefully on Saturday to exercise their franchise and vote for candidates and parties of their choice.”

“On no account will violence of any sort be tolerated in this state. Maybe I need to emphasise this also that on voting day when people come to the polling booths with their phones when they approach the polling officer and they want to go in with their phones, they will not be allowed to use their phones to discuss with people or take pictures at that polling point where they will be voting. It is an offence, it is a crime and it will not be allowed.”

We appeal to those people who wish to come there with their phones to, maybe switch it off for that one or two minutes, so that everybody would be seen to be acting within the law.”

On his part, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Frank Mba called on security agents deployed for the election to maintain political neutrality and provide a level playing field for all the political parties.

February 22, 2023
Elections: Your votes must count – INEC chairman reassures Nigerians

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, has reassured Nigerians that their votes will count on Saturday, February 25.

Yakubu disclosed this at the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and candidates on Wednesday.

Candidates of various political parties vying for presidency signed the second Peace Accord organised by the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led Peace Committee.

In attendance were presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu; the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, among others.

The INEC chairman noted that the commission is set to hold the elections, adding that the commission had commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various local government areas nationwide.

Yakubu also added that election campaigns end Thursday midnight.

He said, “The signing of the Peace Accord today comes at a critical moment in the electoral calendar. Campaign for presidential and National Assembly elections ends at midnight tomorrow, Thursday, 23rd February 2023. Election will hold on Saturday this week. INEC is ready.

February 22, 2023
UPU, PGs of all Urhobo Kingdoms endorse Atiku/Okowa for President; Oborevwori for Governor

The Urhobo Progress Union. UPU, has endorsed the PDP Presidential Candidate and his running mate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa respectively, the State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

Caption : Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (Middle) in a group photograph with UPU President General, Barrister Ese Gam and members of the UPU Executives, yesterday at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State.

The President General, Barrister Ese Gam while speaking on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at UPU National Secretariat, Uvwiamuge Agbarho where Rt Hon Oborevwori had gone to solicit for their support and prayers towards the 2023 General Elections, said that all will be done by the UPU to deliver Atiku-Okowa, Sheriff-Onyeme and other PDP Candidates.

According to him, “We cannot thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa enough for the good works he has done for the Urhobo Nation, especially for ensuring the emergence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly as the PDP Governorship Candidate for the General Elections, described Rt Hon Oborevwori as a grassroot person, commending him for his respect to UPU.

He said that, “Our incoming Governor is a grassroot person. We must speak out and take decision that is going to affect our people positively. We like the humility of the State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate and his readiness to work for the Urhobo Nation and Delta State in general. We cannot forget how he helped the UPU greatly in 2019 in our time of need. We will support all PDP Candidates. This is our land. Remember us when you become the Governor of Delta State. You are a down to earth person.”

“We must always learn to love one another. As from today, we will be addressing you as His Excellency. You have been good to the Urhobo Nation and because of what Governor Okowa has been doing for us in Urhobo Nation, we are going to deliver him and Atiku. We are also going to deliver you, Sir Monday Onyeme and other PDP Candidates,” he added.

Also speaking, President General of Udu Kingdom and Chairman Forum of Presidents-General of Urhobo Kingdoms assured the State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate of their readiness to support his Governorship ambition and deliver all PDP Candidates 5 over 5, just as Chief Mrs. Rose Oghene, Leader of Women of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms spoke in similar vein.

Earlier, Rt Hon Oborevwori informed them that he had come to solicit for their support and prayers for his Governorship aspiration.

“I want to plead with you to vote for Atiku-Okowa to reset and rebuild our nation because our country has been destroyed by APC. Vote for me, your son and my running mate, Sir Monday Onyeme and all Candidates of PDP. Okowa has done so much for the Urhobo Nation especially for picking me, your own son to take over from him May 29, 2023 and this is the time to show him our appreciation as a people,” he said.

February 22, 2023
Amaechi’s Camp rubbishes PDP-PCC over alleged romance with Atiku

Former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has described as moonlight tale by the Nyesom Wike led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers State that former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi is secretly meeting with Atiku Abubakar against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Council (PDPCC) through its Director of Publicity and Communications, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, had alleged that Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is a member of the ‘wicked’ cabal punishing the people with fuel and naira-swap crises and challenged Amaechi to deny that he was not part of persons making life a nightmare for Nigerians.

Nwuke also alleged that Amaechi was also working secretly for the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, alleging the former Rivers Governor recently reconciled with members of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers.

He said Amaechi had been working secretly and holding meetings with Atiku and others in the cabal to starve the country of the much-needed funds in the name of politics.

Reacting through a statement made available to the media, Eze, a member of APC Legacy Projects Media Team said Amaechi remains one principled Political Leader in whose integrity Nigeria prides and cannot be caught in the web of political cowardice.

Eze recalled that in 2014, when it was a taboo to be associated with General Muhammadu Buhari and opposition interests, Amaechi singlehandedly supported Buhari and in 2015 and 2019 respectively when he won as President and sought re-election, Rt. Hon. Amaechi served as Director General of Campaigns and he played roles of that office with the boldest attention and commitment required for the task at the glare of the world.
The party Chief described as vague the claim that Amaechi is part of the cabal allegedly responsible for the fuel and cash swap crisis and challenged Nwuke to furnish Nigerians with detail of roles played by former Governor Amaechi; when and where such roles were played to further the fuel crisis and cash crunch as a weapon against the people.

Dismissing claims that Amaechi has pitched tent with Atiku, the party stalwart said although every Nigerian reserves the right to association and the PDP presidential candidate is one man who has made adequate preparations and is stocked with the requisite experience and leadership expertise to take the country out of woods, but Amaechi as a loyal party man has his integrity and public interest to protect and every actions and inactions he has taken are geared towards that direction and particularly guided by the love of country.

February 21, 2023
[Just In] 2023 Election: 146,813 observers accredited largest since 1999 – INEC

…urges observers to remain apolitical

… respect sovereignty of the federal republic of Nigeria – Yakubu

Ahead of the 2023 general election on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has accredited 146, 813, the largest since 1999.

The apex electoral body also urged domestic and international observers not to interfere with the election process or show partisanship.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Chairman of INEC, Mahmoud Yakubu, stated this at the briefing for accredited election observers for the 2023 general election in keeping with international good practice, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.

“In line with global good practice, electoral commissions in most jurisdictions invite national and international organisations to deploy observers or organise study tours for election managers during elections.

“As a consequence, observers submit reports to electoral commissions highlighting strengths and weaknesses of processes. Arising from study tours, election managers also learn from other jurisdictions. The reports and recommendations of observers and the knowledge from the study tours help electoral commissions to progressively improve processes.

“Today’s briefing for observers is in keeping with international good practice. I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected”, he stated.

Mahmoud also disclosed that the 2023 elections has a total of 146,813 observers, which he said is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria.

He said: “The progressive improvement in our electoral democracy since 1999 draws in part from the reports of observers and the study tours. That is why over the years, the Commission has sent open or specific invitations to national and international observers. The implication is that all accredited observers are guests of INEC.

“For the 2023 General Election beginning this weekend with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission has accredited 196 national or domestic groups that are collectively deploying 144,800 observers. Similarly, the Commission accredited 33 international organisations deploying 2,113 observers. In all, 229 groups are deploying 146,913 observers for the 2023 General Election. This is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria”.

The INEC Chairman also urge you all to keep to the rules and

“Ask questions where you require further clarification. We look forward to seeing you in the field this Saturday”, he added.

February 21, 2023
Wike, the sore loser in victorious PDP -By Norbert Chiazor

In the tragedy of power politics in Nigeria, the Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike is a puzzling study in extremities.

He is lord of the manor over government officials ,elected or appointed. He is dreaded by the citizens. He hectors and disrespects otherwise revered traditional rulers at public gatherings, often addressing them like school children.

Loquacious to sickening excess,he talks loose and tough,threatens off guard . Power corrupts. But absolute power is monstrous.That is the sad summary of Wike’s story.

Ever since Wike lost the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar on Saturday May 28, 2022, he has been shouting and shooting all manners of invectives, cajoling and crying.

Endlessly embittered and running riot,the Rivers state governor incites antagonism, against PDP and Atiku / Okowa ticket, pushing his self – aggrandising plate on the table through a coterie of 5 PDP governors.

The quintet of the G5 governors, comprises Wike, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

The River state governor is posturing to demand a southern presidency after Mohammadu Buhari. But it is a smokescreen. A ruse so fake. Enlightened public opinion are neither fooled nor persuaded by Wike’s outcry. How did Peter Obi leave PDP? A man who plotted unimaginable intrigues to frustrate Obi out of PDP cannot claim to be fighting for southern presidency in 2023.

Nigerians can recall that in one of his publicity-obsessed botched presidential campaigns, in April 2022, Wike warned members of PDP in Awka , Anambra state not to squander their votes on the former governor of the state, whom he dismissed as lacking in capacity to win the presidential election.

“We should tell ourselves the simple truth. I know where he would win, but this one, Mba! Mba! It’s not available at all,” Wike had raged in coarse sarcasm.

Wike would turn around in fair -weather embrace to host Obi in Port – Harcourt,after he emerged LP presidential candidate. Blowing hot and cold in veiled mockery of power shift to the South .How hypocritical.

An unapologetic bigot who uses every podium to insult and denigrate the Igbos , including ill treatment and labelling of Igbo inhabitants in Rivers state as terrorists ,has no justification to pontificate about equity and justice.

The other day, in the Rivers state capital, Wike was seen panting and prancing before Bola Tinubu, a ludicrous meeting which kept tongues wagging about probable endorsement of the APC Presidential candidate, notorious for his campaign gaffes and mumbo-jumbo theatrics.

Those familiar with the matter however said Wike is acting a closely guarded script having allegedly wasted over #50billion in prosecuting his failed presidential race and had been promised a humongous refund by the bullion van – loving self styled Jagaban. So, head or tail,it is all about Wike’s bruised ego and internal survival. His personal interest not any populist intention.His anti- party press conferences,local rallies and town hall meetings, where he is fixated with throwing alarmist and malicious tantrums, at PDP, have become trite and comical as no sane person takes him seriously anymore.

Wike is no advocate or sympathiser of South nay Igbo, by any stretch of affiliation or action .Even the “ northerner” he is fighting, appears to have a greater stake.Atiku has an Igbo wife and children. His running mate, Okowa is an Igbo man.The duo are deeply rooted in the South, beyond lip service. Who is Wike deceiving? If Atiku had offered him VP ticket, would he have rejected it? Who is the pretentious betrayer of the South?

His self perpetuating trajectory, has no boundary,as he is rabidly resentful of the North. His verbal attacks and cantankerous body language especially Atiku and other prominent leaders of northern origin had been explosive and divisive, a threat to the unity and sovereignty of the nation .

Here is a struggling lawyer who turned politician – local government chairman, minister and governor to make sudden fortune in fame and wealth, thanks to PDP. Today he has turned against the source that nurtured him from nothing to relevance,in a calamitous ingratitude.

Rather than retreat in self introspection as his controversial governorship inescapably ends in less than 3 months, he had continued to ride on a high horse, a deluded emperor who thinks that power is forever, oblivious of the transience of time and season.

Reassuringly, Atiku and Okowa are forward-looking, in the coming Presidential elections,anticipating landslide victory, with or without Wike.

For a nation, entrapped, overwhelmed and static,elixir for escape lies between character and competence.Okowa possesses the best qualification of leadership- discipline. Atiku ,the key requirement of a commander -in – chief and sovereign patriarch- charisma.

The duo have what it takes to inspire national confidence and throttle Nigeria away from her socio-economic difficulties.

In Delta state, Okowa’s foot-prints are admired from all quarters.Whether by social infrastructure, human empowerment and social behaviour as governor, his track record is emblematic of success,sanity and general acclamation.Like every mortal, he has traducers but his tale is palatable to the majority in the multi -ethnic state, where he has ensured a legacy of history, service and integrity.

Rising as the first elected Delta governor of Anioma origin to the first Vice -presidential candidate from one of Nigeria’s most important states and second in Niger -Delta,regarded as the economic jewel of Africa’s most populous nation, Okowa is best suited to work with Atiku.

He is the Vice -President Nigeria needs.He is highly educated and exposed.His knowledge and civility would help to unite a nation ,so diminished and divided. Neither his speech nor body language, incenses ethnic,sectarian or partisan cleavages. A well-groomed medical doctor who tames his temper and tongue.

For Atiku,he boldly represents Nigeria’s renaissance man,who guarantees national unity, peace and progress in the line of duty.

He knows Nigeria and Nigerians know him. A broad- minded and liberal national figure. A veteran of politics beyond tribal cocoon and bandwagon of showmanship.

A fine gentleman as fit as fiddle.A President who would have the physical, mental, psychological and emotional latitude to lead a nation in search of a strong leader. A standard bearer who firmly holds the flag,because he believes it is the right of Nigerians to have good governance not the desperate and tired turn of self – gratification.

With the clout of Atiku and composure of Okowa, democracy would be better served for the good of all Nigerians, East- West, North -South.A tidy unifying umbrella ticket.

They symbolise a bright day, dawning to extinguish the raging fire of evil, threatening the land.Both men, agile with age and adroit in service.

Uhuru is coming. Circumstances of history and the mood of country,favour the enthronement of Turaki Adamawa and Delta’s Ekwueme ( promise keeper) ,come Saturday 25th Presidential polls.

Atiku /Okowa would rescue Nigeria.

February 21, 2023
PSC backpedals, drops former APC campaigner, Naja’atu from policing elections

…hours after APC -PCC demands for her removal

The Nigerian Police Service Commission has dropped former Director of the Civil Society directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, as one of the coordinators that will supervise conduct of police officers during Saturday elections.

Naja’atu was removed hours after the ruling APC protested her inclusion among 45 coordinators who will monitor the conduct of the police officers on election duty

The PSC had appointed Muhammad, a former Director of the Civil Society Directorate of the APC PCC as one of the coordinators to supervise the conduct of police officers during the February 25 and March 11 general elections.

However, the APC PCC, in a statement on Monday signed by its spokesman, Festus Keyamo, emphasised that the role given to Naja’atu required an honest and unbiased individual who would discharge the duties diligently and without reproach.

“We are deeply shocked and appalled to read a release by the Police Service Commission appointing one of its most partisan members, Naja’atu Bala Muhammad as a North-West coordinator of the presidential election. In that role, she is expected to move about freely, supervising the conduct of police officers during the elections,” the APC had said.

Meanwhile, the commission rescinded its decision, saying it had asked a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Bawa Lawal (rtd) who is from the same geopolitical zone with Commissioner Najatu to take over the coordination of the monitoring of Police Conduct in the zone.

Ikechukwu Ani, spokesman of the commission, told Daily Trust that “The commission will always be sensitive to the wishes of Nigerians and will continue to contribute its quota to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.”

Ani explained, “The Commission wishes to state with all sense of responsibility that its commissioners representing different geopolitical zones have always supervised assignments of the commission in the geopolitical zones they represent. It was the same with the present national assignment.

“It wishes to restate its commitment to a free and fair 2023 elections where the Police as the lead Agency in internal security which includes election policing will discharge its duties according to the dictates of the law.

February 20, 2023
APC -PCC rejects controversial Naja’atu as NW coordinator of PSC

… says the appointment is callous and insensitive

The APC -PCC has outrightly rejected the appointment of Naja’atu Bala Muhammad as North West Coordinator of the Police Service Commission, PSC during the presidential election on Saturday.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued and signed by Festus Keyamo SAN,Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council on Monday stating that:

“We are deeply shocked and appalled to read a release by the Police Service Commission appointing one of its most partisan members, Naja’atu Bala Muhammad as a NorthWest coordinator of the Presidential Election.

“In that role, she is expected to move about freely, supervising the conduct of Police Officers during the elections.

“With the well-documented activities, actions and vitriols of Naja’atu in the last few weeks against our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (after being shown the door out of the APC as a mole) we venture to say that this appointment is not only callous, it is insensitive, openly confrontational and consequently unacceptable by the Tinubu/SHETTIMA Presidential Campaign Council.

“Coming at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari is constantly assuring and reassuring the world of free, fair and credible elections, it confirms our worst fears that there are functionaries of government that are actively working with the opposition to thwart the avowed commitment of Mr. President.

“We need not emphasise that the role given to NAJA’ATU requires a honest and unbiased individual who will discharge the duties diligently and without reproach. The nation will not get that from NAJA’ATU.

“We therefore demand for the IMMEDIATE withdrawal of the name of NAJA’ATU Bala Muhammad as a coordinator of the Police Service Commission for the NorthWest or any region for that matter.

” She has an inalienable right to continue to campaign for any candidate of her choice and to vote for that candidate, but she cannot be given a garment to wear at this time that is meant only for neutrals.

#

February 20, 2023
2023 Elections: INEC, Police declare war against vote buying, assure of credible polls

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police have restated their readiness to prevent vote buying as part of the effort to conduct credible and corrupt-free polls across the country.

The stakeholders assured citizens that preparations for the successful conduct of the polls devoid of malpractice were in top gear during a radio town hall meeting against electoral corruption organized by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG) at the weekend in Abuja.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the Commission is ready to conduct the elections, revealing that the electoral body has already deployed sensitive and non-sensitive materials up to the local government level.

Mahmood, represented by Deputy Director Voter Education Mary Nkem, further assured that the innovation of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) had eliminated impersonation from elections in Nigeria. She disclosed that INEC’s ad-hoc staff are under oath not to compromise the process.

On his part, CSP Femi Adedeji, who represented Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) – Nigeria Police Force during the radio town hall meeting, also declared that “the Police is very ready for the 2023 election”.

Adedeji disclosed that the Police had deployed intelligence officers to sniff out people involved in vote trading, as well as set up desk officers across states who will receive complaints of vote trading and other forms of election malpractice.

Nkem, the INEC representative during the radio program, said to ensure Commission’s ad-hoc staff deployed on election day are upright, they go through a lot of training, scrutiny and supervision by staff of the commission.

“INEC is ready for this election coming up on Saturday, 25th of February and Saturday, 11th March, 2023, in that all our materials have been delivered to the state and have been batched to various local governments.

“We have commenced the training of poll officials, some have been completed, and our Supervisory Presiding Officers training is still ongoing for other levels of officials. The commission is ready because sensitive and non-sensitive materials have arrived in various states.”

On the integrity of the polls, Nkem said, “the use of BVAS in off-season elections has helped in curbing electoral malpractices, and added that collaborations with the Police and other law enforcement agencies are helping them to curb vote trading.

“in a deliberate attempt to stop vote buying, we have rearranged the voting cubicle and banned the use of mobile phones inside the voting cubicle.

“In the past, when a voter’s fingerprint fails to be authenticated, the voter will be given an incident form to fill to be able to cast his or her vote, and in that regard, you find out that so many people could impersonate, but with the BVAS, it will not be possible to impersonate because once your fingerprint fails to be authenticated, your face cannot fail especially if you are the owner of the face and you came with it to the polling unit,” she stated.

The police, according to CSP Femi Adedeji, will rely on the deployment of over 300,000 personnel and the commissioning of new equipment to help the Force deliver on its responsibilities during and after the elections.

“The Police are ready. The challenge used to be about logistics, but in the last several days, those things have been overcome with the new equipment being commissioned, including buses, personnel, and carriers. Then we have more personnel on the ground deployed, intelligence officers. Then we have more uniformed officers that will be visible on election day.

“We have Policemen at every polling booth who will support the electoral officials and the police team who will be ready to respond with the use of force if there is a need for the use of force,” Adedeji stated.

Other stakeholders present raised concerns ahead of the elections during the radio town hall meeting.

The Co-Convener, Civil Society Situation Room, James Ugochukwu, reflecting on the preparations ahead of the elections, blamed politicians for heating the polity with hate comments and campaign of calumny.

His words: “If we reflect on the style of the campaign over the past couple of months, we discovered that the campaign was not laced with issues, but it is completely in contravention of section 92 of the Electoral Act; tribalism, ethnicity, religiously bigotry, defamation of other candidates is what has dominated the campaign, and we a surprised that the security has not done their work by ensuring that they apprehend some of this people.”

Ugochukwu, however, called on the religious bodies (Christianity, Islam and Traditional religion) to be preachers of peace and remain neutral when it comes to the 2023 elections.

While the Head of Missions, Leadership and Accountability Initiatives, Henry Shield Nwazuluahu, said Nigerians are enthusiastic about participating in the 2023 elections because of years of bad governance.

Nwazuluahu warned citizens to be wary of misinformation sponsored by politicians ahead of the polls, noting that the dangers of misinformation and fake news are ‘enormous.’

“Nigerian politicians will always be who they are, and it’s the responsibility of the civil society, including organizations like PRIMORG, to keep Nigerians adequately informed. We’ve seen a series of deliberate propaganda and misinformation in the media in the past few weeks and months. People come up with posts and information that are deliberate to cause you to either not go out to vote on election day.

“We must be careful, “Nwazuluahu warned.

PRIMORG’s town hall meeting against electoral corruption aims to protect the sanctity and credibility of elections in Nigeria. It has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

February 20, 2023
Makurdi High Court stops PDP from expelling Gov Ortom

A Benue State High Court has issued an order of interim injunction, restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC) or its National Officers (elected or appointed) from expelling the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

Justice A.I. Itoyonyiman issued the order on Thursday following a Suit with number MHC/46/2023 which was brought before the court on Wednesday, February 16th, 2023.

In the suit, Governor Ortom is the Plaintiff/Applicant while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are first and second Defendant/ Respondents respectively.

The court upon hearing the Affidavit of Hon. Abraham Kwaghngu, Politician, Nigerian Citizen of Governor’s Office, Benue State Government House, Makurdi, Benue State, sworn to and filed at the High Court Registry, Makurdi on 15th February, 2023 made the following order:

“Restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent either by itself or its National Working Committee and/or it National Executive Council and/or its National officers (elected or appointed) and/or its North- Central Zonal Executive Officers (elected or appointed) and/or its Benue State Officers (elected or appointed) and/or its Guma Local Government Area Officers (elected or appointed) and/or its Nzorov Council Ward Officers (elected or appointed) or any of its other organs or officials (anyhow so called) from expelling, suspending or levying any other punishment on the Plaintiff/Applicant pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

“An interim order of injunction is also made restraining the 2nd Defendant/Respondent either by itself or any of its Officials/Officers/Directors/Departmental or other Heads/any other officer by whatever name called from receiving and/or acting upon any communication made by the 1st Defendant/Respondent seeking to disqualify from contesting or seeking not to be placed on the ballot paper the name of the Plaintiff/Applicant as the 1st Defendant’s candidate for the Benue North West Senatorial District in the 2023 general election pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

“An order of interim injunction is made restraining the 2nd or Defendant/Respondent either by itself any of its Officials/Officers/Directors/Departmental or other Heads/any other officer by whatever name called from refusing for whatever reason to place the name of the Plaintiff/Applicant on the ballot to contest the Benue North West Senatorial election slated for February 25th, 2023 or any other rescheduled dated pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

Governor Ortom had earlier approached the court with the following demands:

“An Order of interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent either by itself, or its National Working Committee, and/or its National Executive Council, and/or its National Officers (elected or appointed), and/or its North-Central Zonal Executive Officers (elected or appointed), and/or its Benue State officers (elected or appointed), and/or its Nzorov Council Ward Officers (elected or appointed), or any of its other organs or officials (anyhow so called) from expelling, suspending or levying any other punishment on the Plaintiff/Applicant, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

“An Order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant/Respondent either by itself or any of its Officials/Officers/Directors/Departmental or other Heads/any other officer by whatever name called, from receiving and or acting upon any communication made by the 1 Defendant/Respondent seeking to disqualify from contesting or seeking not to be placed on the ballot paper the name of the Plaintiff/Applicant as the 1st Defendant’s candidate for the Benue North West Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

“An Order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant/Respondent either by itself or any of its Officials/Officers/Directors/Departmental or other Heads/any other officer by whatever name called, from refusing for whatever reason to place the name of the Plaintiff/Applicant on the ballot, to contest the Benue North West Senatorial election, slated for 25th February, 2023 or any other rescheduled dated, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

The matter has been slated for hearing on the 24th of February, 2023.

February 16, 2023