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Tag: Edo poll

  • Edo Poll: Why I’m yet to concede defeat – Ize-Iyamu

    Edo Poll: Why I’m yet to concede defeat – Ize-Iyamu

    Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently conducted Edo governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has said he was yet to concede defeat to incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Obaseki the winner of the September 19 poll and had since presented him (Obaseki) and his deputy, Philip Shaibu with Certificates of Return.

    However, despite the APC’s earlier statement conceding defeat and congratulating Obaseki and the PDP, the party’s candidate, Ize-Iyamu was yet to do so.

    Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu has debunked speculations that he was under pressure from party leaders to accept defeat.

    Ize-Iyamu said this in response to media reports on the subject, even as he urged the media to desist from speculative reporting.

    He stated this in a statement signed by his Director of Communication and Media, Mr. John Mayaki, in Benin, on Thursday.

    He said, “I was shocked this morning when I saw reports saying I begged Obaseki to return to APC after the election.

    “While immediately responding to it, another one emerged. I will restate that I never begged him to return after the election. I deliberately did not reply when I saw all that rumour on the social media with people tagging me in them.

    “Now, I saw another report in the media stating that APC leaders are mounting pressure on me to accept defeat. In all fairness to the national leadership of my party, they never mounted any pressure on me.

    “So, I wonder where their source got information from. The public repossess a lot of trust in the media for authentic information. What happens when this trust is betrayed?”

    Ize-Iyamu also reiterated his earlier position that he had yet to make up his mind on his next step.

    According to him, “I already tweeted that I am studying the result and consulting widely on my next line of action. Speculative reporting must be condemned.

    “When I make up my mind, I will let my supporters know. For now, patience is what I implore, not violence; not anger will help us now. Dignity will manifest in how we bounce back from this minor setback.”

  • #EdoDecides2020: Buni, Ganduje brief Buhari on APC performance in Aso Villa

    #EdoDecides2020: Buni, Ganduje brief Buhari on APC performance in Aso Villa

    National Caretaker Committee Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni and the Chairman of the party’s Governorship Election Campaign for Edo State, Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind ‘closed door’ at the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting is coming after the APC was routed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki, who defected to PDP to contest the election defeated the APC’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to win re-election.

    The two governors, it was gathered, entered the State House for the meeting with Buhari and took different exit door when leaving as no one knew the outcome of the meeting.

    INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, had on Sunday announced Obaseki as winner of the election after he polled 307,955 votes to defeat Ize-Iyamu of the APC who scored 223,619 votes.

  • #EdoDecides2020: Three weeks ago, we were sure of victory for Ize-Iyamu- El-Rufai

    #EdoDecides2020: Three weeks ago, we were sure of victory for Ize-Iyamu- El-Rufai

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has reacted to the loss of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

    El-Rufai said he was optimistic up to three weeks ago that his party would win the election.

    He said opinion polls conducted had shown that the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, would win the election, adding that he didn’t know what went wrong in the last three weeks of the campaign.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki, winner of the keenly contested election.

    INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, said Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ize-Iyamu, who got 223,619 votes.

    Commenting on the development, the Kaduna State governor, who spoke on Monday morning while featuring on Channels Television, said the election was “reasonably decent”.

    El-Rufai said, “We (APC) would have loved to win and quite frankly, I was optimistic up to three weeks ago; the polls indicated that we were going to win. I don’t know what happened in the last three weeks of the campaign.

    “As you know, a large number of voters make up their minds in the last two weeks of the election. Many voters decide no matter what happens, this is how I am voting but most people want to wait and make up their minds in the last two weeks.

    “Three weeks ago, the polls clearly showed that APC was going to win but the result came out differently from what we expected.

    “Obaseki has won, that’s it. You can’t go into an election without the possibility of losing.”

    He added, “The election was reasonably decent. We were all worried about violence but there was very little violence or none at all.”

  • #EdoDecides2020: Ize-Iyamu breaks silence after defeat

    #EdoDecides2020: Ize-Iyamu breaks silence after defeat

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Edo State Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said he will soon announce his next line of action after the declaration of Governor Godwin Obaseki the winner of the Saturday poll.

    Ize-Iyamu, who trailed Obaseki with over 84,000 votes, said he was still studying the results and he would make known his plan very soon.

    He said this on his Facebook page.

    It read, “I hereby thank and appreciate my teeming supporters, who have had to endure many evils including being prevented from exercising their franchise, for their support and determination during the election process.

    “I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce the next line of action soon. God bless you all.”

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the APC has also rejected the results alleging widespread irregularities during poll.

  • #EdoDecides2020: Meet 12 other candidates aside Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu contesting in today’s poll

    #EdoDecides2020: Meet 12 other candidates aside Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu contesting in today’s poll

    Truth be told, Saturday (today’s) governorship poll in Edo State is between two gladiators; incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, aside these two, some other candidates have also deployed resources to take a shot at being elected the governor of the state.

    Amongst these 14 candidates, the electorates in 2,627 polling booths would be just one as their governor to lead them for the next four years.

    All political parties have concluded their campaigns while most of the state’s 2,210,534 resident of the State who have picked up their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs would be deploying the small, but mighty civic instrument to decide the fate of the gladiators.

    Nearly 500,000 voters have failed to pick up their PVC from INEC office.

    The election will be conducted in 193 wards in 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

    14 political parties and their candidates made up of 12 males and 2 females are jostling for the Edo State apex job.

    Meet the candidates and their political parties

    Godwin Obaseki: He is from Benin City and the incumbent governor. He is an experienced stockbroker and economist. Although Obaseki came to office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he lost the battle for the party ticket in his second term voyage.

    He has since defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to crystalise the ambition. He is standing as PDP candidate in the election.

    Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu: He is the governor’s main challenger and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the election. He was Chief of Staff to former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and once campaign Director General for the reelection of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Isaiah Osifo Uhun-Ekpenma: The former Chief of Staff to erstwhile Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor is the standard bearer for Labour Party LP. Although not favoured to win the race, he is strong enough to pose a threat to the front runners.

    Obhafuoso Paul will fly the flag of Action Alliance, AA.

    Akhigbe Ehiabhi will stand for the African Democratic Congress ADP in the election.

    Ibio Emmanuel is the candidate for Action Democratic Party ADP

    Lucky Idehen is candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

    Igbineweka Osamuede for Allied Peoples Movement APM

    Amos Osalumese Areloegbe for All Peoples Party APP

    Agolebun Tracy, one of the two ladies in the race will stand in for the Nigerian People’s Party, NPP,

    Stevie Ozono is for National Rescue Movement (NRM);

    Felix Obayagbon will contest on the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP;

    Jones Osagiobare will run on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP)

    Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) would field Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena.

  • Edo 2020: May God let me lose my reelection bid tomorrow if… – Obaseki

    Edo 2020: May God let me lose my reelection bid tomorrow if… – Obaseki

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has prayed to God to abort his second term aspiration “if it will cost the blood of anybody.”

    Obaseki, the incumbent governor of the state said his ambition and that of anyone is not worth spilling the blood of anyone.

    The governor reassured that the Saturday’s governorship election in the state would be peaceful and violence-free.

    A statement quoted him as speaking after a one-day prayer and fasting session for a peaceful election, organised by the Edo Christian Community for all the governorship candidates ahead of the election.

    The statement was titled, ‘My reelection not worth spilling of blood – Obaseki’, and sent by Obaseki’s Special Assistant on Media, Crusoe Osagie.

    Obaseki urged eligible voters to come out en masse without fear of intimidation or harassment.

    The governor noted that there was no need for any form of violence during the electioneering process.

    He said, “Ordinarily, an election is supposed to be a contest where people go to sell their ideal, and citizens in their own free will go and vote for those ideals they believe in; it shouldn’t be one where people will do anything to get power.

    “Election should not be one in which we shed blood because the election will always come. If you die in an election, you will not be there in the next one to vote. So, there is no need for violence.

    “It’s unfortunate that where we are today we are all afraid that there will be trouble, that there will be crisis and violence but by the grace of God, we will all come out and vote and there won’t be any bloodshed.

    “There is no need for any violence and if anybody decides to act in a violent manner just walk away because our lives are very precious. I have a covenant with God; if it will cost the blood of anybody for me to get into power, he should not let me have power.”

    On his part, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Reverend Felix Omobude, prayed that God would make peace reign before, during, and after the election.

    “God! commit Edo into your hands and by this covenant, we proclaim peace over Edo; peace before, during, and after the election. The church speaks with one voice, that those that have sold themselves to work against the destiny of Edo shall be overwhelmed by their own problems.

    “In this election, rigging and evil will not have their way. We knock the engine of their operation; Edo people shall go out and vote their consciences and the will of God will be done,” the clergy prayed.

  • [Edo Poll] Obaseki Vs Ize-Iyamu: Who carries the day as Edolites file out to elect a new gov?

    [Edo Poll] Obaseki Vs Ize-Iyamu: Who carries the day as Edolites file out to elect a new gov?

    …Their standing and likely upsets
    …polls results too early to call as it’s going to be titanic
    … will the peace accord signed by both gladiators hold sway?
    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Barely 24hours from now Edolites will decide who runs the state’s affairs for the next four years.
    The drumbeats of war which engulfed the heartbeat of the nation will come to a temporary standstill by tomorrow as the two-man race between Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, APC will be decided.
    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG in this analysis will x-ray how both contenders will slug it out on Saturday.
    But before the election there have been reported cases of violence perpetuated by both major parties in the state.
    The Oba of Benin had to step in inviting all the political gladiators and their followers to the palace.
    The Oba did not mince words he simply told the two main characters that power was transient and this was the worst election in the political history of the state.
    Last Tuesday former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar led the peace Committee to Edo State where Obaseki and his major contender, Ize-Iyamu signed a peace accord.
    But will this accord hold sway as both men are desperate to grab power come September 19 which is barely 24hours from now.
    PERMUTATIONS:
    There are 2,210,534 registered voters in the state scattered across the three Senatorial Districts of the State with Edo South Senatorial District with the highest.
    There are eigteen local government areas.
    The spreadsheet of voters in the three zones:
    Edo North:564,122
    Edo: Central: 365,989
    Edo South 1,281,414
    Looking at above voters spread sheet one does need a soothsayer to know that the battle ground definitely will be the South.
    Incidentally, both gladiators are from the South making it a matching ground for their foot soldiers.
    They both went on a ward to ward campaign meaning the grassroots were adequately covered.
    In Edo North where the former APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole hails from is going to be battle royale since he and his godson deputy Governor of the state, Phillip Shaibu tore agreement papers.
    It’s Shaibu Vs Oshiomhole in the north because both men have enough foot soldiers to deliver the votes. They may both share the votes in the north.
    Shaibu has maintained a policy since he ventured into politics to deal directly with the people.
    He remembers them when it matters most during all festivities by extending a hand of support.
    On the other hand, his godfather had remained relevant to his people for good eight years and this may just be what may work in his favor on Saturday.
    Both men are equally matched in the north.
    Edo South: It’s going to be the battle ground for all. Obaseki may need to dig deeper because Ize-Iyamu is very much on ground. It’s his turf and he understands it well.
    Obaseki may heavily rely on the incumbency factor to turn around things in Edo South.
    While Ize-Iyamu with the backing of Abuja could also turn the table in his favor as Edo is a political signal for 2023 and the only foothold of APC in the Niger Delta Region.
    Edo Central better described as small but mighty may be the rallying point for Obaseki’s emergence if the Esans come out enmasse to vote for him.
    The Edo Central simply believe it’s pay time to settle final scores with Oshiomhole who made them third class citizens in a zone that parades the highest number of professors in the state.
    Oshiomhole for eight years made Edo Central invisible in the map of the heartbeat of the nation.
    This is a big minus to innocent Ize-Iyamu who if by Saturday he fails to win may quit politics and face his pastoral work.
    But there’s one positive thing about the Pastor, he is truly a fighter who believes the battle continues.
    The Beginning of Crisis
    Godwin Obaseki the incumbent had a raw deal with the former APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and he had to navigate his ship to the PDP to ensure he contests.
    Seen by many as a technocrat turned politician, Obaseki’s navigation into PDP clearly indicates that Edo can never be Lagos where APC national leader single handely removed a sitting governor last year.
    By June 16, Obaseki had left APC for good before his final disqualification and the party leaders of PDP made a vow that never again in history will another flag not bearing PDP will be hoisted in Denis Osadebey Government House in Benin City.
    Ize-Iyamu who ordinarily could have gotten to government house with ease had the overbearing presence of Oshiomhole, seen by many Edolites as a godfather who slaughtered godfather’s to become relevant only to become a godfather.
    They strongly believe that if you delete Oshiomhole’s image from Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki will be history.
    The RCCG Pastor has the best grassroots connection across the state based on his long term relationship with majority of those who matter most in Edo State politics.
    Election is all about figures, if the results become too close it may end up becoming an inconclusive election which may give Abuja the opportunity to rubbish PDP that has mobilised the entire South South to deliver Obaseki.
    Protests votes may not be ruled out because of the angst against Oshiomhole in Edo.
  • Photos: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for Edo poll

    Photos: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for Edo poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Edo State has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to all eighteen (18) Local Government Areas in the state.

    The people of Edo State will elect their new governor on Saturday, September, 19 to paddle the affairs of the state for the next four years.

    The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had earlier disclosed that result sheets and ballot papers for the poll had been modified to ensure transparency.

    The sensitive materials which arrived at the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Benin on Wednesday are being distributed today to all 18 LGAs in the state, in the presence of party agents, election monitoring groups, and pressmen.

    The INEC chairman, also reassured the Edo people that their votes would count, added that only the choice made by the people of Edo would determine the outcome of the election.

    He explained that the commission would not take any action to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.

    Police Officers on electoral duty have also been charged to operate within the law and rules of engagement as any infractions on the laws/rules guiding election policing by any officer will be investigated and appropriate sanctions will be given.

  • Edo poll: Again, Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu meet one-on-one, embrace warmly [Photo]

    Edo poll: Again, Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu meet one-on-one, embrace warmly [Photo]

    Top gladiators in the forthcoming Edo governorship, Godwin Obaseki (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu (All Progressives Congress, APC) met again on Tuesday to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election.

    The duo and other contestants met a peace accord convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

    According to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the peace accord signed by both candidates in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election is a test of integrity.

    Gen. Abdulsalami, who is the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), warned on the consequences of a violent poll in the Southsouth state.

    The former Head of State said the integrity of the governor and that of his major challenger would be on the line, should they or their supporters violate the peace accord.

    Noting that tension has engulfed Edo, he thanked Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II for the step he took to calm frayed nerves.

    Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, who signed the accord, pledged total commitment to a violence-free election and promised to prevail on their supporters to show decorum.

    Apart from Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, 12 other governorship candidates signed the accord at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin City, the state capital, along with their party chairmen

    In accordance with the accord, the candidates, their parties and supporters are expected to accept the results of a free and fair poll.

    Also at the venue were Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah; Oba Ewuare II, who was represented by Chief David Edebiri, and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

    Gen. Abubakar lamented that elections have been characterised by varying degrees of violence since 1999.

    He said the tension and anxiety necessitated the setting up of NPC with the mandate to support peaceful election processes and cultivate a culture of peace.

    Abubakar stressed: “In 2014, the committee commenced efforts to support free, fair and credible elections and to ensure peaceful transition. The intervention of the committee contributed immensely to the success of the 2015 elections. The NPC has since 2015 successfully intervened in the general elections to ensure a peaceful outcome, right after the just past 2019 general elections.

    “The governorship election in Edo State is just a few days away and giving peace during and after the election is a priority and it must be done. We as a people should aspire to see Nigeria where people feel safe to come out of their homes to cast their votes without any fear.

    “The election cannot hold in the absence of a peaceful atmosphere, more importantly disharmony among political parties. All contesting parties need to adopt a code of conduct that will remove confrontation among them.

    “The NPC is in Edo State today (yesterday) to support this process, not just the signing of the peace accord by al candidates, but to also encourage you all to accept the outcome of the election, no matter the result.

    “By agreeing to sign this covenant of peace, all of you are committing yourselves to ensure an enduring peace in Nigeria and Edo State before, during and after the election and agreeing to look beyond short term political gains, sectoral interests or narrow party advantage and accepting nothing, but for the development of Edo State.

    “I urge all of us to use the process of election in Edo State as a test of future elections, as reiterated by President Muhammadu Buhari. Let every Nigerian be respected and be given an opportunity cast his or her vote, without intimidation or coercion and once that vote is cast, let us applaud that vote.

    “I ask all the stakeholders and key people here present to commit to the spirit of this accord, while also remembering that the violators of this accord are putting their integrity on line, because you are signing this as ladies and gentlemen who are to be taken for your words.”

    The former military leader urged the electorate to desist from selling their votes, which he said, would amount to selling their rights, freedom and conscience.

    Obaseki said: “Today (yesterday) is unique, as history is being made in Edo State, where we are having members of the NPC coming ahead of a major event, the election of September 19, to get all the contestants to sign a peace accord to ensure that there is violence-free election on that date

    “I want to say on behalf of myself, as a candidate of the party and my party, the PDP, that we are fully committed to ensuring that we have peaceful election. I have no choice, because in addition to being a candidate, I am also the governor and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state. I want to commit publicly, once again, that I will live by the letter and spirit of the accord that has just been signed.

    “I want to appeal to the members of the national peace committee not to end their work with the signing of this accord, because there are other actors in the political space, who have influence and exercise influence in political space and also elections.

    “If you can reach out to them, if not to sign this accord, but to persuade them about the importance of an accord we have just signed, because the responsibility for peace should rest on everyone and particularly the candidates and also some non-direct political actors so that we can ensure that this exercise is total.”

    Ize-Iyamu said: “Let me, on behalf of the APC, thank the organisers of this event, for what they have just done and what has just been witnessed. We are particularly grateful to no less a person than Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, who came personally to supervise this event.

    “We are also appreciative of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu and the other important personalities who have also come.”

  • Edo Poll: Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, others sign peace accord in Benin

    Edo Poll: Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, others sign peace accord in Benin

    Ahead of the Saturday Edo governorship poll, candidates for the election on Tuesday signed a peace accord, pledging to abide by the rules and regulations as stipulated in the electoral law.

    Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd.), the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and former Head of State, said at the occasion that Edo deserved peace.

    He said: “As you are aware, since 1999, every election in Nigeria has been conducted with various degree of violence.

    “The tension and anxiety associated with election necessitated the setting up of the NPC who is to support peaceful election process and enthrone culture of peace.

    “The gubernatorial election in Edo state is only a few days away and we want peace during and after the election.

    “We want to see Nigeria as a place where people come out peacefully duri g election and cast their votes without deprivation, intimidation and cohesion.’’

    According to him, the NPC is in Edo today to support this process and not just signing the peace accord by all candidates but to encourage you all to accept the result no matter the outcome.

    The Chairman commended the Benin Monarch for the role he played in bringing peace to Edo.

    “By signing this peace accord today, you are committing yourselves to ensure an enduring peace in Nigeria and Edo State before, during and after the election.

    “We have been given assurances by the INEC Chairman who told us that they were ready with all the necessary logistics to conduct free and fair election.

    “So, the rest is left for you and the voters to do the right thing by desisting from selling your votes, vote buying, selling your right, conscience and freedom,” he added.

    He, however, called on all stakeholders to use the Edo election as a test for future elections in the country.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governorship candidate, said shortly after signing the peace accord, that he was fully committed to ensuring that the election was violence free.

    “In addition to being a candidate, I am the Chief Security Officer of the state. I have no choice therefore, than to state publicly, once again, that we are committed to peace in our dear state.

    “Let me appeal to this national peace committee to extend same to some other political actors in the state who have influence in the political space,” Obaseki said.

    The governor urged the peace committee to ensure that the political actors, not only signed the accord, but to persuade them to see the need to ensure peace in the state.

    On his part, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Osagie Ize-iyamu, promised to talk to his supporters to conduct themselves in a manner to achieve peaceful poll.

    “We are grateful to the peace committee, INEC and the Police. We are also grateful to the Oba of Benin because, what we are witnessing today was actually initiated few weeks ago by the Oba,” he said.

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the NPC for their efforts to ensure a peaceful poll in Edo.

    The Oba, represented by the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, appealed to the Edo people to shun violence during the exercise.

    Earlier, The Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission was fully prepared for the election, adding that all arrangements for the poll had been concluded.

    The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most. Rev. Matthew Kukah, the Co-convener of the event, urged the candidates not to see the signing of the accord as a mere ceremony, but to ensure peace.