TheNewsGuru

Tag: LG Elections

  • Ondo PDP resolves impasse over LG election withdrawal

    Ondo PDP resolves impasse over LG election withdrawal

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo Chapter, says it has resolved the disagreement over the party’s decision to withdraw from the recently conducted local government election in the state.

    The state’s Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, Mr Leye Igbabo, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

    According to reports, PDP tendered its letter of withdrawal 48 hours to the Jan. 18 local government election.

    They alleged the lack of trust in the ability of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to conduct a fair and free election.

    Igbabo explained that the Chairman of PDP in the state, Dr Bakitta Bello, had shed more light on reasons for pulling out of the electoral process.

    He said that the chairman, who addressed chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the election, alleged that the election process lacked transparency, credibility and acceptability.

    According to him, the chairman says that it will have been a great disservice and a mockery of democracy, if the party had allowed itself to be involved in such alleged clearly flawed elections.

    “The candidates have expressed their joy over soothing words spoken by the party leadership and as well expressed their continued solidarity and avowed commitment to the party.

    “The candidates had also tendered their unreserved apologies over the actions of some of them, who attempted to vent their anger on the state’s secretariat of the party in Akure.

    “A joint meeting of state Caretaker Committee members, Elders Committee and the candidates, resolved to advance the course of the party at all times and its smooth administration.

    “A motion for vote of confidence in the party leadership was moved by Ese-Odo Local Government Chairmanship candidate, Mr Buna Doso.

    “The motion was seconded by Mr Fasaanu Lawrence, the Ward 2 Councilorship candidate from Akure South Local Government.

    “With the joint meeting, the impasse over the  withdrawal of PDP from the Ondo State local government elections, has been permanently laid to rest,” he said.

    NAN

  • Newly elected Ondo LG chairmen receive Certificates of Return

    Newly elected Ondo LG chairmen receive Certificates of Return

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) on Monday presented Certificates of Return to the 18 elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the Local Government Chairmanship Election held on Jan.18, 2025.

    The commission on Sunday declared All Progressive Congress (APC) as winner in all the 18 Local Governments (LG)’s of Ondo State.

    Dr Joseph Aremo, ODIEC Chairman, who presented the certificates to the chairmen and their vices at the commission in Akure, said that it was to confirm their victory in the election.

    Aremo said that the success of the concluded election demonstrated the commitment of the electorate to deepening democracy and strengthening governance at the grassroots level.

    “You are here today because God has destined you to be, and what a man will be on this earth is already written by Almighty God.

    “But as far as the constitution recognising the existence of local government under democratic elected personnel, there is a law guiding them.

    “All the chairmen-elect need to live and justify the mandate freely given to them by the people at the grassroots.

    “Moreover, they all also, need to use the available resources at the local government judiciously and ensure the people-oriented projects are brought to bear.

    “Because people have been yearning for democracy at the grassroots for purposeful leadership, then there is the need for them to key into it to justify the confidence reposed in them,” he said.

    Aremo, however, reiterated the commission’s commitment to continue the conduct of free, fair, credible and transparent elections in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the chairmen-elect, Dr Gbenga Fasua, the Chairman-elect for Akure South Local Government, expressed gratitude to the people for their overwhelming support. He pledged to deliver on their campaign promises.

  • Ondo LG election: APC clears 16 LGAs, results of 2 councils pending

    Ondo LG election: APC clears 16 LGAs, results of 2 councils pending

    The Ondo State  Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) as winner in 16 local governments in Saturďay’s election held in the state.

    At least 12 political parties participated in the local government election for positions of chairman, deputy chairman and councillors in the 18 local government councils.

    Announcing the result on Sunday, Dr Joseph Aremo, Chairman of the Commission and Chief Returning Officer, said that the APC also won all the councillorship seats in the 16 LGA.

    Aremo said that the results for Owo LGA and Ondo West LGA, which was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday, due to wrong logo of one of the parties on the ballot papers would be announced later.

    The election in Ondo West LGA was cancelled because the old logo of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was on the ballot papers.

    ODIEC chairman and the election’s returning officer, said that after the conclusion of the Ondo West LGA election later today,  the two remaining results would be announced at 7:00p.m.

    The ODIEC chairman said that Owo LG and Ondo West, which was cancelled due to the missed up of  one of the political parties, NNPP Logo would be announced by 7pm after the conclusion of the election on Sunday.

    The Peoples Democratict Party (PDP), one of the 13 parties registered for the election, withdrew 48 hours to the event.

    The party’s Director of Media and Publicity in the state Mr Leye Igbagbo, in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure, said that the withdrawal was because it had no confidence in ODIEC conducting a credible and fair election.

    Action Alliance (AA); All Progressives Congress (APC); Labour Party (LP);  Action Peoples Party (APP); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Boot Party (BP); and Social Democratic Party (SDP) participated in the election.

    Other parties are Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Young Progressive Party (YPP); All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); National Rescue Movement (NRM); and Action Democratic Party (ADP).

  • Ondo LG election: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts, berates PDP for withdrawal

    Ondo LG election: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts, berates PDP for withdrawal

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described as cowardly, the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government election in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote at polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Recall Mr Leye Igbagbo, PDP Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, had announced the withdrawal of the party from the election in a statement on Thursday.

    “For PDP to to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the time table for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal).

    “Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating. So, whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa also described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development. The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.

    Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the polls, and thanked the people for participating in the election.

    “I just cast my vote without any crisis, this is just what happened on the Nov.16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair.

    “The materials arrived early and the security and citizens are here. They are participating and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” he said.

    Also  the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adelami, voted at 9:45 a.m. at Igbooroko Unit 16, Ward 3 in Owo, Owo LGA. Adelami, who praised the electorate for the turnout, urged them to vote massively for APC.

    APC chairmanship candidate commends conduct of Ondo LG polls

    Meanwhile, the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Gbenga Fasua, has commended the conduct of the ongoing Ondo State Local Government Election.

    Fasua, who stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 10, Polling Unit 5, Oja Oshodi, Akure, said that the election at Akure South LGA, was free and fair in all ramifications.

    The candidate also noted that there was no intimidation, and applauded Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the peaceful, and fair conduct of the election.

    According to him, there is relatively good turnout contrary to the opinion of some people that voters might not come out.

    “People thought there would be voter apathy but you can see that people are coming out to vote. There is peaceful conduct of the election and everything is orderly.

    “In this election, I am sure of victory and when declared winner, I will change the narrative. I am experienced enough to occupy the position,” he said.

  • Residents rate conduct of Ondo LG election

    Residents rate conduct of Ondo LG election

    The Saturday local government elections in Ondo State was largely characterised by low turnout of voters and logistical challenges at the early stage of the exercise in most polling centres.

    Correspondents, who monitored the exercise across the state, report that the elections scheduled to hold from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. did not start in most polling units until 10:00a.m.

    In most polling centres visited in Ilutitun, Ode-Aye, Okitipupa, Ikoya and Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government Area, there were no voters as at 10:15a.m.

    In some of the polling centres, officials of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) were seen sitting idle waiting for electorate, who were not in sight.

    At Units 001, 002, 010 and 012, Okitipupa Ward 1, and Units 001, 012 and 013, Okitipupa Ward 13, ODIEC adhoc staff were yet to arrive as at 10.05a.m.

    Most of the polling centres visited at Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government and Ilara in Ifedore Local Government, were virtually empty as at 10:00a.m.

    There was peaceful atmosphere in some of the units visited as few voters were waiting for electoral officials for accreditation and voting process.

    The Presiding Officer in Unit 4, Ward 9, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government, Mr Bayo Akoledowo, said that the election started by 8:30a.m. and the turnout had been “relatively good.”

    A voter at the polling unit, Chief Michael Aladesaye, commended the peaceful conduct of the election.

    At the Unit 9, Ward 9, Oba-Ile, Mr Martins Fagoroyo, one of the voters, said that the turnout was impressive, adding that more voters would still turn out to vote.

    At the Polling Unit 7, Ward 9, in Oba-Ile, Mr Adesoye Fagoroyo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Councillorship Candidate, said that the election had been peaceful with “large turnout.”

    Fagoroyo added that his victory was guaranteed being the only contestant in the ward.

    Voting process started at about 9:35a.m at Unit 7 and Unit 27, Ward 4, Akure, in Akure South Local Government with scanty voters.

    At Unit 22, Ward 4 in Akure South Local Government Area, the Presiding Officer, Mrs Olayemi Olarewanju, stated that the late arrival of the voting materials caused the delay in the commencement of the voting process.

    Olarewanju added that a total of 387 voters were expected in the unit.

    Also speaking, the APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate in Akure South Local Government, who just cast his vote at the unit, Mr Adebayo Ayodele, said that people came out en masse to exercise their franchise.

    Ayodele said that he was confident that his party would be victorious in the election due to its popularity and acceptance.

    Ondo residents rate LG poll

    Meanwhile, some residents of Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have attributed lack of confidence in the electoral process for the apathy to Saturday’s local government election in Ondo State.

    It was that many residents did not come out to cast their votes at the polling centres across the state. It was also observed that some residents went about their normal businesses while others stayed indoors in parts of the state.

    Some private and commercial vehicles, as well as motorcycles were seen on the roads while a few traders opened their shops to customers.

    In a separate interviews with NAN, on Saturday in Okitipupa, some of the residents said that their votes were not likely to change anything.

    They called on the government to find lasting solution to the poor economy for citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    A commercial driver at the Okitipupa New Garage, who simply gave his name as Segun, told NAN that he had lost confidence in the electoral process and that was why he did not bother to go and vote.

    “What have we gained from all the elections we have been participating in?  Nothing but untold hardship and hunger. I no longer have interest in the process,” he said.

    Mr Charles Ikuedowo, a commercial motorcyclist, said that there was serious hunger in the country and the only way out now was to be dedicated to work in order to feed the family,” he said.

    Also, Madam Felicia Akingbaso, a beverage vendor, said that she considered participation in the election a waste of time.

    According to her, politicians seeking votes of the electorate make promises when campaigning, but after their victory disappear.

    She urged the government to give priority to residents’ welfare for them to enjoy dividends of democracy.

    A charcoal dealer who simply gave her name as Yetunde, said that going to the polling  centre to  vote was a waste of time.

  • 50 observers to participate in Ondo LG election

    50 observers to participate in Ondo LG election

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) says it has accredited 50 local and international observers for the Jan. 18 Local Government (LG) elections in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Akure by Mr Tunde Adeleye, ODIEC Commissioner in charge of Communication, Media and IT.

    Adeleye said that the announcement served as a reinforcement of their commitment to credible elections, and to ensure stakeholders were well-informed ahead of the polls.

    According to him, the commission has reaffirmed its commitment to credible LG polls and providing a serene platform for observation.

    “For this election, close to 50 local and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been accredited.

    “They were also approved to monitor the upcoming Ondo State LG elections, set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

    “These accredited NGOs will deploy their members across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State to observe the electoral process.

    “This initiative underscores ODIEC’s commitment to upholding the core democratic principles of free, fair, credible, and transparent elections,” he said.

    Adeleye explained that engaging the observers was part of the commission’s aim to enhance public confidence in the electoral process

    According to him, the presence of the observers will also ensure that all activities surrounding the elections are conducted in accordance with established guidelines.

    Adeleye, therefore, urged all voters in the state to actively participate in the upcoming elections and exercise their civic duty responsibly.

    “Together, we can achieve elections that truly represent the will of the people,” he said.

  • Ondo LG election: APC unveils candidates for Okitipupa

    Ondo LG election: APC unveils candidates for Okitipupa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State has officially unveiled its candidates for the council elections in the area. The  LGA elections is scheduled for Jan. 18 across the 18 LGA’s in the state.

    Mr Bode Ikulala, APC Chairman in Okitipupa LGA, on Wednesday in Okitipupa, officially presented Mr Soga Ogunsakin and Mr James Orimisan Ogunyemi as the APC Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates for the election.

    Ikulala also presented to the party stakeholders and members the 13 councilorship candidates who would be vying for seats in the forthcoming LGA election.

    The chairman said that he had confidence in the ability of the APC candidates to deliver victory for the party in the forthcoming election.

    According to him, the party’s candidates have impressive credentials and track record of service to the community, assuring that they would bring value to the people of Okitipupa if elected.

    Ikulala also commended the party’s leadership for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

    He said that the presentation of its candidates officially flagged off the APC’s campaign for the Okitipupa LGA election.

    “The party is expected to engage in a series of campaign activities, including rallies, town hall meetings, and door-to-door canvassing, to mobilise support for its candidates,” Ikulala said.

    Meanwhile, Ogunsakin, who spoke on behalf of other candidates thanked the party leadership and stakeholders for the opportunity to serve.

    He promised to run an all inclusive and transparent administration if elected, pledging to prioritise the welfare and development of the people of Okitipupa LGA.

    “We express gratitude to the party leadership and promised to work tirelessly to ensure victory for the party in the election,” Ogunsakin said.

    In attendance at the event were Mr Segun Aiyerin, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Femi Agagu, a former Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology and Mr Igbekeke Akinrinwa, the incumbent Chairman,  Okitipupa LGA Transition Committee.

  • Lagos sets to conduct council election in 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs

    Lagos sets to conduct council election in 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State says council election will hold in all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in 2025.

    The APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi ,made this clarification in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, following speculations about the status of the 37 LCDAs in the state.

    “In recent times, the leadership of APC in Lagos State has been inundated by the media, party members and other stakeholders on information about the conduct of the forthcoming Local Government elections.,most specially if elections will hold in the 37 Local Council Development Areas – LCDAs.

    “It has become expedient to clear the air on the needless and distractive speculation.

    “We wish to inform all and sundry that the Local Government elections will hold across the state in the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the year 2025,” Ojelabi said.

    According to him, since their creation, the LCDAs have not only been the closest to the grassroots ,but also brought the desired developments across the state.

    He said that the party had observed with keen interest the rdebates on the desirability of the existence of the LCDAs and the need to hold elections in their political offices.

    Ojelabi added: “Our position as a progressive party is that we cannot discountenance the contributions of the LCDAs to the overall political and socio-economic development of the state.

    “Our landscape is dotted by several infrastructural projects by the LCDAs which include road, drainage and market construction , school and housing projects, primary education and health facilities and various social service interventions among others.

    “The various collaborative efforts with the state government on refuse disposal, drain clearing and security are also pointers to their continuous relevance.

    “We hope this release will put paid to further speculations as regards the local government elections in order not to unnecessarily heat up the polity.”

    He urged party members and all residents to continue to coexist peacefully “as we all strive to maintain the leading position of our state in the federation.”

    Recall that the move by the  House of Assembly to create Area Administrative Councils in replacement of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) through the  proposed Local Government Administration Bill has been opposed by political stakeholders.

    The bill  titled” A Bill for a Law to provide for Local Government’s System, Establishment And Administration And to Consolidate All Laws On Local Government Administration And Connected Purposes” is still being considered on the floor of the House.

    The Assembly ,during a recent  public hearing, said the bill was being considered to replace the current 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state  (LCDAs) with Area Administrative Councils

    According to the House, the bill to restructure local government administration in the state followed the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments.

  • 7 political parties ready for Ondo local government election

    7 political parties ready for Ondo local government election

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has verified seven political parties to participate in the upcoming January 18 Local Government Election in the state.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the commission, Mrs Bisi Lawani, on Tuesday in Akure.

    Lawani said that the political parties  were confirmed during the verification exercise for candidates contesting for the positions of chairman and vice-chairman held at the commission’s headquarters on Monday in Akure.

    “The political parties set to participate include Action Alliance (AA); All Progressives Congress (APC); Labour Party (LP); and Action People’s Party (APP).

    “Others are New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP); People’s Democratic Party (PDP); and Social Democratic Party (SDP),” she said.

    The spokesperson said that the election would be conducted across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    According to her, the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates of all the political parties underwent verification on Monday, December 23, 2024.

    “This critical process, conducted at the commission’s headquarters was aimed at ensuring that all candidates meet the eligibility requirements stipulated in the electoral guidelines,” she said.

    Lawani explained further that the same exercise for councilorship candidates would take place on Tuesday, December 24, at the various local government area offices of the commission in the state.

    According to her, the electoral officers will be supervised by ODIEC commissioners in those offices.

  • Candidates list for Ondo LG election released

    Candidates list for Ondo LG election released

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has released the approved list of candidates and their particulars ahead of the Jan.18 council elections in the state.

    Dr Joseph Aremo, ODIEC Chairman, made the disclosure while holding a meeting with the commissions electoral officers of the 18 Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Friday in Akure.

    Aremo said that the list of chairmanship candidates had been pasted at the headquarters of the commission on Friday.

    “Also, the list of councilorship candidates has been pasted at the various local government offices of the commission.

    “Meanwhile, the verification of chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates will be conducted on Monday, Dec. 23, at the headquarters.

    “However, the verification of councilorship candidates will take place at the various local government offices of ODIEC.

    “Also, campaigns by political parties will commence on Thursday, Dec. 26, and will run till Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

    “The publication of the list of validated candidates will be released on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024,” he said.

    According to him, anyone interested in working with ODIEC as ad-hoc staff should apply through the electoral officers of each LGA, or the office of the director of operations at the headquarters.

    “Electoral officers should act as impartial umpires. ODIEC is determined to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election that can serve as benchmark for Africa,” he said.