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Tag: LG Poll

  • Pepper seller’s son joins Lagos LG Chairmanship race

    Pepper seller’s son joins Lagos LG Chairmanship race

    Market women and community groups have purchased N5.5 million APC nomination forms for Mr Amodu Shehu, son of a local pepper seller, to contest chairmanship.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled elections for July 12 in all 57 council areas across the state.

    Shehu said traders, artisans, youths, and community leaders around Oyingbo market funded his nomination and administrative fees to support his ambition.

    He disclosed this on Friday during the unveiling of his forms and official declaration to contest Lagos Mainland Local Government chairmanship.

    Shehu pledged to honour the trust placed in him and deliver inclusive, people-centred leadership if elected into office.

    Reflecting on his upbringing in Lagos Mainland, he promised to prioritise education, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.

    “With my background as a pepper seller’s son from a humble community, I understand the struggles and will fight for meaningful change.

    “Together, we can secure a better future for the children of Lagos Mainland through unity and commitment to progress,” he said.

    He described his aspiration as a product of love for community, wide consultation, and a strong vision for rapid development.

    “I seek to provide visionary, purposeful, and competent leadership that meets the hopes of our people,” Shehu stated.

    He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, saying he is equipped with the knowledge, experience and exposure needed to lead.

    Market leader, Mrs Iyabode Agboola, said traders came together to fund the forms because Shehu represents their hopes and struggles.

    “Amodu is one of us. He grew up in our market and knows the reality of our everyday lives.

    “This campaign is our collective project and we stand firmly behind him,” Agboola said.

    Another market leader, Ms Bakare Adetokunbo, said they contributed to buy the APC nomination form because Shehu understands their pain.

    “His mother sells peppers like me. He knows the value of every naira. He won’t forget his roots,” Adetokunbo said.

    A local carpenter, Mr Femi Akande, said artisans are backing Shehu because he would fight for their future and their children’s.

    Ward G Councillor and youth leader, Mr Biliaminu Saka, said Shehu’s leadership will bring smiles to faces of struggling residents.

    “Shehu represents dynamic, youthful leadership. He has a record of mobilising young people for positive change.

    “He brings energy, passion, and fresh ideas to local government,” Saka said.

    Similarly, Ward D Councillor, Mr Ayodele Isiekwene, said Shehu’s support across the community shows strong grassroots belief in his candidacy.

    “He’s one of us and understands our challenges. Amodu will be a true voice for the people,” Isiekwene said.

    NAN reports that Shehu, an IT professional and son of a renowned Oyingbo pepper seller, enjoys wide support from residents.

    Market women, artisans, and APC members gathered in large numbers to express solidarity with Shehu’s candidacy.

  • APC aspirant withdraws from LG chairmanship race for Obasa’s son [See Reason]

    APC aspirant withdraws from LG chairmanship race for Obasa’s son [See Reason]

    Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and a leading aspirant in the July 12 council election, withdrawn his interest to vie for the chairmanship position.

    He expressed satisfaction with the choice of Abdulganiyu Obasa as the APC’s flagbearer in the upcoming local government poll.

    Abiola is a political protégé of Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and APC leader in Agege.

    Speaking to NAN on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola affirmed his loyalty to the party and to Speaker Obasa.

    Recall that on Monday, Agege stakeholders urged Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, contest the council chairmanship.

    According to them, this would reward the Speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political impact in Agege.

    Reacting to claims that he faced pressure to withdraw, Abiola said he remained deeply grateful to Obasa for shaping his political journey.

    He pledged total support for the Speaker’s leadership and said he would never oppose the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

    Abiola stated: “Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

    “This is the man who made me. He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015.

    “In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LG, thanks to his recommendation to the governor.

    “That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

    “In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support.

    “So tell me, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”

    He admitted his ambition to become Chairman, but insisted he must submit to the party’s collective decision.

    “Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree.

    “Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son contest. I respect and support that.

    “I stand with Obasa, with APC Agege, and with all decisions taken by the party and stakeholders,” he added.

    Abiola noted that service to people was his true goal and believed more opportunities would come in the future.

    “I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right.

    “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory,” he said.

    He added that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to fully support the party’s decision.

  • Osun LG poll will hold – Gov. Adeleke insists

    Osun LG poll will hold – Gov. Adeleke insists

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said that the local government election slated for Saturday would hold.

    Adeleke, in a statement on Friday in Osogbo made available to newsmen by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the governor, said this while playing host to a delegation of Civil Society Coalition.

    The governor, who said the delegates were in the state to monitor the local government poll, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the state electoral body.

    According to him, the electorate are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.

    “I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow.

    “The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has also done a marvelous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal.

    “Other political parties will participate in the election and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” he said.

    Adeleke, responding to the call to cancel the election, said “democracy is governed by rule of law and nobody can assume the authority of the court”.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Thursday advised Adeleke not to proceed with the election.

    Fagbemi urged the governor to respect the Court of Appeal, Akure, judgement which restored the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors sacked in 2022 by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

    The governor advised all parties, including local and national stakeholders, to abide by democratic norms.

    “As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.

    “The election is going to hold and the outcome will fast track development at the local level.

    “I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he said.

  • APC sweeps Katsina LG polls

    APC sweeps Katsina LG polls

    The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC), said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates have won all the 34 Chairmanship and 361 Councilorship positions contested during Saturday’s election.

    The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Lawal Faskari, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Sunday in Katsina.

    Faskari said that five political parties participated in the election.

    According to the chairman, the parties were: Accord Party (AP), Booth Party (BP), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Party (ADC) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said that the election was free, fair and credible.

    Faskari commended the electorate for their contribution in making the exercise peaceful and credible.

    He further commended the staffers of the commission, ad-hoc staffers, independent election observers and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a hitch-free exercise.

    In a related development, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has acknowledged the giant strides made by the registered political parties to promote democracy in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Alhaji Salimu Lawal and Babangida Kado, respectively.

    “To our esteemed candidates who contested in the election and lost, I salute your courage, determination and commitment towards serving our great state.

    “I also commend your faith in conceding defeat in the system, and your desire to contribute to the development of the state.

    “As we move forward, let us not forget the values that unite us as a people.

    “They include peaceful coexistence, respect for one another and the pursuit of the common good,” the statement said.

  • Poll: We didn’t ask LG chairmen seeking re-election to resign – Lagos APC

    Poll: We didn’t ask LG chairmen seeking re-election to resign – Lagos APC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has denied issuing any directive to incumbent local government chairmen, seeking reelection, to resign ahead of the 2025 council poll.

    The APC Spokesperson, Mr Seye Oladejo, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening, said that the purported directive was fake news to mislead the public and party members.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a false directive purportedly issued by the Lagos State Chairman of APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to incumbent Council Chairmen, who intend to seek re-election to resig from  their offices.

    “We want to make it abundantly clear that there is  no iota of truth in the publication, as it was twisted to suit the interest of the publisher,” Oladejo said.

    He said that on the contrary, the directive issued was to APC Local Government Party Chairmen seeking elective offices during the forth-coming elections to resign their positions, as they could not be umpires and contestants at the same time.

    “The local government party chairmen, who double as aspirants in the coming elections, for emphasis, will be required to resign their current positions when the guidelines are released.

    “We wish to enjoin party members and the general public to refrain from peddling misleading information that can heat up the polity,” Oladejo said.

    He said that the party was awaiting the electoral guidelines from the newly reconstituted Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

    The spokesperson said that the party members should all continue to promote activities that would engender party cohesion and understanding.

  • LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State says it will repeat the landslide victory in the forthcoming Local Government (LG) election on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the party won in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state during the Nov.16 governorship election.

    The state Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr Alex Kalejaye, who stated this on Monday in Akure at the party’s secretariat while speaking with newsmen on the party’s preparations ahead the Jan.18 LG election.

    Kalejaye, who assured that APC would win the election. expressed displeasure with the inauguration of caretaker committees at the third tiers of government.

    According to him, we are confident of repeating the victory recorded in the last Nov. 16 governorship election on Saturday.

    Kalejaye said that the people of the state would vote for APC on Saturday due to the level of performance of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

    The publicity secretary disclosed that in preparation for the election, the party had constituted a five-man committee, led by the party’s state Organising Secretary, Charles Fagbohunka.

    He said Fagbohunka would coordinate the campaign of all committee set up at the local government level, while the  committees would coordinate the campaign at ward and unit levels for mobilisation and sensitisation.

    Kalejaye said the party had also constituted a reconciliation committee led by the state Vice Chairman of the party, Mr Atili Agabra, to settle all misunderstanding among party members ahead of the Saturday poll.

    “APC has met all the conditions reeled out by ODIEC and all our candidates across the 18 local government areas are sellable.

    “The party is well prepared for the election and will round off its campaign on Thursday in line with the Electoral Act.

    “We have started the campaign by meeting with all stakeholders across all the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said. (

  • Court nullifies attempts to halt LG election in Kano

    Court nullifies attempts to halt LG election in Kano

    The Kano State High Court granted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) the authority to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, nullifying all attempts by political parties to stop the exercise.

    Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, presiding over the case, ruled that KANSIEC is empowered by the Constitution to conduct, supervise, and oversee local government elections across the 44 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State. The case was brought by KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties.

    In his ruling, Justice Ma’aji emphasised that any effort to obstruct the process would be deemed null and void.

    “KANSIEC, under the provisions of the Constitution, is mandated to hold elections in the state. Any attempt to truncate this process is a nullity,” he said.

    The judge also called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property during the election.

    “It is crucial that security agencies urgently provide the necessary protection to safeguard lives and properties during the conduct of the elections tomorrow,” he ordered.

    This ruling comes after a Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, on Tuesday halted the council elections, citing the alleged illegal constitution of KANSIEC. However, the state high court’s ruling has now cleared the way for the polls to proceed as planned.

    With this decision, Kano State is poised to conduct its long-awaited local government elections, with KANSIEC ready to carry out its constitutional mandate.

    Kano Electoral Body Insists On Conducting LG Polls Despite Legal Challenges

     

  • Benue LG polls a rape of democracy – Senate Minority Leader

    Benue LG polls a rape of democracy – Senate Minority Leader

    Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue South), has described the local government elections held on Saturday in Benue as a rape of democracy.

    Moro made the description in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Emmanuel John, and made it available to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi.

    NAN reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats as declared by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Sunday.

    The Senate minority leader said that reports from polling units across his senatorial district indicated that the election did not hold.

    He said that election materials and officials of BSIEC were not seen anywhere in the area.

    Moro said that he was disappointed in Governor Hyacinth Alia for not standing by the truth and due process as promised during his electioneering campaign.

    “I expected the governor, as a priest, to push for a paradigm shift by doing what is right and not referencing and copying what was wrongly done in the past.

    “Democracy is fiercely fought for, with some people paying the supreme price. Anti-democratic forces will not be allowed to destroy the system,” Moro said.

    He enjoined members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, as everything legally possible would be done to challenge the election in a court of competent jurisdiction.a

  • APC clinches all 23 LG chairmanship seats in Benue

    APC clinches all 23 LG chairmanship seats in Benue

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched all 23 local government chairmanship seats in the local government elections conducted in Benue on Saturday.

    The Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Mr Richard Tombowua, announced the results on Sunday in Makurdi.

    Tombowua said that the APC also won all 276 councillorship seats in the state.

    The chairman said that the election held in all the 5,102 polling units in the state spread across 276 council wards in the 23 local governments.

    According to him, the results brought in by the 23 local government electoral officers show that APC won all the seats, which were keenly contested by five other political parties.

    “A total of eight political parties participated in the elections, but in the field only five participated, which are APC, APGA, LP, PDP, and SDP.

    “There is no local government where there was a candidate that was returned unopposed; every local government election is contested the same thing with the ward council,” he said.

  • Benue LG polls a litmus test for 2027 – PDP Chairman

    Benue LG polls a litmus test for 2027 – PDP Chairman

    Mr Ezekiel Adaji, Benue State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says that the party would use Saturday’s local government polls as a litmus test for 2027.

    Adaji stated this on Friday in Makurdi when he took over the leadership of the party in the state.

    The chairman expressed confidence that the party would win overwhelming on Saturday to herald the party’s successes in subsequent elections.

    According to him, the council polls will send a signal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that in 2027 it will no longer be in power.

    “We are highly prepared for tomorrow’s election, and we will not leave any stone unturned to enable us to achieve victory.

    “Benue is a PDP state; therefore, the man occupying the government house now is a caretaker. We will push him out in 2027.

    “We had a peaceful state congress on Thursday at the instance of the PDP national secretariat.

    “They conducted the election and subsequently inaugurated the new state working committee immediately after the exercise.

    “We are here to hit the ground running ahead of the local government elections,” he said.