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Tag: Zamfara

  • Election: Gunmen kill APC ward Chairman in Zamfara

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Chairman of Yandoton Daji in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, Alhaji Yusuf Yahaya, has been killed by unidentified gunmen.

    The police said the deceased was killed at about 1:00am on Saturday while on his way home from Tsafe.

    Police spokesman, SP Mohammed Shehu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the state Commissioner of Police, Celestine Okoye, had visited the area.

    He said that the incident had not affected the conduct of ongoing presidential and national assembly elections in the area.

    Chairman of Tsafe Local Council, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, had earlier told newsmen in Gusau on Saturday that Abubakar and one other person were killed by the gunmen while four others sustained injuries.

    “He was killed along with another supporter of the party and other four persons were injured.

    “The deceased left Tsafe for his village on Friday night after collecting his tag as the APC agent in the area in preparation for today’s (Saturday) election,’’ he said.

    The chairman said another set of unidentified gunmen also attacked Wanzamai village in the same area and kidnapped many villagers, including wife of Alhaji Sanusi Wanzamai, a Commissioner with state electoral commission.

    Abubakar commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed Allah to grant them Aljanatul Firdausi.

    ‘’Those who sustained injuries in the attack have already been admitted in the hospital for treatment.

    ‘’We are appealing to the security agents for more intervention in the area and the state at large; we are also appealing to people of the area to remain calm, as they come out to vote for candidates of their choice.

    NAN reports that over 20 persons have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in the state within a week.

  • Ozekhome writes INEC, says A’Court didn’t clear Zamfara APC to field candidates

    Lawyer to the Senator Kabiru Marafa faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) confirmed on Friday that the judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja given on Thursday set aside the January 27, 2019 judgment by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Justice Ojukwu had, in the judgment, held among others that there was no evidence before her court that the APC in Zamfara conducted valid primaries for the purpose of producing candidates for this year’s general elections.

    The decision of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, setting aside Justice Ojukwu’s judgment, for lack of jurisdiction, has since been interpreted by many to mean that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should now accept candidates from Zamfara APC, a position Ozekhome faulted.

    He argued that, since the Court of Appeal only set aside the judgment, but failed to make a consequential order directing INEC to accept candidates from Zamfara APC; it implies that the earlier decision by the electoral body, refusing the party’s candidates, still stands.

    In two separate documents issued on Friday – a press release and a letter to INEC Chairman (both of which he personally signed), Ozekhome urged INEC to reject candidates from Zamfara APC on the grounds that that “nothing has changed,” despite the Appeal Court judgment given in Abuja on February 21, 2019.

    Ozekhome insisted that, since an appeal filed by his client, Marafa, was still pending before the Court of Appeal in Sokoto State, against the judgement of the Zamfara State High Court, which said there were valid primaries, the issue (of whether or not there were valid primaries) could not be said to have been safely resolved.

    The Senior Advocate said: “Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on 21st February, 2019, dismissed the appeal filed by APC challenging the judgment of Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, which had affirmed INEC’s stand that the APC did not conduct any primary election in Zamfara state and that INEC was right to have rejected APC’s candidates from Zamfara state.

    “The dismissal followed an application by APC to withdraw the appeal. The application was granted and the appeal dismissed accordingly.

    “Next was the cross-appeal filed by Yari & Co on jurisdiction and cause of action.

    “The judgment given by the Court of Appeal today clearly stated that the appeal partially succeeded and went ahead to set aside the judgment of the lower court on jurisdiction only, but refuse to grant the cause of action component of the appeal.

    “By this, the Court of Appeal refused to grant INEC any order to revive candidates of the APC from Zamfara state.

    “The cross-appeal therefore partially failed because, from the onset, APC had a complaint against INEC only. Governor had applied to join the case voluntarily.

    “And, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu in her judgment held that ‘APC did not seek any relief against the 2nd to 6th dependents (Yari & Co) and considering that Yari and & Co didn’t file a counter claim, or cross action against APC in the suit, she now held that Yari & Co have nothing to add in this case.

    “From the foregoing, it is clear that the cross-appeal by Yari and his group, before the Court of Appeal, having partially failed, becomes at best, a mere academic exercise bereft of any utilitarian value to the entire case.

    “The false assertion that the Court of Appeal had cleared the way for the APC to participate in Saturday’s election is therefore a lie from the pit of hell.

    “It is nothing short of the desperate minute by frustrated politician holding on any available straw to smuggle themselves Willy nilly into Saturday’s election. This cannot work.

    “INEC is hereby reminded that there exists in addition to the above legal obstacles, a subsisting appeal which arose from the Zamfara State High Court judgment, which is still extant and pending before the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal , in Appeal no: CA/S/32/2019.

    “In any event, the judgment of the Federal High Court, going by the judgment of the Court of Appeal still partially succeeded, since the Court of Appeal refused to make any clear mandatory orders directing INEC to receive any candidates from Yari group for the purpose of Saturday’s elections.

    “INEC is therefore obligated and legally bound to stand by its earlier well founded position that APC, having never conducted any primaries in Zamfara state, have no candidates in the forthcoming elections in Zamfara state, have no candidate in the forthcoming elections in Zamfara state, except the presidential election.

    “Any other act by INEC in fielding any candidates from the Governor Yari’s group or the “G-8” group will be illegal, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever,” Ozekhome said.

    He made similar argument in the letter to the Chairman of INEC.

    Part of the letter reads: “Sometimes in October 2018 when INEC wrote to APC, intimating it that the commission would not be expecting any list of candidates from them, having failed to conduct primaries within the stipulated time, APC challenged that decision of the commission by filing a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, which decided the case in favour of the commission and dismissed the suit.

    “Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State had cross-appealed. By the judgment of the Court of Appeal on 21st February, 2019 the intermediate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter in the first place and therefore struck it out.

    “What this decision means sir, is that, as at today, there is no valid or extant decision of any court of law in Nigeria, which has set aside the well-grounded decision of INEC as contained in its letter of 9th October, 2018.

    “In addition to this clear legal obstacle against any of the parties fielding any candidate in the forthcoming Zamfara elections (aside the presidential election), there also exists and still pending before the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal, a valid appeal filed by Senator Kabiru Marafa in appeal no: CA/S/33/2019.

    “Consequently, by way of summary, nothing in the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja has changed the well-grounded position of maintenance of status quo of disallowing. Any of the parties to field candidates for the forthcoming elections, except the presidential election.

    “The Court of Appeal, Abuja division merely struck out the suit which had been dismissed by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja with no consequential order.

    “Please sir, this letter urges you to firmly maintain your earlier position so as to prevent a clear circumvent of the judicial process and an appeal that is still pending before the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal,” Ozekhome said.

     

  • 2019: Finally, APC gets court order to field candidates in Zamfara

    The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal against the judgment of a Zamfara State High Court asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for various offices in Zamfara State.

    The judgment effectively paves the way for the APC to participate in all elections in the state starting on Saturday with the presidential and National Assembly polls.

    A three-member panel of judges unanimously dismissed the appeal following its withdrawal by the appellant, Aminu Jaji.

    INEC had earlier insisted it would not recognise the Zamfara candidates who were produced after the stipulated time for primaries.

    The electoral body also maintained its position following conflicting judgments on the matter by a high court of Zamfara and federal high court on January 25.

    The High Court in Zamfara had on that day ruled that the actually conducted primaries in the state and should be allowed to present candidates for the electoral contest.

    That court specifically directed INEC to accept candidates from the party for Zamfara. Justice Muhammad Shinkafi, who delivered the ruling, said the APC conducted primaries elections on October 3 and 7, 2018.

    The court also barred the national secretariat of the APC from replacing the names of those who won the primary elections of the party.

    In the case with suit number ZMS/GS/52/2018, Sanusi Liman, Dan Alhaji and 37 others vs APC and 143, the plaintiffs had asked the court to compel the APC and INEC to accept the results of the party’s primaries election in the state conducted on October 7, 2018.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, however, ruled otherwise on a suit filed by some individuals, who said they emerged from a consensus arrangement adopted by the party in Zamfara State.

    The court said INEC acted within its powers by refusing to accept the list of candidates from the Zamfara State chapter of the APC.

    In the judgment, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, said it was not the fault of INEC that the APC failed to conduct a valid primary within the period scheduled by the electoral body.

    Ojukwu said INEC’s action was intended to curb impunity among political parties and politicians and ensure that rule of law is adhered to.

    INEC had last October said it would not allow the APC to field candidates in Zamfara because the party failed to conduct primaries before the deadline stipulated.

    Some members of the APC in the state had approached the court challenging the decision of INEC.

    The party said it conducted primaries which produced current governor Abdulaziz Yari as a senatorial candidate and his commissioner of finance, Shehu Idris, as governorship candidate, among other candidates.

  • Bandits invade Zamfara community, kill serving senator’s sister, kidnap in-law

    Bandits invade Zamfara community, kill serving senator’s sister, kidnap in-law

    Suspected bandits have killed Ade Marafa, a sister of the senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, and abducted her husband in Zamfara State.

    The senator confirmed the incident to Tuesday afternoon.

    He said the assailants killed her sister “around 3 a.m” on Monday in Ruwan Bore. He said several other villages in the Gusau Local Government of Zamfara State also came under attack.

    The police could not be immediately reached for comment.

    Zamfara State has in recent years faced relentless attacks by bandits believed to be having a free reign of terror. The authorities are not doing enough to secure the people.

    An online newspaper, The Cable, quoting an aide to Mr Marafa, reported that, at least, half of the Ruwan Bore village was razed.

    However, Marafa said only “our own house” was attacked in the village, while several others in the area were burnt down by the attackers.

    The attack was said to have lasted for about three days until Monday morning.

    The violence in Zamfara, like the escalating herders-farmers crisis in the Middle Belt and the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, has worsened Nigeria’s insecurity woes.

  • 2019: INEC maintains stance, omits APC from governorship, state assembly elections in Zamfara, Rivers

    2019: INEC maintains stance, omits APC from governorship, state assembly elections in Zamfara, Rivers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday maintained its earlier stance to disqualify the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Rivers and Zamfara States from participating at the 2019 elections.

    The electoral body in its final list of governorship and House of Assembly candidates omitted candidates of the party in both states

    Recall that INEC had on Thursday, January 17, released a list signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Orianran-Anthony and while candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party among others made the list, those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were excluded.

    A Federal High court in Port Harcourt, the state capital had nullified the direct and indirect primaries conducted by the two factions of the APC in Rivers.

    The court presided over by Justice Kolawole Omotosho held that both primaries were not conducted according to the law.

    Justice Omotosho had also restrained the electoral body from recognising Tonye Cole and Magnus Abe as governorship candidates of the APC in the general elections.

    Senator Abe was declared the winner of a direct governorship primary conducted by a faction of the party in 2018 after polling 144, 929 votes.

    But Cole emerged the winner of an indirect primary held by another faction with 3,329 votes.

    Following the rulings, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers, Obo Effanga, insisted that the electoral umpire would always obey court injunctions.

    In a similar vein, the electoral body also omitted names of candidates of the APC from its list in Zamfara State.

    INEC which had earlier said it would release the final list of governorship and State Assembly candidates on Thursday, however, said the status quo remained unchanged.

    The electoral umpire made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday night by its National Commissioners and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.

    He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission met on Wednesday, January 30 2019 and among other things approved the final list of candidates for the governorship, State Assembly and FCT Area Council elections scheduled to hold on March 2, 2019.

    “On the whole, there are 1, 066 candidates for the governorship elections, 14, 583 for the State Assembly elections and 806 for the FCT Area Council elections broken down into 105 Chairmanship candidates and 701 councillorship candidates. “

     

  • 2019: APC senator insists INEC must not allow party field candidates

    2019: APC senator insists INEC must not allow party field candidates

    …insists INEC must not allow party field candidates in the state

    The Senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, Tuesday insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State must not be allowed to field candidates in the February National Assembly and March governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    Marafa said that the ruling of an Abuja Federal High Court that Zamfara APC should not field candidates for the elections should be obeyed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Senator who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resource (Downstream) stated this at a press briefing in Abuja.

    He said that INEC should stand by its earlier position that the Zamfara State APC has no candidates for the elections due to the party’s failure to conduct primary elections within the time frame set for it.

    Marafa who is also a member of APC noted that allowing the party in Zamfara State to be on the ballot for National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly elections would be injustice of the highest order and must not be allowed.

    Marafa said: “I am a loyal and committed party man but my loyalty to the party has limitations especially in a situation where justice is required.

    “My loyalty first and foremost is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because we must have Nigeria before we can have the Senate or political parties.

    “So, my loyalty is first to my God and to my people. APC is not a religion. So, if APC decides that the worst APC candidate is better than the best other candidates from anywhere, I will respect them because they are in politics to field candidates to win elections.

    “But that cannot be true to me. So, I would go for the best for my people.

    “So, even if it means APC losing in Zamfara State, I don’t give a damn. After all, the crisis that we are in today started with the APC itself.

    “The governor (of Zamfara State) is going around whipping up sentiments that INEC should not accept the court judgment delivered in my favour because APC would lose Zamfara if the party did not present candidates for the election which to me is balderdash.”

    Marafa however assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would win in the State landslide without Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s input in anyway.

    He said, “Thank God President Muhammadu Buhari has broken the political barriers in the political space now. Before, it was the President that needs the governors. Today, the President does not need the governors to win elections; rather, they need him.

    “President Buhari is going to win Zamfara. He will stand by the truth. He is pained by what is happening in the state and he would want to see a change of leadership in Zamfara State.

    “I have not spoken with him on the issue but I believe that he will share the same view with me. It would be better to have a better person from another party (as governor in Zamfara) than to have a bad person from APC just because you want APC to win.

    “Of what benefit is an APC governor that will allow all these killings and corruption in Zamfara to continue?”

    He said that external influence in the matter of the state would fail as the people of the state know what is good for them.

    The Senator said that they were awaiting the decision of INEC since the electoral body said that it is studying the conflicting judgements on matter.

    He accused the state governor of procuring judgement from the state High Court in his (governor’s) favour.

     

     

  • Gunmen invade Zamfara community, abduct new bride, nursing mothers, others

    There was pandemonium on Monday in Zamfara State as armed bandits attacked a community abducting several people.

    Those abducted include a new bride, and some nursing mothers.

    According to a report by Premium Times, the incident happened at Zurmi Local Government Area at about 11:45 p.m.

    Residents said the heavily armed bandits shot sporadically into the air, scaring residents.

    Falalu Ashafa, a teacher at Government Girls Secondary School, Zurmi, said his wife, mother, two children and nanny are among those kidnapped in the Monday attack.

    He said after the attack, 26 persons, including three lactating mothers, and a newly-weded bride were missing and believed to have been kidnapped.

    The Zurmi attack is coming two days after a similar attack on a viewing centre at Birnin Magaji area of the state. In that attack, seven people were kidnapped and are yet to be released as at Tuesday morning.

    The security agencies in Zamfara are yet to make any official statement on the Saturday attack.

    Killings and kidnapping for ransom have continued in Zamfara communities, despite security reinforcement and subsequent change of the police commissioner in the state.

    When contacted, the Zamfara police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, said the police repelled the Monday night attack but later realised that 13 people had been kidnapped.

    He said the hoodlums stormed Majema area in Zurmi with a view to causing mayhem and breakdown of law and order in the community.

    “On the spur of the moment, combined teams of Police/Military and Civilian JTF Stationed in Zurmi responded promptly and repelled the attack.

    “As a result, the attackers were forced to beat a retreat back to Dumburum forest. Sadly enough, 13 Persons were later discovered to have been kidnapped by the attackers.

    “The command in its efforts to ensure the successful rescue of the Kidnapped Victims dispatched a Search and Rescue Operation team to Complement the effort of the Joint Security Personnel Currently on extensive bush combing.

    “The press will be duly briefed on the outcome of the rescue operation.

    “The command appeals for continued support and cooperation with the police and other security agencies by giving timely and useful information on activities of criminal elements in the state.”

     

  • JUST IN: Court upholds INEC’s rejection of APC candidates in Zamfara

    *Says INEC acted within its powers

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has held that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted within its powers by refusing to accept list of candidates for the next general elections from the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, in a judgment on Friday, said it was not the fault of INEC that the APC failed to conduct a valid primary within the period scheduled by the electoral body.

    Justice Onjukwu said INEC’s action was intended to curb impunity among political parties and politicians; ensure that rule of law is adhered to.

    The judgment was on a suit filed in the name of APC by some individuals, who said they emerged from a consensus arrangement adopted by the party in Zamfara State.

    Details later.

  • [Photos] Dangote Foundation feeds 30,000 IDPs in Zamfara

    [Photos] Dangote Foundation feeds 30,000 IDPs in Zamfara

    The Aliko Dangote Foundation on Monday officially launched a major philanthropic programme in Zamfara State, doling out food items running into several millions of naira to support victims of insurgency.

    The farmers-herders clash and sporadic attacks by cattle rustlers have displaced thousands, many of whom are currently seeking refuge at Maradun Local Government Area of the State.

    According to official reports over 3,000 people have been killed, about 100,000 displaced, of which about 30,000 are in Maradun LG, and over 500 people kidnapped.

    Group Executive Director Government Relations and Strategic Relations Mansur Ahmed who presented the food items on behalf of the Group President Aliko Dangote said the Foundation was supporting the government and traditional leaders in meeting the needs of the IDPs.

    Only recently Mr. Dangote was rated world’s 6th largest donors, and Africa’s richest person for almost a decade. His Aliko Dangote Foundation has been endowed with a staggering $1.25billion. He was also listed by Forbes Magazine among the 75 people that make the world turn.

    Dangote Foundation had also injected over N7billion to create succor in North East in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Mr. Ahmed, an Engineer, said Mr. Dangote was very disturbed about the plight of the displaced persons and quickly directed that everything possible be done to provide succor.

    Mr. Ahmed said the company was building a 200000-ton capacity of rice mill in Maradun and that when completed this year it would create hundreds of job opportunities for the people of Zamfara State.

    Responding, the Emir of Maradun Muhammad Garba Tambari said he was highly elated as the company is the first to intervene by providing food support for displaced persons.

    He commended Mr Dangote for the gesture and promise to help secure his investment in his Emirate.

    Chairman of the Maradun Local Government Alhaji Yahayah Shehu Maradun thanked the Dangote Foundation for the gesture and pray God to continue to bless the Dangote business.

    Our reporter sighted trucks of food items being offloaded at the silos and at the official presentation of the relief material at the Palace of the Emir of Maradun.

    Some of the items delivered include: Trucks of Semolina, sphagetti, sugar, wheatmeal and Macroni.

    Victims at the IDP camp who recounted their ordeal described the crisis as the worst in the country in the past five years.

    They regretted that state have been neglected by government and mainstream media.

    Mrs Inno Usman, 50, from Mallamai District lost a husband to the crisis and has eight children at the IDP camp. She said five men including her husband were killed by the marauders.

    Mrs Usman described the intervention of Dangote as timely, while urging other donors to emulate the the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

    Another victim, Mrs Kenan Usman said her husband was also killed in a gruesome manner and that she escaped with her five children by the whiskers.

    She said before the coming of Dangote Foundation they have been accommodated at the IDP camp in Maradun since November 2018, regretting that there is no date foe their return as the insurgents still hold sway in their various villages.

    For Inno Aliyu Sani, 60, 21 people were killed including four women, and cows running into hundreds were stolen by the rustlers.

    “We can’t go back. The killers are still there,” she said.

    Abubakar Garba from Rudun village said for the past five years marauders had sacked everyone in the village but that government was doing anything address the situation until now.

  • 2019: Tough time for APC as INEC omits party’s candidates in Rivers, Zamfara

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was battling on Thursday to assure its members that all will be well after its candidates’ names were omitted from the list of those who will run in the general elections.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the February 16 National Assembly polls. However, the governorship and National Assembly candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers and Zamfara states were missing on the list.

    The party in the states have been embroiled in internal crises leading to the disqualification of its candidates, following its failure to conduct acceptable primaries.

    APC presidential candidate President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lead other 71 presidential candidates.

    The others are: Ositelu Isaac Babatunde (Accord); Abdulrashid Hassan Baba (Action Alliance); Omoyele Sowore (AAC); Chike Ukaegbu (AAP); Shipi Moses Godia (ABP); Nwokeafor Ikechukwu Ndubuisi (ACD); Ezekwesili Obiageli Katryn (ACPN); Mailafia Obadiah (ADC); Yabagi Sani Yusuf (ADP); Nwachukwu Chuks Nwabuikwu (AGA); Umenwa Godwin (AGAP);

    Obaje Yusufu Ameh (ANDP) and Durotoye Adetokunbo Olufela (ANN).

    There are also: Shittu Moshood Asiwaju (ANP); Fasua Tope Kolade (ANRP); Ibrahim Aliyu Hassan (APA); President Buhari (APC); Shitu Mohammed Kabir (APDA); Gbor John Wilson Terwase (APGA); Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (APM);

    Obinna Uchechukwu Ikeagwuonu (APP); Dara John (ASD); Angela Johnson (AUN); David Esosa Ize-Iyamu (BNPP); Ojinika Geff Chizee (C4C); Abah Lewis Elaigwu (CAP); Etim Emmanuel Ishie (CNP); Ukonga Frank (DA); Awosola Williams Olusola (DPC) and Osakwe Felix Johnson (DPP).

    Others are: Dr Onwubuya (FJP); Okotie Christopher Oghenebrorie (FRESH); Akhimien Davidson Isibor (GDPN); Eke Samuel Chukwuma (GPN); Albert Owuru Ambrose (HDP); Madu Nnamdi Edozie (ID); Chukwu-Eguzolugo Sunday Chikendu (JMPP) and Fagbenro-Byron Samuel Adesina (KP).

    Also on the list are: Kriz David (LM); Muhammed Usman Zaki (LP); Adesanya-Davies Mercy Olufunmilayo (MAJA) Bashayi Isa Dansarki (MMN); santuraki hamisu (MPN);

    Rabia Yasai Hassan Cengiz (NAC); Ademola Babatunde Abidemi (NCMP); Salisu Yunusa Tanko (NCP); A. Edosomwan Johnson (NDCP); Akpua Robinson (NDLP); Ishaka Paul Ofemile (NEPP); Asukwo Mendie Archibong (NFD); Atuejide Eunice Uche Julian (NIP); Ike Keke (NNPP); Maina Maimuna Kyari (NPC); Ibrahim Usman (NRM); Moses Ayibiowu (NUP); Felix Nicolas (PCP); Abubakar Atiku (PDP) and Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (PPA).

    They include: Victor Okhai (PPC); MAJOR HAMZA AL MUSTAFA (PPN); Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (PT); Israel Nonyerem Davidson (RAP); Osuala Chukwudi John Kennedy (RBNP); Nsehe Nseobong (RP); Da-Silva Thomas Ayo (SNC); Ahmed Buhari (SNP); Balogun Isiaka Ishola (UDP); Mark Emmanuel Audu (UP); Inwa Ahmed Sakil (UPN); Nwangwu Uchenna Peter (WTPN); Ali Soyode M. (YES) and Moghalu Kingsley Bosah Chiedu (YPP).

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was, however, omitted following the legal tussle between former Cross River Governor Donald Duke and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana.

    In all, 1,904 candidates are vying for the 109 seats in the Senate; 4,680 are to battle for the 360 seats in the House of Representatives.

    According to INEC, 225 women are contesting for senatorial seats. The figure is the highest ever.

    Five APC governors made the list for election into the Senate. They are Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun; Kazeem Shettima, Borno; Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo; Rochas Okorocha, Imo and Ibrahim Gaidam, Yobe.

    The oldest candidate on the list is former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu, 72. He is followed closely by 71 years old Tanno Patrick Onobughakpo of Kowa Party, who is contesting for Delta South.

    Also on the list, which was signed by INEC Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, are Senator representing Lagos Central Oluremi Tinubu, Patrick Obahiagbon, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, Smart Adeyemi and others.

    The commission also laid to rest the controversy over the list of candidates for the Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The electoral body listed the names of candidates submitted by the Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive as candidates of the PDP for the National Assembly election.

    The Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive is the structure supported by the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, who is the state’s PDP governorship candidate.

    For the senatorial candidates, the list has Apostle Solomon Abiodun Sanyaolu as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central; Sosanwo Adeola Ayoola for Ogun East and Honourable Odunjo Odunleye Abiodun for Ogun West.

    For the House of Representatives’ candidates, listed are Mrs. Lanre-Balogun Abimbola for Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; Showunmi Olusegun for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Sunmonu Monsuru Olusegun for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; Kojeku David Olusola for Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency; Ajose Suru for Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency; Adesina Olufemi for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

    Others are Taiwo Kabir Shote for Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency; Adekoya Adesegun Abdul-Majeed for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency and Lawal Alaba Isiaka for Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.

    Kashamu described the development as “victory for resilience and the rule of law”, saying there was “no victor, no vanquished”.

    He said with the publication of the final list by INEC, it was incumbent on lovers of the party to close ranks and work to deliver Ogun State for PDP.

    Meanwhile, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Mr. Obo Effanga, said the removal of names of APC candidates for the February 16 and March 2 elections was in compliance with a court order.

    Effanga said Thursday on a local radio in Port Harcourt that as a law-abiding commission, it had to comply with the order of the court.