The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo on Sunday said he did not consult any prophet or native doctor to win the September 21, 2024 governorship election.....Read Full Article>>

DAILY POST reports that Senator Monday Okpebholo, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, defeated his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, and 15 other political parties’ candidates to win the off-cycle gubernatorial election.

Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City. Itua said the governor made the remarks at Winner’s Chapel, Akho in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, where he worshipped alongside top members of his administration.

The governor, who reiterated his trust in God, stated that he contested the September 21 governorship election without seeking help from native doctors or prophets.

According to him, “I want to thank God for his wonderful deeds in my life, as no one can accomplish this except Him alone. My life is filled with testimonies, and God has consistently granted me victory in all my endeavours.

“I contested the election without seeking help from native doctors or prophets. My faith is in Christ alone. If God does not will it, then let it not be done.

“In Nigeria, and indeed the world, no prophet or native doctor can claim that I visited them for help in winning the election.

“The only factor I recognized is God. If He cannot accomplish it, then let it not be done. The prevailing sentiment is that God’s grace is upon me.

“As a member of Winner’s Church, I am confident that we cannot be losers, especially since both my Deputy and I are part of this community. How can we lose? While others were strategizing and utilizing media outlets, I trusted in the Lord, and He granted me victory, ”he said.

The Pastor of Winners Chapel Church, Akho, Peter Osawe, who spoke on the topic ‘Wisdom kits for joy and rejoicing”,’ emphasised that God is the pivotal factor in human life.

Osawe noted that nothing occurs without God’s knowledge and encouraged the congregation to continue drawing strength from God’s word.

He opined that Nigeria would become a better nation if everyone worked together.

DAILY POST reports that the Governor, who also attended a service at God’s People World Wide Prayer Ministry in Illeh, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, said he was in the Church to seek prayers for the success of his administration.

“I am here to pray for the strength to move the state forward, to work for the Edo people, to utilize the state’s resources for development, and to promote justice and fairness for the Edo people”, he added.

In his message, Apostle Ehijele Unuayan, the General Overseer, urged the Governor to remain focused on his vision for the state’s development and the welfare of its people.

Unuayan expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin from universities in Nigeria and worldwide.

Tony Okocha has been elected the parallel Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State following a state congress and subsequent election held at the factional party state secretariat at the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway.....Read Full Article>>

Okocha was elected unopposed at the delegate congress conducted on Saturday, despite a court order restricting the APC’s national leadership from conducting congresses in the state.

The order arose from a lawsuit filed by aggrieved members who alleged exclusion despite purchasing nomination forms. The congress was presided over by APC national delegate and Chairman of the Congress Planning Committee, Adoye Omale.

In his acceptance speech, Okocha vowed to reposition the APC in Rivers State, stating that the party would no longer be sidelined in elections as it works toward gaining control of governance in the state.

Okocha also lauded the achievements of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, citing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s, NNPCL, recent announcement on the commencement of crude oil production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

He noted that full operation of the nation’s refineries would address significant challenges facing the country.

He commended the Congress Planning Committee for overseeing a transparent process and acknowledged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for monitoring the exercise.

The elected state executives include Tony Okocha as Chairman, Eric Nwibani as State Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga as Publicity Secretary, Karibi Dan-Jumbo as Welfare Secretary, and Darling Amadi as Woman Leader, among others.

Prominent APC members who attended the congress include South-South National Vice Chairman Chief Victor Giadom, Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi, Chidi Wihioka, Ephraim Nwuzi, Magnus Abe, and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, among others.

THE Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Saturday declared that those who conjured election results and announced same on social media during the governorship election are the same people crying that the polls were rigged.....Read Full Article>>

Okpebholo spoke at the Esan Central Local Government Council Secretariat, venue of the homecoming reception held in celebration of his victory by the Esan people.

The governor while commending the people of the state for voting him to power said those who lost would continue to cry foul because their rigging strategies failed. According to him, “I thank the leadership of my party especially our President, Bola Tinubu for standing firm for Justice and allowing equity to prevail and it led to the success and victory recorded by our party.

“The people that wrote results and were announcing fake results on the internet, are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election.

“It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vain.

“Edo people have spoken, they have chosen the part of development, peace and part of unity. This is what Edo people have chosen and that is how it will remain.

“I want to thank Esan people for standing by me and ensuring sound victory. Thank you for the confidence reposed in me and thank you for your vote. This crowd has shown that you people voted for me.

“I will not disappoint Edo people, I will not disappoint Esan people, I will do the right thing and allow justice to prevail.

“I thank the traditional rulers in the entire Esan land, leaders of Esan land, party leaders, and all that stood by me to become the governor of Edo State and above all I give God the glory”.

The Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II said the people of Esan are happy that the son of the land is the governor of the State.

“We the traditional rulers from Esan land went round the State to appeal for the support to produce the governor and today it’s a reality. We thank the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and we are grateful for all for the support. We believed that the governor will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State”.

The Acting State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Emperor Jarret Tenebe thanked Edo people for the mandate given to Governor Monday Okpebholo as the people can now see that the governor has hit the ground running since his Inauguration.

He said “We are happy to celebrate the victory God Almighty has given to us and we thank Edo people for the mandate as all can see that the governor has hit the ground running. This is how it will be in the next 8 years. In the last 8 years there was no governance as governor Okpebholo started where Comrade Adams Oshiomole stopped”.

Some dignitaries that graced the welcome reception organized by the Esan people for the governor included traditional rulers from Edo Central, Secretary to the State government Barr. Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff to the governor, Gani Audu, members Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), top government officials, party faithful amongst others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set to appoint Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Shehu Sani, others as ambassadors. This information was disclosed by Jackson Ude, a US-based investigative journalist known for breaking political developments in Nigeria.....Read Full Article>>

In a social media post, Ude hinted that the ambassadorial list would be made public soon. “Ambassador F. Kayode, Ambassador S. Sani, Ambassador R. Omokri. And the list goes on and on, waiting for unveiling soon,” he wrote. While the presidency has yet to confirm the appointments, the potential selection of these figures—each known for their strong political stances and public engagements—has generated mixed reactions.

Advertisement Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is a vocal supporter of President Tinubu. Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is recognized for his consistent criticism of the current administration, raising questions about his inclusion.

Shehu Sani, a former senator and human rights activist, is another notable name on the list, known for his independent views and advocacy.

Advertisement Advertisements As Nigerians await the official announcement, the news continues to fuel debates about the direction of Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda and the implications of these high-profile appointments.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says no money was paid to bandits for them to surrender their arms. He affirmed that the state government would not enter into any form of dialogue or negotiations with some repentant bandits. Sani made this disclosure on Channels Television’s Politics Today, a day after the government received some repentant bandits in the state.....Read Full Article>>

Asked if the state government made a financial bargain for the bandits to lay down their arms, the governor said, “We did not give them one naira.” “There was no monetary issue at all. Most of them are tired, so we sat down with them and asked them, ‘why do you continue to remain in the bush just attacking our people, kidnapping them,” he asked.

DAILY POST recalls that on Thursday, the state government received the first set of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari and reopened the cattle market, which was closed for about 10 years due to insecurity in the area.

Governor Sani pointed out that it took his administration six months to broker peace with the bandits.

“It is a process that took almost six months precisely to reach this position. Birnin Gwari is one of the most critical local governments in terms of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency in the North-West.

“We also partner with the federal security agencies, the office of the National Security Adviser. So it is a collective effort,” Sani added.

According to him, the disarmament, mobilisation and integration of the repentant bandits are in process.

Those considered to be aspiring for the Alausa Round House on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, include President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu; serving Speaker of the Lagoa State House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa; immediate past Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; and Senator Tokunbo Abiru.....Read Full Article>>

The main opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, 2023 Candidate, Abdulaziz Olajide Adediran (Jandor); and his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, are still nursing the ambition of governing the state.

Factors that will shape who emerges the candidates of the leading parties and winner of the poll proper include the choice of President Tinubu, indigeneship, religion, zoning, and Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, of the APC among others.
Religious card

Sanwo-Olu, a Christian succeeded Akinwunmi Ambode, another Christian. By 2027, Christians would have been in the saddle for 12 straight years, which is four years short of the 16 years that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola (who are Moslems) spent.

Thus some are angling for Ambode’s return to complete 16 years for Christians before power returns to Moslems in the state.

Currently, Seyi Tinubu has been receiving a series of endorsement from many groups just as Obasa, the longest serving Speaker of Lagos said he is not too young or inexperienced to run.
Indeed, some of those who stepped down their ambition in 2023 to allow Sanwo-Olu complete his second term, are angling to succeed the governor.
2023 power-play

With the benefit of hindsight, Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as governorship candidate in 2019 came as surprise to many after the ouster of the incumbent Governor Ambode by the power bloc in the APC led by the Jagaban himself, now President Tinubu.

Sanwo-Olu emerged as a consensus candidate after Tinubu’s endorsement. The rest is history.

His second term bid, however, came with its challenges following widespread rumours to dump him for some personalities such as the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to the President; the then Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, fondly called HMO.

However, the move was, subsequently, debunked by HMO who is now the Principal Officer in the Office of Mr. President in Abuja, and Musiliu Obanikoro, and a few others.

Sanwo-Olu’s second term ambition received a boost when Gbajabiamila, during a local television programme, extolled the competence and leadership style of the governor, saying he had no immediate plan to contest, and stressed that the Governor must not be distracted on the good job he was doing.

Gbajabiamila also cleared the air on his rumoured ambition to contest for the Lagos’ governorship seat in 2023, saying he had “no immediate plan” to contest. He said the task before him as the Number 4 citizen in the country was enormous and tough enough for him to be distracted by the rumour.

Also, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a returnee to APC, who was also said to be interested in succeeding Sanwo-Olu, debunked the report, saying his statement was misconstrued by those peddling it.

The current Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Abiru was also touted to be eyeing the Lagos number one seat in 2027 after completing two terms in the Senate.

Some APC chieftains were of the opinion that Tinubu is a master planner and can spring surprises at any given time.

Initially, Hamzat also came into the picture as having plans to succeed Sanwo-Olu but a source said the inner caucus has plans for Hamzat to relocate to Epe in order to make a case for the Lagos East Senatorial slot and complete what ought to be Akinwumi Ambode’s card.

The only visible contenders from the PDP remains the convener of a political group, Lagos4Lagos, Olajide Adediran, popularly called “Jandor,” and LP’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Jandor has been pursuing his ambition following realignment with PDP founding fathers in the state to boost his chances of clinching the party’s ticket.
Obasa’s quest

During the 2025 budget presentation by Governor Sanwo-Olu, Speaker Obasa seized the opportunity to clear the air on his rumoured governorship ambition.

Obasa took the shine off the main issue of fiscal policy presentation. The assembly, led by Obasa had left everyone wondering what was going on haven kept the governor and his deputy waiting for a long while before sauntering into the hallow chamber to embark on business of the day.

The obviously fatigued audience and guests, who expected an open apology from the speaker for the delay, had to swallow the embarrassment as nothing of such happened. Apparently, in preparation for the game that was about to unfold, majority of the lawmakers spotted dark specs, shielding their countenance from the glare of the public.

Instructively, Obasa remains the longest-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly who also commands immense grassroots support and is known for his resilience in overcoming political challenges.
“Obasa’s strong ties to local communities particularly also make him a force to reckon with as regards his alignment with the Mandate Group, which further strengthens his position.

Earlier, a vote of confidence was passed on the Speaker by all the lawmakers present at plenary.

Speaking on the occasion, Obasa said: “May I use this medium to sensitise us more on the need to build and sustain our party, the APC regarding our focus for 2027. We need to continue to mobilise people just as I do frequently.

“I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state.

“There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.

”To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.

”Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas those who have been before me are not better off.

“Today, we want to assure Mr. Governor that this honourable House will look at the budget and do the necessary scrutiny as usual.

“But it should be noted that this institution remains resolute. We will never be disgraced, abused or ridiculed in the name of creating a seamless working ambience.

“The Assembly would not delay the passage of the budget, but we will be interested in placing a high premium on the need to ensure that the interests of Lagosians are protected socio-economically and politically.”
Seyi gets endorsements

Ahead of the 2027 poll, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, an umbrella body of youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor in 2027.

However, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Joe Igbokwe, a member of the APC, stated that Seyi, son of President Bola Tinubu, does not have the capacity to be governor of Lagos State.

Igbokwe knocked the groups over their support for the president’s son saying the “The situation is a distraction and an attempt to pull Tinubu down. To govern a state like Lagos is not a job for “boys.”
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction.
“To pull PBAT down is their target. Please allow PBAT to do his very engaging and tasking job. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys?,” he wrote.

CONYL, a prominent umbrella body representing youth groups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, subsequently expressed disappointment over remarks by Igbokwe,

A statement by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, described Igbokwe’s comments as baseless and outdated, emphasizing that age has never been the sole determinant of capacity or performance in leadership.

CONYL highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s achievements as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, asserting that his track record speaks volumes about his capacity to deliver in public office.

“Seyi Tinubu is not a boy but a man, fully prepared and capable of delivering. His governorship ambition is not a distraction to President Bola Tinubu but rather a testament to his dedication to public service,” the statement read.

The coalition asserted that Seyi Tinubu enjoys widespread support among residents, both residents and business owners, for his forward-thinking and philanthropic contributions.
Time for a Lagosian to govern Lagos

Also, a coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths, vowed to move against non-indigenes in the 2027 governorship election in the State.

The youth group, in a statement by its president, Abdul Kareem Whyte, said it would not allow those it described as “faceless individuals to deny indigenous people of Lagos State the right to govern themselves in 2027.”

“Our attention has been drawn to the recent endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor by a group known as Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) and the group is described as the umbrella body of all the youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

“It is no longer news that since 1999 no true blooded indigene of Lagos State has taken over the mantle of leadership in the state (except one), the marginalization which underscores the essence of democracy and an outright denial of the indigenous people of Lagos State the right to govern themselves.

“We know as a fact that there will soon be a vacancy in Osun State where Mr Seyi Tinubu can best exercise his democratic rights unhindered. And if the people of Owerri in Imo are also interested in benefiting from the experience Mr Seyi Tinubu has acquired in recent times, they can push him to succeed Governor Uzodimma.

“We are also aware of the moves by some non-indigenes to penetrate our traditional rulers and get endorsements and ratifications from them.

“Recently, one of the aspirants suddenly traced his ancestry to Ojo Local Government after spending more than a decade in power without identifying with the Awori people of Ojo in Lagos State.
“We are hereby calling on the Oba of Lagos to beware of persons who will soon seek indigeneship of Lagos State because of 2027. We will fight dirty if the Oba of Lagos allows such anti Lagos Indigenes move.”
APC reacts

Speaking on the battle for Lagos, Chairmen, Lagos chapter of the APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, through the Publicity Secretary, Seye Okadrjo, picked holes in reports that Speaker Obasa has drawn a battle line with Seyi Tinubu.

Oladejo said: ,”It’s a non-issue. 2027 is not even on the agenda of the party. This is the time for impactful and effective governance and not needless politicking to heat up the polity.

“I cannot recall any part of the speaker’s speech that drew the battle line with Seyi Tinubu or any other governorship aspirant for that matter. However, we understand the priority attention of the opposition who perpetually seek an opportunity for relevance.

“The party congress of APC at the three tiers and the local government elections are more important at this point in time. For now, our party members are admonished to promote activities that will engender cohesion and progress within the party.”

President Bola Tinubu in July signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law to increase the minimum monthly salary in the country from N30,000 to N70,000.....Read Full Article>>

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) has directed workers in 14 states to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday over the non-implementation of the new minimum wages and the payment of old salaries.

President Bola Tinubu in July signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law to increase the minimum monthly salary in the country from N30,000 to N70,000. This was after the government, the organised labour and the private sector concluded months-long negotiations on the minimum wage when Tinubu haggled down labour’s N250,000/month demand to N70,000/month.

Since the enactment of the new law barely six months ago, only 23 states, excluding Federal Capital Territory(Abuja), have domesticated the law.

In a press statement issued on Friday, NLC said: “Recall that the NEC of 8th November 2024 in Portharcourt directed that industrial action to compel implementation of the new national minimum wage should commence in any state that has not complied by the end of November 2024. This position was reinforced by the CWC in Kano on the 27th of November 2024.

“Flowing from the above it is our information that some states have not commenced the said implementation as workers are still being paid on the old structure and there is no subsisting agreement to show a date of commencement of implementations They are as follows: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

“We therefore request that you direct your state councils in the following states to proceed on the said needed actions to compel the implementation as resolved by the NEC & CWC.

“Please do oblige us with copies of your letters to your state councils in this regard for effective mobilisation.”