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Ensuring Free And Fair Elections In Kogi, Bayelsa, And Imo: ICCES Takes Action

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Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser, affirms the commitment to conducting fair and credible off-cycle polls in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo on November 11.

With the upcoming off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo scheduled for November 11, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections, backed by President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

Ribadu addressed the matter during a crucial gathering of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICCES) in Abuja.

This meeting witnessed the presence of Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the event, Ribadu reassured Chairman Yakubu of the readiness of security agencies for the upcoming polls.

He underscored their dedication to fulfilling the security prerequisites for a smooth election.

Ribadu explained, “We just have just two weeks to the election. Already, a lot of work has gone into preparation. The security interaction is also ongoing.”

Emphasizing the commitment of the government to ensuring a transparent election, Ribadu revealed President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

He conveyed, “He wants to see a free, fair, credible election.”

This election holds significant importance as it marks the first election under President Tinubu’s supervision.

He is eager to support INEC and all Nigerians in ensuring a credible electoral process.

Ribadu further added, “He also said we should tell everyone, including the politicians, there is nothing more important than to have a free and fair election if we want this country to move forward.”

In line with President Tinubu’s vision, Ribadu provided assurance to Nigerians regarding the upcoming election.

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He asserted that it would surpass previous elections in terms of transparency and credibility.

He stated, “This election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.”

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Ned Nwoko Urges Oborevwori to Leave Behind PDP’s Old Ways in His New APC Journey — Emphasizing the Need for Transformative Change

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Ned Nwoko, the senator for Delta North, has called on Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State, to abandon the “old habits” associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he embarks on a new political chapter within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement directed at the governor following his recent defection, Nwoko emphasized that this transition should not merely be a symbolic gesture but rather a transformative process. He urged Oborevwori to “move beyond politics of survival and embrace the politics of legacy.”

“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. It is essential to leave behind outdated practices, old political dynamics, and the arrangements that have contributed to the PDP’s gradual decline in Delta,” Nwoko remarked.

He commended the governor for his decision to join the APC, labeling it as a courageous move that could open up new avenues for both Delta State and the broader political landscape of Nigeria.

The senator pointed out that the APC, now “reenergized and focused,” has already initiated efforts for constitutional amendments, which include the establishment of Anioma and New Delta states.

“Foremost among these initiatives is the creation of two viable new states: Anioma and New Delta,” he stated.

“Let me remind you that this agenda was endorsed by the party leadership long before your defection, highlighting the APC’s commitment to rectifying historical imbalances and addressing regional marginalization.”

Nwoko urged the governor to take the lead in advocating for constitutional reforms, showcasing a renewed commitment to equity, inclusive development, and progressive governance.

“Your defection must transcend mere symbolism; it must be a catalyst for transformation. This is your moment to adopt a renewed sense of purpose and showcase your commitment to progressive governance, equity, and inclusive development,” Nwoko asserted.

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“The establishment of Anioma state will finally provide a voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North, representing a long-overdue acknowledgment of a community seeking parity with its counterparts.

“The proposed New Delta will rectify significant internal disparities within the existing Delta state framework. It will empower marginalized communities, bring government closer to the populace, and pave the way for new economic opportunities.”

“For the first time, the APC possesses the numbers necessary to amend the constitution. This time, we can honor these commitments without imposing burdensome trade-offs on the South. We are not negotiating from a position of weakness; we stand resolutely in a position of strength.

“These proposed changes are not merely political; they are economic imperatives. They concern targeted governance, improved infrastructure, enhanced federal allocations, and grassroots democracy. The creation of two new states will serve as two new engines for development.”

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2027: South should be allowed to complete its eight years – APC Chieftain

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A chieftain of All Progressives Congress.(APC), Uche Nwosu, has said the South should be allowed to complete its eight years of presidency.

Nwosu, a former Chief of Staff to Imo government, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the southern part of the country should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure, just like the North did under former President Muhamadu Buhari.

“It is unfair and unjust to say power should return to the North in 2027. I am not in support of that. I’m 100 per cent in support of the south to compete its eight years.

“We have President Bola Tinubu who is from the south. So why should we, at this point in time, start talking about power returning to the north?

“Former President Buhari just finished his eight years. So, it is very justifiable that the south should finish its eight years too before we now talk about power shifting,” Nwosu said.

On the agitation for power shift to the South-East zone, Nwosu said that the people of the zone should allow Tinubu to finish his tenure first.

On his assessment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, Nwosu said it was too early to start judging the administration, advising Nigerians to still give it more chance.

He said that Tinubu had been able to record achievements in socio-economic and infrastructural development.

Nwosu stated that the president and his team were doing everything to address economic hardship, develop infrastructure and put food on people’s tables.

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On the move by some opposition leaders including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai to form a coalition to take over power in 2027, Nwosu said it was not a challenge to APC.

“Coalition is good, but I don’t see them coming together because they all have their different ideas, personal interests and ambitions,” he said.

The APC chieftain urged the federal and state governments to address the root cause of insecurity in the country.

He also called for more collaboration between government and communities on protection of the lives and property of citizens.

Nwosu suggested the deployment of more security personnel to the areas where there were insecurity challenges.

On the gale of defections by politicians and political office holders to the ruling APC, Nwosu said that this did not mean that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party.

“There is nothing new about the gale of defections. It is the people’s choice to decide which party they want to join, especially when their parties are in crisis.

“We all know that PDP is currently in crisis, with more than one national secretary. Also if your party is in crisis, you cannot be talking about party manifesto,” he said.

He also dismissed insinuations that people who had questions to answer for their past actions were the ones joining APC, saying that this was not true.

“APC is a separate entity from the federal government. So, when you move from PDP to APC, it does not mean that if there is anything you have done in the past, it should be closed,” he said.

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He maintained that APC was waxing strong in Anambra, assuring of the party’s chance to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state. (NAN

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2027: Governor Buni speaks on dumping APC for Atiku’s coalition

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Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has declared he will not join the opposition coalition led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, stated this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Saturday.

Recalled that a viral text message had claimed that Buni and four other APC governors had concluded arrangements to defect to the opposition PDP and join the coalition before the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to this, Governor’s media aide described the viral message as baseless fabrications, unwarranted imagination and assumptions that did not cross path with reality in any way, shape and form.

He said that at no time was the author of the text ever been close to the governor to think that he could attempt to predict the governor’s political movement.

“Buni is no ordinary member of APC; he is not just an APC governor. He is APC in all ramifications, with APC flowing in his veins.

“His contributions to building APC as a two-term National Secretary and National Chairman who chaired the party’s convention committee makes him unique and whose imagination of leaving the party cannot be speculated,” he said.

Mohammed said that the author and his paymasters must have been interested in Buni’s political sagacity and only wished they would have the likes of the governor. It must be wishful thinking,” he said.

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