Politics
Kogi LG Polls: Fanwo, Bello, Others Commend KOSIEC for Conducting Credible And Transparent Election
The Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for conducting a hitch free, credible and transparent council elections in the state.
The local government council elections in Kogi is being conducted on Saturday October 19, by KOSIEC across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Fanwo, who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Unit 004, Takete-Ide Ward 07, commended KOSIEC for the timely arrival of voting materials at all the various polling units across Mopamuro.
Fanwo, who is the Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) Mopamuro Campaign Council for LG Election, said election materials arrived his polling unut by 7:30am
“We received polling materials in this my polling unit as early 7:30am, and as you can see the voting began very early by 800am.
“From the reports I am getting from polling units across Mopamuro, the election materials also arrived very early.
“The electoral officers are doing a beautiful job, they delivered the election materials on time, and ensuring a free, fair, credible and transparent poll.
“You can see that the people are conducting themselves in a peaceful manner because this is actually the election of the people that will usher in grassroot leaders.
“The electorates are conducting themselves in such an orderly manner to ensure that the election will go free, fair and credible.
“The people are being given ballot papers, and are free to vote for the party of their choice among the 19 different political parties on the ballot papers.
“You will only win election when you are popular, so,if you are not popular you cannot blame anybody for losing election. So, this election is free, fair and credible”.
“Nobody is forcing anyone to vote for any party, because Democracy is the celebration of free will and free choice, and that is the choice that the people have come out to do today,” Fanwo said.
He appreciated Governor Ahmed Ododo for honouring his promises of ensuring a credible and transparent election to the people of Kogi State, saying “we commend him for that”.
Fanwo advised the electorates to remain calm and peaceful, saying there should be no tension as democracy remains the celebration of fundamental rights to vote.
On his part, the APC Mopamuro Chairmanship Candidate, Hon. Ademola Bello-Destiny, at Aiyeteju-Agbajogun Ward 09, also commended KOSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.
“We don’t have any issue in Mopamuro because everybody is happy to vote for APC our party. I have just cast my vote as the APC Chairmanship Candidate in Mopamuro.
“Our governor is an excellent leader and Chief Servant and has ensure that the election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.
“I assure my people in Mopamuro that out LGA will be a reference point that every other 20 LGAs in Kogi will be using as example.” Bello-Destiny said.
Bello-Destiny further commended the security agents for being in ground to ensure a hitch free election.
Also speaking at Orokere Ward 06, Hon. Dennis Komolafe, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Inter Party Affairs, said “I witnessed the distribution of the election materials from the KOSIEC LG Secretariat to polling units which was a very transparent process”.
“We don’t have any issue in all our polling units in Ward 06. We thank our people for coming out en masse to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.
“We appreciate our governor for ensuring a free fair and transparent election as he had promised.
“The election is the best council election we have ever witnessed in the history of Kogi State,” Komolafe said.
The Electoral Officer, KOSIEC Mopamuro LGA, Mr Tope Obajemu, described the election as the most peaceful one since the history of Kogi, noting that there was no voter apathy in the election.
Obajemu stressed that the KOSIEC Adhoc staff had been adequately trained to ensure a hitch free process, saying there was no complain of any kind.
The Ward 07 APC Councilorship Candidate, Hon. Dayo Samuel, said “the process is very okay and we commend KOSIEC for the good work they have done in ensuring credible council election”.
…Says your defection must be transformative
Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta north, has asked Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta state, to leave behind the “old habits” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he begins a new political journey in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement addressed to the governor following his recent defection, Nwoko warned that the move must not just be symbolic but transformative, urging Oborevwori to “leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy”.
“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind,” Nwoko said.
He praised the governor’s decision to join the APC, describing it as a bold step that opens new possibilities for Delta state and Nigeria’s political future.
The lawmaker noted that the APC, “reenergised and focused,” had already begun laying the groundwork for constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and New Delta states.
“Chief among these is the creation of two new viable states: Anioma and New Delta,” he said.
“Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.”
The senator asked the governor to lead the charge for constitutional reforms and demonstrate renewed dedication to fairness, inclusive development, and progressive governance.
“Your defection must not be symbolic; it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development,” Nwoko said.
“The creation of Anioma state will finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North. It is a long overdue recognition of a people who have sought parity with their kinsmen.
“The proposed New Delta will address the deep internal asymmetries within the current Delta state structure. It will empower neglected communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.
“For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful trade-offs from the South. We are not lobbying from a place of weakness; we are standing firmly in a position of strength.
“These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy. Two new states will mean two new engines of development.”
The Lagos Society for Good Governance, a non-partisan civic organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt what it describes as unconstitutional tenure elongation schemes in several Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
The group also urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to issue clear guidance on constitutional term limits for local government administrations.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the group’s coordinator, Ademola Gafar, appealed to President Tinubu to demonstrate moral leadership by rejecting attempts to extend tenures beyond constitutional limits.
“As a leader of our democracy and a true son of Lagos, we urge the President to engage with the leadership of Lagos State to ensure that forthcoming local government elections adhere strictly to constitutional norms and best democratic practices,” Gafar said.
The group highlighted specific cases in three LCDAs where chairpersons are allegedly seeking unconstitutional third terms.
In Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Vice Chairman Famuyiwa assumed the chairmanship in 2019 following the death of Chairman Arologun.
He won re-election in 2021, and his current bid for another term is deemed a violation of term limits. Similarly, in Onigbongbo LCDA, Vice Chairman Dotun Adekanye became chairman in 2020 after Chairman Dayo Oke’s death, won re-election in 2021, and died in November 2024.
His successor, the current vice chairman, remains eligible for the 2025 elections but cannot seek further terms. In Ikosi Isheri LCDA, Vice Chairman Abolanle Bada took over in 2020 after Chairman Abdulfatai Oyesanya’s death, won re-election in 2021, and is now pursuing an unconstitutional third term.
The group argued that these actions contravene the Fourth Alteration Bill No. 16 of the 1999 Constitution, signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the group, the amendment limits individuals who succeed to an office following an incumbent’s death to one additional term. This principle, the group noted, extends to local governments under Section 7 of the Constitution, which mandates democratically elected councils.
“Lagos State, as Nigeria’s centre of excellence, must not set dangerous precedents that undermine constitutional governance,” Gafar stated, calling on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission to implement reforms that strengthen local government autonomy and disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
The group praised recent council elections in Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, and northwest states for adhering to electoral laws, resulting in free, fair, and credible outcomes.
The organisation also recalled President Tinubu’s opposition to tenure elongation during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, expressing confidence that he would not support undemocratic practices.
It urged the implicated LCDA chairpersons to withdraw from the electoral contest in recognition of constitutional limits, warning that normalising such violations threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
It vowed to pursue all legal and peaceful means to resist attempts to subvert the constitutional order, reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
Politics
Ned Nwoko Urges Oborevwori to Leave Behind PDP’s Old Ways in His New APC Journey — Emphasizing the Need for Transformative Change
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.
“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.”