Politics
APC Candidate Has Bright Chance—Edo South leaders
By Henry Ovie
Key leaders in Edo South on Saturday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was going to have an easy ride over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) candidates.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is intellectually sound, results-driven and humble. He attracts youth voters who are frustrated with high unemployment and lack of opportunity in the state.”
They also urged Edo people not to fall victim to the evil antics of men blinded by unbridled ambition.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is running to keep Edo State safe, wealthy and free. The PDP is a dwindling party in Edo State. It will continue to dwindle until its relevance is eroded. APC is more united and determined to give Edo State good leadership”.
The leaders in a statement issued by the Chairman of Edo South Unity and Advancement Forum (ESUAF), Dr Robert Idemudia on the September 21 governorship election accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of playing alarmist politics while rooting for catastrophe.
“Edo people are starting to recognize that real change is needed. The current administration hasn’t done anything to improve anybody’s quality of life and the good people of Edo State are united against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”
They blamed the PDP government for policies or inaction that they say have caused or worsened the problems troubling Edo State.
“What has happened to Edo State under Obaseki’s watch says everything that you need to know about the ruling party in the state.”
The leaders said it would be difficult to say projects carried out by the present administration are laudable considering the amount of money that was said to have been spent on these projects.
“It is time to show Godwin Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) the way out of Government House and ensure a better, brighter future for the good people of Edo State.”
They painted an optimistic picture for the state and the people.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is an asset to Edo State. His legislative experience in the National Assembly gives him a perspective on how to usher in economic and policy priorities that the other candidates don’t have. He is expected to improve Edo infrastructure, boost the economy and security.”
The leaders urged Obaseki to start preparing his handover report.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo has the sympathy of the masses and an amazing chance.”,
The statement emphasised Okpebholo’s political prowess, background and experience.
“Edo State needs a governor with the fear of God and less greed. It needs someone with vision, sophistication and exposure in the saddle to be able to make a difference. It needs a person with foresight and wherewithal to attract foreign investments. It needs a strong personality prepared to serve and not to steal. Senator Monday Okpebholo has ideas, understands the current challenges and will push for policies that support job creation, quality education, massive industrialization and agricultural development.”
The statement also listed security, workers’ welfare, education, health, housing, road construction and rehabilitation, tackling of environmental problems, transportation, rural development, power plant projects and water supply as priority areas
Governor Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The House had summoned the governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.
Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.
He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.
“Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.
“They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.
Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.
He said: “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”
Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.
According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.
He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.
In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.
“These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.
He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.
“Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.
He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.
“They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.
He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.
“Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said. (NAN)
The Labour Party has announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, over alleged anti-party activities.
Others suspended are Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi.
The party’s National Executive Council said the decision followed the recommendations of a five-man Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025, to probe allegations of anti-party conduct.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Wednesday, the party said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars the affected members from participating in any Labour Party activities.
The statement read, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.
“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.
“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr. Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”
The party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman from the suspension list, stating that she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate.
“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added.
It also accused Usman of lacking the moral authority to comment on corruption, citing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and purported asset forfeitures.
“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its stance on political alliances, the Labour Party said it would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded
Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, has articulated his reasons for transitioning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Tuesday, Agbebaku, accompanied by two fellow House members, Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje, announced their defection to the APC. In an official address to his colleagues on Wednesday, Agbebaku stated that his decision was motivated by the desire to preserve the advantages associated with his role as Speaker, which he believes are vital for the advancement of his constituency.
He remarked, “I shifted my allegiance to the APC to ensure the benefits of the Speaker’s position continue to foster development in my constituency. My focus is not on the political party itself, but rather on the progress of our area. If I were to abandon this position for party allegiance, it would hinder the development efforts in my community, indicating a lack of commitment to serve my constituents.”
Agbebaku further informed his colleagues, “I want to officially announce that as of yesterday, I, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, have defected to the APC.” He emphasized that his constituents support his decision, highlighting ongoing developmental projects in the Owan West constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He concluded by stating that his defection was not motivated by personal interests but by a dedication to the welfare of those who elected him, asserting, “Politics revolves around interests, but my focus is on the interests of my people who entrusted me with this mandate.”