Politics
PDP rejects outcome of Edo election, vows to reclaim mandate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Saturday Edo governorship election, saying it will use every legal means to reclaim it mandate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Saturday Edo governorship election.
The PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the party was firmed to retrieve the mandate with every means legal and available in a democracy.
Damagum said in spite of the intimidation and manipulations, results obtained from the polling units showed that PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo clearly won the election before the figures were allegedly altered.
“The PDP therefore unequivocally rejects the final result of the Edo governorship election as declared by INEC.
“The election did not meet the minimum standard for democracy having not reflected the expressed will and aspiration of the people in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines for State Governorship election,” he said.
Damagum called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to within the time stipulated by Section 65 of the Electoral Act, 2022 review the Edo governorship election.
Damagum also called on INEC to announce results only as obtained from the genuine votes cast at the Polling Units (PUs).
“The PDP calls on all Nigerians and lovers of democracy all over the world to stand up in solidarity with the people of Edo in rejecting this assault on the democratic rights of the people.
“The people of Edo clearly chose Asue Ighodalo as the next Governor of their state and only their will as expressed at the PUs must be allowed to stand.
“The PDP charges the people of Edo to remain resolute and undeterred as our Party takes firm steps to retrieve the mandate with every means legal and available in a democracy,” he said.
Damagum said that from unfolding political events, the latest being the alleged rigging of the Saturday, election by the APC, it was clear that the Nigeria’s democracy was under threat.
Damagum alleged that the state election was compromised by the APC in collusion with unpatriotic security operatives and officials of INEC, in disregard of the law and people’s will.
He recalled that the PDP had on several occasions alerted of this sinister plot to subvert the election.
The chairman said that several demands by PDP for the redeployment of those officials as well as the release of all arrested PDP members and supporters fell on deaf.
Damagum said that the action validated PDP’s suspicion of a top-level conspiracy to rig the Edo State governorship election.
He said that the PDP shall still put to test once again the level of the preparedness of the judiciary to do justice where it is required.
“So we cannot overrule a situation whereby justice will be dispensed, but the most important thing is that we shall put them to more scrutiny before the eyes of Nigerians.
“It is said that when the judicial system does now work, then you don’t have a country,” he said.(NAN)
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has declared interest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Shehu Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
He said, “any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are rights and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district”.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027”.
According to him, his ambition is secondary while that of re-electing governor Sani for second term is primary.
He reiterated that his priority is to see governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our mights and strengths, we know that they are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces”.
Shehu Sani however, urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Sani who also reacted to killing of hunters in Edo State condemned the act and urged security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators.
He said, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand then it means there is no government or authority”.
He added that Nigerians who desire good for the country should work for peace and unity for the preservation of our democracy in the phase of challenges that is being experienced by our people, he said.
Sani however, called on government to save Nigeria, saying that there should be respect for fundamental rights and most importantly is respect to right to life, he added.
Politics
SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.
“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.
The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.