Justice Obiora Egwuatu affirmed Ododo as the APC […]" />   Justice Obiora Egwuatu affirmed Ododo as the APC […]"> Kogi Governorship Election: Court Confirms APC Candidate Ododo’s | Informavores an online publication of Informavores Nigeria Communication Enterprises is a Nigeria News Reporter in Science & Technology,Sports, Politics, Education, Lifestyle, Agriculture, Business, Health, Economy, Crime, Opinions, Entertainment, Oil and Gas, Energy and Power, Food, in both foreign and local news
Connect with us

Politics

Kogi Governorship Election: Court Confirms APC Candidate Ododo’s

Published

on

Kogi APC Governorship Candidate Mr Ahmed Ododo
Share this Story
The Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday 18th July, 2023, affirmed Mr Ahmed Ododo as the lawful candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Kogi having validly resigned his appointment from Kogi civil service before contesting the primary election. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
 
Justice Obiora Egwuatu affirmed Ododo as the APC candidate while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Mr Abubakar Achimugu, also of the APC challenging the candidature of Ododo.
 
Achimugu anchored his suit  on the grounds that Ododo, as at the time he contested the primary election to fly the flag of APC in the Nov. 11 election in Kogi, were still public servants in the state civil service.
 
In the judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that contrary to the claim of Achimugu, evidence showed that Ododo resigned his appointment more than 30 days before participating in the APC primary.
 
The judge said that exhibits tendered by the defendants showed that while Ododo’s resignation letter was received by the Office of the Kogi governor on March 8, that of the 3rd defendant, Mr Salami Deedat, was received on March 9.
 
“I have examined the letters of resignation filed by the defendants, they were addressed to the Kogi governor and were duly received and signed.
 
“A resignation letter becomes effective once it is received and accepted by the relevant authority. It is not when the authority replies the letter that it becomes effective.”
 
The judge held that where a letter of resignation has been received and duly signed, it takes effect and the employee would not be held responsible if the employer continues with the payment of salary.
 
The court said it was convinced that the defendant resigned his appointments as Auditor-General for Local Governments and Deedat as Commissioner for Local Governments respectively before contesting the primary election.
 
“I am satisfied that they resigned their appointments from Kogi government on March 8 and 9 respectively more than 30 days before the April 14 primary election.
 
“I hold that this suit is bereft of any merit and accordingly dismissed,” the judge said.
 
Earlier, the court dismissed the preliminary objection of the defendants claiming that the suit was statute barred having not filed it within 14 days as required by law.
 
The judge agreed with the plaintiff that the cause of action actually occurred on April 14, when Ododo and Deedat contested the primary and not when they purchased the expression of interest and nomination form.
 
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) had on April 15, declared Ododo winner of APC primary election to elect a candidate for the party’s for the Nov.11 governorship election in the state.
 
Miffed by this,  Achimugu approached the court asking that the primary election be nullified and Ododo be disqualified from contesting the governorship election on grounds that he was still an employee of the Kogi government when he contested.
 
The plaintiff in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/584/2023, claimed that Ododo breached Section 182 of the Constitution, Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Article 7 of the APC’s Constitution in participating in the April 14 governorship primary of the APC.
 
Achimugu argued that Ododo’s failure to resign his appointment with the Kogi government, 30 days to the primary, made him ineligible for the Nov. 11guber poll.
 
Listed in the suit as defendants were the APC, Ododo,  Deedat and INEC as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants.
 
Amongst the issues brought before the court for determination was  whether Ododo was eligible to participate in the governorship election slated for Nov. 11.
 
This was in view of the fact that both at the time of submitting their nomination and expression of interest forms, were still  civil/ public servants and employees of Kogi government.
 
This they said was contrary to the provisions of Section 182 (2), Section 84 (10) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022 Guidelines for the nomination of candidates.
 
The plaintiff said that if the answer was in the affirmative,  the court should amongst others declare that Ododo and Deedat were not qualified or eligible to have participated in the primary election.
 
This was on the grounds of being persons both employed in public service of Kogi, having failed and neglected to resign, withdraw or retire from employment at least 30 days to the April 14 when the primary election was conducted.
 
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining Ododo from parading himself as gubernatorial candidate of the APC.
 
“An order restraining APC and INEC from dealing with Ododo as the governorship candidate of the APC.
 
 “In the event Ododo was declared winner of the Nov.11 gubernatorial election before the case was fully determined, the certificate of return issued to him by INEC should be withdrawn.”
 
 Mr Josiah Daniel-Ebune, counsel to Achimugu, told newsmen after the court proceedings that he would brief his client on the judgment to know the next line of action.
Source: NAN
ALSO READ  Kogi Mass Defection: Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello the Master Strategist

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
ALSO READ  Zamfara Mass defection rocks APC ahead of Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling
Latest entries
ALSO READ  KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Local Government Elections

Politics

Ataoja’s Open Declaration Of Support For Aregbesola And ADC Rattles Opposition Camps In Osun

Published

on

Share this Story

As the battle for the soul of Osun State gathers momentum, the Ataoja’s open declaration of support for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has thrown other political parties in the state into massive confusion.





adsbygoogle || []).push({});
js">



During the recent constituency tours across Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laroye II, openly endorsed Aregbesola and the African Democratic Congress as the state prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

The 21st Ataoja and paramount ruler of Osogbo, Oba Oyetunji, made this declaration during a courtesy visit to his palace in Osogbo as the ADC rounded off its constituency tour.

Oba Oyetunji spared no words as he emotionally affirmed his loyalty, saying he would follow and support Aregbesola wherever he goes.

ALSO READ  Legal Practitioner Petitions INEC Over 12 Suppressed Constituencies In Kogi

“Your coming to Osogbo today is symbolic. I had not heard that you adopted a new party until now. Your open declaration, along with the people who followed you, means the whole of Osogbo will stand behind you. No one will see me without seeing Aregbe, and whenever you see Aregbe, you will certainly see me.

“Aregbesola’s journey this time is different because he has come with a renewed commitment to work for the betterment of the people of Osun. He is one man I respect greatly because, when some naysayers mounted pressure on him to dethrone me, he refused to listen.

“We are not ingrates in Osogbo. Osogbo is always united when it comes to politics. I am for Aregbesola. I will never leave him. Wherever he goes, we shall follow.”

According to multiple sources, this declaration has thrown opposition parties into complete disarray, considering the weight and influence the revered monarch commands among the Council of Kings in Osun State.

ALSO READ  Zamfara Mass defection rocks APC ahead of Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling

A fearless and straightforward ruler, Oba Oyetunji explained that his decision to support the leader of the Omoluabi ethos in Nigeria stems from the need to return Osun to a system of governance where social welfare and human capital development take preeminence.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said:“For a First Class Oba like the Ataoja of Osogbo to openly declare support for any party or individual outside the ruling party means a lot. He was unapologetic about it. That speaks volumes.

“And as you can see, no one has dared to challenge him. The opposition is afraid to speak out because they have seen the handwriting on the wall. It will not be business as usual in Osun. The state is ready for a progressive government, a government that prioritises social welfare and human capital development.”


Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

Politics

Awolowo’s Love And Abiola’s Organic Followership Reincarnate In Aregbesola’s Tour Of Osun

Published

on

Share this Story

The Bible states in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This verse aptly describes the recent tour of Osun State Federal Constituencies by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ably led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.





adsbygoogle || []).push({});
googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">



Since Ogbeni Aregbesola left office as Governor of Osun State in 2018, after serving two terms from 2010 to 2018, the people of the state have been yearning, hoping, and praying for another leader of his calibre.

The past three weeks allowed me to tour the length and breadth of Osun State with the former Governor and former Interior Minister. In every Federal Constituency we visited, the mood suggested that the people were waiting for a messiah. Osun indigenes desire a compassionate leader, one who understands their needs, speaks their language, believes in social welfare, and prioritises human capital development, a leader reminiscent of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the revered leader of Western Nigeria.

True progressives are defined by their actions. They are not swayed by rhetoric, nor do they assign blame. They simply act. Unlike what Osun currently experiences, leaders like Obafemi Awolowo focused on policies that promoted welfare and modernisation, including free primary education and free healthcare for children under eighteen. He championed federalism, fiscal discipline, and the strategic use of state resources for social and economic development. He believed that education was essential for national progress and that the government should invest resources in social services to uplift citizens.

For nearly eight years, the general voice in Osun has been clear: the state needs another leader like Ogbeni Aregbesola, someone who puts the people first and cushions them from the hardships that have devastated businesses and livelihoods.

ALSO READ  Kogi Guber Poll: FCT, Minister of State Commends Onoja Emergence

During his eight years as Governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola left a legacy of progressive governance marked by significant investments in infrastructure, public education, and social programs. Key accomplishments include:

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Roads: Oversaw the construction and rehabilitation of over three hundred kilometres of township roads and completed five bridges.

Education: Built 170 new schools and renovated existing ones, creating 1,694 standard classrooms.

Urban Planning: Implemented urban renewal projects in the state capital.

Education and Youth Empowerment

Opon-Imo: Distributed free electronic tablets to final-year high school students to aid their studies.

School Feeding: Introduced the Osun Elementary School Feeding Programme, providing free meals to primary school students.

Teacher Recruitment: Hired more than twelve thousand teachers to strengthen the education system.

Youth Empowerment: Launched the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, creating twenty thousand jobs for young people within its first one hundred days.

Training: Provided free tailoring training for three thousand youths and sent thirty unemployed youths to Germany for modern agricultural training.

Social Programs and Health

Health: Upgraded nine state hospitals, with the State Hospital at Asubiaro transformed into a specialist facility.

Elderly Care: Provided monthly stipends and healthcare for the elderly and indigent.

Free Health Insurance: Extended free health insurance to over thirty thousand pensioners and performed free surgeries for over sixty thousand residents.

Agriculture and Economic Development

Agriculture: Established farm settlements to train unemployed graduates and sold affordable fertilisers to farmers.

Market Development: Built modern markets to support traders.

Job Creation: Created over twenty thousand jobs through youth empowerment programs and other initiatives.

ALSO READ  Zamfara Mass defection rocks APC ahead of Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling

Since his departure in 2018, Osun has struggled with ineffective leadership. This explains why Ogbeni Aregbesola’s tour of Osun Federal Constituencies as General Secretary of the African Democratic Congress was warmly received. The love from his people was organic. They truly desire the return of his style of leadership.

The tour began at Ifedayo, Ila, Boluwaduro Federal Constituency, where thousands of supporters and party leaders gathered at the ancient palace of the Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun Bibiire I, to welcome the former Governor. Ogbeni Aregbesola noted that critical sectors of governance, including security, infrastructure, education, and the economy, have deteriorated.

“When your people are hungry and suffering, and you do not show compassion, you cannot claim to be an Omoluabi. Awolowo and our other founding fathers would not be pleased seeing Nigeria in this state,” he declared. From Ila Orangun, the tour continued to Ayedaade, Irewole, and Isokan Federal Constituency in the ancient town of Ikire.

From the Naira and Kobo junction to Obada Market, the Akire’s palace, and Sango, residents turned out in large numbers to show love, solidarity, and support for the party and its leader. From Ikire, the tour proceeded to Obokun and Oriade Federal Constituency in Ijebu-Jesa, where a similar outpouring of love and belief in the ADC was witnessed.

“Aregbesola’s journey this time is different. He has come to work assiduously for the betterment of the people of Osun. I am for Aregbesola and will never leave him. Wherever he goes, we shall follow,” declared His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laroye II, Ataoja of Osogbo, as he endorsed Ogbeni Aregbesola and the ADC during the Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun, and Orolu Federal Constituency leg of the tour.

ALSO READ  NLM-APM-Merger: National Director Mobilization and Contact Says Merger, Calls for Collaborative Synergy.

Oba Oyetunji emotionally expressed his support for Ogbeni Aregbesola, declaring that he would follow him wherever he goes. From the Ataoja’s Palace, the tour continued through Oke Fia, Osogbo Grammar School, the NUJ Secretariat along Dada Estate, to the Government Technical College open field, where thousands of indigenes and residents gathered under the scorching sun to hear words of hope, social welfare initiatives, and human capital development plans from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The reception across the state clearly demonstrates the organic love and unwavering commitment of Nigerians to restoring good governance. It also highlights the widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, whose policies have worsened hunger, poverty, and insecurity. Osun is ready for meaningful change, the kind that the ADC and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola represent.


Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

Politics

Massive Turnout In Osogbo As Osun ADC Concludes Federal Constituency Tour

Published

on

Share this Story

– Nigerians Have Resolved To Vote Out Incompetent Govt, Install Responsible Leadership – Aregbesola

– As Party Leaders Canvass Aggressive Mobilisation, Support For ADC

Residents of Osogbo, and by extension Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu trooped out massively as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Osun State, concluded its Federal Constituency Tour.


googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">






From the Ataoja’s palace to the Technical College in Osogbo, where supporters waited for several hours, residents, artidans, market men and women, youths, students among others came out in their numbers to show love and support to the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who led the party’s hierarchy on the tour.

Addressing party supporters and loyalists, Aregbesola thanked them for their age-long show of support for his political tendency.

He said it is time for Nigerians to speak with one voice and galvanise the electorate to vote out the ruling parties at all levels.

The former Governor of Osun noted that his party presents the viable alternative to addressing the nation’s challenges of insecurity, maladministration, poverty, hunger and absence of good governance.

ALSO READ  NLM-APM-Merger: National Director Mobilization and Contact Says Merger, Calls for Collaborative Synergy.

His words, “There is nowhere in Osun that the people do not resonate with what we represent. Our achievements and legacies when we were here continue to speak for us. That is why we get the kind of reception we have anytime we come here, particularly Osogbo, the state capital.

“There is no sector where they have not failed. They have disappointed Nigerians in almost every sphere. The economy is in dire straits, insecurity is ravaging the country, as well as many pitfalls of the present administration.

“The only viable alternative to all of these is our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is poised to liberate the people and make life more abundant for the masses.

“We are glad that our people have resolved to vote out an incompetent government. Our party, if elected, will correct all of the governance misnormals and set the tone for our dear state, Osun and country to witness a masses oriented development.

“Continue to mobilise and draw more people to join the party and participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. We promise you all a government of vision, mission and direction,” Aregbesola stated further.

ALSO READ  Imbibe Humility, Open-Door Policy", Kogi Deputy Gov Charges Chairmen, Council Leaders

Receiving the former Minister and his entourage in his palace earlier, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II pledged to back the resolve of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to reclaim the state.

The Ataoja, who recalled the monumental transformation of Osogbo to a modern capital city, during the Aregbesola administration (2010-2018), promised that the people of the town will back the party in 2026.

“Aregbesola’s journey this time around is different. This is because he has come now to work assiduously for the betterment of the people of Osun.

“He is one man I respect a lot, because when some naysayers were mounting pressure on him to do dethrone me, he did not listen to them.

“We are not ingrates in Osogbo. Osogbo is always united when it comes to Politics. I will never leave Aregbesola. I will always support him and all he represents,” the monarch stated.

The event also served as a mobilisation centre as senior party figures; Dr. Charles Omidiji, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Senator Felix Ogunwale, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Dr. Najeem Salaam and others charged party members to recommit themselves to grassroots engagement.

They described the ADC as the only party with the moral clarity and capacity to rescue Osun and Nigeria from the current decline.

ALSO READ  KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Local Government Elections

Other dignitaries at Tuesday’s event include Engr. Jide Adeniji, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, Revd. Adelowo Adebiyi, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Mr. Jide Bewaji, and other leaders of the tendency.


Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

Copyright © 2021 Informavores Nigeria Communication Enterprises | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc