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Anxiety, Tension As 1.7 Million Voters Elect New Governor In Ondo
About 1,793,914 eligible voters scattered across the 18 local governments of Ondo State are set to elect their new governor on Saturday (today).
DAILY POST reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had cleared 17 political parties to participate in the exercise.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are the major contenders in the gubernatorial race.
The Labour Party was projected to be the third force in the election, but the party was weakened by the recent court judgment that disqualified its candidate.
Recall that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, disqualified Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party candidate for the gubernatorial election.
The judgment was unanimously delivered by the three members of the panel and read out by the chairman of the panel, Justice Adebukola Banjoko.
Justice Banjoko held that, “the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 brought by the Labour Party against Chief Olusola Ebiseni and two others is allowed.”
The court asked INEC to reinstate Olorunfemi Festus as the authentic candidate for the election.
Barely 24 hours before the election, the Commission on Friday removed Ebiseni and reinstated Olorunfemi Festus as the Labour Party’s candidate.
Vote buying may mar election
There are indications that the election may be marred by vote buying, as the two major political parties were alleged to have been inducing voters with cash.
The Labour Party youth leader in Ondo State, Hon Samuel Boniface, in an interview with DAILY POST, alleged that some desperate politicians eyeing the party’s structure approached him with a bribe.
Boniface alleged he rejected an over N100 million offer from some bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to collapse the LP structure into their party.
He said, “As the state youth leader of the Labour Party, three weeks ago, I was contacted by some PDP stakeholders who asked me to collapse the Labour Party structure into their party.
“They asked me to mention any amount from N100 million, but I declined because I have a goal. I have my own future. I can’t sell my conscience like that.
“I also told them that I will never betray my followers and my party. When I contested for the House of Reps in 2023, they did the same thing to me, but I told them that I would rather lose the election than sell my conscience.”
There are potential threats to the safety of voters in some parts of the state.
On Wednesday, suspected armed thugs reportedly launched an attack on some members of the PDP in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, triggering fear in the area.
At least six persons were hospitalized following the unfortunate incident as PDP fingered the ruling party.
Similarly, there are reports of attacks by thugs in Owo, where over 70 persons were murdered in 2022 by terrorists.
However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed over 22,000 men and officers to the state for the effective security of lives and property.
Our correspondent gathered that security operatives are already on the ground and have taken over strategic places to ensure the safety of voters.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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