Politics

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday in Rivers State. Naija News reports that Fubara announced his decision in a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday night titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.” According to the governor, the decision followed wide consultations with his family, political allies and associates, adding that he would support whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate. “After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart a...

Tonye Cole has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries in Rivers State ahead of the exercise scheduled for Thursday. According to reports, Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday, May 20, explaining that his decision was guided by the need for peace, reconciliation, and respect for party supremacy. The APC chieftain disclosed that he consulted widely with political stakeholders and his supporters before deciding to step down from the race. Describing himself as a firm believer in democracy and strong institutions, Cole assured party members that he would fully support whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate after the primaries. “I have decided, in the interest of unity, peace, and collective progress with...

Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency I. Naija News reports that the lawmaker personally announced his withdrawal on Wednesday through a video circulating on social media. According to Elliot, intimidation targeted at him and his supporters forced his decision to step down from the contest. He alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the venue of the primary election, preventing them from casting votes in his favour. Elliot, who currently represents the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, had been contesting the APC ticket for the 2027 election against Barakat Odunuga. Howeve...

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday described the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election in Surulere Constituency I, Lagos State, as peaceful, fair and orderly. This came as the constituency’s incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliott, withdrew from the election, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters. Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists after participating in the primary election at Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5), situated at Alaka Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was impressed by the conduct of party members and the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise. “You know, this is my ward, Ward G2, and I have been voting here in Ward G2 for as long as ...

The lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency, Desmond Elliott, has claimed his supporters were intimidated during the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s primary election. He has now called on the party leadership to ensure a free and fair process. Desmond, who arrived at the Paddington Mini Stadium with his entourage, alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue. He said he repeatedly appealed to the electoral officers to allow his supporters into the polling area, but his pleas were ignored. Following the development, his supporters staged a peaceful protest and gradually left the venue alongside the lawmaker. Desmond said he decided to leave the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that he woul...

Tension and excitement filled the atmosphere in Surulere on Wednesday as popular Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, reportedly lost to Barrister Barakat Odunuga at Ward F3 during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary election. Party members and supporters gathered in large numbers at the Surulere Ward F3 voting centre as accreditation and voting continued across the constituency. According to party sources at the venue, Barrister Barakat secured victory in the ward after polling more votes than the incumbent lawmaker, dealing a significant setback to Elliot’s re-election bid. Eyewitnesses said Desmond Elliot left the voting centre quietly shortly after the ward result was announced, while supporters of Barakat celebrated the outcome. The devel...

A massive crowd gathered at Alaka Housing Estate, Ward G2, in Surulere Constituency I of Lagos State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) began the accreditation of members for its House of Assembly primary election. Party supporters and delegates from various wards across the constituency turned out in large numbers for the exercise. Among the aspirants contesting in the primary are the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Desmond Elliot, and Barakat Odunuga. Addressing party members at the venue, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Bamidele Yusuf, stated that the exercise was peaceful as delegate accreditation commenced ahead of voting. Yusuf dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging intimidation of party members, maintaining that the process...

A lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, has emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Esan South-East State Constituency for election into the Edo State House of Assembly in 2027. Giwa was declared winner of the primary elections after results were announced. Speaking shortly after the results were announced, Giwa said, “This is the end of today’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Esan South-East constituency of Edo State for election into the House of Assembly. “This is to let you know that I, Victor Giwa, from Ward 9, have been declared winner of the primary election.” Giwa had while declaring his bid for the Edo Assembly ticket assured of his commitment to do more for the people of the constituency. Giwa’s supporters highl...

Recent political events in Edo State, especially the APC Edo South Senatorial District primary election where Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama emerged victorious ahead of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Senator Neda Imasuen, may have been ignored in favour of highlighting the developmental achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. However, that has become difficult following attempts by supporters and allies of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to drag the governor into the controversy surrounding the outcome of the primary election through attacks on social media. It is important to acknowledge that Pastor Ize-Iyamu appealed to his supporters to avoid insulting the governor, stressing that Governor Okpebholo, as the number one citizen of Edo State, deserves respect and dignity. ...

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has dismissed speculation of a breakdown in his relationship with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. Speaking during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Tuesday, Elliot insisted that he remains loyal to President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila despite reports of political disagreements. The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos assembly said democracy should not be run like a military regime where subordinates openly challenge authority. “We are in a democracy and not a military regime. The names of President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila are too big for me,” he stated. The lawmaker explained that he still regards Gbajabiamila as his political leader and father figure, stressing that t...