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PDP Women Protest and Demand Edo Election Justice

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More than two weeks after the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, the women’s wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken to the streets in a peaceful protest, rejecting the outcome of the election and demanding the declaration of their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as the rightful winner.

The women, dressed in black to symbolize their mourning, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of stealing their candidate’s victory and handing it over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The protest, which drew a large crowd of women, took place across several major streets in Benin City.

The protesters carried placards with bold inscriptions, calling for the removal of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and accusing INEC of colluding with the police to manipulate the election results in favor of the APC.

Messages on their placards included phrases such as “Edo PDP won the election, but INEC and police colluded to change it” and “INEC sack Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner.”

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The women also marched to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, seeking media attention for their cause.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Hon. Stella Okoro, a former chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, expressed the deep disappointment and frustration felt by the PDP women.

She claimed that their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was the legitimate winner of the governorship election but was denied his mandate through what she described as a conspiracy between INEC and security forces.

Okoro stressed that the protest would continue until justice was served, adding that the women were determined to fight for the restoration of their stolen mandate.

“We are here today at NUJ to express our feelings, our pain,” Okoro said. “We are troubled because our mandate was stolen.

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Edo people came out to vote for Asue Ighodalo, and now we, the mothers of Edo, are out here in black, mourning the injustice done to us.

We are not lions and tigers; we voted peacefully. Give us back our stolen mandate.”

She further alleged that the APC candidate had used intimidation tactics during the election, including deploying soldiers and police to arrest and harass PDP supporters.

“Our people were intimidated, arrested, and taken to Abuja. Some were held at the State CID. We fought hard to bring them back.

Despite all this, Edo people still voted for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, but their victory was stolen.

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We will not rest until INEC gives us what is rightfully ours. The Almighty God is hearing our voices,” she added.

Also lending her voice to the protest, Lady Meg Agbokhai, the Oredo Women Leader of the PDP, vowed that the party’s women would do everything within their power to reclaim the mandate given to Ighodalo and Ogie.

She stressed that the PDP had worked tirelessly during the campaign, visiting all 192 wards in Edo State to rally support for their candidate.

According to her, the overwhelming turnout of voters on election day was proof that the people had chosen Ighodalo as their next governor.

“We are not violent people,” Agbokhai said. “We do not have lions or tigers; human beings came out to vote for the PDP.

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We toured the entire state and worked hard to earn the trust of the people. Now, we are calling on INEC, the police, and everyone involved to give us back our mandate.

We labored for this victory, and we will not allow it to be taken from us. Edo people are mourning, and we will continue to cry out until justice is done.”

The protest by the PDP women has drawn attention to the controversies surrounding the Edo governorship election, which has been marred by allegations of electoral malpractices and manipulation.

The women’s demand for justice reflects the growing discontent within the PDP, as party members continue to call for a review of the election process and a fair outcome for their candidate.

The protest also highlights the role of women in political activism, as they have stepped forward to lead the charge in seeking justice for what they believe was a stolen mandate.

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Dele Momodu Doubts Tinubu’s Government Can Deliver on Promises

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A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has voiced his skepticism regarding the ability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to significantly improve the lives of struggling Nigerians.

Dele Momodu, a well-known journalist and former presidential candidate, shared his concerns during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today where he discussed the nation’s economic situation and the government’s promises to bring about positive changes.

Momodu expressed his doubts about the likelihood of the current government achieving meaningful progress, pointing out that he does not see any clear path forward for Nigeria.

Despite the ongoing assurances from the administration, particularly from the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who recently emphasized that the federal government was working tirelessly to improve living conditions for Nigerians, Momodu remains unconvinced.

Bagudu had previously stated that efforts were being made to shift the country’s economic trajectory and improve the well-being of its citizens.

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However, Momodu, having experienced various administrations and their promises, expressed little faith in the promises of this government.

He reflected on the many political speeches he has heard over the years, claiming that promises to transform the country have often led to disappointment.

He remarked that while he hopes for Nigeria to prosper, his experience has left him doubtful that any substantial progress will be made under the current leadership.

In his words, “I’ve been in this country long enough and heard numerous politicians make sweet promises. But, so far, I don’t see any indication of the promised light at the end of the tunnel.”

Momodu also pointed out that if the administration manages to successfully implement their plans, Nigerians would give them the recognition they deserve.

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However, he warned that failure would lead to criticism similar to what former President Muhammadu Buhari now faces, as the new administration is blamed for its shortcomings.

He further noted that the individuals currently advising and working closely with Tinubu do not seem prepared for the substantial changes needed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He lamented, “I doubt much will come out of this because even those around the President appear ill-prepared for the necessary changes.”

Momodu’s critique highlights the widespread frustration many Nigerians feel regarding the country’s leadership and the seemingly endless cycle of promises with little visible progress.

Although he wishes for positive outcomes, his remarks reflect a broader sentiment of resignation among citizens who have witnessed repeated disappointments from past and present administrations.

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While the government has assured the public of its commitment to improving the nation’s economy, many remain skeptical, especially as living conditions continue to deteriorate for the average Nigerian.


 

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Momodu: Only God and Destiny Can Decide Atiku’s Political Future

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Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, has stated that only God and destiny can ultimately determine the future political career of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

His comments come in response to advice given by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who suggested that Atiku should refrain from participating in any future elections in Nigeria.

Atiku, who served as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has unsuccessfully contested for the presidency six times, in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently in 2023.

Despite these defeats, there are strong indications that he may attempt another run in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His body language, along with recent political moves, suggests he is preparing for another bid.

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Momodu, while speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” emphasized that age should not be a disqualifying factor in politics, citing global examples.

He argued that some of the younger politicians who have been entrusted with leadership positions in Nigeria have not delivered on their promises.

He questioned the performance of these younger leaders, asking what they have achieved with the resources allocated to them in their respective states.

“Age cannot automatically qualify or disqualify someone in politics,” Momodu asserted.

He further pointed out that if age had been a decisive factor, leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden would not have emerged after Barack Obama.

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“It’s ultimately up to God and destiny to decide a person’s path. I am a believer in destiny, and that is why I find contentment in life,” he added.

Regarding Atiku’s potential bid for the presidency in 2027, Momodu expressed support, saying, “If Alhaji Atiku chooses to run again, then good luck to him.

If he decides not to, it’s also fine. No one has the right to force him out of the political arena.

Why are people so afraid of him?” Momodu questioned the motives of those advising Atiku to step down from politics, suggesting that there may be concerns about his continued influence.

When asked whether Atiku would pose a significant threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election efforts in 2027, Momodu was careful not to give a direct answer.

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However, he noted that many within the political landscape believe that Atiku remains a formidable candidate.

“I know there are people who view him as the most viable option at the moment.

He will be a threat if he can rally the support of a major political party and consolidate his base,” he said.

Momodu’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the future of Nigeria’s political leadership, with figures like Atiku remaining central to the conversation.

Despite repeated setbacks, Atiku continues to be a significant player within the PDP, and his potential candidacy for 2027 could reignite political rivalries as the nation prepares for another election cycle.

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“I Cannot Afford to Eat Eggs” – Benue Ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam

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Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, shared a surprising revelation during a recent public address, stating that his household can no longer afford to consume eggs due to Nigeria’s rising food prices. This statement has drawn attention to the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians amid inflation, as even basic food items like eggs have become luxuries for some families. Suswam’s remarks highlight the need for economic reforms to tackle food insecurity and the high cost of living in the country.


 

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