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Jonathan Urges INEC and Security to Ensure Free and Fair Edo Elections

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.

In a statement released on Thursday, Jonathan called for peace before, during, and after the election, emphasizing the importance of upholding the democratic process with fairness and impartiality.

Jonathan appealed to political actors and stakeholders to prioritize the peace and security of Edo State, stressing that a peaceful election is essential for deepening the nation’s democracy.

He noted that the integrity of the electoral process depends heavily on the conduct of state institutions, particularly INEC and the security forces, and urged them to take their constitutional duties seriously as neutral arbiters in the democratic process.

In the statement, issued by his media adviser Ikechukwu Eze, the former president highlighted the moral obligation of these agencies to ensure elections are free from manipulation and violence.

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He emphasized that for democracy to thrive, it is crucial that the election process remains peaceful, credible, and transparent, with state institutions playing a key role in guaranteeing fairness.

Jonathan also urged INEC to fulfill its role as an unbiased umpire, inspiring trust among all participants by conducting a transparent and trustworthy voting process.

He warned that a lack of confidence in the electoral system could lead to political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, and heightened polarization—consequences that could hinder both the state’s development and the consolidation of democracy.

“As the people of Edo State prepare to cast their votes on September 21, 2024, I call on all political actors to operate within the bounds of the law and avoid actions that could destabilize the peace and security of the state,” Jonathan said.

He encouraged politicians to pursue their ambitions through lawful means, reminding them that democracy is only meaningful when citizens can freely exercise their political choices without fear or interference.

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Jonathan also reflected on the 25 years of continuous civil rule in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, noting that while the endurance of democracy is commendable, it loses its value if citizens cannot participate in elections that are truly free and fair.

He emphasized that the legitimacy of the democratic system relies on the ability of citizens to make their political decisions in a secure and impartial environment.


 

Politics

“PDP May Skip 2027 Presidential Election Over Leadership Crisis” — Lere Olayinka

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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might not present a presidential candidate in 2027. His comments come amid ongoing turmoil over who holds the legitimate position of PDP’s National Secretary. Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have been locked in a bitter dispute over the role, despite a Supreme Court ruling.

The conflict began when Anyanwu left the position to run for governor in Imo State in 2023. During his absence, the party’s Southeast caucus endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement. But after losing the election, Anyanwu returned to reclaim his seat. Upset by this move, Ude-Okoye took the matter to court. Although a High Court removed Anyanwu, the Supreme Court’s March judgment only deepened the crisis.

Olayinka stressed that the PDP constitution clearly defines the rightful National Secretary. In a post on X, he said since Anyanwu has neither resigned nor passed away, he remains the legitimate National Secretary.

He added that the party’s Deputy National Secretary can only step in if the National Secretary resigns or dies. Olayinka concluded with a warning, saying the party may skip fielding candidates not just this year, but also in 2026 and 2027, highlighting the depth of the party’s troubles.


 

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Oshiomhole Says Tinubu Would Easily Win a Free and Fair Election

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Former Edo State Governor and current Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole is betting big on President Bola Tinubu’s chances in a free and fair election today. In a lively interview on Channels Television, the ex-Nigerian Labour Congress chief didn’t hold back, saying Tinubu’s already done enough to lock in a second term.

Tinubu made some bold promises while campaigning for the 2023 elections, and while he’s ticked off a few, others are still a work in progress. When asked if Tinubu could win a fair vote given Nigeria’s struggles with the economy, security, and politics, Oshiomhole was all in. “He’d win, and he’d win big,” he said confidently. He pointed to real changes making a difference.

Oshiomhole shared a story about a senator who recently rejoined the APC, noting that before Tinubu took office, farmers in his area were too scared to work their fields due to rampant insecurity. Now, they’re back on their farms, and that senator credits Tinubu for the turnaround. Plus, new roads have made life easier for folks in that region, with hopes for even more progress now that the senator’s back in the APC fold.

Oshiomhole admitted that sitting in a place like Lagos, it’s easy to miss these wins when everyone’s focused on the bigger problems. But he urged people to look closer. One of Tinubu’s gutsiest moves? Scrapping the shady exchange rate system that let well-connected folks buy dollars dirt cheap from the Central Bank and flip them for massive profits.

“Tinubu could’ve played that game, but he shut it down on day one,” Oshiomhole said. Now, everyone—president, senator, or regular Nigerian—gets the same rate. That, he argued, took serious courage and leveled the playing field, even if it ruffled feathers among the elite.

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Activist Urges Tinubu to Choose a Christian VP for 2027 Election

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Activist and president of the North Central Youth Council, Sunday Asuku, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian candidate in the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Monday, Asuku stressed that Tinubu’s choice of vice president could make or break his chances for re-election. He argued that selecting a Christian vice president would not only be symbolic but also a strategic and unifying move for Nigeria’s democracy.

Asuku mentioned that the 2027 elections will be a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to unity and inclusivity. He pointed out that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections created division, and that addressing this imbalance with a Christian running mate would help strengthen national cohesion.

He went on to say that religious balance in leadership is still a vital necessity in Nigeria’s diverse society. “Tinubu has a chance to correct the mistake of 2023 and make a strong statement of inclusion. This opportunity should not be missed,” Asuku said.


 

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