Less than 24 hours after summoning parties to appear before it, copies of a purported judgment from the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal surfaced online. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had reserved judgment on March 3 in the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asuerinme Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. Early Tuesday, the panel directed the parties to appear before it on Wednesday for the judgment. However, in an apparent leak, copies of the ruling circulated on the internet, revealing a two-to-one split decision. Documents obtained by Waffi TV on Tuesday indicated that while Tribunal Chairman Justice Kpochi and Member 1, Justice A. B. Yusuf, dismissed the petition and upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election, the third panel member, Justice A. A. Adewole, dissented. He ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a fresh Certificate of Return to PDP’s Ighodalo as the rightful winner. In his minority judgment, Justice Adewole ruled that Governor Okpebholo’s election was invalid due to substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. He held that the governor was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes and consequently nullified his victory. In the tribunal’s lead and majority decision, Chairman Justice Kpochi ruled that while there was credible evidence of non-compliance—specifically regarding Section 73(2) (failure to record serial numbers in EC 25B) and Section 51(2) (over-voting)—the petitioners failed to prove that these violations substantially affected the election outcome, as required under Section 135(1) of the Electoral Act. Citing Supreme Court precedents in *Oyetola vs. Adeleke (2023)*, 10 NWLR (Pt. 1892), and *Atiku vs. INEC (2023)*, 19 NWLR (Pt. 1927), the panel held that the petitioners not only had to establish non-compliance but also demonstrate that it was significant enough to alter the election result. The tribunal emphasized that the petitioners needed to quantify their claims, linking each alleged violation to specific figures and proving that, without the infractions, the election outcome would have been different. INEC had declared Okpebholo of the APC as the winner, securing 291,667 votes against his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,655 votes. Challenging the result, the PDP and its candidate filed a petition, *EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024*, arguing that the election lacked substantial compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. They contended that Governor Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes and accused INEC of failing to serialize and pre-record sensitive election materials—an oversight they claimed facilitated electoral fraud in favor of the APC.

The founder of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, along with the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The endorsement was announced on Monday at a press conference in Abuja by HOSTCOM National President, Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, alongside Tompolo’s loyalists. Among those present were Chief Ese Omafuakpo, Chairman of Traditional Rulers of the South-South; Chief Obong Udo, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs; and Timi Alale, Adua Tein 1 of Ijaw Izonbe. Speaking at the event, Tamaranebi stated that Niger Delta stakeholders unanimously backed Tinubu’s second term, citing his leadership in tackling key national challenges. He emphasized that Tinubu has demonstrated the capability to lead Nigeria out of economic difficulties. Declaring “No vacancy in Aso Rock,” Tamaranebi credited Tinubu for ending oil theft and pipeline vandalism—issues that had crippled Nigeria’s economy for decades. He also highlighted the revival of the oil and gas sector under Tinubu’s administration, calling it a major turnaround for the industry. He said, “We, leaders and indigenes of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas in collaboration with our grand patron, High Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, are fully endorsing and committed to supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027. “We took this position after a thorough evaluation of Tinubu’s performance in less than two years of his first term and in obedience of clearly unambiguous directives of our patron, Ekpemupolo, who also scored “Mr President high in human development Indices, especially as they favoured the Niger Delta region and believed our President should remain in office till 2031 to enable him to conclude ongoing development initiatives across the six geopolitical zones of the country. “The Tinubu administration is not just fixing the present; it is building the future. “Alongside Tompolo, we endorse Tinubu for 2027. Our reason is simple: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered. He has steadied the ship. He has empowered local communities and needs more time to finish what he started. Politics is about choices.” According to him, no leader can build the future in four years, hence the need for continuity. Similarly, Tamaranebi appealed to the President to ensure the political crisis in Rivers State is resolved amicably following the proclamation of emergency rule in the state. “We want to seize this opportunity to appeal and beg Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to use his good offices to ensure an amicable resolution of the political imbroglio, which has engulfed River State. We urge Mr. President to prevail on the warring groups in Rivers State to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the people. “We know and trust that Mr. President has the capacity to restore peace and sanity in the crisis-torn state. We are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that even his detractors are now better informed as he has silenced them and changed the landscape of our beloved country for good,” he added.

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, claims he was offered N5 billion to orchestrate his principal’s impeachment. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie stated that he has evidence of the alleged bribe saved on his phone. “I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone, “It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he said. Ehie stated that the bribe offer came while he was serving as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He also refuted allegations that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Governor Fubara’s orders. The accusation was made by former state Head of Service, George Nwaeke, during a press conference last Friday. Nwaeke claimed he witnessed a bag of money being handed to Ehie at the Government House to carry out the attack, though he admitted he was unaware of the amount inside. Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie asserted, “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand in and was not involved in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” “Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” Ehie stated that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel. “I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said. He further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service.

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any involvement in the October 29, 2023, fire at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. Former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, had controversially accused Fubara and Ehie of orchestrating the incident. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie dismissed the allegations, stating he had no connection to the arson attack on the assembly complex. He said, “It is very important to clarify that I was not, I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “Like everyone else, I woke up in the early house of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” Ehie said he has instructed his lawyers to initiate a criminal libel suit against Nwaeke for his false claims. “I will not join issues completely with Mr George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against George Nwaeke and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said. Ehie suggested that Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, should be questioned about the October 2023 fire at the state assembly complex, alleging that the blaze started shortly after security personnel permitted the speaker’s convoy to enter the premises. He accused former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, of aligning with political adversaries in pursuit of "emergency riches." Ehie referenced Nwaeke’s wife’s public distress over her husband's sudden disappearance, describing him as a man who "betrayed his conscience" and his family for personal gain. Displaying WhatsApp messages from Nwaeke requesting financial help shortly after resigning as head of service last week, Ehie remarked, “George is not a contented man,” asserting that Nwaeke’s statements were not made from a sound state of mind. He also downplayed Nwaeke’s influence in Rivers State governance and dismissed claims of his close ties with Governor Fubara. Ehie challenged Nwaeke to provide evidence of any private meeting with the suspended governor, asking him to specify the date and time he visited Fubara without security clearance. Ehie said, “George Nwaeke has never, he is not even in the protocol list of those who can have uninterrupted access to the governor. “The records are in the Government House. The security clearance of the Government House which I superintend or supervise is with the DSS. “I challenge George Nwaeke to mention from the 29th of October 2023, like he claimed, to the other day when he visited Government House, either at odd hours without prior clearance from the DSS, to say that he discussed with the governor. Let him show the record. There is none.”

A recent revelation has reignited controversy over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) committee report on selecting a running mate for the 2023 presidential election. The report favored the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The renewed debate was sparked by an aide to the FCT Minister, Mr. Lere Olayinka. The report, signed by former PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and other party leaders, was dated June 14, 2022. It was tagged “Report of the Advisory Committee for the Selection of Presidential running mate.” The report reads: “The Advisory Committee for the selection of the Presidential Running Mate met today at the PDP National Headquarters, Abuja. “The Committee unanimously suggested three names for consideration by the Presidential Candidate in the following order of preference: Governor Nyesom Wike, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Emmanuel Udom. “The Committee’s decision was reached after considering the larger interest of the Party. The Committee thanks the Party for the opportunity to serve.” The report was also signed by embattled PDP National Chairman Umar I. Damagun, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Bala A. Mohammed, Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator David Mark, and Rt. Hon. Oluwole Oke. Other signatories included Senator Liyel Imoke, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, Hajia Inna Maryam Ciroma, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Sule Lamido, Senator Philip T. Aduda, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This contradicts the claim by former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar that the committee selected Okowa over Wike and Udom. In an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku stated that he entrusted the decision of choosing his running mate to the then PDP leadership. According to Atiku: “They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names.” Atiku said he picked Okowa as his running mate because the committee set up by the PDP to select Presidential running mate for the 2023 election “ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel in third. So I picked number one.” Responding, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Olayinka, said Atiku needs to see the report and seek forgiveness from God for lying during the holy month of Ramadan. In a chat with DAILY POST, Olayinka said: “Someone needs to show this to Atiku so that he can seek forgiveness from (Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) before Ramadan ends. “Here is the REPORT of the Committee. “Imagine Atiku can’t even honour the Holy Month of Ramadan, and keep his lies till the end of the fasting period. “And now you know why Atiku can’t be trusted. Person say him dey fast, he still dey lie.” Reacting, Atiku’s Media Office described Olayinka’s comment as an emotional outburst. It maintained that Atiku had no apologies for choosing Okowa as his running mate ahead of Wike in 2023. A statement by Atiku’s Media Office said the choice of Okowa was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship. The statement said: “The attention of Atiku Media Office has been drawn to yet another emotional outburst disguised as a press statement from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, issued by his aide, Lere Olayinka. “While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth. “Once again, facts have been twisted in a desperate attempt to rewrite history. Mr. Wike, through his spokesperson, claims that he had 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice presidential running mate, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two. “Let us be clear: there are no laid down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory in nature. The final decision rests solely and exclusively with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar. It is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity contest. “Assuming, but not conceding that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had 2 — just like universities confer degrees “in learning and in character” — one must ask: what is the worth of votes if character scores a zero? “Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty. “We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship. “We have been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers state where he once served as governor and in Abuja since becoming FCT Minister, which has made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of Vice President in a ticket meant to unify, not divide. “We urge Mr. Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonize about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent, too, while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to a tool for petty political jabs. “The task of rebuilding our party and our nation is a serious one. It is time to move beyond bruised egos and focus on what truly matters: the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its people.” Daily Posts

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that recall elections are more expensive to conduct than constituency elections. Mohammed Kunna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, shared this during an online discussion on the 2024 INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Recall. Waffi TV reports that the event, held on Saturday via the X platform, also covered discussions on BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths. Kunna explained that conducting a recall election is equivalent to running three constituency elections. “Once a petition is received and verified to meet legal requirements, INEC must first conduct a verification exercise at the affected polling units. “For that verification to happen, we have to use the Bi-Modal Voter Verification System (BVAS) because those who signed the petition must be verified as genuine registered voters in those units. “Then, INEC needs to establish 50 per cent plus one signature from the constituency. “After that, we proceed to the final stage: conducting the referendum, which involves a yes or no vote by registered voters in the constituency,” Kunna said. According to him, the process involved mobilising staff, deploying election materials, transportation, and other resources, much like conducting three senatorial district elections. Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, acknowledged the high cost of recall elections but emphasized that INEC must comply with legal provisions. He also noted that INEC’s regulations and the Electoral Act clearly outline the procedure for conducting a recall election. “The law allows a recall election only if the petitioners meet constitutional requirements, including submitting signatures from at least half of the registered voters in the constituency. “Once the petition is received, INEC performs a preliminary check and then verifies the signatures. “The lawmaker facing recall is informed and has the right to deploy agents to observe the process,” he said.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied reports linking him to the All Progressives Congress, stating that he is neither a member of the ruling party nor planning to join. Reacting to a report circulating on social media where he alleged that his name was mentioned in an APC gathering on Saturday, Obi said, “I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned. Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. “My name should not be associated with such narratives. For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. “My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement. I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria,” he said. Obi, however, advised that elections and primaries should not be reduced to toxic narratives or personal attacks, noting that political choices should be guided by credibility, vision, and the ability to deliver real change, not by dragging individuals into toxic discussions, blackmail, or needless controversy. “As for the former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party. “Furthermore, primaries, whether conducted through voting, interviews, selection processes, or any other democratic method, must be free, fair, and credible. “Every aspirant who is a legitimate member of a party deserves a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail. As we approach the Anambra State governorship election in November, I sincerely hope that all parties, including mine, will ensure a transparent and democratic process, and engage in credible, fair primaries,” he assured. He said the Anambra election presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to embrace true democracy, something that, unfortunately, remains elusive in Nigeria. “I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. “We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack. By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek,” he added.

Former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has refuted reports that he was kidnapped and coerced into addressing the press yesterday. Nwaeke clarified that he traveled to Abuja voluntarily to report himself and issues in Rivers State to security agencies. Yesterday, the former HoS made serious allegations against Governor Sim Fubara. Shortly after, his wife declared him missing, claiming his whereabouts were unknown. During a phone call with Fubara, she suggested that Nwaeke might have been abducted and forced to make the allegations. However, a video that surfaced this morning showed Nwaeke stating that he was staying at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. He also affirmed his plan to visit all major security agency headquarters in Abuja to report concerns about Rivers State that deeply trouble him. He said: “My name is Frank Nwaeke and I’m in Transcorp in Abuja. I came in here this morning from Port Harcourt to meet the security agencies to report myself and things that happened in the state that is making me to feel sick. “Actually, I was the Head of Service until Monday when I resigned because of the things that are happening. “After the press interview I granted, I just saw a video of my wife trending, where they went to feed her with all kinds of fallacies that I have been kidnapped. “I want to clear this that I’m not kidnapped, I’m in Abuja, this is Transcorp Hotel where I’m lodging. They told her I was kidnapping and they wrote a script for her to say all sorts of things. “I want to put this straight, I’m the head of Service and I’m on oath; my wife does not know what happens in my office – it’s only my domestic or social matters that we discuss. “I want to clear the air that I’m safe and fine, I’m in Abuja; and by tomorrow morning, I’m going to security agencies to report myself. “My coming to Abuja was based on the fact that Abuja is where all the headquarters of security agencies are housed. I came here and I think I’m safe to make this report here.”

Former Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the 2023 bombing of the State House of Assembly to prevent his impeachment by lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Fubara has denied the allegation, urging Nigerians to disregard it. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Nwaeke, who recently resigned, claimed he witnessed a bag of money being handed to ex-Assembly leader Edison Ehie—later Fubara’s Chief of Staff—to execute the attack on the Assembly Complex on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. He said, “First, it all started with the Rivers State House of Assembly, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed his Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) to burn down the Assembly to avert his impeachment. That evening, Edison was in Government House with two other boys, including the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, one Chijioke. “I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside. I want to tell the people of Rivers State today that the House of Assembly Complex on Moscow Road was deliberately brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation, and I will provide more details. “A day after that incident, I almost resigned, but I was very scared because I knew the power of a sitting governor. He knew that I was aware of the whole plan and that I was uncomfortable with the unconscionable act and his deliberate posture of innocence. “Another attempt was also made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members. If not for the press conference held there by Rivers youths, Rivers elders, and National Assembly members, that would have been another barbaric demolition in Rivers State. “I realised that they actually wanted to demolish that second building because, weeks later, he personally told me that if he had known earlier, he would have pulled down their hall before targeting the residential quarters of the Assembly. He didn’t realise they had such a beautiful hall where they are now holding their sittings. “I was shocked and asked myself: how could a man who wants to lead his people be destroying state assets and wasting public funds on a needless ego fight?” Nwaeke stated that he resigned voluntarily, countering speculations that he was sacked or pressured to leave. “With the load of misinformation in print and electronic media, I have chosen to set the record straight. “I was not sacked, nor was I pressured to resign; I did it willingly from the depth of my heart,” he clarified. Nwaeke further alleged that another attempt was made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members but was thwarted by a press conference held by Rivers youths, elders, and National Assembly members. Nwaeke alleged that Fubara had openly expressed intentions to demolish more state properties, sparking concerns about his leadership approach. He also claimed that the governor had spoken about leveraging the Ijaw people to influence Nigeria’s presidency, citing control over oil pipelines and possible disruptions. In response, Fubara dismissed the allegations, urging Nigerians to ignore them. He described Nwaeke’s claims as “laughable” in a statement he personally signed on Friday. “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me. “I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President,” he said.

Under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate requires overcoming 10 significant hurdles. So far, her opponents have cleared three of these hurdles, with seven more to navigate. The Constitution and Sections 2(c) and 113 of the Electoral Act, 2022, empower INEC to regulate the recall process for members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, or an Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The 10 Steps to Recall a Senator 1. Petition Submission Over half of the registered voters in the senator’s district must draft, sign, and submit a petition to the INEC Chairman, citing loss of confidence in the senator. 2. Petition Endorsement The petition must be signed and organized by polling units, wards, local government areas, and constituency. 3. INEC Notification If the petition is deemed valid, INEC formally notifies the senator about the recall request. 4. Announcement of Signature Verification INEC issues a public notice detailing the date, time, and location for signature verification. 5. Signature Verification Process INEC verifies that the petition's signatories are legitimate voters registered in the constituency. 6. Possible Dismissal If the verified signatures do not exceed half of the registered voters, INEC dismisses the petition. 7. Referendum Scheduling If more than half of the voters (50% +1) are verified, INEC schedules a referendum. 8. Referendum Execution Within 90 days of receiving the petition, INEC conducts a simple majority vote on whether to recall the senator. A major challenge at this stage is ensuring at least 50% voter participation. In Kogi Central, this means 237,277 out of 474,554 registered voters must participate. However, in the 2023 elections, voter turnout was only about 27%, with all candidates securing a combined 106,491 votes, including Natasha’s 51,763 votes. 9. Validation of Recall If the referendum results favor recall, INEC’s Chairman issues a Certificate of Recall to the Senate President. 10. Senator’s Removal The Senate President officially removes the senator from office. While recalling a senator requires a higher threshold than electing one, these stringent measures ensure that only overwhelming voter consensus can trigger a recall.