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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation? By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

The recent verdict by the Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal dismissing the PDP’s petition against the 2024 election outcome has once again raised critical questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. While the tribunal cited the absence of competent witnesses and lack of substantial evidence, a deeper analysis of this ruling, coupled with the broader political climate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggests a concerning pattern: the calculated erosion of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

 

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Legal Grounds or Judicial Bias?
The Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal ruled that the PDP’s petition failed primarily due to a lack of competent witnesses and insufficient evidence. While documents were provided, the tribunal deemed them inadmissible without credible testimony to authenticate them. Furthermore, the tribunal insisted that oral evidence was necessary to prove allegations of over-voting, referencing Supreme Court precedents. However, this ruling raises fundamental concerns. If documents submitted were indeed official election records, why were they disregarded solely due to the absence of certain witnesses?

The tribunal’s insistence on strict evidentiary standards while allegedly turning a blind eye to glaring irregularities raises suspicions of bias. By disqualifying the testimony of the PDP’s witnesses on technical grounds, the ruling effectively denied the petitioners a fair chance to prove their case.

Tinubu’s Blueprint for a One-Party State
Beyond the tribunal’s ruling, the broader actions of the APC-led federal government suggest a systematic effort to stifle opposition and consolidate power. Since assuming office, Tinubu’s administration has embarked on a relentless campaign to weaken opposition parties, coerce key political figures, and silence dissent.

Key examples include:

Governor Dave Umahi’s Political Turnaround: The former PDP governor of Ebonyi State defected to the APC, citing pressures that many believe were orchestrated by Tinubu’s allies to weaken the opposition in the Southeast.

EFCC’s Selective Prosecution: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has targeted opposition figures, including PDP chieftains, while largely ignoring corruption allegations against APC loyalists. Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, an APC stalwart, remains untouched despite numerous allegations.

Judicial Interference in Opposition-Led States: Several opposition-led states, including Rivers and Zamfara, have faced judicial interventions that appear politically motivated. The removal of PDP-aligned governors through questionable court rulings further fuels suspicions of a grand strategy to dismantle opposition strongholds.

Forcing and Silencing Top Officials
Under Tinubu’s administration, several top government officials have been forced to align with the APC or face political and economic consequences. Notable cases include:

Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor, was arrested and detained shortly after Tinubu assumed power. While official reasons cite economic mismanagement, many believe his removal was politically motivated, given his role in the controversial Naira redesign policy, which was seen as a challenge to Tinubu’s pre-election financial war chest.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been largely sidelined, despite his significant role in the Buhari administration. His reluctance to align fully with Tinubu has seen him politically isolated.

Peter Obi and Labour Party Persecution: The Labour Party (LP), which posed a significant threat to APC’s dominance in 2023, has faced relentless attacks. LP members have been harassed, and attempts have been made to delegitimize Obi’s growing influence.

The Death of Democratic Institutions?
Under a true democracy, political competition should be encouraged, not stifled. However, Tinubu’s administration has exhibited autocratic tendencies, from the questionable removal of political opponents to the strategic co-optation of opposition figures.

The Judiciary’s Role: The increasing frequency of court rulings favoring the APC raises concerns about judicial independence. The Edo Tribunal’s verdict fits into a broader trend of politically convenient judgments, which often seem to align with the ruling party’s interests.

The Media’s Struggle: Independent journalism has suffered due to growing restrictions on press freedom. Media outlets that criticize Tinubu’s government face the risk of intimidation and economic strangulation. Channels Television and Arise TV, for instance, have been warned over their critical reporting on government affairs.

A Nation at a Crossroads:
Furthermore, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The Edo Tribunal’s ruling is not just about an election petition; it is a symptom of a larger problem—the gradual erosion of democracy under Tinubu’s watch. If this trend continues, Nigeria risks sliding into a de facto one-party state where dissent is crushed, and political opposition is merely symbolic.

For democracy to thrive, there must be a robust opposition, an independent judiciary, and a free press. The systematic silencing of opposition voices, as seen in Edo State and beyond, should alarm all Nigerians who believe in democratic governance. The question remains: Will Nigerians allow this autocratic overreach to continue, or will they rise to defend the essence of democracy before it is too late?

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Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

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Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

 

It is an incontrovertible fact that Watersiders should GET IT RIGHT this time around by overwhelmingly support this distinguished Watersider, Hon. Abudu-Balogun to emerge as the Candidate of APC for the Federal House of Representative in the 2027 elections.

Apart from being a respected politician among the creme-de-la-creme professionals in politics in Ogun State, and undoubtedly a prominent grassroots politician of Waterside extraction, Hon. Abudu-Balogun has seen it all in National politics that will be of great benefits to the Federal Constituency if eventually elected.

 

Hmmm! With the emergence of the distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus Governorship candidate of APC in Ogun State, Waterside agitation for enduring developmental projects and its realisation like Deep Sea Port, assumption of Oil producing LGA via Eba Oil deposits, sustainable Electricity Supply would be a walk-over. This anaysis is predicated upon a scientifically established empirical evidence that Hon Abudu-Balogun is a sustainable Bridge between this Federal Constituency and the Powers that be at Federal level.

 

He has the competence, he posseses the Capacity, he has the cognate political experience, he has fortified the developmental blueprint, he has worked tirelessly, and earned the link to facilitate the expected developmental projects to this Federal Constituency.

 

Above all, Hon Abudu-Balogun has concluded political and economic arrangements to galvanise support in all respects from the main actors at the National and sub-national levels in the country for the tasks ahead.

 

TENI NI TENI. This is the time TIME FOR “ACTION” in the realisation of the enduring Developmental Agenda (that has been eluding us from time immemorial) for the entire Federal Constituency, particularly, our dear Ogun Waterside LGA.

 

Distinguished Watersiders, particularly, the comrade professional politicians and the astute Professionals in politics, please factcheck this. Hon Abudu-Balogun is a very popular and honoured politician in Ijebu-North LGA, he is cherished and respected professional in politics in Ijebu-East LGA, he is a consistently consistent rare breed politician in Waterside who has the interest of Waterside development at heart.

 

ACTION needs our support, he needs our endorsement at this political turning point of our dear LGA, the Wealth Side of Ogun State.

Iwe teni, iwe teni, iwe teni o.

Ajuse ri Dede Eni o.

Happy Sunday to us all.

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

 

 

ABUJA — Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party remains “unstoppable,” likening its rise to the inevitability of the sun, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling establishment to weaken opposition forces.

Speaking at the ADC’s 8th National Convention, Aregbesola said the party’s existence is rooted in the will of Nigerians and protected by the constitution, insisting that no political pressure or institutional interference could halt its progress.

“Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped,” he told delegates.

Blasts Political System, Accuses Ruling Forces of Undermining Democracy

The ADC leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions he described as anti-democratic, alleging efforts to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He criticized what he termed the normalization of political “criminality,” arguing that recent political realignments and electoral practices undermine democratic integrity.

According to him, ADC does not owe its existence to any individual or institution but to Nigerians “tired of deceit and mismanagement.”

Harsh Assessment of Economy, Security, and Governance

Aregbesola painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, citing economic decline, rising inflation, and worsening living standards.

He noted that the naira’s depreciation from about ₦700 to ₦1,400 per dollar reflects what he described as poor economic management, while fuel prices have surged significantly, making daily life difficult for citizens.

On security, he described the current situation as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, raising concerns about increasing violence and what he called a lack of empathy from leadership in responding to national tragedies.

ADC Positions Itself as Nigeria’s “Rescue Mission”

The former minister said the ADC has, within months, transformed into a major opposition force, claiming it now represents the “hope of the Nigerian people.”

He outlined the party’s rapid structural expansion, ongoing membership drive, and efforts to build alliances with other opposition groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Aregbesola emphasized that the party is preparing to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections through what he described as a “united opposition front.”

Defends Party Leadership Changes, Convention Legitimacy

Providing details of internal restructuring, Aregbesola said the emergence of new leadership, including David Mark as caretaker national chairman, followed due constitutional process and was duly communicated to INEC.

He argued that the commission’s refusal to monitor the convention violates provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that ADC fulfilled all legal requirements.

Alleges Persecution of Opposition Figures

The ADC leader further accused the government of using state institutions such as anti-corruption agencies and security services to intimidate opposition politicians.

He cited cases involving figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, describing the trend as a dangerous signal for democracy.

Calls for United Front Ahead of 2027

Aregbesola concluded with a rallying call for Nigerians to support the ADC’s mission to restore “freedom, security, and prosperity,” warning against political apathy.

“A democracy without opposition is an autocracy,” he said, urging citizens to reject what he termed any attempt at political “coronation.”

Closing Note

The convention, themed “So that Nigeria will work for Freedom, Security and Prosperity,” brought together party delegates and stakeholders, marking a significant step in ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI*

 

On behalf of our Grand Patron, Dr. Tunde Osinowo (Pepperito Jnr.), we leaders and Members of Ogun East for Yayi heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for being the consensus Governorship candidate of our party, APC, in the 2027 election.

This is marvelous and indeed great in the sight of God.

Without mincing words, the choice of Yayi by the party stakeholders is the best and the most surest assurance to coast the Party to victory at the general elections come February, 2027.

We commend the maturity, dispositions and spirit of sportsmanship with which all the Gubernatorial aspirants embraced the decision and extended hands of fellowship to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, the Gubernatorial Hopeful.

We beseech God to grant Yayi and all of us, leaders, followers and supporters, the enablements to see him duly elected as Governor of Ogun State at the general election in Jesus mighty name.

We congratulate the incoming Governor of Ogun State and our Excellency in waiting, Yayi.

This is Yayi O’clock.

Praise God!

Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi.

 

 

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