Ahead of the Edo State governorship elections scheduled for Saturday, President Bola Tinubu has called on all stakeholders to maintain peace and engage in sportsmanlike conduct.

In a statement released on Friday, Tinubu urged candidates, political parties, and their supporters to respect the democratic process and the will of the electorate.

The statement, signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the President’s belief in voters’ ability to make informed choices about their leaders.

Read Also: Gospel Singer Dele Gold Laid To Rest In Lagos

President Tinubu highlighted that democracy relies on civility, tolerance, patience, and adherence to electoral rules.

He noted the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conducting a free and fair election, encouraging all parties involved to collaborate for a smooth and peaceful process.

The President commended the candidates and political parties for their issue-focused campaigns, which address the key concerns of Edo citizens, such as enhancing livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.

Tinubu urged all citizens to remain peaceful and respectful during the voting process and to resolve any disagreements through established legal channels.

Additionally, he expressed strong confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials, urging them to act impartially and refrain from any actions that might compromise the election’s integrity.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 23 for judgment in the case seeking to remove Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Initially set for September 18, the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, rescheduled the hearing due to the unavailability of the judgment.

The court’s registrar announced the new date to journalists.

Read Also: Thugs Steal Ganduje’s Corruption Trial Documents, Says Kano Govt

The lawsuit was filed by the North Central APC Forum, which argues that Ganduje’s chairmanship violates Article 7(vii) and (ix) of the party’s Constitution.

The Forum claims that during the 2022 National Convention in Abuja, it was agreed that the APC National Chairman for 2022 to 2026 must come from the North Central Geopolitical Zone.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/24, the Forum, led by Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga from Plateau State, contends that Ganduje is illegally holding the position, contrary to the consensus reached at the convention.

In response, Ganduje’s counsel, Ishaka Mohammed Diko (SAN), requested the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the election that brought Ganduje to the chairmanship was conducted according to the party’s constitution.

The suit includes Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

In a bid to resolve the internal crisis that has plagued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) engaged in a crucial closed-door meeting with the National Assembly Caucus at its headquarters in Abuja.

This series of meetings is part of a broader effort to address longstanding issues that have created divisions within the opposition party.

Read Also: Basketmouth, AY Makun End 18-Year Feud

The BoT, which sees itself as the moral compass of the party, has expressed concerns over the current disunity, with several high-profile discussions held in recent weeks.

Led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT has been making rounds to mediate between conflicting factions.

Prior to this latest meeting, the BoT held discussions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and also met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

On Wednesday, they met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.

At the center of the crisis are unresolved grievances from the PDP presidential primary, where Wike’s defeat continues to fuel discord.

Additionally, there is growing discontent over the extended tenure of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, which some party members believe is contributing to the instability.

The ongoing meeting at the PDP’s Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, is seen as a pivotal moment in the party’s efforts to restore unity.

Party insiders hope that the outcome of these high-level talks will pave the way for lasting peace and cohesion within the PDP.