Politics
Election: SERAP Calls On Buhari To Investigate Assault On PeterObi
SERAP has called on President Buhari to instruct the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into the reported attack on Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, following a rally in Katsina State and other instances of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence that occurred across the country.
SERAP has also urged Buhari to direct the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney General to publicly name and shame any politician or other individuals involved in election-related intimidation, harassment and violence, and ensure that they are swiftly brought to justice.
SERAP has also urged Buhari to caution state governors to put an end to reported suppression of campaigns by opposition parties within their states and to ensure the security and safety of opposition candidates, members and supporters.
As reported by BIZTELLERS, Obi was attacked with heavy stones on his way to the airport after a rally in Katsina, according to a statement from his campaign team signed by its media head, Diran Onifade, on Tuesday.
SERAP noted that the attack on Obi occurred after reports of 339 incidents of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence across the country in 2022.
In a letter dated 28 January, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “Escalating cases of election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence are fundamentally inconsistent with the principle of free and fair elections.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating and prosecuting these cases, and bringing perpetrators to justice would stop further violence, facilitate free and fair elections, and encourage Nigerians to freely exercise their right to vote.”
SERAP said, “Investigating and prosecuting these cases would also promote and ensure the rule of law and democratic tradition in the country.”
The letter partly read in part, “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations recognise as fundamental the right to participate in one’s government, and the free and fair elections that implement it.
The reinstated Labour Party governorship candidate in Ondo State, Ayodele Olorunfemi, has expressed frustration over his loss in the recent election, attributing his defeat to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious, securing all 18 local government areas and earning 366,781 votes. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 117,845 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While the APC candidate was declared the winner, Olorunfemi lamented the disruption caused by internal party conflicts, particularly involving Peter Obi’s backing of Olusola Ebiseni.
Olorunfemi accused Obi and the NLC of undermining his campaign by supporting Ebiseni’s candidacy before the Court of Appeal reinstated Olorunfemi’s position on the ballot.
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In a statement to The PUNCH, Olorunfemi criticized the actions of the NLC and Obi, alleging that attempts were made to force his withdrawal through a forged letter. “I have Peter Obi and the NLC to thank for that. They have scuttled my aspirations and chances to win this Ondo election,” he stated. He further claimed that Ebiseni acted without his consent, presenting the forged letter in court.
Olorunfemi vowed to take legal action, stating, “I am planning to petition the Inspector General of Police to probe how they wrote that letter, put my signature, and presented it before the court.”
The Labour Party’s internal strife was highlighted by accusations from the NLC’s acting Political Commission Chairman, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, who described Olorunfemi as unreliable. He alleged that Olorunfemi had initially sought to sell the ticket to Ebiseni for N20 million but reneged on the agreement, leading to the court battle.
Despite his reinstatement days before the election, Olorunfemi admitted his campaign efforts were insufficient to secure victory. As of this report, neither Peter Obi nor Ebiseni had responded to the allegations.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of spending over N35 billion to induce voters in the recently concluded Ondo State governorship election.
The accusation came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the winner.
At precisely 2:29 pm on Saturday, INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, announced Aiyedatiwa’s victory, with the incumbent securing 366,781 votes.
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His closest rival, PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, garnered 117,845 votes, while Adeyemi Nejo of the African Democratic Party placed third with 4,138 votes.
In a press statement following the announcement, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, the PDP State Collation Agent, criticized the APC’s campaign methods, alleging widespread vote-buying.
“This is the end result of the election, but I can tell you that APC as a party deployed over N35bn into inducing the electorate. If this is the future of this nation, we are doomed for it,” Ogungbuji said.
Ogungbuji also raised concerns about the failure of elections to take place in certain polling units in Idanre Local Government Area.
However, these concerns were dismissed during the collation process. The PDP agent hinted that the party and Ajayi would deliberate on the next steps in the coming days.
Meanwhile, APC’s State Agent, Ade Adeogun, strongly rejected the PDP’s accusations, labeling them as unfounded and an attempt to explain away their electoral loss.
“You need to understand that throughout this electioneering period, we even complained that Ondo State was over-policed. If they had any genuine evidence, they should have reported it to the security agencies. Those involved in vote buying would have been arrested,” Adeogun stated.
He also dismissed the allegations as “flippant excuses,” emphasizing that elections should be won based on merit, not claims without proof.
“Without evidence, you can’t just go around and make flippant excuses,” he said. “They lost woefully, and they’re looking for a straw to hold onto.”
Adeogun further stated that the PDP’s complaints were simply a result of their defeat, adding, “Let them weep; they lost woefully. They didn’t deserve to win.”
As tensions continue to simmer, both parties remain locked in a bitter dispute over the results of the Ondo governorship election, with the PDP considering legal action in the days to come.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Aiyedatiwa secured a decisive victory, polling 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr. Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
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The APC swept all 18 local government areas of the state in a dominant performance that underscored its stronghold in Ondo.
The results were announced at INEC’s State Headquarters in Akure by the collation officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC is hereby declared the winner of the Ondo State governorship election,” Prof. Akinwunmi stated.
Breakdown of Results by Local Government Areas:
1. Akure North: APC 14,451 | PDP 5,787
2. Akure South: APC 32,969 | PDP 17,926
3. Okitipupa: APC 26,811 | PDP 10,233
4. Ose: APC 16,555 | PDP 4,472
5. Owo: APC 31,914 | PDP 4,740
6. Akoko Northeast: APC 25,657 | PDP 5,072
7. Akoko Northwest: APC 25,010 | PDP 5,502
8. Akoko Southeast: APC 12,140 | PDP 2,692
9. Akoko Southwest: APC 29,700 | PDP 5,517
10. Ondo West: APC 20,755 | PDP 6,387
11. Ondo East: APC 8,163 | PDP 2,843
12. Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo: APC 16,600 | PDP 4,442
13. Idanre: APC 9,114 | PDP 8,940
14. Irele: APC 17,117 | PDP 6,601
15. Ifedore: APC 14,157 | PDP 5,897
16. Ilaje: APC 24,474 | PDP 3,623 | LP 176
17. Ese Odo: APC 14,511 | PDP 7,814
18. Odigbo: APC 26,683 | PDP 9,348
The Labour Party (LP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) trailed far behind, with LP securing 1,162 votes and ZLP 2,692 votes across the state.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory cements the APC’s grip on Ondo State politics.
The governor-elect has promised to focus on economic development, improved infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
“This victory is not just for the APC but for every citizen of Ondo State. Together, we will build a brighter future,” Aiyedatiwa said in his acceptance speech.
The election, which was monitored by domestic and international observers, was largely peaceful, with only minor logistical challenges reported.
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