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Protests Rock Enugu Re-run Election

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Labour Party (LP) members in Enugu staged a protest on Saturday, in dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) inability to provide the original result sheets for the Enugu South Urban State Constituency re-run election.

The demonstration took place at Robinson Primary School, Uwani, and Uwani Secondary School, where party members claimed INEC did not present the necessary original result documents for the election.

In contrast, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a counter-protest, asserting that they had already seen the result sheets and insisting that the scheduled election must proceed.

The by-election, limited to eight polling units at Robinson Primary School, Uwani, and Uwani Secondary School on the same street, had not commenced by 12 noon, despite a significant presence of military, police, and DSS operatives due to the ongoing protest.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, arrived at the election venue around 11:45 a.m., urging voters to allow the election to proceed, but the appeal faced widespread rejection.

The REC, earlier briefing reporters on his cellphone around 10 a.m., stated he had not been informed about the reason for the delayed start of the election.

In response to the issue, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial district, and Chimaobi Atu, the member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, accused INEC officials of compromise.

Senator Chukwu specifically alleged that the election had been compromised.

He said “I got to this place; I met with the Electoral Officer and told him to do the simplest thing by showing all the candidates the original result sheets which he has not produced.

“That is what is causing the tension. I am worried because since INEC has yet to show the result sheets, the election may not hold.

“I have spoken with the Assistant Commissioner of Police and the army officer in charge. I have told them what is required. I told the INEC man to show the people the result sheets, very simple. If that is not done, there will be no election.” he added

On his part, Atu expressed frustration on behalf of his constituents, emphasizing their readiness to defend the electoral process.

He highlighted the absence of result sheets upon reaching the venue and stressed the importance of displaying them to ensure a transparent election.

Atu insisted that the people were demanding the presentation of result sheets for a free and fair electoral process.

PDP’s re-run candidate, Chief Sam Ngene, accused LP members, including National Assembly members Chukwu and Atu, of disrupting the electoral process.

He said “The election was about starting before  Sen. Chukwu and his supporters came here to disrupt it.

“Yesterday night, the entire agents were shown the result sheets, but coming this morning, these people came here and started demanding for the result sheets.

“They should allow INEC set up their booths before demanding for the result sheets. How can you be demanding for result sheets when they are yet to set up their booths?

“They are jumping the gun. I am also calling on the security agencies to do the needful by moving Chukwu out of this place. He is not supposed to be here,”he added

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Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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