Politics
Battle For Edo North Senatorial District Hot Up
The situation now in all camps is becoming unpredictable, as politicians in the district have been having sleepless night. Most of the political leaders in Edo North are singing different tunes to a song, as they are now divided over whom to pick.
As the 2011 elections nearer, indications are rife that the battle for the Edo North Senatorial seat has begun in earnest. The song, “who the cap fits let him wear it”, by popular reggae star, Bob Marley, aptly describes the imminent ‘political war’ that takes all political watchers by storm. Given the present situation, hopes are high that the election in Edo North Senatorial District will bring more shock than it has been expected. Presently, about six aspirants have indicated their interest in the single slot that is allotted to the district at the Upper House of National Assembly, even as more people may like to come out as the time runs out. Interesting, five out of the known aspirants are from the AC, while the incumbent Senator Yisa Braimoh is of PDP.
Among the aspirants from AC in the state are; Hon Dr. Tunde Lakoju, Deacon Domingo Obende, Comrade Peter Akpatason and Mr. Mike O. Okue, all from Akoko-Edo including the incumbent Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Pally Iriase, who is from Owan. Though, his inclusion in the race is still sketchy, as at press time, there were signals that things may change in this direction. But the fact still remains that PDP has only the incumbent, Alhaji Yisa Braimoh as their aspirant at the moment.
The situation now in all camps is becoming unpredictable, as politicians in the district have been having sleepless night. Most of the political leaders in Edo North are singing different tunes to a song, as they are now divided over whom to pick. Even as various groups are sending signals of real battle as usual, but in the end, we hope they will all come back together as one and start waiting for another election.
What makes Edo North Senatorial district unique is its history which will always prove itself, as the highest bidder may not be the one to get the mandate again this time around. In this peculiar politics, the leader’s choice and the people’s choice always come top, irrespective of any person’s financial strength or weakness. The primaries that is scheduled to take place this year will definitely produce the parties flag bearers particularly from the AC camp that have adopted the ideal of one man one vote.
Since 1999, when the current Republic came on board, PDP produced the Senator that represented the area. Victor Oyofo from Estako was there for eight years, before the baton was handed over to the current Senator Alhaji Yisa Braimoh from Ihiebve in Owan East local government. It is only Akoko-Edo that has not had a feel of what Senate seat is to their people. There is little wonder why four amiable men from Akoko-Edo are ready to compete with their Owan and Etsako brothers this time around. But, in our capacity, we try to evaluate the chances of some of the aspirants, their influence and goodwill.
Hon Dr. Tunde Lakoju: Tunde Lakoju was one of the pioneer politicians that took the bold steps in 1999 and got election to the House of Representatives, Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency. He went under the platform of APP that later changed to ANPP. He was a factor to reckon with in the House as he was made chairman of committees because of his quality representations. He was usually regarded as a speech writer to the then Speaker of the House, Hon. Ghali Na-aba. He spent only one team, 4 years and never requested for a second time tenure. After that sojourn, he came back home with good things to show for being a member at the Federal House. Meanwhile, in 2003, he was picked to become the Deputy Governorship candidate to Senator Roland Owie under ANPP, but the party lost in the election. In 2007, AC drafted Dr. Tunde Lakoju in at the last hour to slog it out with his friend, Hon. Yisa Bramioh, but he also lost out in an election that was still regarded as the most controversial in Nigeria. Lakoju went to court but lost out to the powers that be. There are so many things to show for his short representation and these include, the electrification of Ojah, Ayounza and its environs, presently, he is a member of Edo State Exco as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is one of the most respectful commissioners in the state. His influence in the politics of the state is commendable.
Comrade Peter Akpatason: This young Uneme-born labour Activist is well respected at both state and federal level. A close intimacy with him will show you a man with great humility. He is very articulate when it comes to how to solve problems, particularly that which involves humanity. His passion for good governance is unequal.
According to Akpatason, he is aspiring for the post in order to correct the ills that have been meted out to Nigeria electorate, by our pervious leaders. Given his antecedent and influence among others, he can spring surprises to clinch the mandate of his people. Comrade Akpatason has promised his people quality representation at the grassroots. That alone gives him the confidence of victory at the polls in 2011.
Deacon (Dr) Domingo Obende (DD): This is not a new face in the political arena in the state and the nation at large. Anybody that seems not to know Deacon Domingo (DD) in Edo state must probably be a new comer in the political arena. He is a major financier to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and at the federal level until recently, when he quit the party to join the ruling party in the state (AC). In 2006, he was all over the places with his attractive bill boards and well coloured buses as he campaigned for the same Senate. His political slogan is ONE PEOPLE, ONE COMMUNITY. At the end of the PDP primaries in 2006, DD lost to Alhaji Yisa Braimoh with so much disappointment coming from his people that were alleged to have been bought over.
Not withstanding, he remained calm and worked for the party’s victory for the general election of 2007. His financial power cannot be compared with any of the aspirants. He is generous and believes that people has to be liberated out of penury and lost of hope to a better position. So many people have benefited from his goodwill. His popularity cut across the entire senatorial district.
Mr. Michael O. Okuo: The man, Mike O. Okuo may not be so known in the political front. He is from one of the ruling houses in Igarra, which is the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo. He retired as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), the highest position any Akoko-Edo son and daughter has attained in the police force on August 2003.
Okuo is a very quiet, simple and religious man that believes much on faith in God as the yardstick to achieve any position. He does not believe that the power of money can produce good governance. He is a man of proven integrity having served the Nigeria Police from Cadet Inspector rank to the rank of Assistant Inspector -General of Police (A.I.G).
Hon Yisa Braimoh: Yisa Braimoh is the present occupant of the seat at the Upper House and he indicated his interest to come back for a second chance. He went to the Upper House under the platform of PDP and remains as a strong PDP member despite the changes at the state level.
He is not disturbed with any critics, but calculating on what to do to get his people’s mandate. For now, no other PDP member has come out to challenge the position with him which is an indication that he has been anointed to go back for a second term. If hostilities come out in the camp of the Action Congress at the primaries, Yisa Braimoh might just easily steal the show.
However, it is anticipated that a free level playing ground would be allowed in the coming primaries of the parties. We don’t want to believe this time around that the winner should take all while the loser goes home sleep.
Ben-Ose Ogbemudia, Benin City
Instead, the Senate opted to retain the existing provision of the Electoral Act, which states that results shall be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”
Reacting to this, the NBA said the discretionary wording weakens the legal framework for credible elections.
“The current provision leaves room for manipulation, ambiguity and post-election disputes,” Mr Osigwe said, stressing that only a clear statutory mandate can guarantee transparency and protect the integrity of votes cast by Nigerians.
According to the NBA, enforceable electronic transmission provisions are no longer optional in a modern democracy.
“Credible elections are the bedrock of constitutional democracy, and continued resistance to mandatory electronic transmission undermines public confidence in the electoral process,” the Council noted.
The Association further emphasised that technology-backed transparency aligns with global best practices and is critical to restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Consequently, NBA NEC called on members of the National Assembly to show legislative responsibility and statesmanship by voting in favour of the amendment compelling real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The Council reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to sustained advocacy and engagement to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws truly reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed speculation around giving official recognition to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its recent engagement with political parties in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the electoral body, the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC)’s attendance at the meeting does not necessarily amount to its recognition of one faction over another.
In explaining the reason behind having only the Senator Anyanwu group at the meeting, with the Dr Turaki-led group conspicuously absent, the Commission said the PDP was formally invited as a party and not any so-called faction within it.
INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr Wilfred Ifogah, who spoke in an interview with journalists, said: “Invites are sent to the party, not to individuals,” noting that such letters are usually addressed to the party Chairman and Secretary.
He said since INEC does not determine which officials attend its meetings, it always accepts whoever a party presents as its representatives, adding: “Whoever the party sends as their representative is okay by the commission, because the letters are sent to the party, not the individual”
On concerns raised that only the Senator Anyanwu-led working committee were at the meeting, Mr Ifogah dismissed suggestions that INEC recognised that group to the exclusion of others, saying, “I didn’t know, you people are the one calling it faction”.
Further maintaining that INEC doesn’t meddle in internal party divisions, the Deputy Director acknowledged that party representatives usually introduce themselves at such meetings, often stating whether they are standing in for substantive officers.
Hear him: “Most times, if you are there at the opening ceremony, you find out that it’s either the person will say he’s representing the chairman, or the person is the chairman, and the other person is probably standing in for the secretary.”
While pointing out that INEC does not verify or question such representations, as long as the party responds to the invitation, he said: “As far as the party is concerned, we are not sure who comes. It’s just the party that sends people.”
Speaking on the crisis rocking the PDP, Mr Ifogah said internal disputes are outside INEC’s mandate, stressing further that: “The internal crisis has nothing to do with us. We don’t bother about that. Whenever they settle, we work.”
He said INEC would always encourage parties to resolve leadership disputes ahead of critical electoral activities, adding; “The only advice we give them is that whatever issue or internal crisis they have, they should settle it before we have activity.”
Admitting that prolonged internal disputes could affect a party’s participation in time-bound processes, Mr Ifogah said: “Whoever the substantive leadership of the party is should sign those documents so that they can be part of the process If not, when the activity is time-bound and they need something, that’s their cup of tea.”
He said the essence of party engagements is participation, not factional validation, and further explained that, “It’s just the Elections and Political Parties Monitoring Department that knows how to send invitations to them. They come for the meeting. I think that’s what is paramount”.
Senate Won’t Be Intimidated Into Passing Faulty Electoral Law — Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has defended the removal of the provision for “real-time” electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Bill 2026, insisting that the National Assembly would not be bullied into enacting a law that could endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
Sen. Akpabio said the Senate deliberately deleted the phrase to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the discretion to determine the most appropriate mode of transmitting election results, warning that making real-time transmission mandatory could plunge the country into crisis in the event of network or power failures.
He spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of a book, The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, authored by Senator Effiong Bob.
According to the Senate President, “technology must save and not endanger democracy,” adding that rigid provisions could invalidate elections in areas affected by poor connectivity or grid collapse.
“All we said was to remove the word ‘real-time’ to allow INEC decide the mode of transmission. If you make it mandatory and there is a system failure, there will be a serious problem,” Sen. Akpabio said.
He argued that official election documents, including Form EC8A, should remain the most reliable basis for declaring results, stressing that elections must not be jeopardised by technological limitations.
“Real-time means that if there are nine states where there is no network, does it mean elections will not take place there? Or in any part of the country where there is a grid breakdown, does it mean there will be no election?” he asked.
Reacting to widespread criticism of the Senate’s action, Sen. Akpabio said lawmakers had been subjected to unwarranted attacks and abuse, particularly on television panels and social media, but maintained that the legislature would not succumb to pressure from opposition parties, civil society organisations or non-governmental organisations.
“We will not be intimidated but will do what is right for Nigeria, not what one NGO says. A retreat is not law-making,” he said.
He criticised the notion that positions agreed upon at stakeholder retreats must automatically be adopted by the Senate, arguing that such views may not reflect the interests of all parts of the country.
“Why do you think that the paper you agreed to in Lagos must be what we must approve?” he queried.
Sen. Akpabio, however, noted that the legislative process on the bill had not been concluded, assuring that there was still room for amendments. He explained that as long as the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate had not been approved, any senator could move to amend the bill.
“We can amend anything before we approve the votes and proceedings. Why abuse the Senate when what we have is incomplete?” he said.
He further observed that provisions rejected by the Senate could still be reinstated by the Conference Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives, urging critics to exercise patience.
In a swift response, former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, who chaired the occasion, cautioned Sen. Akpabio against speaking on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The position of the ADC is clear: pass the bill and let INEC decide whether it can implement real-time electronic transmission or not. Don’t speak for INEC,” Sen. Mark said.
Other speakers at the event, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the book reviewer, Professor Maxwell Gidado, commended Senator Bob for documenting the challenges faced by Nigerian legislators, describing the book as a courageous and timely intervention.
In his remarks, Sen. Bob highlighted issues confronting lawmakers, including electoral disputes, conflicts with governors and political godfathers, judicial annulment of electoral victories, and the pressure of addressing constituents’ private concerns.
“The courage to defend democracy is in the legislature and the legislators,” he said.
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