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Ondo: PDP Calls For Poll Shift …As Jegede Insists He’s Unstoppable
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.
The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Dayo Adeyeye said in a statement yesterday in Abuja, that the election should be postponed pending the determination of its suit before the Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Ibrahim Salauwa on Friday reserved judgment on the appeal challenging the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court recognising Jimoh Ibrahim as PDP candidate for the Ondo State guber poll.
Adeyeye said that the call was important as INEC, Makarfi and Eyitayo Jegede, the faction’s candidate in the election were all party to the suit.
“We make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC is a party to the suit before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
“INEC is well aware of the steps taken by certain parties to the suit to frustrate the course of justice.
“We also make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC postponed the Edo State gubernatorial elections and recently postponed the Rivers State re-run elections without any cogent or visible reason,’’ he said.
Adeyeye said that the decision of Salauwa to reserve judgment was taken as a result of a petition written against the panel.
He said that Salauwa said that the petition was addressed to the Chief Justice of the Federation and Chairman, National Judicial Commission (NJC) alleging acts of corruption, bias and breach of oaths of office.
“Furthermore, the respondents had filed a motion at the Supreme Court in which the Justices of Court of Appeal panel were named co-respondents in their personal capacities.
“ The indefinite adjournment is a consequence of the latest of several mischievous actions taken by Messrs Biyi Poroye, Jimoh Ibrahim and their legal team led by Mr Ben Nwofor (SAN).
“This outright bullying and intimidation of the Justices of the Court of Appeal is enabled by the recent invasion of the homes of Justices of the Supreme Court.’’
Adeyeye called on members and supporters of PDP in Ondo State and across the country to remain calm.
“We believe that there are men and women of integrity in the judiciary who will ensure that this act of injustice does not stand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP, has urged INEC, the judiciary and members of the public to disregard the call for the postponement of the election.
A statement signed by Sheriff’s deputy, Cairo Ojougboh, said the faction was ready for the election.
But even as the political fireworks rage, the governorship hopeful under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede SAN, who arrived Ondo State and touched down at the border town of Isua Akoko, yesterday, after weeks of being in Abuja to reclaim his mandate at the Appeal Court, told his supporters that they are unstoppable.
Jegede, who stormed the state and was received by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, party members and residents of Akoko at the Isua junction, boundary with Edo State, assured his supporters that all hope was not yet lost with the Appeal Court’s decision.
The people chanted his name as well as several solidarity songs such as “After Iroko who be next?”, restating their support for him for next Saturday’s election not minding the ongoing litigation.
In a brief address, Jegede said he is always greatly encouraged by the rousing reception and solidarity, assuring that collectively, they will soon emerge triumphant.
“My driving force to forge ahead has been God and the unprecedented solidarity from you my people in spite of all adversaries that we contend with everyday. Very soon, we shall triumph because we are unstoppable “.
At Oka Akoko, where he made another stop-over, and was cheered by another large crowd, Jegede advised the people to keep, intact, their permanent voters cards to enable them vote him, expressing optimism that the case in court will be over early next week.
“They keep asking us what makes us confident that we will contest this election. We say we have God who rules in the affairs of men. By early next week, the Pharaoh we see today, we will see them no more,” Jegede declared to hundreds of elated supporters.
Jegede was also at Akungba, Ikare, Oke Agbe, Owo and other towns in the northern senatorial district of the state where he advised members to continue with their campaigns to enable him emerge victorious next week Saturday.
On ground to receive the guber hopeful were; his running mate, John Ola Mafo, Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Fatai Olotu, party leaders like Debo Ologunagba, Akin Akinbobola, Taiye Afilaka, Tony Ala, among others.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene