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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.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol