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PDP Wins Adamawa Guber Poll …CUPP Disowns Ganduje’s Endoresment …Says PDP’ll Recover Stolen Mandate

Published

7 years ago

March 29, 2019

Ahmed Umar Fintiri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Adamawa State governorship re-run election.
To emerge victor, Fintiri polled a total of 376,552 votes to beat Jibrilla Bindow, incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 336,386 votes, amounting to a margin of 40,166.
Before yesterday’s supplementary election, Fintiri had polled 367,471 votes while Bindow had 334,995, leaving a margin of 32,476 votes and placing him in a quite comfortable situation, as only 40,988 votes were cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He defeated All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate and incumbent Governor Mohammed Bindow in the results so far collated such that the governor cannot overturn the margin of lead. With 367,471 votes to Bindow’s 334,995 votes, Fintiri went into yesterday’s make-up election with a 32,476 votes advantage.
Thus, Bindow was required to get at least 41,000 votes from the available 49,377 cancelled votes, to be re-elected. This may be a tall order, if the results released at press time are anything to go by. Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials, security agents and other stakeholders arrived the various polling units on time prompting early commencement of the exercise.
For instance, in Aroo Maguwa PU Girei, APC polled 102 votes while PDP got scored 72 votes. In Vazili PU 009, Michika LGA, it was ADC 1, APC 561 and PDP 6. Others include: Jigalambu unit – APC 7, PDP 248; Fwa unit, Michika – APC 3, PDP 161; Didayo in Song LGA – APC 116, PDP 268; Unit 005, Karalbadi Duhu Mayowandu – ADC 5, APC 0, PDP 131 and SDP 1 In Guyuk Unit 001: APC 0, PDP 154; Kolbani Duhu/Mayo Madagali: APC 0, PDM 5, PDP 135; Kofarwaya PU 003, Girei Ward: APC 46, and PDP 168.
The supplementary election was the climax of the inconclusive election held on March 9. Though low turnout of voters characterised the exercise in Yola South LGA of the state, voting was peaceful under the watchful eyes of fully mobilised security agents.
At the end of the LGA announcement, PDP polled 10,480 votes while APC secured 1391 votes, leaving a margin of 9089. LGA: Mubi North APC 11 PDP 900 LGA: Michika APC 187 PDP 1113 LGA: Toungo PDP 86 APC 2 LGA: Numan APC 50 PDP 1548 LGA: Madagali APC 0 PDP 131 AFTER NINE LGAs, PDP: 5301, APC:1141 LGA: Guyuk PDP 717 APC 10 CUPP disowns Ganduje’s endorsement by Kano branch.
Meanwhile, the national headquarters of Coalition of United Political Parties,CUPP, has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said it does not know the group, which claimed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement. In a statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, CUPP said contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, those who formed the group were “APC agents from Ganduje’s village.
“The national headquarters of CUPP has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Ganduje. “The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that make up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest. “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree. The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and he should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy.”
Meanwhie, the national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said the group, which posed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement was not known by it.
A statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, the persons who formed the group were agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, “APC agents from Ganduje’s village to came under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate.
“The national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that made up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest,” it said in the statement.
CUPP said, “The coalition is not meant for any state jamboree as being witnessed in Kano.”
The statement read further: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the position of the CUPP remains that Ganduje is parading a stolen mandate that will be retrieved from him.
“The recruitment of APC agents from Ganduje village to come under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate is unacceptable, laughable and a show of the political inexperience of Ganduje which led to his disgraceful outing at the ballot in the first place.
“The coalition, therefore, has not, and will never endorse him because we will not be part of the illegality that foisted him on the people of Kano State who roundly rejected him as seen during the election.”
It explained that, “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree.
“The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and He should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy,” it added.
Earlier, a coalition of 42 registered political parties in Kano State, under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), had expressed support for the re-election of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the just concluded governorship election.
The CUPP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Nuhu Isah, who paid a congratulatory visit to the governor, expressed dismay over a purported news conference held in Kano where it was reported that the coalition condemned the entire process due to alleged electoral irregularities.
Isah, who is also the chairman, lnter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the 42 political parties were satisfied with the election outcome and would not challenge it at the tribunal.
“We are shocked to read the contents of the news conference discrediting the whole conduct of the process, security agencies, INEC and worst still the declaration to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
“We in CUPP comprising the representatives of the 42 political parties in the coalition, and joined by the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), categorically disown and disassociate the coalition from the sham press conference as well as condemn it in its entirety.
“We also express our dismay at the action of the conveners of the news conference for using the coalition to express personal and untoward views for whatever reasons and influence under the guise of CUPP,” he said.
He noted that the coalition monitored the supplementary election in Kano and in all sincerity believed it to be free, fair and peaceful.
Isah also acknowledged that there were pockets of violence in some polling units which magnitude were insignificant to warrant any call for cancellation of the election or legal redress at the tribunal.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

1 month ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor