Politics

Battle For Edo North Senatorial District Hot Up

Published

16 years ago

June 27, 2010

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

Politics

Parties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices

Published

22 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday brushed aside the order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which ordered him to stay proceedings in a suit that sought deregistration of the African Democratic Party (ADC), Accord Party and three others.
The Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision of a panel of three Justices had on May 22, 2026 directed the Federal High Court Judge not to proceed with the suit until an appeal pending before them and filed by Accord Party is resolved.
In a Certified True Copy Enrol Order of the Superior Court, Justices Mohammed Danjuma, Adebukola Banjoko and Oyejoju Oyewumi asked the lower Court Judge to stay proceedings until all issues on the appeal filed by the Accord Party were resolved
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State had, through the Accord Party, applied to justice Lifu to join him as a defendant in the deregistration legal battle instituted by a group of former legislators.
The contention of the Osun State governor was that he had a stake in the Accord Party, being the platform he was seeking re-election in the August 15 gubernatorial poll in the state.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu on April 27 ruled against the Osun State governor, rejecting his request to be joined in the suit to defend his own position and interest.
Not satisfied with the Federal High Court decision, the Osun State governor, through his lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), moved to the Court of Appeal in Abuja where he challenged the Justice Lifu decision to refuse to allow him join the suit.
After listening to the argument canvassed, especially that he has interest to protect as Accord Party gubernatorial candidate for Osun State governorship election, the three Justices of the Court of Appeal, unanimously directed Justice Lifu to allow them look into the grievances of the governor.
In specific terms, the Court of Appeal Justices directed Justice Lifu not to proceed further with the matter and fixed October 27 to determine the interlocutory appeal of the appellant.
However, when the certified enroll order and notice of appeal were served on Justice Peter Lifu by Mr Adetunbi (SAN), the judge rejected it on the ground that it was a ploy to arrest his judgment in the matter.
Although the judge had adjourned his judgment delivery in the matter indefinitely, he finally made a dramatic turn around on Monday and proceeded to deliver the judgment that has now proscribed the five political parties.

Politics

ADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support

Published

22 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Actor turned politician, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, has rejected the choice of former Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement on Monday, Mallam Bolaji Abdulllahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, announced the party’s choice of Mr Amaechi.
However in a statement, Mr Okonkwo said that the choice of Mr Amaechi from the South South strengthens the continued marginalization of people from the South East.
According to the former spokesperson of the Labour Party, any arrangement that would not factor a person from the South East either as president or vice president in the party is anti-Igbo.
He contended that Chief Raph Nwosu, who founded the ADC in 2005 and willingly surrendered it’s leadership to Senator David Mark did not do so to entrench Igbo marginalization in the party.
The former actor said: “I heard from the social media that ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. If this is true, it is unfortunate, as this will continue the crude marginalisation of the South-East.
“This geo-political zone has neither produced a president or vice president since 1999. To deny the South-East the opportunity to produce the president or vice president in the ADC in 2027, will amount to perpetuating the marginalisation.
“The ADC was founded by Ralphs Nwosu from the South-East in 2005. He made the sacrifice to give up the party in 2025 for the coalition to usher in a better Nigeria. He couldn’t have made that sacrifice to marginalise his own people.
“I did not join the coalition to assist in marginalisation of my own people further. I am of the opinion that if we made a sacrifice to give up the national chairman and the president, it will amount to unpardonable injustice to deny us the vice president in 2027.
“I joined politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region, geo-political zone, or person will be marginalised.
“The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar, who openly declared that he is the pathway to the presidency of the South-East, is to show it by choosing someone from the South-East to be his vice.
“If it is confirmed that he has chosen a candidate from the South-South, I wish him well. I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-East origin as president or vice in 2027”

Politics

2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda

Published

22 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Monday said that the numerous projects being executed by President Bola Tinubu across the states in the southeast will give him upper hand over other presidential candidates during next year’s general elections.
Prof. Yilwatda stated this at the Abakaliki Township Stadium during a mega rally organized by the Ebonyi State government and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during which President Tinubu and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections were adopted.
According to the APC National Chairman, no President had done for the southeast region what President Tinubu has done for them and expressed the confidence that the president would not only win in Ebonyi State but in the entire South East.
Prof. Yilwatda also used the occasion to address growing insinuations in some quarters that Ebonyi State had been conceded to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dismissing the claim, Prof. Yilwatda said the state would not allow the PDP to win any position in the forthcoming general election.
“We will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Francis Nwifuru as Governor of Ebonyi State in 2027.
“We want to return all APC senators, members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates in 2027.
“Nobody has conceded Ebonyi to the PDP. Therefore, there is no vacancy in Ebonyi State. Ebonyi PDP has no place, and there is no vacancy at all in the Government House come 2027,” the APC National Chairman declared.
He commended the people of the state for their support for President Tinubu and urged them to re-elect him in the next presidential election in appreciation of what he has done for the state and the entire South-East through infrastructural transformation and human capital development.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, who also spoke at the event, said the state had no other presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections apart from President Tinubu.

He declared that Ebonyi remained a stronghold of the APC and vowed that the party would deliver the President in the state.

Gov. Nwifuru said President Tinubu had shown exceptional commitment to the state and deserved total support for appointing Senator Umahi as Minister of Works, a role he said Senator Umahi had performed creditably.

“Ebonyi has no other presidential candidate apart from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we will return him in the presidential election.

“We are standing here today to tell the whole world, especially those using the President’s name to orchestrate division and confusion in this great state, that we have only one party, and that is the APC.

“This statement became necessary because some people are going around claiming they have discussed with Mr President and that he has handed Ebonyi over to the PDP. They are also saying that Chief Nyesom Wike is their leader and that Wike said the President has given Ebonyi to him.

“Ebonyi is not for sale. We are restraining ourselves because the people are with us. Nobody should push us because we have what it takes to confront anyone trying to destabilise us.

“We want to tell Mr President that he has earned our votes. He gave us what we had never had in Eastern Nigeria — the office of the Minister of Works. And this Minister of Works is not sitting idle; he is working,” he stated.

Senator Umahi, in his remarks, said President Tinubu had done what no other President had done for Ebonyi State and the entire South-East by executing numerous projects across the state and the region.

“Ebonyi State is a one-party state under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. We are not going to repeat the mistakes of the past.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot, not just for Ebonyi State but for the entire South-East and other geopolitical zones,” he said.