Politics
2023: Group favours Asadu for Reps, says he is a better candidate than Vita Abba
…Vita Abba’s sudden opposition against Asadu too sudden, too late – NDM
The Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) has thrown its support behind Dr. Pat Asadu to pick the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket for the House of Representatives, Nsukka/Igboeze-South federal Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The Group made their stand known while reviewing the political mood in Nsukka-Igboeze South federal Constituency; reality on ground and best approach to ensure rapid development of the Constituency.
The Group leader, Onyebuchi Igboke in an exclusive media interaction, elucidated the position of Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) on who becomes the flag bearer of PDP and by Extension, the best Choice available for the people amongst the over Eight Aspirants who bought Expression of interest form in PDP and other political parties.
Igboke further reminded the people of Nsukka that four years ago, he was at the fore front of engaging the incumbent house of representatives Member, Dr. Part Asadu under Nsukka/Igboeze Rescue Movement on the bases of performances, accessibility, and attraction of developmental projects to the Nsukka and Igboeze-South.
Background:
Previously, I was one of those stakeholders who insisted that Right Hon. Pat Asadu will not return to the House of Representatives in his Fourth Tenure.
Then the arguments were on performance, bills and motions moved, accessibility, Constituency engagement and projects attracted.
We never said he should not go back to House of Representatives based on Zoning or he is not from Nsukka.I t remains his fundamental and Constitutional right to contest,likewise every other aspirants from both Nsukka and Igboeze South respectively.
The questions and bases of our resistance for his 4th Bid in 2019 were solely on the following:
1. “The number of verifiable Bills and motions sponsored by him since 11years of his representation at the National Assembly, if any”.
2. “Number of constituency projects attracted since 11years, if any”.
3. “Number of constituency town hall meetings and engagements, if any”.
4. “Finally to give the reasons why he is seeking for 4th term bid.”
Look at those positions, none said anything about “Turn of Nsukka” or zoning.
Results of his 4th term is highly commendable and everyone interested in knowing can attest to it.
Since Engaging Right Hon Pat Asadu, we have seen transformation of our Constituency. We believe that the engagement we had with him in 2019 election has energized him to attract more developmental projects.
Within this last three years, Hon. Pat Asadu attracted construction of the following projects:
1. Nru. road
2. Agbamere road
3. Ibagwa inner city road
4. Igbo Ano to Orba Road
5. Umugbabe OVOKO to Uhunowerre
6. Edem Road
7. Nguru Road
8. Iheaka to Ovoko-Agu Road
9. Itchi Uwani – Nkalagu Road
10. Itchi Uwenu to Nkalagu Road
The number NO 9 & 10 are still at the early stages of construction.
ALSO, the following roads are marked to start in the next phase:
1- Opi Road
2. Okpaligbo Road
3. Barracks to Agu Echara Road
4. Iheakpu Road
5. Iheaka Road.
He is first Representative to attract asphalt roads since the history of Nsukka/Igboeze South
It is important to note that this is exactly how Senator Ike Ekweremadu And Right Honorable Toby Okechukwu transformed Greater Awgu.
You need to visit Aninri LGA, Awgu LGA and Oji River; there you see rapid transformation from what it used to be.
If Pat Asadu can attract all these projects last three years, which we believe were as a result understanding the politics of Nigeria National Assembly; then why can’t we support him to do more and equally stand high chances of getting principal position.
Expectations from Dr. Pat Asadu
“We expect that Right Hon Pat Asadu 5th term bid will enable him to attract more developmental projects for both Nsukka and Igboeze-South people”.
“We also expect that our people will give him the necessary support and return him back to National Assembly”.
Questions for Engr. Pat Asadu and Others:
Why Did Engr Vitalis Abba suddenly Change?
Can Engr. Vita Abba explain the difference between 4th Term and 5th Term?
“How can Vita Abba who was campaign DG of Right Hon Pat Asadu for his 4th term suddenly turn around and want Entire Nsukka people resist the 5th term?”
In case you forgot, Engr. Vitalis and others never realized that Dr.Pat Asadu was from Igboeze South when he backed him for 4th term! What really is Vita Abba’s interest?
Engr. Vita Abba never realized that Nsukka was marginalized when he was busy backing him as Campaign Director.
However, we advise that no Nsukka person should allow himself to be used as the instrument of anti Democratic, blackmail and selfish political interest in the forthcoming election. Nsukka is known for love and brotherliness
Nsukka Democratic Movement believe that performance, effective representation and attraction of basic social amenities should dominant Nepotism, tribalism and selfish interest of few in 2023.
There is no guarantee that Nsukka man if elected will underperform or out performance Dr.Pat Asadu; and you don’t change your best player in other to favor a novice, someone not tested in the football match.
Legislative Exploits of Hon.Pat Asadu is the unrelenting focus on the development of human capital and infrastructure.
In his unwavering commitment to development, Hon. PATRICK ASADU’s legislative activities have been focused on strengthening legislative framework for development of human capital and infrastructure. This is well reflected in his membership of some of the most important legislative committees for thedevelopment of human capital and infrastructure. His legislative activities have culminated in the following bills/laws and motions:
Bills
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT, CAP. R9, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LOWER ANAMBRA AND UPPER NIGER RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES AND LIST THEM IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE ACT; AND FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO (HB 350) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee…..vote and proceedings Thurs 25th Feb 2016.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO REPEAL THE NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY ACT, CAP. N126 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004 AND TO ESTABLISH THE NIGERIAN PORTS AND HARBOURS AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FOR OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF PORTS AND HARBOURS AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB 855) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee…….. votes and proceedings Thursday 15th Dec 2016.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO REPEAL THE NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY ACT, CAP. N47, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004 AND RE-ENACT THE NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE, REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AND TO PROMOTE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS. (HB 854) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee…….votes and proceedings Tuesday 28th Feb 2017.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE COUNCIL FOR THE REGULATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDING IN NIGERIA ACT, CAP. C54, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004 AND FOR RELATED MATTERS (HB 920) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee…….votes and proceedings Wednesday 1st March 2017.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FORENSIC DNA DATABASE IN NIGERIA CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSILITY FOR THE COLLECTION OF DNA SAMPLES, MAKING FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS, USING DNA PROFILES AND INFORMATION TARGETED AT ADDRESSING DOUBTS IN CRIMINAL AND DNA RELATED ISSUES AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB 856) ) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee……..votes and proceedings Tuesday 4thApril 2017.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF RADIOLOGY AND RADIATION MEDICINE TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL AND PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION OF RADIOLOGY, RADIATION MEDICINE, NUCLEAR MEDICINE, RADIOTHERAPY, RADIOGRAPHY, MEDICAL PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB 924) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee…..votes and proceedings Wednesday. 29th March 2017..
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL COLLEGE OF DENTAL TECHNOLOGY AND THERAPY TO PROVIDE FOR COURSES LEADING TO THE AWARD OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES IN DENTAL TECHNOLOGY, DENTAL THERAPY AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB. 1018) outstanding bill from the preceding Assembly reconsidered and passed into law…votes and proceedings Wednesday 7th June 2017.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ACT, CAP. U11 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004 TO SPECIFY THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL, OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TO PROVIDE FOR PRE-ACTION NOTICE TO THE UNIVERSITY AUTHORITY AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB 1108) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee….. votes and proceedings Tuesday. 31st October. 2017.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ENUGU AND TO MAKE COMPREHENSIVE PROVISIONS FOR ITS DUE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS (HB 1054) gone through second reading and sent to the relevant committee……..votes and proceedings Tue 6th Feb 2018.
Motions
1. SECONDED AN AMENDMENT TO “URGE THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION TO ENSURE THAT THE TRIPARTITE BOUNDARY OF ENUGU-KOGI-ANAMBRA POINT TO BE DILATED AND MADE KNOWN” IN A MOTION ON THE PERENNIAL WAR BETWEEN ENUGU – OTU AND EZIAGULU –OTU IN ANAMBRA STATE AND ODEKE /ECHOHON COMMUNITIES IN IBAJI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE…votes and proceedings Thursday 6th August 2015.
2. PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT TO “MANDATE THE COMMITTEES ON APPROPRIATIONS, POLICE AFFAIRS AND LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE TO INVESTIGATE THE STATUS OF THE N8BILLION APPROPRIATED FOR POLICE RECRUITMENT IN THE 2014 APPROPRIATION ACT; WHICH FUNDS WERE SOURCED BY DEDUCTING N8BILLION FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET AND REPORT BACK TO THE HOUSE WITHIN ONE MONTH’’ IN A MOTION ON URGENT NEED FOR RECRUITMENT OF MORE PERSONNEL, IMPROVEMENT OF POLICE WELFARE AND BRIDGING OF THE WIDE GAP IN POLICING IN THE COUNTRY….votes and proceedings Tuesday 11th August 2015.
3. NON – IMPLEMENTATION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS AS CONTAINED IN THE 2015 APPROPRIATION ACT; FGN BUDGET AND SERIAL BREACH OF THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT BY THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND THREATS TO MY EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION OF MY CONSTITUENTS. ……..votes and proceedings of Thursday 13th August 2015.
4. URGENT NEED FOR THE HOUSE TO INTERVENE IMMEDIATELY ON BEHALF OF INNOCENT CANDIDATES WHO PASSED BOTH JAMB AND POST-UME EXAMINATIONS INTO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN BUT ARE REFUSED ADMISSION WITH 2015/2016 NECO RESULTS AND SUNDRY NEW UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS……votes and proceedings of Thursday 19thNovember 2015.
5. NEED TO CURB THE RISING CRISES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING FROM NIGERIA AND OTHER SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO ITALY AND OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION…….votes and proceedings of Thursday 15th December. 2016
6. NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE RISING INCIDENTS OF NON-QUALIFIED HEALTH PERSONNEL OFFERING THE MUCH NEEDED HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO UNSUSPECTING NIGERIANS AND ITS DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES ……..votes and proceedings of Thursday 30th March 2017
7. THE TRAGIC AND DEVASTATING THUNDERSTORMS THAT DESTROYED SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURES IN UHUNOWERRE COMMUNITY OF IGBO-EZE SOUTH LGA OF ENUGU STATE AND THE URGENT NEED FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION TO REDUCE ACUTE HUMAN SUFFERING THEREIN…..votes and proceedings of Wednesday 7th March 2018
His Strides Infrastructure Provision and Community Development: leveraging per excellence.
Though his main responsibilities are on law-making, Hon. PATRICK ASADUhas however significantly leveraged his goodwill and relationship with executive institutions to pull in infrastructure and community development projects to his constituency. For want of space, only a few of these projects have been included in this piece.
1) Establishment of Health Centres in Nru, Unadu etc.
2) Brand new School blocks in AgbamereUmabor, Ibagwa Aka, Lejja and OhaguOvoko
3) School Rehabilitation in Edem Ani, Ibagwa Aka,
4) E- Library and Centre for Freight Forwarding & Supply Chain Mgt inside UNN
5) Open University study centeratOpi
6) Boreholes in Isiakpu, EburuMmiri, Obukpa, Ovoko, etc.
7) Drugs supply worth millions of naira provided to Edem Ani, OpiAjuonaOvoko and Obukpa Health Centers
8 )ObuNsukka project development
9 ) Erosion control works at Ovoko, OnuiyiNsukka, ItchiAguetc
10) Transformers, School furniture and essentials supplies to elders, widows and many across the constituency.
11) Cars, tricycles (KEKE-NAPEP)& hundreds of motorcycles donated to the people of the constituency.
12) Regular free Medical and Surgical Treatments to several constituents
13) Regular Trainings with free Start-up Capital given to people of the constituency.
14) Countless Solar-powered streetlights provided across almost all 36 Wards of the constituency.
15) Road Projects completedinclude: Iheaka to Uhunowere with erosion control works; AjuonaOvoko and Godfrey Okoye University, etc
16) Regular Widowhood support initiatives across the constituency
17) Supports to Prison inmates
18) Federal Employments influenced to the benefit of people of the constituency
19) Scholarship for study within and outside the country provided to several constituents
20) Sponsorship of Football Tournaments over the years
21) Talent Hunts shows organized on a regular basis.
22) Annual Christmas Parties for Constituents
23) Business capitals to given to Constituents tom commence new business ventures or expand existing ones.
24) Financial support for buildings and Support to Christian and Muslims Bodies
25) Sponsoring US Cultural exchange to take select people of the constituency to USA
27) Effective Representation& Chairing Key committee, and many more.
He now a regular media guest to National media outfits in sharing views and opinion on issues of public importance. Reward for good work remains more work!
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
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