Technology company, Globacom, has explained that its commitment to  culture and tradition is the reason for sponsoring Onitsha Ofala and other leading festivals across the land.

This year’s event, the 23rd since the incumbent Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, ascended the throne, kicked off with Iru Ofala on Friday and ended with Azu Ofala on Saturday.

Globacom’s Divisional Head, South, Mr. Tochukwu Okechukwu, who represented the company at the  Ime Obi venue of the event in Onitsha, Anambra State, said Globacom is mindful of the critical role that culture plays in national development and its ability to foster national identity and bring people together around shared values, traditions, and history adding.

According to him,  cultural industries, such as festivals, tourism, arts, and crafts, could contribute significantly to the economy, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote local products. “Culture influences education systems and can inspire creativity and innovation. Cultural knowledge can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, a vibrant culture enhances a nation’s soft power, improving its international standing and influence through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange”, he added.

He further noted that communication is  the livewire of human coexistence especially in  an increasingly interconnected world. “It is through dialogue and connection that we foster understanding and collaboration. Our mission is to empower every voice within our community to be heard through affordable telecom services and digital solutions”, he said.

He also disclosed  that technology was evolving at an unprecedented pace, and affirmed that Globacom was dedicated to harnessing its power to benefit society. “We envision a future where innovation does not stand apart from tradition, but instead enhances it. We believe that connectivity can strengthen the bonds within our community, bridging generations and fostering collaboration among all our citizens. Together, we can create an environment where our cultural heritage and technological advancements coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of all. These are the reasons why we will continue to support our cultural festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba.”

The Obi of Onitsha had, in his remarks, thanked   Globacom for its support for the festival over the years saying the company’s collaboration had enhanced the profile of the festival. According to him,  a request had been made to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy to support ongoing efforts to enlist  Ofala on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival peaked with the regal  emergence of the Obi from his annual seclusion and his traditional majestic dance round the Ime Obi in his full regalia on the two days of the ceremony. His palace chiefs also danced to the “Egwu Ota” in turns after which they paid homage to the traditional ruler. Several age groups also ranging from the newest such as Ifedioranma, Ugoamaka, Oganiru Onicha to the much older groups, also danced round in flamboyant uniforms and paid homage to Igwe Achebe.

A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom  in honour of the monarch will mark the end of this year’s edition of the festival at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.

Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the father of late Chairman of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, has raised alarm over what he described as Mr. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s plan to undermine his natural and legal roles as guardian over his son’s Estates and children.

The concerns were raised in an affidavit submitted at the High Court of Lagos on his behalf by someone, who identified himself as a cousin of late Wigwe, Christian Wigwe.

The Affidavit is presented below in full AS RECEIVED:

“IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE IN THE PROBATE REGISTRY
HOLDEN AT IKEJA
AFFIDA TIN SUPP RTOF CA EAT
I, Christian Wigwe, Male, Christian, Nigerian of full nge; n eq@ßNenéur, certified mediator with specialization in transformative mcdiatlönö&n respectively, resident at Plot 718, Sentinel Crescent, Durumi District, ‘l”crritory, Abuja do hereby make oath and state as follows:
1. I am a cousin to Herbert Onyewrumbu Wigwe (hereinafter referred to as ‘ ‘the deceased”), who passed away on 9 th of February, 2024 along with his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and son, Chizi Wigwe in an aircraft crash.
The deceased owned multiple real and personal assets both in Nigeria and abroad and left behind the following children (in their order of seniority):
a) Otutochi Channel Wigwe 25 years old
b) Chituru David Wigwe 16 years old
c) \Vegu Hannah Wigwc •14 years old
d) C)kachi Great \Vigwe 2 years old.
3. I arn familiar with the circumstances surrounding the deceasedls Will and the appointment of guardianship (ad litem) for his minor children – David, Hannah and Great.
4. FINhe deceased’s Will dated the 9 th of July, 2013 was lodged at the Probate Registry.
5. ‘Ithe purported \Vill was executed in the United States of America (“USA”), and concerns have been raised regarding its applicabilitv to the assets and matters within •s •e,risdiction.
6. I do not know who lodged the \Vill in the •Probate Registry of the Lagos State High Court, Oiven that the Will was drawn up in 2013 in the USA and che deceased was accustomed to keeping his affairs separate and Segregated in different countries.
I verily believe that the Will was lodged at the Probate Registry of the Lagos State High Court after the death of the deceased to give the impression that the deceased intended its applicability co extend to his assets in Nigeria,
8. The purported Will seems to apply primarily to the assets of the deceased located in the USA, I.l•svflanguage and provisions suggest a focus on matters within the USA.
9. The Will does not clearly statc that it extends beyond the USA to cover assets or matters within Nigeria, This raises concerns about whether the deceasedl s assets in Nigeria are addressed Of governed by the Will at all.
10. The Will does not mention• any beneficiaries, neither docs it make provision for the guardianship of the deceased’s minor children under Nigerian or American law.
11, ‘llhe minor children have since been brought up in Nigeria in accordance with Nigerian values and customs.
12. Since the death of Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe (parents of the minors), it is not clear svho has acted as legal guardian for the minor children, other than the fact that they live at No. 10, Oronmiyan Street, Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, which is where their parents lived. The family had moved into the residence just three months prior to their parent’s death.
13. In accordance with African values and good order, it will naturally be the father of the deceased, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe who will act as guardian to the minor children or at the very lc.asc, he will be consulted to ascertain who should act as guardian.
Shynglc Wigwe (grandfather) should ordinarily play a role in determining the welfare of his grandchildren. Given his fatherly role, his involvement in their upbringing would be both natural and beneficial.
Pastor Shyngle Wigwe has suffered an unimaginable loss with the passing of his son, Herbert Wigwe, his daughter-in-law, Doren Chizoba Wigwc, and his grandson, Chizi Wigwe, (his children) all in one day. This traumatic event has deeply affected him and his family.
16. In light of this, appointing Of enabling Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act as the legal guardian of his grandchildren would not only provide stability for the children but also servc as a significant part of the healing process for him. His role as guardian would help hi t?l cope with this profound loss while ensuring the welfare of his grandchildren is well cared for.
Besides the traumatic circumstance under which Pastor Shyngle Wigwe lost his children, he is well-qualified and accomplished to perform the role of a legal guardian in that:
a) He is a trained Electrical Engineer by profession.
b) He retired as an accomplished civil servant after rising to the height of his career as the Director-G eneral of INJPTf\;
c) He is a devoted Christian;
d) He is the head of the Wigwe family;
e) He is a certified Mediator.
18. Notwithstanding these credentials that equip Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act in the capacity of guardian or to be consulted as to whom should act in that capacity, the business partner of the deceased, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has assumed indirect guardianship and custody of the deceased’s children.
19. In assuming this indirect role of guardianship, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhucde hid* subtly created a situation that makes it difficult for Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act as guardian for the children, particularly the minor children.
20. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has also cleverly withheld relevant information regarding the deceased’s Estate from Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and other members of the family disenabling any such member from making informed decision regarding the deceased’s children (his grandchildren).
21. I wras informed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe on the 6th day of October 2024, at approximately 8pm, at his residence located at 7, Epsom Street, Northern Foreshore Estate, Off Chevron I)rivc., Eti- Osa LGA, Lagos State, that the circumstancc under which Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has caused Pastor Shyngle to be excluded from the affairs of the deceased’s minor children and blocked him from accessing any information regarding the management of the assets of the deceased are as follows:
a) Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede is currently controlling the assets of the Late Herbert Wigwe. While Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, otherwise natural guardian of Herbert’s minor children, would usually not be bothered by this, the way Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede is handling the assets is grossly undermining Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s role as guardian and the head of the Wigwe family.
b) Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s access to Herbert’s funds gives him a certain level s of influence over decisions that affect the deceased’s children. Although he is not their legal guardian, his control over the estate puts him In 41 position where he indirectly acts as one. This situation has made Pastor Shyngle \X’igwc uneasy,
c) Ordinarily, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe would not have an issue with Aigboje Aig-lmoukhucde managing Herbert’s assets. However, Aigboje .\igImoukhuede’s influence is now extending beyond financial matters and affecting areas where Pastor Shyngle Wigwe should have full authority.
d) Pastor Shyngle Wigwe feels that his natural role as guårdian is being undermined. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s decisions concerning the estate are crossing into the territory that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe should manage for his grandchildren. ‘[his overlap is causing tension.
e) Pastor *hygnlc Wigwe is concerned that if this continues, his legal and natural role as guardian will be further eroded.
f) Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has continued to cover some financial support of the deceased’s dependent parents, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Mrs, Stella Affiong-Wigwe, as well as the ongoing expenses related to the deceased’s chlldrena
g) Despite his continued financial involvement, he has not provided any formal updates or disclosed how these expenses are being met or their impact on the overall Estate.
h) ‘[his lack of transparency has left the beneficiaries and other stakeholders uninformed about the financial status of the Estate and whether these expenses arc affecting its valuc or liquidity.
i) He has not disclosed any information regarding the general wclPare, care, education or guardianship of the minor children or the administration of the Estate.
j) The absence of critical information or any accounting makes it unclear how much of the deceased’s wealth is being expended for the sustenance of the deceased’s dependents.
k) ‘Ihe deceased cousin, Uchc Wigwe has been named in a suit instituted in the USA against the airline company that owned the helicopter that crashed causing the death of the deceased, his wife and his son.
1) Aigbojc Aig-lmoukhuede appears comfortable with a situation where Uche Wigwe is named as guardian even if it undermines the authority of the family as long as it gives Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede son-xe indirect control over the affairs of -the deceased knowing that he has an over bearing influence over Uche Wig-wc.
m) Despite these concerns, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede seems unconcerned. His main interest appears to be preserving his influence and maintaining control over the assets of the deceased, which Uche Wigwe, under his direction, allows him to achieve.
22. During our conversation on the same day, time and location stated above, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe informed me of the above. stated facts and expressed the following concerns, which I verily bellcve•
a) *Ilv,lt the significant age gap between Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede and both Uche Wigwe and Otucochi Wigwe, along with Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede>s prominent status, raises doubts about the independence of the decisions made by ()tutochi Wigwe and Uche Wigwe, particularly in their roles as guardians of the minor children and in managing the deceased’s estate.
b) ‘I%hat Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s influence over both Otutochi Wigwe and Uche Wigwe is affecting the proper guardianship of the minor children.
c) “I*hat this influence extends to decisions concerning the deceased’s estate, undermining the autonomy of the family in these critical matters.
d) That Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s overbearing influence over Otutochi Wigwe and Uche Wigwe creates tension within the fan-lily, given the delicate nature of the estate and guardianship issues.
e) Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuedc’s overbearing nature, coupled with his unrestricted access to Herbert’s wealth, is leading some family members to gravitate towards him in an effort to secure his favor. This dynamics is creating tension within the family, as it is systematically alienating other members, and this could strain relationships and lead to divisions amonofamily members if not addressed appropriately.
23. The purported Will (against which a Caveat is being filed) which has been deposited with the High Court within the jurisdiction prescribes that:
a) Chizoba Wigwe, the deceased’s wife, is the first choice as personal representative, However, she has passed away.
b) Betty Blanco, the deceased’s solicitor and an American, is named as the second choice to act as the representative in the event of Chizoba’s death.
c) With Chizob’,l \XfigwcPs death, Betty Blanco would ordinarily assume the role of the personal representative of the deceased’s assets.
d) BctLY Blanco, being an American, is unlikely to nyanage the deceased’s assets in Nigeria due to jurisdictional and practical limitations.
e) a result, Uche Wigwe, who was named as the default representative, has now assumed the role of personal representative.
f) A scheme appears to have been orchestrated to position Uche Wigwe as the personal representative, knowing that Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede wields considerable influence over Uchc Wigwe.
g) Through this arrano•ement, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede becomes an indirect controlling agent over thc deceased’s assets, without being formally accountable to the beneficiaries or dependents of the listatc.
h) CJchc Wio•we is now placed in a conflicting role, serving as both the personal representative of the deceased’s list’,lte and the gwardian of the minor children.
1
i) #1his dual role creates a clear conflict of interest and great responsibility, which could affect the proper management of the Estate and the guardianship of the deceased’s minor children.
24. It is considered an abomination within the Wigxve family hierarchy to nominate Uche Wigwe, the cousin of the deceased, as the guardian of the minor children while their grandfather is still alive.
25. Fllhe family believes that Uche Wigwe’s nomination as both the personal representative of the Estate and the guardian of the minor children undermines the authority and role of the family head, Pastor Shyngle Wigsve.
26. The dual roles of Uchc Wigwe as personal rcpresentativc of the Estate and guardian of the children present a significant conflict of interest, which raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the administration of the deceased Estate.
27. rrhis awkward situation is being fuelled by Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, who has a strong and overbearing influence over Uche Wigwe who is unable to confront him.
28. By supporting Uche Wigwe’s appointment, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuedc ensures that he can indirectly control key decisions related to Herbert’s family matters.
29. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede appears to be taking advantage of Uche Wigwe’s respect and reluctance to oppose him, allowing Aigbojc Aig-lmoukhuede to exert undue influence over matters that should be handled by the family.
30. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede also holds sway over I-Ictbert’s eldest daughter, Otutochi Wigwe, further consolidating his influence. This allows him to manage affairs that should ordinarily remain within the control of the family,
31. It is essential that the children’s welfare is prioritized in all decisions relating to the estate. Proper oversight is crucial to prevent any conflicts from impacting their rightful inheritance including the Wigwe family values The estate should serve to support their upbringing and education as well as peculiar values, until they reach the agc of majority.
32. Otutochi Wigwe, the 25-year-old daughter of the deceased, requires assistance from the grandparents to take care of her younger siblings.
33. Otutochi Wigwe, having grown up knowing Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede as her father’s business partner is reluctant to ask relevant questions out of fear of antagonizing him. In addition, being brought up in the African values, she is hesitant to challenge such traditional values by asking pertinent questions in relation to the administration of the deceased’s Estate as well as the guardianship of her minor siblings.
34. avoid such apprehension for confrontation, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe expected that he will be consultecl in the affairs of the deceased particularly as regards the welfare and custody of the minor children. ‘llhat he will stand as an interested party to protect the interest of thc deceased’s children.
35. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has imposed a domineering presence in Otutochi Wigwe’s life, such that there is reason to ascertain whether her decisions are truly independent.
36. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede has deliberately orchestrated the scheme above including relying on the purported Will of which concerns have been raised about its applicability to assets in Nigeria, to give Uche Wigwe undue authority that undermines the deceased’s family hierarchy.
‘l’he ultimate goal, being to give Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuecle a controlling dominance over the deceased’s family and by extension, his assets.
38. Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede’s influence over Otutochi Wigwc has tended toward encouraging an unperturbed distance between her and her grandfather as long as this enables him to remain in direct Of indirect control of the deceased’s assets.
39. l\igboje Aig-lmoukhuedc’s actions continue to create tension within the family.
40s Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, who is 90 years old, is deeply distressed by the lack of fcspcct shown to him by Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede in matters concerning the guardianship of his minor grandchildren,
41. rIlhe exclusion of the grandfather, who is an accomplished civil servant and certified nwdiator, from decisions related to the guardianship of his minor grandchildren and management of his deceased son’s Estate continues to cause hiin significant emotional pain.
42. ‘lhe decisions regarding the guardianship of the deceased’s minor children, including the appointment of Uche Wigwe, were made without consulting the grandfather, who holds a key leadership role within the family.
43. *I’he grandfather’s health has deteriorated due to the anxiety and distress caused by improper care and welfare of his grandchildren and the lack of information regarding his deceased son’s Estate.
44. The deceased’s Will lodged in the Probate Registry of the Lagos State High Court refers to a Trust having been created. But the Will does not provide any specific details regarding the terms or conditions of the Trust, leaving the family uncertain about its proper administration.
4-5. ‘I the absence of clear instructions• about the Trust raises questions about whether the best interests of the minor children will be safeguarded.
46. I am informed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe that the deceased’s family requests that a caveat be placed on the grant of letters of administration/probate of the deceased’s Estate to prevent any further action being taken without their involvement.
‘”Ilhis affidavit is made in good faith and in the best interest of the deceased’s minor children and the family as a whole.

to at Lhe I-ligh Court Registry, _l:agos, Nigeria

BEFORE ME COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS”

By Eric Elezuo

It’s no longer news that the crises hitting various political parties in the country have both direct and remote connections to the fast approaching 2027 general elections, with special emphasis to the presidential election.

In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), the stories of internal crises and leadership tussles have remained constant, causing the leadership and membership of the various parties to lose direction and focus of the business of opposition. These unfolding scenarios have granted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) unfettered access to shenaniganism, and hope of rescuing the Presidential villa come 2027, their clueless administration and policies that have ravaged coexistence,  not withstanding.

It would be recalled that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), once said that the 2027 election will be a walk in the park for his political camp. The Minister is frolicking with the Tinubu-led APC.

The Minister, who is having a running battle with the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, at a thanksgiving service by Barinada Mpigi, a federal lawmaker, in Koroma, Tai LGA, made the remarks, stressing that the election will be easy for his camp because of the alliance it has forged with other parties as well as controlling the structures of both APC and PDP in Rivers State.

“With the forces we have, I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us,” Wike boasted.

Again, it is no longer news, going by the way events are unfolding, that the Tinubu-led administration is doing everything within its power to instigated crises in opposition parties to turn the country into a one-party state.

The country strives, and has been striving on multi-party convention since independence, but events in the last couple of months, or dating back to the advent of the Tinubu government, has revealed a trend that showed there is a tendency being hatched by the present administration to convert the country to a one-party state, and creat a leeway for Tinubu to reemerge president in 2027.

It is important to note that this infamous trend is not a function of the ballot papers or boxes or electoral propriety, but inordinate manipulations, using the instrumentality of the courts, judiciary, coercion, setting ‘fire’ in political parties and camps and outright intimidation.

Beginning from day President Tinubu goofed on ascension of the throne, political mechanisms have been put in place to lure vibrant opposition figures towards making dramatic switches to the APC via court rulings and inducemnets, giving a cross sections of Nigerian the effontery to believe there is a hidden agenda to welcome a new Nigeria where political positions both elected and appointed are ‘allocated’ to Tinubu’s APC, and especially retaining Tinubu as president, knowing that Nigerians may have a rethink in voting the president and his party as a result of the trending dismal performances so far portrayed.

A few instances have emerged to raise eyebrows as regards the direction and shape Nigeria political landscape is taking, and to prove that the moles from the ruling party have infiltrated all political parties. Among the instances are the following:

THE UNENDING PDP LEADERSHIP IMBROGLIO

It is still yet to be proved that the APC moles have not penetrated the main opposition PDP, going by the unfolding drama of its weakling leadership, as.supervised by the Acting National Chairman, Amb Illiya Umar Damagum and his Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

A cross-section of respondents, who spoke with The Boss, believe that the Damagum leadership, supported by the FCT minister, are working for the APC. The party has been quick to endorse all the activities of the ruling party with its governors forum divided along interest divide.

“This is not hard to imagine. This the Tinubu magic. He has infiltrated the party, and everyone is doing his bidding. Everything points to having him reelected in 2027. If there are no opposition, then the president will have an easy ride back to Aso Rock.

“The crises everywhere is just a typical example of the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. Tinubu knows what he is doing,” a respondent told The Boss.

THE LEADERSHIP TUSSLE IN LABOUR PARTY AND NNPP

Like in the PDP, the Labour Party and the Rabiu Kwankwaso-led NNPP are also having a running battle to keep their parties to themselves with moles attacking from every corner. The efforts of the Labour Party to harmonize the party by letting go of his Chairman, Julius Abure, whose tenure has technically ended, has remained an illusion. The appointment of Mrs Esther nenadi Usman, has been truncated by the courts, an instrument believed to an APC organ.

SACK OF ALL ELECTED PDP PLATEAU LAWMAKERS

Earlier in September 2023, the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Sule was sacked by the state election petitions tribunal.

The election petition tribunal sitting in Jos, sacked the lawmaker, who was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform in the last election.

He was sacked alongside Danjuma Azi, a member representing Jos North West constituency in the assembly. The tribunal declared the former majority leader of the house, Hon. Naanlong Daniel and Hon. Mark Na’ah, all of the APC as winners of the March 18 elections.

In November, no fewer than four National Assembly members elected on the platform of the PDP including the Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, were sacked by the Appeal Court on the grounds that the PDP had no valid structure in the state. They were replaced with failed APC candidates including the former governor, Simon Lalong, who is now the Minister of Labour and Productivity, sparking unrest in the state. Today, Plateau has successfully landed in the hands of APC

THE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO SACK ZAMFARA GOVERNOR 

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja sacked Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and declared the March 18 governorship election in the state as inconclusive.

Zamfara is currently governed by Mr Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party who defeated the then-incumbent governor, Bello Matawalle, of the APC. Matawalle is now the Minister of State for Defence in the Tinubu administration.

The election tribunal in Zamfara had earlier ruled in favour of Mr Lawal but its ruling was overturned by the Appeal Court.

Lawal, like his counterpart in Kano, was rescued by the Supreme Court decision.

THE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO SACK KANO STATE GOVERNOR

The Governor of Kano State survived by whiskers in the quest for the rampage of the APC moles in all sections of the political parties. It wouls be recalled that the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal sacking Governor Abba Yusuf.

In its judgment, the Appeal Court agreed with the judgment of the tribunal, ruling that the fielding of Abba Yusuf was in breach of the Electoral Law as he was not qualified to contest that Election

The verdict comes nearly two months after the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on September 20, 2023, sacked Yusuf, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the March 18 election.

Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the NNPP, was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the poll in March.

The tribunal deducted 165,663 votes from Yusuf’s total as invalid votes, stating that the affected ballot papers were not stamped or signed and therefore declared invalid.

The ruling came about six months after the APC candidate conceded defeat to Yusuf in the wake of INEC’s presentation of the certificate of return to the NNPP candidate.

Observers and stakeholders saw the judgment as a means of restoring Kano as an APC stronghold as well as returning its Chairman, and former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje as a force to reckon with in Kano politics in preparation for the 2027 election onslaught. But the Supreme Court intervened, and Yusuf returned as governor.

KOGI AND IMO GUBER ELECTIONS OF 2023

The candidates of the APC, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Usman Ododo of Kogi State, were both declared winners of the November 11, 2023 governorship elections in the states, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid widely reported irregularities.

DailyPost reported that “lapses were recorded in the elections. There were controversies surrounding the data provided on the IReV. Allegations of pre-written results were rife. Worse still, INEC affirmed the controversial results despite alleged evidence of overvoting, disruption of the voting process and clear instances of security agencies aiding the snatching of ballot boxes.”

According to YIAGA Africa, one of the accredited observers for the elections, there were proliferation of the pre-filled result sheet in Polling Unit 020 in Eika/Ohizenyi, Okehi Local Government Area of the state.

The same development was witnessed in PU 004 in Eni Ward of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area. Yet INEC discountenanced the alarm, and went ahead to release results, and declare the APC candidate winner.

Some observers and Kogi political stakeholders have dismissed everything that happened to the handiwork of the then incumbent Governor, Yahaya Bello. The governor has in turn thanked President Tinubu for the enabling environment to hold and win the election.

In Imo State, a Daily Post investigation reveals that videos were in circulation where security personnel were accused of allegedly helping the government in power disrupt the voting process, and make away with electoral materials.

The paper wrote: “One such incident happened at the Umuchoko Umuohiagu Junction Polling Unit in Ward 11 of Ngor Okpala LGA, where thugs allegedly working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) carted away ballot boxes and other election materials.

“This reportedly happened after the votes were counted and PDP led with 65 votes against APC’s 35 votes and LP’s 17 votes.

Following the alleged gross manipulation and rigging of the polls, some political parties and their candidates, rejected the results.

THE EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION OF 2024

While the sour taste produced by the Imo and Kogi governorship elections was not swallowed, the Edo election came with mixed feelings on September 21, 2024. Despite warnings from the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki, regarding the activities of the Federal Government in state with a former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as its front, the authorities turned a blind eye. The APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, were eventually declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid complains of electoral malpractice and intimidation from security agencies, who Obaseki boldly declared were working in the interest of the APC. YIAGA Africa also dismissed the Edo election as lacking in merit.

“This government is just positioning itself for the final battle in 2027, and don’t care if they turned this nation into a one-party state. However, it is too early to begin such grandstanding when the elections are still over three years away,” a political analyst told The Boss

An APC stalwart in Lagos State, hinted that there is no better time to do what the party is doing at the present.

“This is the appropriate time to plant only APC members across the country, thanks to the court cases. You know it will be difficult to turn incumbents to party members after the court cases. Using the judiciary to achieve this aim makes everything absolutely foolproof. The party will come after whatever remnants are left in other parties at the conclusion of court cases,” the chieftain, who craved anonymity, said.

The country has only witnessed 17 months of Tinubu’s administration, and it is evident that the ploy has been on since the sixth month of the administration. A lot is still left to be desired in the next two and half years.

Observers have however said that the biggest mole of the APC has remained FCT minister, who became a bride of no particular groom, when he chose to hobnob between two political parties, betraying his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and working for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in an alliance that compensated him with the FCT job in the bargain.

Wike is still enmeshed in a battle of superiority with his protégé, Fubara over the control of Rivers State. It is believed that his only intention of seeking the soul of Rivers is to seal it for Tinubu’s victory in 2027 while pretending to be in PDP.

While the moles relish in their infamous machinations to secure 2027 for Tinubu and APC amid dangerous economic situations that has impoverished the populace, the remnants of the opposition parties are seeking a merger to checkmate the inordinate ambition of a Tinubu government, which many has already dismissed as failed. There are however, still 29 months to May 29, 2027.

Time will surely tell!