Politics
Labour Party’s Athan Achonu Criticizes INEC, Claims It’s an Extension of the APC
Labour Party’s Athan Achonu Criticizes INEC, Claims It’s an Extension of the APC....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of functioning as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This assertion came during a press briefing in Owerri on Wednesday, following last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Governor Hope Uzodinma as the winner of the election.
Achonu expressed his disillusionment with the current state of democracy in Nigeria, describing it as a “circus.” He stated, “It has become painfully evident that the Independent National Electoral Commission has become another arm of the ruling party, the APC, turning our entire democratic institution into a mere circus.”
The senator highlighted the challenges faced throughout the legal process, which included battles at the tribunal, the Appeal Court, and finally, the Supreme Court. “Today marks a significant moment in our collective journey to bring transformative change to our dear Imo State,” Achonu added. He emphasized the importance of upholding the people’s votes, lamenting that the judiciary’s decisions often overshadow the electorate’s choices.
Achonu stated, “The audacity of this practice, where the judiciary’s pronouncements outweigh the people’s votes, should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.” He condemned what he termed a dangerous political culture fostered by the APC, where election results are manipulated and opposition parties are told to seek legal recourse.
In response to Achonu’s allegations, MaryAnn Gods light, INEC’s spokesperson in Imo State, reaffirmed the commission’s independence, stating, “INEC is as independent as stipulated by the constitution of Nigeria. You cannot judge the commission by one man’s personal opinion.”
Cajethan Duke, Imo State Publicity Secretary of the APC, dismissed Achonu’s claims as “laughable, ridiculous, and delusional.” He defended INEC’s credibility, asserting that it has earned the confidence of international communities for its efforts to strengthen democracy in Nigeria, labeling Achonu’s allegations as baseless.
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The Ultimate Reckoning: Full List Of Ex-Governors And Ministers Going To Jail For Corruption!.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts have yielded numerous high-profile trials and convictions of prominent politicians and public officials over financial crimes, money laundering, and abuse of office. While many cases have languished in court or been overturned on appeal—such as James Bala Ngilari’s overturned procurement conviction and Orji Uzor Kalu’s nullified 2019 sentence—several high-profile figures have faced prison time, with some later securing freedom via presidential pardons. Notable cases include:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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James Ibori: The former Delta State governor (1999–2007) pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering at the Southwark Crown Court in London in 2012, serving part of a 13-year sentence before his release in December 2016.
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Joshua Dariye: The former Plateau State governor and senator was convicted in 2018 for diverting ecological funds, ultimately having his 10-year Supreme Court-affirmed sentence cut short when he received a presidential pardon in 2022.
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Jolly Nyame: Convicted in 2018 for diverting about ₦1.64 billion of Taraba State funds, the former governor saw his 12-year jail term affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2020 before also benefiting from the 2022 presidential pardon.
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Lucky Igbinedion: The former Edo State governor entered a 2008 plea bargain regarding state funds, receiving a six-month sentence with a ₦3.5 million fine option that he paid, which sparked considerable public debate.
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Diepreye Alamieyeseigha: Following his 2005 impeachment, the former Bayelsa State governor pleaded guilty to corruption and money laundering in 2007, serving a brief sentence before being released and later receiving a controversial presidential pardon in 2013.
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Saleh Mamman: In one of the most recent high-level rulings in May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted the former Minister of Power on 12 counts of laundering roughly ₦33.8 billion linked to power projects, handing down cumulative sentences totaling 75 years.
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Fisayo Ajisafe, a prominent PDP grassroots leader and mobilizer in the Ifedore Local Government Area, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Announcing his decision on Thursday, Ajisafe stated that persistent crises within the PDP hindered his ability to effectively serve his constituents, prompting his move to a new platform. He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda and the “Renewed Hope” vision, alongside the APC’s growing strength in Ondo State, as primary drivers for boarding what he called a “moving train”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pledging to deploy his extensive political experience and grassroots network to rally support and recruit more members, Ajisafe encouraged other opposition figures to align with the APC to help tackle national issues like insecurity. He asserted that his departure would significantly impact the opposition in his federal constituency and lauded Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for infrastructure initiatives such as the Orita-Obele-Ijare-Ikota road project.
Welcoming the defection at Ajisafe’s ward in Ikota alongside other party leaders, former Ondo State APC chairman Ade Adetimehin praised him as a respected, progressive-minded strategist. Adetimehin assured Ajisafe of full integration and equal opportunities within the party structure, while urging continued commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda. Expressing confidence that the state would secure over one million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, Adetimehin reiterated that the APC remains open to any politicians dedicated to fostering local development and party success.
Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has cautioned President Bola Tinubu regarding his political alliance with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, following Wike’s assertion that he expects to be targeted by opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi if Tinubu loses the 2027 election. Speaking on The Morning Show, Oseni questioned why Wike would fear a witch-hunt if he stands by his past decisions—such as blocking Atiku’s campaign in Rivers State—suggesting that anyone proud of their actions should have nothing to fear.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Responding to these comments during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Oseni expressed skepticism over why the FCT Minister would harbor such fears if he believed his past actions as governor were entirely justifiable and lawful. Oseni specifically questioned whether Wike’s apprehension stems from his controversial handling of the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, pointing to instances where he allegedly used his executive power to prevent Atiku Abubakar from campaigning freely in the state, and raising questions regarding political outcomes associated with Peter Obi and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IReV portal. Oseni emphasized that a political actor proud of their record should have no reason to fear a future witch-hunt.
Furthermore, Oseni directed a direct warning toward President Bola Tinubu, urging him to exercise extreme caution in his political alliance with Wike. Drawing from Wike’s well-documented history of fractured relationships with former political associates and godfathers, Oseni cautioned that the FCT Minister would likely expose confidential political dealings if their alliance ever soured. He expressed pity for President Tinubu, noting that any private political arrangements—or “padi padi” politics—shared with Wike could eventually be made public in a damaging manner should a fallout occur. Oseni also recalled past instances where Wike vehemently criticized godfatherism and openly attacked Tinubu during the political crisis involving former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, contrasting those historical remarks with their current political alignment.
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