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APC, Civil Groups Clash As Ondo Legislature Becomes One-Party Chamber.
The Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a heated exchange following the mass defection of opposition lawmakers in the state legislature to the ruling party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the controversy erupted after two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers — Oladiji Oguntudo of Akure South Constituency I and Raymond Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I — formally defected to the APC during plenary.
Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the only remaining PDP members in the 26-member Assembly, led by Speaker Olamide Oladiji. Their move effectively handed the ruling APC complete control of the legislature, leaving the parliament without any opposition voice.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State described the situation as a serious threat to democracy and good governance. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alo Martins, the group warned that a legislature devoid of opposition endangers the principles of checks and balances, describing it as “a democracy in name only.”
The coalition condemned the defections as a betrayal of the electorate’s trust, stressing that voters who elected the lawmakers on the PDP platform now find themselves represented by members of a different party without their consent. It added that such political behavior erodes public confidence in democratic institutions and weakens accountability.
CACSOD further urged the National Assembly and the Constitution Review Committee to strengthen anti-defection laws, particularly Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows defections on grounds of internal party conflict. The group argued that the clause has been widely abused by politicians who fabricate crises to justify switching allegiances.
The coalition proposed that any elected official seeking to defect should first resign and seek a fresh mandate under their new party. It also cautioned that a one-party legislature risks turning into a “rubber stamp” assembly incapable of questioning the executive or defending citizens’ interests.
“Citizens must shine their eyes,” the group stated, urging voters to reject politicians who cross party lines for selfish reasons. “Democracy loses its essence when every voice in parliament sings the same tune. Genuine governance requires dissent, debate, and accountability.”
In a swift response, the APC dismissed the coalition’s criticism, describing the defections as an endorsement of its performance under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Bola Tinubu. In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the party asserted that the lawmakers’ decisions reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and developmental agenda for Ondo State.
The APC maintained that the defections were not a threat to democracy but rather proof of political freedom and alignment with effective governance. The party insisted that democracy thrives on results, integrity, and the people’s consent—not on opposition for its own sake.
Welcoming the new members, the party assured that they would be treated with fairness and given equal opportunities to grow within the APC. It urged civil society groups to assess political developments based on substance and performance rather than alarmist narratives.
The statement concluded that the APC remains dedicated to delivering transparent, accountable, and result-oriented governance that meets the aspirations of Ondo residents.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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