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Desmond Elliot Rejects APC Primary Result, Vows To Challenge Outcome.

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The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has rejected the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held in the constituency.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Elliot said he would be challenging the result, alleging that the exercise was characterised by violence, intimidation, and the disenfranchisement of his supporters.

reports that Elliot lost the APC ticket to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who secured 11,385 votes, while the Nollywood actor-turned-politician polled 270 votes across the constituency’s wards. Odunuga-Bakare was reportedly backed by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Speaking after the primary, Elliot clarified that he did not withdraw from the race. He explained that he only instructed his agents and supporters to step back from the voting process due to alleged irregularities.

He said, “The only person who can ask me to step down is the party. If the party says Desmond go down, that is when I will step down because I’m a party person.

“But the party has also, in its magnanimity, given us an opportunity to appeal.

“We are appealing, and as I say, it is not a do-or-die affair. I’m here to serve the people.

“So, I’m not going to say any more than this, other than the fact that we are not accepting this process. I am not withdrawing.

“What I said was that I was withdrawing my agents from participating in the voting process. But we are definitely appealing.”

Elliot Alleges Violence And Intimidation

The lawmaker also alleged that his supporters were attacked during the exercise, claiming he has video evidence to support his allegations.

He said, “Nobody was killed, but a lot of people were really maimed. There are videos of people going to the hospital.

“This is just primaries, it is not a do-or-die affair. In different wards, people are being intimidated. I have been talking about intimidation for a long time.

“If you know you have done well for the people, why are you now worried? You have the machinery of the structure with you.

“Why don’t you just go to the field?”

Elliot further claimed that many of his supporters were prevented from entering the venue of the primary election.

He added that accreditation was allegedly rushed, leaving several of his supporters stranded outside before voting commenced.

He also questioned claims that some accreditation cards were fake, arguing that proper verification should have been carried out before any disqualification.

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“Breaking: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Emerges PDP Candidate For Kogi Central Senatorial Race”.

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mike Idoko.

Idoko explained that party members and supporters took part in an affirmation exercise conducted across all 57 wards in the senatorial district.

He noted that the process was held simultaneously in the wards, after which results were collated at Kahal Cinema in Okene, where party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters gathered to conclude the exercise.

According to the statement, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the process alongside journalists to ensure transparency and compliance with electoral guidelines.

Reacting after the collation of results, Natasha expressed appreciation to party members and supporters for what she described as a strong demonstration of unity and confidence.

She said the exercise reflected the trust the people of Kogi Central continue to place in her vision for progress, inclusion, and development.

“I am deeply humbled by the massive turnout across all 57 wards. This is not just about one individual; it is about our people coming together in unity to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Kogi Central,” she said.

The senator added that the large turnout showed the commitment of party members to strengthening democratic participation across the district.

She also pledged to remain focused on delivering development, justice, and opportunities to constituents, while maintaining close engagement with communities across the senatorial zone.

Natasha said she accepted the nomination with gratitude and renewed commitment, promising to serve with dedication and accountability if elected.

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“Egypt Name Mohamed Salah In 2026 World Cup Squad As Star Leads National Team Charge”.

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Egypt have included captain Mohamed Salah in their provisional 27-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, with the experienced forward expected to once again lead the national team on football’s biggest stage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 33-year-old Liverpool star remains the central figure in coach Hossam Hassan’s selection, despite reports linking him with a possible exit from Anfield after nine successful years at the club.

Salah, who has scored 67 goals in 115 appearances for Egypt, will carry the nation’s hopes as they aim for a strong run in the tournament.

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush also made the squad following an impressive season, while 18-year-old Barcelona U19 striker Hamza Abdelkarim earned a surprise call-up despite not yet making a senior international appearance. Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed was among the notable omissions.

Egypt will reduce the squad to the FIFA-required 26 players after their friendly against Russia in Cairo on May 28, before facing Brazil in another warm-up match on June 6 in Cleveland.

The Pharaohs have been drawn in Group G, where they will begin their campaign against Belgium on June 15, followed by matches against New Zealand and Iran.

The squad also includes goalkeepers Mohamed El Shenawy and Mostafa Shobeir, along with experienced midfielders Mahmoud Trezeguet and Emam Ashour, as Egypt prepare for the expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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“Wike: Fubara Joined APC Too Quickly But Failed To Consolidate Power – Rufai Oseni”.

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Anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it failed to achieve the expected political consolidation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oseni made the remarks on Thursday during the programme while reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal from the APC governorship primary.

He described the political situation in Rivers State as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that it further highlights the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the state’s political structure since the 2023 elections.

According to him, Wike has become a dominant force in Rivers politics, with influence that appears to cut across party lines.

However, Oseni questioned how sustainable such political dominance could be, warning that excessive concentration of power in one individual could undermine democratic growth.

He said, “As regards Rivers, what do I say? It’s a shame on our democracy. Rivers has become two-factor authentication.”

He added that political alignments in the state appear heavily influenced by Wike, suggesting that recent developments reflect his continued control over key decisions.

“You quickly went to join the APC, you couldn’t get consolidation there,” he said, referring to Fubara’s political move.

Oseni further speculated on future political dynamics in the state, questioning whether Wike’s influence would extend to other political figures and structures.

He argued that Wike’s level of dominance raises concerns about political plurality, noting that democracy suffers when power becomes overly centralized.

According to him, while Wike’s influence is evident, the bigger question is whether such a system is sustainable in the long term.

Oseni also warned that similar political patterns could emerge in other states if not checked, stressing the need for stronger democratic institutions and balance of power.

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