In yet another comprehensive operation, police operatives conducted synchronized raids on identified black spots on September 20, 2024, at approximately 1900hrs. The well-coordinated effort led to the arrest of two key suspects, who are members of the PDP, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo state.

The suspects, connected to a larger network involving one “Atiku” and a kingpin known as “the boss”, were apprehended at So Cash guest house in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items were recovered. These items include:

·A list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values
·A collection of pre-filled ballot papers
·A set of fake identification cards

Furthermore, six suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim,Fatima Yakubu,Yusuf Aminat 52 yrs,Salihu Lukman 54yrs,Safianu Saratu 32yrs
were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying. This group was found with:

·A large sum of money
·A cache of weapons
·A detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation

A fake journalist who claims to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria was also apprehended, further highlighting the extent of the criminal network.

Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
21ST SEPTEMBER, 2024

Edo State is set for a crucial decision today as voters go to the polls to elect a new governor.

With Governor Godwin Obaseki completing his tenure after two terms, the race is now wide open.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which once held power in the state before Obaseki’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, is determined to regain its influence.

Among the top contenders vying for leadership are Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo representing the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Seventeen candidates are vying for the governorship position, with sixteen men and one woman in the running.

They include:

Action Alliance, AA, – Tom Iseghohi

New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP – Azena Azemhe Friday

All Progressives Grand Alliance – Osifo Isiah

All Progressives Congress – Senator Monday Okpebholo

People’s Democratic Party – Asue Ighodalo

Labour Party – Olumide Akpata

All People Movement – Ugiagbe Sylvester

All Peoples Party – Areleogbe Osalumese

Action Democratic Party – Kingson Akhime Afere

African Action Congress – Udoh David

Zenith Labour Party – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena

Boot Party – Osirame Edeipo

Accord Party – Bright Enabulele

African Democratic Congress – Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen

Peoples Redemption Party -Patience Key Ndidi

Young Progressive Party – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan

Social Democratic Party – Aner Abdullahi Aliu

About nine of the above-mentioned political parties have unanimously endorsed and collapsed their structure into the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

EKWUTOSBLOG will provide situation reports from the state as events unfold.

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has sent his message of Solidarity and wishes of victory to the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in tomorrow’s election in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata.

In his message of solidarity, Governor Otti expressed confidence that the LP Governorship candidate would emerge victorious in the election, becauce the people of the state have confidence in him and in the Labour Party.

Governor Otti assured Barr. Akpata that millions of Labour Party supporters in Abia and beyond are very much with him in spirit and will be praying for his victory as it would mark a historic turning point in the lives of Edo People.

Finally, Governor Otti also called on INEC to ensure that it conducts a free, fair and transparent election come tomorrow and enjoined all stakeholders and voters to ensure that peace reigns, before, during and after the election. He also appealed to the security agencies to maintain their professional neutrality in the process.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
September 20, 2024.