By David Owei, Yenagoa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering more development projects to Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, declaring that the community would continue to benefit from its longstanding support for the party.

The assurance was given by the Bayelsa State Chairman of the PDP, George Alabh Turnah, during a reception organised at the weekend during a reception to welcome a prominent APC member popularly known as “One Million Man,” Comrade Gabriel Claudius, and his supporters back to the PDP.

Addressing a tumultuous and unprecedented crowd at the event alongside party leader Great Joshua Maciver and other PDP chieftains, Turnah described the defection as further proof of the PDP’s dominance in Bayelsa.

“Today has shown that Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. We are here to receive One Million Man and his supporters back to their party. With this crowd, it is confirmed that Elebele is for the PDP,” he said.

Turnah thanked the people of Elebele and Ogbia Ward 8 for their loyalty to the party, assuring them that the PDP would continue to reward their support with meaningful development.

He noted that although Elebele has one of the largest and most politically active populations in Ogbia, the community had for years received limited political recognition until the PDP began appointing its sons and daughters into key positions.

According to him, the party was responsible for the emergence of Elebele’s first Secretary of the Ogbia Local Government Area, secured the election of a member representing the area in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who later became Chief Whip, and appointed several Elebele indigenes into positions of trust.

The PDP chairman also announced an immediate intervention to build a befitting palace for the traditional ruler of Elebele after party leaders observed the poor condition of the existing palace during a courtesy visit.

He disclosed that the party had already approved ₦20 million for the project, stressing that construction would commence immediately rather than waiting until after the next election.

“We are not going to wait until after the election. We have seen the condition of the palace and it is not befitting of Elebele. Our leaders have already provided ₦20 million, and work will commence immediately,” Turnah stated.

While insisting that the event was not a campaign rally, Turner hinted that the PDP would unveil additional development plans for the community when electioneering officially begins.

He also expressed confidence that the PDP would restore prosperity to Bayelsa, promising that the party’s agenda for economic growth, youth empowerment and community development would be unveiled at the appropriate time.

In his remarks, PDP leader Great Joshua Maciver declared that the Bayelsa PDP chairman would lead the party to victory in the 2028 governorship election, expressing confidence that the PDP would return to Government House.

Maciver urged party faithful to remain steadfast and unwaveringly committed and prepare for the political contest ahead, describing politics as requiring determination, hard work and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

He assured PDP candidates that the party possessed the capacity, structure and experience to secure victories in key National Assembly and State Assembly seats across Bayelsa.

Maciver singled out Ogbia Constituency III as one of the constituencies the PDP was determined to reclaim, urging the party’s House of Assembly candidate to remain focused and fearless.

He also commended Turner for keeping the PDP united and vibrant despite political realignments in the state, describing him as a courageous and steadfast leader deserving of the party’s full support.

Earlier, Comrade Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” pledged to work tirelessly with his supporters to strengthen the PDP and ensure the party records victories in future elections, including reclaiming Government House.

The event was attended by PDP candidates for the National Assembly, party leaders and supporters from across Bayelsa State.

Others at the event are Joseph Ateki Boabofa, PDP candidate for Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp PDP candidate Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Erepamo Richard Akinaka PDP candidate Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Marlon Linton Ebi-Eredei PDP candidate Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Highlife Humphrey Peremobowei PDP candidate Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Elvis Bourdillon Doukemezuo PDP candidate Yenagoa/Kolokuma Opokuma Federal Constituency, Christopher Ebinimi Peters PDP candidate Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency,Oruanye Kopuamologi Daniel PDP candidate Ogbia Federal Constituency

By George Mgbeleke

The race toward Nigeria’s 2027 general election gathered fresh momentum on Friday as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), delivered a bold assurance that every legitimate vote cast by Nigerians would count, while former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), charged the electoral umpire to remain impartial and ensure justice for every political party.

The twin declarations came during a high-level visit by the INEC Chairman and members of the Commission’s top management to the Minna residence of the elder statesman, in what has become one of the strongest public affirmations yet of Nigeria’s determination to deliver credible elections ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

Leading a delegation that included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, Technical Aides and senior management officials, Amupitan described the visit as more than a courtesy call, saying it was a “pilgrimage of appreciation” to one of the architects of Nigeria’s democratic journey whose leadership in returning the country to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the current democratic dispensation.

He praised Abdulsalami’s stewardship of the National Peace Committee, describing the Peace Accord initiative as one of the most effective instruments for reducing electoral violence and strengthening democratic culture in Nigeria.

According to the INEC Chairman, the initiative has consistently provided political parties and candidates with a platform to publicly commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and respect for the will of the electorate.

Amupitan congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday, describing him as a national symbol of peace, democratic stability and statesmanship whose influence extends beyond Nigeria to the African continent.

Turning to preparations for the forthcoming elections, the INEC Chairman reassured Nigerians that despite the enormous operational and legal challenges confronting the Commission, it remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that the wishes of voters prevail at the ballot box.

“Our determination is simple,” he declared. “Every ordinary Nigerian must be able to go out and vote with confidence, knowing that his or her vote will count and will be reflected in the final outcome of the election.”

He formally reaffirmed the Commission’s election timetable, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

Amupitan also confirmed that the Osun State governorship election remains scheduled for August 15, 2026, with political parties expected to sign the National Peace Accord in Osogbo on July 30.

The INEC Chairman acknowledged that organizing elections in Nigeria has become increasingly difficult due to incessant pre-election litigation and late court orders that disrupt carefully planned logistics.

He revealed that the Commission was recently compelled to reconsider already printed ballot papers following a court order directing the inclusion of another political party in the Osun governorship election.

Just yesterday, my Legal Director informed me of a court order directing us to add another political party after we had already printed ballot papers for Osun State. Those ballot papers will likely have to be canceled and reprinted. These are some of the hurdles we face,” he said.

Despite such setbacks, he insisted that INEC would continue deploying technology, strengthening logistics and improving electoral processes to deliver transparent, inclusive and credible elections capable of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

Responding, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar acknowledged the enormous burden carried by the electoral commission, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most difficult and scrutinized positions in the country.

He warned that regardless of the Commission’s decisions, political actors would always attempt to question its neutrality whenever election outcomes fail to favour them.

“Your appointment is very critical to our democratic setting,” the former Head of State said.

“Whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another. If anybody loses an election, INEC becomes the whipping child.”

He, however, expressed confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership and urged him not to succumb to pressure or intimidation from political interests.

“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. You must abide by the oath you took. Do justice to all and sundry. All political parties belong to you. You have no political party of your own,” Abdulsalami declared.

He advised the Commission to remain focused, ignore distractions and preserve its independence, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future depends largely on the credibility and impartiality of its electoral management body.
Our democracy depends on all of you,” he said, while assuring the Commission of the National Peace Committee’s continued support.

The elder statesman disclosed that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the signing of the Osun Peace Accord on July 30, describing the Osun election as an important dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election.

Earlier in the day, Amupitan had addressed management and staff of the INEC Niger State office, where he issued a stern warning against corruption, misconduct and compromise.

He reminded electoral officers that they are the Commission’s ambassadors at the grassroots and that Nigerians, the African Union and the wider international community would closely scrutinize the conduct of the 2027 elections.

“The whole world is watching Nigeria. You cannot afford to fail,” he told staff, urging them to work selflessly, maintain professionalism and ensure every vote cast is protected.

By Our Correspondent

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election,the Accord Party has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the harassment, intimidation and persecution of its leaders and members in Osun State.

The party made the appeal on Sunday during a press conference addressed by the Accord candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, on behalf of the party’s National and State Assembly candidates.

He alleged that some of its members had been subjected to unlawful arrests and intimidation, urging the President to direct the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies to remain neutral, professional and uphold the rule of law before, during and after the election.

He said, “We call on Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to weigh on the disturbing trend of Police harassment, intimidation and persecution of our party leaders and members in Osun state as we move closer to the August 15th Governorship Election. Mr President is also urged to direct the Inspector General of Police in particular and all heads of security agencies in general to maintain neutrality, professionalism and regard for rule of law and protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights in Osun state before, during and after the August election.”

He also demanded the immediate release of its House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Alaba Ibrahim Popoola, and Sodiq Akinola Olaniyan, whom it described as a law-abiding law student being detained over allegations of cyberstalking.

Salam further called for the release of all persons allegedly arrested without lawful justification in different parts of the state.

He added that, “We call for the immediate release of Mr Alaba Ibrahim Popoola, the House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South, Mr Sodig Akinola Olaniyan, a law abiding law student detained in a criminal cell on allegation of cyber stalking and all other persons arrested without reasonable and lawful reasons in various parts of Osun state

“The IGP should launch an investigation into the alleged collaboration of CP Gotan and Senator Fadahunsi to witch-hunt Accord leaders ahead of the election.

“We call on the National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Bar Association, the National Peace Committee, the Media and other bodies to raise a voice and act in defence of the Peace loving people of Osun State who are currently under APC political siege aided by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Let it be known today as we have always maintained that the Accord remains committed to peaceful, issue-based and democratic participation in the forthcoming elections.

“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, INEC, civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission and all lovers of democracy to closely monitor developments in Osun State before these disturbing trends escalate into a full-blown assault on constitutional democracy.
History will judge every institution and every individual according to the role they played at this critical moment.”