The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has announced that the British Government will deploy observers to monitor the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
APC Chairman Vows Peaceful Elections
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, stated that the party will do everything within its powers to ensure stability in the two states before, during, and after the elections. He emphasized that the APC would focus on issue-based engagement rather than sentiments throughout the electoral process.
These assurances were given during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Yilwatda at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where both leaders discussed Nigeria's democratic journey, the importance of peaceful elections, and Nigeria's strategic role in Africa and the global community. Yilwatda described Nigeria as a country whose stability is of immense significance not only to Africa but also to the wider world.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Yilwatda reiterated the party's commitment to peace and responsible political engagement.
Montgomery on Election Observers
Earlier, Montgomery said: "We will send delegations to observe the elections because these will be the final off-season governorship elections before the general elections next year. We want to see peaceful, credible and successful elections."
Fayose and Oluyede Exchange Words
Meanwhile, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede, have traded words concerning the outcome of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Fayose, who spoke at a political programme aired by nearly all radio stations operating in Ekiti State, urged the opposition candidates in the June 20 governorship poll to forget winning the election, saying Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys wider acceptability among the electorate to retain his seat for a second term.
However, Oluyede, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, faulted Fayose for endorsing Oyebanji, insisting that the governor's performance does not justify such support.
Osun Accord Party Chairman Attacked
In another development, Chairman of the Accord Party (AP) in Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, has been hospitalised at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital following an attack by gunmen in Osogbo.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the shooting incident. He said the attack occurred at about 11:50 p.m. in the MDS area of Osogbo, when two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victim in what appeared to be an attempted assassination. Preliminary investigations at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Davido Condemns Attack
Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, condemned the attack on Ajibola, also known as Baba Isila. Reacting on his X account, Davido called for an end to political violence, stressing that political differences should not result in insecurity or bloodshed.
