Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader of the senate, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will support Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state, for a second term in office.

Speaking during the distribution of bags of fertilizers to farmers in Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti, Bamidele said no one would contest the APC ticket with Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“No one will contest against BAO in the APC. The party will adopt a consensus arrangement by the special grace of God,” the senator said.

“In Ekiti, contesting elections has become an industry for some people. What they are after is to see an aspirant they can leech on two or three years before the election.

“If you decide to back out, they take offence.”

Bamidele said he is committed to the progress and unity of Ekiti.

“In our previous struggles, I spent a lot. I bought vehicles for all the 16 local governments and supported some political personalities,” he said.

“So, if I say I am not contesting now, it shouldn’t cause any problems or fights.

“All those that matter in Ekiti’s progress are now in one accord. If there is any developmental meeting about Ekiti, you will find our father, Aare Afe Babalola, and illustrious sons of Ekiti like Chief Wole Olanipekun, Femi Falana, Ayo Fayose, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Opeyemi Bamidele behind it.

“If some are still not pleased with this peace accord that’s birthing development in the state, and insist there must be political turmoil by all means, it’s clear what manner of people they are.”

Bamidele said there is “an ongoing partnership in Ekiti to sustain peace and progress in the state”.

Kenneth Okonkwo says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, demonstrated doggedness in the just concluded LGA elections in the state.

The actor-turned-lawyer praised Fubara for ensuring that the elections took place against all odds.

Okonkwo said he can no longer work with politicians who cannot fight for their rights and supporters like Fubara.

The former Labour Party (LP) campaign spokesperson severed ties politically with Peter Obi in July, saying he had lost confidence in the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Okonkwo also said Obi did not support the efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in “fighting criminals” who wanted to “hijack” LP.

Speaking in an interview with Soar TV on Saturday, Okonkwo referenced Fubara’s resolve to proceed with the Rivers elections despite the pull-out of security operatives and pushback from stakeholders.

He said politicians like the Rivers state governor are needed to solidify democracy.

“If you’re not willing to take the risk that is attached to any profession, step aside so that people who are given that mind by God will go ahead and serve God in that capacity,” Okonkwo said.

“If you’re a politician and you can’t stand for your people that voted for you, and because you don’t want to die, step aside. Because that’s what the job entails.

“Any politician that is not behaving like Siminalayi Fubara — who resists and protests when his rights are trampled upon, knowing that our judicial system and our electoral system have failed us, no matter the risk to his person — I will not speak for that politician again, and I maintain it.

“And you can see what is happening, because we(LP) can’t go forward. If Sim Fubara had been saying ‘calm down, calm down’, do you know where Rivers state would have been?

“He said he’s ready for them. He’s fully prepared. The election must go on. The election must hold. Winners must be declared. They will be sworn in and whatever is going to happen, let it happen.

“I’m looking for leaders who would say ‘nobody will rig my election, and if you rig my election, I will fight, and let us come out and fight’.”

‘I REMAIN AN LP MEMBER‘

Okonkwo affirmed his membership in the LP, adding that he continues to advocate for the party’s consolidation.

“When I was a spokesman in 2023, I did my job credibly well, and we convinced Nigerians on what we believe is right. But you can see that in Nigeria, you not only have to have the power to win election, you have to have the power to defend your election.

“So, anybody that does not have that spirit or power to defend the votes in a manner that you would say, whatever happens to me as a person, let it happen, I am not willing to speak any further for the person.

“I am not betraying anybody because I am still a member of the Labour Party and you can see I’m still fighting that the Labour Party should be consolidated because Nigerians are looking for alternatives.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the outcome of the local government elections in Rivers is a rejection of political oppression and godfatherism in the state.

The LGA election was held amid a lingering feud between Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, and Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor.

Adolphus Enebeli, chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), on Saturday declared the Action Peoples Party (APP) as the winner in 22 of the 23 LGAs in the state.

The Action Alliance (AA) was victorious in one local government.

The APP candidates who contested the election recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fubara had directed them to defect to the APP to contest the election.

The PDP structure in Rivers is believed to be controlled by Wike, Fubara’s successor and former ally.

Wike had backed Fubara to win the 2023 governorship election but both politicians fell out barely a year later.

RIVERS PEOPLE HAVE REJECTED OPPRESSION’

In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku — who fell out with Wike ahead of the 2023 general election — said the conclusion of the LG polls has paved the way for the pursuit of democratic governance to commence in the state.

“With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers state, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state,” he said.

“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.

“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.

The former vice-president congratulated the newly elected local government leaders, and urged them to “wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours”.

“Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers state for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity,” Atiku said.

“I must also applaud governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.

“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”