Category: National

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JAMB rectifies FUTA graduate’s status after fake admission claim

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has reactivated the portal of Jamiu Basola, a Civil Engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, after he was previously flagged for possessing a fake admission.

PUNCH Online had reported that Basola, who graduated in 2024 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.41, said he sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in 2017 and was admitted into FUTA in 2018.

However, an issue surfaced during his final clearance when the school’s Student Affairs Division informed him that his mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps had been rejected.

“I was advised to verify my details on the JAMB matriculation list, which indicated fake admission,” he said.

Basola added that after several failed attempts to access his JAMB portal, he wrote letters to various officials at FUTA, including the registrar, vice-chancellor, and chairman of the admissions committee, urging them to intervene.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, Basola exclusively confirmed that his previously locked JAMB portal had been unlocked and his name had now appeared on the matriculation list, a requirement for NYSC mobilisation.

“We are still in the process because I have not been mobilised for NYSC.

“My portal was locked. But now, I am able to log in; I can now reprint.

“Though I had some of the documents before, I was able to reprint my documents again.

“My name was not on the matriculation list, but now it has changed,” Basola said.

This development was also confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the National Association of Nigerian Students’ National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, he described the resolution of the case as a significant victory for justice and student welfare.

“This positive development is a direct result of the decisive intervention by the NANS national leadership, led by the astute President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja,” Ajasa said.

He confirmed that Basola’s JAMB portal has now been restored and his name added to the official matriculation list, following sustained pressure from the national leadership and NANS South-West Zone D.

“Jamiu’s academic dedication was regrettably challenged by a ‘fake admission’ flag after years of diligent study.

“His fight was indeed our fight, and his victory is a triumph for every Nigerian student,” the statement added.

Ajasa also acknowledged the role played by the FUTA Civil Engineering Department in writing to JAMB to clarify Basola’s admission status.

“This resolution underscores the power of collective action and NANS’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian students,” he said.

NANS said it would continue to monitor the case to ensure Basola’s inclusion in the next NYSC mobilisation batch.

“We reaffirm our commitment to holding institutions accountable and ensuring that such avoidable predicaments do not recur.

“The lives and academic pursuits of Nigerian students are not bargaining chips,” Ajasa stated. (Punch)

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Police arrest man with woman’s body part, rescue kidnapped driver

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, identified as Samuel Eze, for being in possession of a woman’s breast part.

The police also rescued a kidnapped driver and recovered a truck loaded with custard powder worth N9.5 million and arrested three suspects involved in the criminal act.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the command spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, on Sunday.

Ikenga added that joint security teams attached to various police divisions, including vigilante operatives, carried out the arrest at different intervals, adding that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogations.

The statement read, “The Joint Security Team comprising Police attached to the Awada Police Station and Anambra Vigilante Operatives on patrol along Jude Onyekwere Street, Awada, Obosi on July 6, 2025, by 3.30 pm arrested a male suspect, Samuel Eze aged 25 years with a woman’s breast.

“It was recovered immediately and deposited at the morgue for preservation, while the suspect is undergoing police interrogations for necessary Police investigative actions and prosecution.

“In another development, the police officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped driver at 12.45 pm on July 4, 2025.

“The team also recovered a truck loaded with Custard powder worth N9.5 million only and arrested three suspects involved in the criminal act.

“The suspects, all males: Udegenyi Ugochukwu aged 38 years, Anayochukwu Okonkwo aged 47 years, and Good Odigili aged 47 years confessed that the goods were to be delivered to a Warehouse at Asaba, Delta State before they abducted the driver tied him in the bush, and diverted the goods to Enugwu Ukwu.”

Ikenga informed members of the public of a suspected stolen and abandoned, but recovered custom colour Toyota Sienna, Reg No: 736 JP with an inscription on the body “Forum of Accountants Delta State” by police operatives from Obosi Division by 4.30 pm on July 5, 2025, while on patrol along Okpuno – Umuota Village, Obosi.

“Given the above, the Command invites anyone or any group looking for any of the vehicles as highlighted above to come with valid proof/evidence of ownership for verification and possible collection, please.

“The Anambra State Police Command is committed to sustaining Safety as the Joint security surveillance and patrols comprising the police , the military, the Civil Defence, Immigration Service, DSS, and the AVG operatives continue in the State,” the statement added. (Punch)

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Olubadan: Olakulehin promoted unity, development, ADC pays tribute

The African Democratic Congress has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Oyo State Government, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation over the death of Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described Olakulehin’s reign as one characterised by outstanding leadership, unity, and unwavering dedication to the development and prosperity of Ibadanland.

The statement read in part, “Oba Olakulehin was a distinguished monarch, a beacon of wisdom, and a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions. His reign was marked by exemplary leadership, unity, and a commitment to the progress and well-being of Ibadanland.

“His legacy as a peace-loving and visionary king will forever be etched in the hearts of his people and beyond.

“We mourn the loss of this great icon, whose life exemplified service, humility, and dedication to the development of his people. As we share in this moment of grief, we pray that Almighty God grants his family, the Ibadan Traditional Council, and the people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“May the soul of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations.” (Punch)

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Road rehabilitation will boost intrastate transport, NANS tells Ogun gov

The National Association of Nigerian Students has commended the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for approving the reconstruction of more roads across the state.

The student body also lauded the governor for authorising the procurement of ultra-modern security gadgets to strengthen the state’s security architecture and safeguard infrastructure.

Abiodun had announced the approval of the road projects during the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council.

The newly approved roads include the 5.4km Ogbeere–Orita Mobi Junction Road in Ijebu East Local Government, the 3.2km Erinlu–Imosan Road in Odogbolu Local Government, and the 2.0km Imodi–Imosan Road, also in Odogbolu Local Government.

NANS, in a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta by the Chairman of its Ogun Joint Campus Committee, Gabriel Abiola, described the governor’s approval as a giant stride in the current administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure across the state.

He said, “The newly approved roads, along with 11 others earlier earmarked for rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts, will significantly boost intrastate transportation for commuters and aid the movement of farm produce.”

Abiola also paised the Abiodun-led administration for its commitment to the construction and rehabilitation of roads since inception, saying the state has witnessed remarkable infrastructural transformation under the current government.

While commending the governor’s achievements across all sectors, particularly in education, the NANS chairman urged him not to relent in his efforts to make Ogun State better than he met it.

He specifically applauded Abiodun for ensuring the continuation and completion of road projects abandoned by the previous administration.

Abiola, however, appealed to the governor to also consider roads leading to campuses of tertiary institutions for rehabilitation, reminding him of his promise to construct the access road to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

The NANS chairman affirmed that students in the state will continue to support the governor’s efforts to move Ogun to greater heights of socioeconomic development. (Punch)

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Sanwo-Olu to make Lagos global economic powerhouse, says commissioner

The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, on Monday, said that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to making the state a globally competitive economic powerhouse.

Speaking during a press briefing to announce the kick off of the Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 and Africa Social Impact Summit, (ASIS) 2025, on Monday, Ambrose said the theme of the two-day event slated for July 10 and 11, 2025 is “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions Towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

She added that the theme was derived from the general theme of the Africa Social Impact Summit: “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.”

“The theme of the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 reflects our unwavering commitment to building a globally competitive economic powerhouse. We are shifting from dialogue to delivery, from potential to performance, and from planning to implementation.

“The Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 is more than a meeting; it is a platform for actionable collaboration. It will bring together visionary investors, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and global stakeholders to explore bold solutions that will drive infrastructure expansion, unlock financing, deepen enterprise growth, and power digital innovation – all towards making Lagos A 21st-century Economy.

“The Summit will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a networking where delegates can forge meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of our economy. A key feature of the Summit is the Deal Rooms, where the state’s investment potential would be pitched to potential investors.

“This is expected to be anchored by political heads in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other senior government representatives.

“This summit comes at a pivotal time as Lagos continues to lead the way in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting investment, harnessing talent, and building infrastructure that supports inclusive prosperity. Key sectors to watch out for include civil infrastructure, transportation, technology, green energy, creative economy, real estate, blue economy, and agribusiness.

“The deal rooms would facilitate one-on-one and matchmaking sessions for serious investors, in addition to interaction with government officials, global investors, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), multilateral organisations, and business executives.

“Let me take this opportunity to invite investors, partners, and stakeholders – both local and international – to be part of this transformative moment. Lagos is open for business, and this Summit will spotlight the unparalleled opportunities that lie within our borders, particularly as Lagos is a hub for smart city solutions, digital infrastructure, and fintech.”

Ambrose was optimistic that the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 would lead to the African Social Impact Summit, ASIS co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and United Nations in collaboration with Sterling Bank and Lagos State Government.

“The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.

“The two-day summit has the objectives to establish a collaborative framework among the public/private sectors and the development community to create measurable impact through influence and advocacy; provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas, thereby facilitating the scaling of outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda; while stimulating increased involvement of stakeholders across public and private sectors in developing policies to aid the speedy achievement of the SDGs and provide support for Africa’s new action plan.”

She added that the Summit is Africa’s premium platform for accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ambrose further stated that this year’s edition focuses on strengthening sub-national development, rethinking financial flows, and addressing structural inequalities through long-term investment and reform.

“The essence is to drive conversations on inclusive growth, Environment, Sustainability and Governance – ESG, climate resilience, health equity, education, youth empowerment, and social enterprises.

“As an event pivotal to spotlighting SDG progress and gaps across Africa, ASIS 2025 will promote partnerships, collaborations between governments, NGOs, development agencies, investors, and private sector to scale social impact.

“The ASIS, which will feature high-level speakers, panel discussions and more, provides an avenue for leaders from various sectors to engage in practical and transformative efforts to address Africa’s most urgent challenges related to the SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063.” (Guardian)

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Sanwo-Olu unveils two major roads in Alimosho, Agege

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, inaugurated two major road projects in Alimosho and Agege.

The governor inaugurated the newly rehabilitated and dualised 3.86-kilometre Abaranje Road in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA.

He also inaugurated the 1.8-kilometre Dopemu Road in Agege Local Government Area, which was renamed as ‘Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road’ in his honour.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu stated that the Abaranje project, which commenced 20 months ago, was designed to eliminate perennial flooding, enhance connectivity, and reduce travel time for commuters.

“The reconstruction of this famous Abaranje Road is a testament to our determination to bring relief to residents and road users on this axis.

“This project is more than a road expansion and reconstruction; it is a life-changing experience for our citizens living on this road.

“The means of livelihoods lost due to the deplorable condition of the road have now been restored,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor noted that the dualised road, now fitted with reinforced concrete interlocking pavement, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and solar-powered streetlights, marks a milestone in the state’s transport infrastructure upgrade under his administration.

“Alimosho has reaped a lot of democracy dividends from our government. We have handed over strategic roads in this council to combat heavy traffic congestion.

“This is another critical intervention that is supporting our efforts towards tackling congestion.

“Aside from fostering connectivity, this infrastructure will galvanise the local economy and improve quality of life,” he added.

It was stated that before its rehabilitation, Abaranje Road was narrow, riddled with failed sections, and prone to erosion, conditions that made it a nightmare for road users and residents.

The governor was joined at the commissioning by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; members of the state executive council; and community leaders.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected the Ikotun Roundabout, a gridlock point in Alimosho, where he proposed the construction of a flyover to ease traffic congestion.

“Ikotun Roundabout is a critical intersection we are working on, and it is part of the road projects we want to take on in Alimosho.

“There are traffic issues and street trading issues that are resulting in congestion in the area.

“The issues are complex, but it is for us to move in and solve the problems.

“We have done extensive assessment of how best to proceed on the project,” the governor said.

He assured residents that more projects would be delivered in the area.

“I want to assure you that this is not going to be the last stop in Alimosho Projects commissioning will be a continuous exercise for us in this area.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every part of the state is not left untouched.

“I want to emphasise that our vision is to leave behind a world-class infrastructure that will last for decades,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the roads would reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and improve safety for all road users.

“The successful construction of these roads demonstrates this administration’s commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps and improving the lives of Lagosians,” Daramola said.

Also speaking, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, expressed gratitude to the governor for responding to the community’s call for development.

“This road will open up access to more communities and bring progress to the people,” the monarch said. (Punch)

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Court orders Senate to recall suspended Natasha

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, ordering her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.

Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, described the duration of the suspension as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation.

According to the court, both Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which the upper chamber relied upon, do not stipulate a maximum suspension period. As such, they were deemed overreaching in this case.

The judge pointed out that since the National Assembly is only required to sit for 181 days in a legislative year, suspending a lawmaker for roughly that same length of time effectively silences the voice of an entire constituency—a move she described as unconstitutional.

“While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” Nyako ruled.

However, the court sided with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on a separate issue, stating that his refusal to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak during a plenary—on the grounds that she was not seated in her designated chair—did not amount to a violation of her rights.

Nyako also dismissed Akpabio’s argument that the judiciary had no business interfering in what he called an “internal affair” of the legislature, stating that fundamental rights and representation are matters squarely within the court’s purview.

In a twist, the court imposed a monetary penalty on Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching a prior court directive that barred both parties from making public statements about the ongoing legal matter.

The fine runs into millions of naira. (Punch)

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FG sets July date for petrol pricing summit

The Federal Government has fixed July 23 and 24, 2025, for a national stakeholder forum to address mounting concerns over petrol pricing and supply dynamics in the downstream sector, amid growing agitation by independent marketers for price regulation.

The planned summit, organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, is expected to bring together industry operators, marketers, refiners, and government officials to deliberate on petroleum pricing standards, feedstock adequacy, and strategies to stabilise the deregulated market.

The Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Transportation Infrastructure at the NMDPRA, Francis Ogaree, confirmed the date and summit at the just concluded 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week held in Abuja.

The director further stressed the need for dialogue to build a resilient pricing system in the post-subsidy era. Recall that there has been agitation and concerns expressed by petroleum marketers over sudden changes in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, without prior notice by the Dangote refinery.

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, has repeatedly emphasised the need for a stable market and consistent energy security, advocating for mechanisms to analyse price fluctuations and ensure they don’t negatively impact the industry.

Gillis-Harry called for transparency in pricing, particularly in relation to the impact of Dangote’s price reductions on retailers who may have purchased fuel at higher prices. They have also called for fair pricing practices and the avoidance of untoward practices in the industry.

Similarly, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria last month questioned the petroleum pricing regime, stressing that petroleum marketers are exploiting Nigerians through inflated petrol prices and insisted that the current pump price of PMS should range between N700 and N750 per litre.

Responding to these concerns, Ogaree said the NMDPRA was aware of the operational uncertainties confronting players in the sector, and has taken concrete steps to standardise pricing while encouraging more investment in local refining.

Speaking during the panel session titled, “Building a resilient and competitive refining sector”, he said, “We are engaging stakeholders at our forum, where we address the issues and proffer solutions. I would like to remind you that the NMDPRA has only been in existence for three and a half years. And in that period, we have achieved giant strides in the number of licenses we have given and in addressing the issues.

“Even on the issue of petroleum pricing, which is another one that we are facing now and relates to standardisation. It is a work in progress, and that is why at the latter part of this month, exactly on July 23 to 24, a two-day event, we will be talking about petrol pricing. Again, that is to allay some fears and put in some standards. The issue of pricing, everyone knows that it is a sensitive one and peculiar from one country to another, and the authority is working.”

On the outlook for refining capacity and supply security, Ogaree revealed that Nigeria now has a total of 10 operational and near-operational refineries, including the three NNPC refineries, the 650,000bpd Dangote refinery, and six modular refineries.

He added that some of the upcoming refineries would require between 1,000 and 200,000 barrels per day and are expected to commence operations by 2026.

“We have about 10 refineries right now. The three Nigerian National Petroleum Company refineries. We have Dangote refinery and six modular refineries. When I look at the combined capacity for those refineries, we need about 1,124,000 barrels per day.”

He noted, however, that the success of the downstream market hinged on the availability of crude oil feedstock to serve the growing number of licensed refiners.

“We know our current production capacity. These are just operating refineries. When I think about new refineries coming up very soon. Some of them need 200,000 barrels to 1,000 barrels, and I compute them together. Some of them would be on onstream by 2026.

“You know that this number of barrels has to grow, and there has to be more production if we are to meet up. The apparent fear, and I must be sincere, is on the feedstock. We have given out 47 licenses, all of which are to do establishments, construction, and they all go into operation. We must be able to meet their demands when they all go on stream.” (Punch)

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NDLEA seized over 200 million Tramadol pills, arrested 95 drug barons in one year — Marwa

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has revealed that the agency seized over 200 million pills of Tramadol and arrested 95 drug barons in the past year as part of its intensified war against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 7th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Marwa said the NDLEA also arrested 66,000 drug traffickers and peddlers, impounded over 11 million kilograms of hard drugs, and secured 12,000 convictions within the same period.

Marwa linked the rise in drug abuse to growing mental health challenges in the country, stressing the urgent need for a holistic approach. “We are acutely aware of how substance abuse and mental health are intertwined,” he said. “Every day, we see lives shattered due to trauma, depression, anxiety, and social isolation, which often drive people to drugs.”

He shared a personal anecdote from his time as Nigeria’s defence adviser to the United Nations, recounting a 1994 incident in Yugoslavia where a mentally disturbed Nigerian officer on a peacekeeping mission killed a colleague—highlighting the dangers of unaddressed mental illness.

Marwa described the cost of drug abuse as both personal and societal, citing increasing cases of violence and theft among young addicts. “Behind every drug user is a family in distress and a society bearing the cost of lost productivity, rising healthcare expenses, and social instability,” he said.

He praised the PSN for its efforts in sanitising the pharmaceutical sector, particularly through the enactment of the Pharmacists Council Act of 2023, which strengthened regulations against prescription drug misuse.

However, Marwa raised concerns about the unchecked proliferation of illegal patent medicine stores across the country. “While 60,000 stores are properly licensed, over one million operate illegally—many of them selling controlled substances like Tramadol without prescriptions,” he stated.

Marwa revealed that a 40-foot container of Tramadol is worth N80 billion on the black market, emphasising the massive scale and profitability of the illicit trade. He disclosed that an informant once tipped him off about an attempt to smuggle 50 containers into the country.

To address the crisis, the NDLEA has intensified public advocacy efforts, conducting over 11,000 sensitisation campaigns in schools, motor parks, markets, and communities nationwide. The agency has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Narcotics Control Bureau, targeting the major source of illegal Tramadol shipments to Nigeria.

He concluded by calling pharmacists “strategic partners” in Nigeria’s drug war and promised to consider greater inclusion of pharmacists in NDLEA operations.

“We must keep working together to strengthen prescription regulations and promote responsible medication use,” he said. “Your profession sits at the critical intersection of public health and drug control.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, spoke on mental health, lamenting the prevalence of mental health disorders in the country. He explained that Nigeria needs mentally sound citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development.

“A community with a high prevalence of mental health disorders is not only destabilised but also lacks progress. It is, therefore, important that we take collective responsibility to ensure that our communities are mentally healthy. Socio-economic development is deeply tied to mental health,” he said.

“The World Health Organisation rightly asserts that there is no health without mental health. A nation with a high burden of mental health disorders will undoubtedly suffer a decline in productivity, a decrease in quality of life, and a strain on health resources.

“In the legislative assembly and personally, we have prioritised the issue of mental health, which is why we initiated the Lagos State Mental Health Law of 2018, which provides for the protection and care of individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.” (Sun)

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Supreme Court reserves judgment in Edo gov election appeal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, over the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.

The apex court made this decision after hearing arguments for and against the appeal.

The appeal challenges the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which announced Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election.

The appeal was heard by a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Garba Lawal.

Ighodalo’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Mozia, asked the court to overturn the judgments of the lower courts, which had upheld INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as winner.

On May 29, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Both courts dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, describing it as lacking merit.

On April 2, 2025, a three-member panel of the tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and Ighodalo, citing the petitioners’ failure to prove claims of over-voting and electoral irregularities.

The petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, alleged that Okpebholo did not win the highest number of lawful votes and that the election was marred by widespread irregularities, over-voting, and violations of the Electoral Act.

The PDP and Ighodalo alleged that the election involved incorrect collation of figures, errors in vote computation in 765 polling units, and a failure by INEC to serialise ballot papers or pre-record sensitive materials.

They claimed this enabled electoral malpractice in favour of the APC and its candidate.

During the trial, the petitioners called 19 witnesses and subpoenaed a Senior Technical Officer from INEC’s ICT department, who brought 154 BVAS machines from 133 polling units to support claims of over-voting.

INEC did not present any witnesses.

Okpebholo called one witness, while the APC presented four.

While the PDP asked the tribunal to nullify the election based on the evidence, the respondents countered that the case lacked merit.

They argued that Ighodalo failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he won the election or that there was significant non-compliance with the law.

Justice Kpochi, in the tribunal’s judgment, said, “We hold that the failure by the petitioners to call polling unit agents, presiding officers or other registered voters was fatal to the case.

“It still remains the law that documents do not speak for themselves. A petitioner must prove their evidence. The allegation of non-compliance must be proved.

“The BVAS machines were clearly dumped and remain dormant. None of the witnesses could speak to the BVAS machine. The machines were not demonstrated to prove the allegations of over-voting.

“All the evidence documents tendered by the petitioners to prove over-voting fall short of the requirements. The law requires that the petitioners shall call witnesses to link the evidence rendered.”

On the petitioners’ claims that INEC did not comply with electoral guidelines, Justice Kpochi ruled, “The petitioners failed to prove that the first defendant did not comply with the provisions of the electoral act or INEC rules of conduct as required by law.”

Regarding claims of missing serial numbers on ballots, the tribunal ruled, “There are figures here.”

The court also dismissed claims of a lack of prior recording of materials used in the poll.

In the final result announced by INEC, Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes while Ighodalo came second with 247,655 votes. (Punch)