Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Powershift agitators in Ekiti State, under the auspices of Ekiti Concerned Citizens' Group (ECCG), have described politicians of Ekiti South extraction that accept to play second fiddle as traitors. They have insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties must pick their candidates from Ekiti South Senatorial District for the June 18, 2022 governorship election. The PDP has warned its members in Ekiti to avoid distraction and focus on the task of unseating the ruling party.

Chief Bisi Kolawole was declared the winner of the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ekiti State yesterday to fly the party's flag in the June 18 governorship election. He scored a total of 671 votes to defeat his closest rival, Oni, who polled 330 votes. Other highlights of the poll included void votes, 13; Adekemi Adewumi, one; Biodun Olujimi, two; Lateef Ajijola, one; Ayodeji Kazeem, six; Kayode Adaramodu, 10; Kolapo Olusola, 93 and Adewale Aribisala, 56. Governor Udom Emmanuel appreciated party members for their maturity and cooperation. Kolawole resigned his position as Ekiti PDP chairman to contest the governorship election, while Fayose endorsed him as a bridge-builder who will usher in a better future for Ekiti and the PDP. Abubakar Badaru, chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee for Ekiti, has assured of a free, fair and credible primary, with only members with valid membership cards and voter cards allowed to participate.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the ward delegate congresses it conducted in Ekiti over perceived irregularities and will use the statutory/automatic delegate list to conduct its governorship primary. Unconfirmed reports indicate that no fewer than 1,200 automatic/ statutory delegates will vote at the primary. The NWC has also nominated governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, as chairman of the committee mandated to elect the party's candidate for the election. The Ekiti State Police Command has warned the opposition PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to shun violence before, during and after the parties' governorship primaries slated for today and Thursday. The Commissioner of Police, Tunde Mobayo, has deployed additional manpower to monitor the shadow polls and warned against any form of sharp electoral malpractices. He has also confirmed the approval of additional manpower from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, to complement and support the personnel on ground.

Seven aspirants boycotted the APC primary in Ekiti, alleging fraud and manipulation. They demanded that the process be delayed for some days and that the local government election committee and ward election committee be disbanded and replaced with names that would reinforce internal democracy and uphold the aims and objectives of the party. The seven aspirants include Otunba 'Demola Popoola, Kayode Ojo, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Oluwatoyin Afolabi Olufemi Bamishile and Bamidele Faparusi. The police in Ekiti State have intercepted an 18-seater bus conveying 12-armed men, suspected to be errand boys for politicians, a few hours to the primary. This comes barely 24-hours after the command announced the arrest of 105 suspected party thugs by soldiers. The seized weapons include four single-barrel guns, one cut-to-size locally-made pistol, seven cartridges and substances suspected to be drugs.

Nigerians from all walks of life have expressed their opinions on what should be done to rescue the nation from the myriad of challenges currently stunting its development and threatening its existence as one corporate entity. Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, said the country's first priority should be a new federal constitution, while Elder Anthony Sani said the political leadership must come together and sublimate their energies in making Nigeria feel young again with the promise of glorious days ahead. Nkoyo Toyo, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Madam Becky Oiza, a mother of three, called for the government to reduce prices of goods to improve the standard of living of Nigerians and reduce criminal activities.