61 years after independence, and despite its abundance of human and material resources, Nigeria is still struggling with setting the country on the right path of political, economic, environmental, social, technological, educational and cultural greatness. The poor leadership of Nigeria, since 1960, has had a crippling effect on the country’s socio-political development. Our civil service reeks of corruption and the unemployment rate is as high as ever.

The irony of these tragedies is that the problems bedeviling the nation were created by the same crop and caliber of leaders who continue to dominate political affairs. To rebuild Nigeria, we the youths need to be a major part of the solution. Nigeria has a huge youth demography, which if properly managed and harnessed, will steer the country on a path of development. The problem, unfortunately, seems to be that many Nigerian youths are waiting for power to be handed over to them on a platter of gold without fighting or acquiring basic leadership skills that’ll prepare them for greater service to their land. We cannot be docile or comfortable being just social media advocates for good governance. We must aim for actual inclusion in mainstream and frontline governance.

Nigerian youths must avoid shifting the blame to the past leaders, and instead work on shaping the future. The future belongs to the youths, but the future is not tomorrow. It already began yesterday. Nigerian youths must not get stuck reliving the past or passing blame. The demographics of leadership in the world is getting younger, while we are still stuck with same old hands that milk the country of her resources and derail her journey on the path of sustainable development. Recently, the Not Too Young To Run Bill was passed, and as usual, the Nigerian youths are folding their hands and still waiting for those in government to create a springboard for them to participate in governance, forgetting that power is never freely given or relinquished. It is fought for.

It is time to take responsibility for the future, because it will not be inherited. It is time for us to end our blame game with our colonial history, our founding fathers, our present leaders, and every other obstacle to making our country, Nigeria, great. We are energetic youths, with innovativeness, ambition, ideas and a burning passion to succeed. We must be the greatest asset of our country. We must prove that we are not too young to participate and learn the ropes of politics and governance, neither are we too young to fight for the future we desire and surely deserve. It is time to make our way to relevance and shape the future of our collective dreams by joining a credible institution that has risen up to fill the vacuum in governance. An institution that is dedicated to achieving good governance by promoting a united Nigeria agenda and transparent political leadership and followership that eschews money-politics, violence, repression and corruption. Nigerian youths have been marginalized in too many sectors of the country’s socio-economic landscape, and there is need for greater participation in contributing to social justice and sustainable development. The real restructuring begins with our collective decision to graduate from being mere onlookers and bystanders to playing a leading role in politics and every other sector of the country’s existence. The time is more than right! The time is now!

Youth Party has conceded defeat following the verdict of Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal on Thursday.

A statement made available to Vanguard and signed by the party commended the tribunal for discharging its duty within a reasonable time.

Youth Party however expressed disappointment over the dismissal of the party’s petition against the result of the Councillorship Election for Ward A, Eti Osa Local Government.

“As strong believers in democracy and the rule of law, we will study the judgment and make an informed decision on the way forward after due consultations.

“It is, however, important to state that while the Tribunal concluded that we were unable to prove our case beyond a reasonable doubt, it totally ignored the crux of our Petition, which was overvoting in many of the polling units, the failure of election to hold in at least two polling units and the systematic disenfranchisement of voters occasioned by the late arrival of election materials and the illegal relocation of several polling units. This we proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

In a bid to assuage the sufferings of Item motorcycle operators among other classes of people in Item, Bende LGA of Abia State, the Youth Party, through its leader, Barrister Ogala Osoka Jnr., has constructed a tent to serve as place of refuge.

Speaking while Commissioning the project over the weekend, the State Executives of the Party, led by the Chairman, Hon. Chris Onyekachi Okorie, said the construction of the tent was borne out of the suffering by motorcycle operators in the area, adding that when it rains or shines, it is impossible for those passing through the area to find shelter.

He said the gesture is part of efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, assuring that Youth Party Abia State, as a people oriented political party, will continue to embark on human faced projects meant to better the lots of rural dwellers among other classes of people.

Speaking while handing over the tent, the traditional ruler, Amaokwe Item, His Royal Majesty, Eze Clement Ofia Udensi, appreciated Youth Party for the gesture, adding that it will go a long way in assisting the motorcycle union and members who find it difficult to find shelter when it rains just as he prayed God to give the party leadership more wisdom.

On his part, the Presbyter Methodist Church of Nigeria, Amaokwe Item Circuit, Very Reverend Joseph Nwabuisi, lauded Youth Party for the magnanimity, stressing that if other political parties behave in this manner, the people will always speak good of them, urging the party leadership not to relent.

Responding on behalf of the motorcycle union, Ahamefula Onuoha thanked Barrister Ogala Osoka Junior for the magnanimity. He said they have been soliciting assistance from wealthy individuals around the area but no one has come to their aid.

Onuoha assured that they will maintain the tent as it will go a long way in alleviating their sufferings.

It would be recalled that not long ago, Barrister Ogala Osoka Junior pledged to construct a tent after witnessing their level of suffering during rainy and dry seasons.

Whilst we are disappointed with the dismissal of our Petition against the result of the Councillorship Election for Ward A, Eti Osa Local Government by the Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal, Youth Party wishes to commend the Election Tribunal for discharging it’s duties within reasonable time.

As strong believers in democracy and the rule of law, we will study the judgment and take an informed decision on the way forward after due consultations.

It is however important to state, that while the Tribunal concluded that we were unable to prove our case beyond resonable doubt, it totally ignored the crux of our Petition, which was over voting in many of the polling units, the failure of election to hold in at least two polling units and the systematic disenfranchisement of voters occassioned by the late arrival of election materials and the illegal relocation of several polling units. This we proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Specifically, there were clear evidence of overvoting in atleast 8 polling units (PUs 3,4,5,8,9,10 and 11)of the 16 Polling Units where the number of votes were more than the total number of accredited voters. In polling unit 003 located at 1, Yekini Elegushi Street, Ikate, 139 voters were accredited but 146 voted. In polling unit 004, located at Ikate Primary Health Center, 21 voters were accredited but 98 voted. In polling unit 005, located at the end of Oba Yekini Elegushi street, 241 voters were accredited but 253 voted. In polling unit 011, located at Igbokusu village,142 voters were accredited but 205 voted, Etc. Furthermore, No election election result was recorded for polling units 13 and 14a even on the summary of results used to return APC.

Election started in polling unit 13 at 3:15pm for an election that was meant to end at 3pm after most voters had left. Wrong materials were brought for polling unit 14a. All the above stated facts were uncontroverted. It is our position that the brazen act of electoral malpractice would continue to lead to voters apathy and imperil our hard fought democracy.

Voters turnout in Lagos State is currently less than 10%, which suggests that electorates are losing confidence in the electoral process.

That said, we commend the efforts of our brilliant legal team headed by Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson, S.A.N., and the unflinching support of our party members, supporters and well wishers. We will continue to fight the good fight of shaping a future where every Nigerian can fulfil their true potential.

Finally, we wish to commend our candidate, Mrs Tari Taylaur, who has demonstrated leadership throughout the entire process. She ran a brilliant campaign that connected with people from all strata of society and gave them hope. She’ll be back and even stronger.

The race towards a better Nation remains our unrelenting purpose and we urge every well meaning Nigerians to join this noble cause of Shaping the Future of our great Country.

Youth Party, Abia State Chapter, has described the death of Lady Adanma Enyidiya Okpara, wife of late Michael Okpara, Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic, as a big loss, adding that her motherly advise would be greatly missed.

Abia Youth Party made their feelings known when the Party Executives led by the Chairman, Hon. Chris Onyekachi Okorie paid a condolence visit to the family in their Umuahia residence.

In his speech during the visit, Hon. Onyekachi, said that the motherly advise those close to Lady Enyidiya Okpara and beyond received from her has transformed a good number of them that deployed it to good use.

He added that late Lady Enyidiya Okpara left indelible footprints in annals of history which would be difficult to erase, while urging the family to take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life just as he admonished them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.

Responding through his wife, the first son Mr Uzodinma Okpara, appreciated the Youth Party for finding it worthy to commiserate with the family during their moment of grief, praying God to prosper the party.

In the same vein, Youth Party, Abia State Chapter also condoned with the family of the first Military Head of State of Nigeria Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi over the death of Victoria Victoria Aguyi-Ironsi.

The party appreciated the role the family played in unifying the country, adding that their sacrifices fostered peace.

On their part, the family commended the party and pledged to communicate with the party concerning the burial rites among others.

The Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal, Alausa, Ikeja, Today & Yesterday, 20th and 21st September, 2021, heard the Petition filed by our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur in respect of the disputed Councillorship election in Ward A, (Lekki/Ikate) Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu, who represented the lead Counsel Mr. C.A. Candide Johnson, S.A.N., appeared for the Petitioners with Eze Okam, Chibuike Ifeagwu and Chizoba Anyaeji.

Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N, with Mr. Ogunleye for APC and Mr. Tolulope Adebayo for Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). APC and its candidate presented their case by calling 11 witnesses. Mr. Niyi Ogunyemi, a witness for APC testified that he acted as party agent for polling unit 001 and signed the result.
However, it was revealed during cross examination that he did not sign the result as claimed. The next witness Mr. Idowu Tomoloju, APC agent for Polling Unit 2 Itedo also testified for APC and its candidate and gave a similar testimony that was contradicted on cross examination by Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu. It was revealed that he was not the agent for APC in the election and he did not sign the result.

Mr. Owowa Kingsley testified as APC’s agent for Polling Unit 13 testified that he arrived the polling unit located at Divine Mercy Church, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1 at 7 am while the Electoral Officers arrived the polling unit at 8 am when in fact the electoral officers arrived the polling unit at 2.30 pm. Also, the polling unit was moved to Lekki Event Centre where election eventually took place at about 3:15pm. The witness contradicted himself when he testified that Youth Party won the election in the polling unit but the APC candidate was declared winner.

Mr. Dauda Adewale testified for APC and its candidate. The witness was cross-examined where he admitted that polling unit 003 was relocated to 1, Oba Yekini Elegushi Street, contrary to Elegushi Main Entrance provided by the LASIEC guidelines.

Mrs. Bilikisu Elegushi testified for APC and its candidate in respect of polling unit 8. She admitted during cross examination that there was over voting in the polling unit as the number of ballot papers issued were 400 and the number of unused ballot papers and valid votes were 508.

Mrs. Omoniyi Adetoro testified that she acted as party agent for polling unit 011.
The witness confirmed during cross examination that she knows Honourable Kehinde Muyibi, a former Councilor and an APC leader in Igbokusu who in the company of his father intimidated the agents of Youth Party in Igbokusu village during the election.

The Tribunal adjourned to Wednesday, 22nd September, 2021, at 11 am, for continuation of hearing.

The Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday 16th September, 2021, heard the Petition filed by our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur in respect of the rigged Councillorship election in Ward A, (Lekki/Ikate) Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu, who represented the lead Counsel Mr. C.A. Candide Johnson, S.A.N., appeared for the Petitioners with Eze Okam, Esther Randle, Chibuike Ifeagwu and Chizoba Anyaeji.

Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N, with Mr. Ogunleye for APC and Mr. Efe Akpoduvo with Tolulope Adebayo for Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

The Witness, Mrs. Kazeem Kudirat Ajoke , the Electoral Officer for Ward A, Eti-Osa Local Government, who was subpoenaed by the Tribunal to tender the declaration of result sheet, summary of result for Ward A, LASIEC guidelines for Eti-Osa Local Government, register of voters for polling units 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 008 and 011 and results for polling units 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 015 and further testify on those documents.

Mr. Ogala, SAN, vehemently opposed the tendering of the register of voters either from the bar or through the witness.

The Court stood down the matter for 10 minutes to enable the Petitioners agree with the witness to enable her tender the documents. The Electoral Officer agreed to tender the declaration of result sheet, summary of result for Ward A, LASIEC guidelines for Eti-Osa Local Government, results for polling units 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 015 but asked that she be afforded time to cross check the register of voters for polling units 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 008 and 011 brought by the Petitioners with the one in their custody to ensure consistency before coming to tender the register of voters.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu informed that Tribunal that he can close his case and then take the witness when LASIEC opens its case, to avoid delays.

The Petitioners concluded their case and the matter was consequently adjourned to Monday, 20th September, 2021, at 10 am, for continuation of hearing.

The Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday 13th September, 2021, heard the Petition filed by our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur in respect of the rigged Councillorship election in Ward A, (Lekki/Ikate) Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu, who represented the lead Counsel Mr. C.A. Candide Johnson, S.A.N., appeared for the Petitioners with Eze Okam, Esther Randle, Chizoba Anyaeji and Emmanuella Fogeh.

Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N, with Mr. Ogunleye for APC and Mr. Efe Akpoduvo with Olulogbe Adebayo for Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

Our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur presented 2 Witnesses at the Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal today. The Polling Agent for Polling Unit 13, who had testified that voting materials did not arrive until about 3pm. And, voting started at 3:15pm, when most voters had left having waited from about 8am in some cases. He testified that the election venue was moved from Omorinre Johnson Street, off Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1 to Lekki Event Centre. He also tendered a video recording showing irregularities collation of results going on at the Local Government, Igbo-Efon.

The witness was cross-examined by Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N and Mr. Akpoduvo. The witness was further re-examined by Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu.

The 2nd Witness, Mrs. Bolanle Babajide, the Chief Legal Officer of INEC, who was subpoenaed by the Tribunal to tender the register of voters for polling units 014A, 016, 016A, 17, 18, 18A and 19 and further testify on those documents.

Mr. Ogala, SAN argued that the witness was not listed as a witness for the Petitioners and cannot testify for the Petitioners. However, the witness can only tender those documents. The Tribunal upheld his objection and the witness was examined by the Tribunal after which the register of voters for polling units 014A, 016, 016A, 17, 18, 18A and 19 were tendered.

We could not conclude our case as scheduled by Tribunal as the LASIEC Election Returning Officer for the Constituency was absent.

The Matter was consequently adjourned to Thursday, 16th September, 2021, at 12noon, for continuation of hearing.

The Election Petition filed before the Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal in respect of the Ward A, (Lekki/Ikate) Eti-Osa Local Government Area Councillorship election came up for hearings earlier today.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu, who represented the lead Counsel Mr. C.A. Candide Johnson, S.A.N., appeared for the Petitioners with Esther Randle, Collins Ede, Abiola Abegunde and Emmanuella Fogeh for the Petitioners.
Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N, with Mr. Ogunleye for APC and Mr. Efe Akpoduvo with Olulogbe Adebayo for Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

Our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur presented 2 Witnesses at the Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal today. They were examined by Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu and cross-examined by Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N., for APC and Mr. Akpoduvo for Lagos State Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

The 1st Witness, our Party’s agent for polling unit 16A testified that voters came to cast their vote but discovered that election was not ongoing. So many voters waited for the arrival of LASIEC officials but they did not show up and they left the polling unit out of frustration. He found out from a voter that polling unit 16 had been moved to Admiralty Way in Lekki without notifying the electorates. He further testified that he joined a LASIEC official to polling unit 13 at past 3 pm while election started at 3.17 pm. The witness was cross-examined by Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N and Mr. Akpoduvo. The witness was further re-examined by Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu.

The 2nd Witness, our party’s agent for polling unit 013 testified that he arrived the election venue at about 6.30 am and waited for the arrival of LASIEC officials, but they did not show up. He further testified that LASIEC officials arrived the election venue at about 2.30 pm and informed the voters that polling unit 13 has been moved to Lekki Event Centre on Admiralty Way while voting started at about 3:00 pm but that there was poor turnout of voters due to the delay and sudden change of location by the LASIEC officials.

The 2nd witness was unable to conclude his testimony due to some technical fault with the recording system.
The matter was consequently adjourned to Monday, 13th September, 2021, for continuation of hearing.

The Tribunal started sitting at about 10:20am.

Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu, who represented the lead Counsel Mr. C.A. Candide-Johnson,S.A.N.,appeared for the Petitioners with Eze Okam, Esther Randle, Chibuike Ifeagwu and Chizoba Anyaeji for the Petitioners.
Mr. Babatunde Ogala S.A.N., for APC and Sadiq Mudashiru(it’s candidate)
Mr. Efe Akpoduvo for Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission(LASIEC).

Our Party and Mrs. Tari Taylaur presented 5 Witnesses at the Lagos State Local Government Election Tribunal today. They were examined by Mr. ‘Wale Irokosu and cross-examined by Mr. Babatunde Ogala, S.A.N., for APC and Mr. Akpoduvo for Lagos State Electoral Commission(LASIEC).
One of the Witneseses, our Party’s agent for Polling Unit 16 and 16A testified that the Ward A constituency starts from Lekki Phase 1 and ends at Femi Okunnu Estate and that her polling units were within the constituency. Election took place in the polling units but was never recorded in the final result even though Youth Party won. Also, the Polling units was not on LASIEC’s guildeline.

The 2nd witness, our party’s agent for polling unit 10 in Igbokusu village testified that there was threat and intimidation at the polling unit as party agent for Youth Party’s representation was challenged on the ground that he is not a member of the community.
There was multiple thumb printing and when he started recording the irregularities, members of the APC trailed him and he left the community for his safety before the end of the election.

The third witness, Youth Party’s agent in polling unit 14A in Lekki testified that the election materials brought in his polling unit had Iru/Victoria Island on it.
That after the election, the ballot papers were moved to Iru/Victoria Island LCDA for collation which resulted in disenfranchisement of voters in polling unit 14A as their votes did not count and the result was not recorded in the final result.

The fourth witness, Youth Party’s agent for polling unit 005 in Ikate Land which was located around the palace of Oba of Elegushi testified that several groups of persons who are non Nigerians were brought to vote upon the payment of N3000.
Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs was also seen openly disturbing money from the trunk of his car.

The fifth witness, the Youth Party’s agent for polling unit 007 testified that her polling unit was moved from the original location to the Palace of Oba Elegushi of Ikate Land. She was testified that APC mobilized voters with money, food and drinks to ensure they vote for the APC candidate and they also followed voters to the polling booth to ensure they vote for APC candidates.

The matter was adjourned to Wednesday, 8th September 2021, for continuation of Hearing.