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Civil Society Observer Group Thumbs PDP Gubernatorial Primary Election

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2024

…Says it met Best Standard Practice

Jeph Ajayi

The Coalition of accredited Civil Society Observer Groups has thumbed the successful conduct of credible, transparent, free, fair and all inclusive primary election of the party on the 22nd February, 2024 Edo State People Democratic Party PDP ahead of the September 21st, 2024 Governorship election.

To this end, the group also commend the PDP family in Edo state, especially the delegates for their peaceful and orderly conduct during the election.

In a statement issued by the ,group team leader Victor Kalu and Team Secretary Mrs Rose Akhi gbe on Friday in Abuja said the election is no doubt met the international best practices for democratic election.

According to the statement, We Coalition of accredited Civil Society Observer Groups for the 22nd February, 2024 Edo State PDP Gubernatorial Primary Election, having carefully followed the entire process of the election with respect to the Party Constitution and Guidelines for the conduct of the election in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission Set Standards and our other relevant National Electoral Laws, wish to state our position and report categorically clear as thus:

“Ahead of the September 21st, 2024 Governorship election in Edo state, as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the soon to be ended tenure of the incumbent governor H. E. Godwin Obaseki.
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced 22nd February, 2024 for the conduct of their primaries to elect a flag bearer for the 21st Sept. 2024 Governorship election. This date was timely communicated to all the aspirants, party stakeholders and all other relevant authorities including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and was unanimously agreed by all as being convenient.

“The official venue for the party primary election was announced to be at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Be in City. While the party also adopted indirect primaries.
“We are impressed to observed that before the primary election, the party ratified as genuine and authentic the delegate lists that was produced after the peaceful delegate election and in affirmation of the commitment in ensuring credible, transparent, free, fair and all inclusive primary election of the party, the delegate list was given to all the aspirants to enable them have direct access to the delegate and lobby for their votes.
“Ten aspirants were screened and cleared to participate in the election.There was an impressive and adequate awareness among party members for the election.”
The statement added that: “Also, the regular stakeholders engagement by the National and State leadership of the party was very instrumental in ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the primary election. The stakeholders meetings played a crucial role in disseminating important information, clarifying doubts, and building trust among party members.

“The level playground given to all the aspirants, even to the point of making the delegate list available to them, went a long way in dowsing tension and building great trust on the neutrality and unbiased position of the National LEADERSHIP of the party and the Election Committee in conducting credible and acceptable election.

“Accreditations: The screening and accreditation of delegates, media, Observers, Security Personnel and all other election duty officials was carefully and transparently done in Edo Hotel Marque, GRA, Benin city between the hours of 8:am to 12:noon prompt under the watchful eyes of various security Agents and other relevant bodies. The successfully accredited delegates and officials were simultaneously transported to the venue of the Primary election, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by designated Buses under a very tight security.

“Based on the above appreciable democratic approach taken by the PDP leadership and His Excellency Dauda Lawal led Primary Election Committee, we wish to make the following categorical state;

“The PDP Governorship Election in Edo state actually took place as scheduled on the 22nd of September, 2024.The national and State leadership of the People Democratic Party was very resolute and committed to ensuring a peaceful and all inclusive party primary election that will stand as an example and further unit the party.

” This they, to the best of our observation achieved. There was timely availability of all the election materials and open display of same to all the Aspirants’ Agents, delegates and all relevant stakeholders before the commencement of the election in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

“There was a visible and adequate presence of various security Agents who conducted themselves in a very professional and orderly manner before, during and after the election.

“The Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki is hereby applauded for his fatherly disposition to all the aspirants and for his open campaign against godfatherism/imposition of candidates in our polity as a people.

“Finally we commend and appreciate PDP Edo state Governorship Primary Election Committee ably chaired and co-chaired by His Excellency Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state and His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state respectively, for their professional conduct and for remaining resolute and committed to conducting the most credible, transparent, free and fair all inclusive primary election in the state.

“We conclude by stating very categorically that the Edo State PDP Governorship Primary Election actually took place as scheduled on the 22nd February, 2024 in the official Venue and INEC recognized venue, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City under a very peaceful and calm atmosphere. The exercise was transparent, credible, free and fair in line with democratic tenets of constitutional elections.

“We therefore adjudge it to have met the international best practices for democratic election.

“The results and outcome of the election should therefore be accepted by all as a true reflection of the People Democratic Party members’ choice of their flag bearer in the forth coming September 21st 2924 governorship election in the Edo state.

“We use the medium to urge the winner of the Primary election to reach out to all other aspirants and show magnanimity in victory, while appealing to those who lost out in the election to show a good spirit of sportsmanship which is the beauty of democracy- there is always another chance, or better explore every democratic channel as stipulated by law to ventilate their grievances without violence.”

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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