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Sowore Rejects Party Deregistration Order, Adebayo Demands Full INEC Independence

mingooland
2 min read
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Presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the Federal High Court ruling that directed INEC to deregister five political parties.

Sowore said on Monday that the judgement was undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of a multi-party system.

In a post on X, he stated that it was unacceptable for parties to be deregistered when they had already concluded their primaries and were preparing for future elections.

Sowore stated, “It shall not stand. I totally condemn the deregistration of political parties that have already concluded their primaries and are preparing for general election. Such an action is undemocratic and unjustifiable in a multi-party democracy.”

Also, the presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), AdewoleAdebayo, declared that Nigeria had not yet attained true democracy, describing the current system as mere “civilian rule” lacking the core ingredients of accountability, rule of law, credible elections, and citizens’ welfare.

Adebayo, according to a statement by his media office in Abuja, said while the country had enjoyed uninterrupted civilian governance since 1999, successive administrations had failed to deepen democratic values, leaving the nation worse off than it was decades ago.

“Since 1993, only two things have changed — our problems have become bigger, and our democratic space has become smaller,” he said.

The SDP chieftain warned that the twin challenges of poverty and insecurity, if left unaddressed, could degenerate into instability or worse.

“Poverty has grown and given birth to insecurity. If we fail to address both, they may eventually give rise to instability, revolution, or even genocide,” he stated.

Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Sunday Aborisade and Yinka Kolawole

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This quaint Christmas village near Montreal is literally straight out of a Hallmark movie

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-walks-along-one-of-almonte-s-quiet-quaint-streets-right-a-golden-retriever-sits-outside-a-charming-boutique-in-almont.jpg?id=54019581&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Looking for a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/travel/small-towns-near-montreal-road-trip">romantic road trip from Montreal</a>? This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/small-town-near-montreal-road-trip-almonte" target="_self" rel="noopener">quaint and cozy Christmas village</a> is just two hours from the city and looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie—for good reason!</p><p>With its old-time charm and picturesque streets, this <a href="https://almonte.com/movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">real-life Hallmark village</a> has been the backdrop for 17 Hallmark movies, including <em>Christmas By Design, A Christmas Stray, A Chance For Christmas, The Christmas Set Up</em>, and many more. </p><p>In fact, this small town has hosted so many holiday movies it's been dubbed the "Mini Hollywood North" and the "Hallmark capital" by <a href="https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/romantic-holiday-getaways-ontario#:~:text=romantic%20holiday%20getaway.-,Almonte,than%20forty%20different%20Canadian%20makers.">Destination Ontario</a>. </p><p>This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/upper-canada-village-alight-at-night-festival-near-montreal">cozy Christmas town</a> is located in Almonte, Ontario, around 2-3 hours from Montreal, depending on how you travel. If you want to road trip, it'll take you just under 3 hours to get there. You'll pass Ottawa en route, so you can stop for a coffee in the capital if you need a break from driving.</p><p>Arriving in Almonte, a former mill town, you're greeted by winding streets lined with heritage buildings dressed up in holiday decor. Once the season is in full swing, the village's streets are filled with Christmas trees and wreaths, wrapping you up in the holiday spirit.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Canada's version of the Mississippi River runs through town, catching the lights as you stroll along, giving everything a picture-perfect feel. With snow on the ground (fingers crossed!) and festive lights all around, it's hard not to feel like you've stepped into your own wintry movie scene.<br/></p><p>It's pretty obvious why this spot was selected for so many festive films and has even been described as "<a href="https://www.narcity.com/small-town-ontario-almonte-hallmark-capital">the Christmas capital of Ontario</a>." The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadas-most-beautiful-village-fall-road-trip-montreal">quaint village</a> is packed with cozy shops, glowing streetlights, and a small-town vibe that really leans into winter magic. </p><p>A weekend trip here could start with a visit to <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/baker-bobs/">Baker Bob's</a>, a local favourite, which offers freshly baked treats—perfect for warming up cold hands while you browse. And if you're hungry, <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/joes-italian-kitchen/">Joe's Italian Kitchen</a> serves up hearty comfort food that hits the spot on a wintry day.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Almonte's annual <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/light-up-the-night/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Light Up The Night event</a> kicks off the holiday season on the first Friday of December. It's a popular event, with fireworks, Christmas lights and live music as part of an open-air concert. Described as one of Canada's "largest and most magical outdoor Christmas shows," this shouldn't be missed.</p><p>There's also the Almonte Christmas Night Parade, <a href="https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/almonte-night-parade.aspx">described as</a> "a twinkly celebration with loads of sparkling lights and music."</p><p>During winter, the nearby Old Town Hall hosts the <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/folkus-concert-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Folkus Concert Series</a>, featuring Canadian bands and artists "up close."</p><p>If you're in the mood to browse, Almonte's local shops have handmade crafts and holiday decor that are perfect for pretty much everyone on your Christmas list. Tin Barn Market, for example, is packed with items that feel right out of a holiday magazine: home decor, candles, and handcrafted pieces.</p><p>If antiques are your thing, don't forget to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Almonteantiquesandcollectibles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Almonte Antique & Collectibles</a> for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or somebody else.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, a visit to Almonte wouldn't be complete without seeing Mill Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall that runs through town. In winter, the falls can freeze over, turning into a landscape of snow and ice that's straight out of a winter postcard.</p><p>For the perfect holiday selfie, head to <a href="https://cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm</a>.</p><h3>Almonte, Ontario</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, ON</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Although this spot has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/movies/holiday-movie-town-almonte-canada.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depicted in movies as Vermont</a>, Milwaukee and even Alaska, Almonte is absolutely magical in its own right! With quaint streets, charming stores, cozy coffee spots and a whole host of festive events, this twinkling Christmas town is the perfect place to celebrate the season.</p><p><a href="https://almonte.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Almonte tourism website</a><br/></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>

mingooland · · 4 min read