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Tag: By-Election

  • Police recover arms, cash during by-elections in Kano

    Police recover arms, cash during by-elections in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested 333 suspects for various electoral offences during the just-concluded Ghari/Tsanyawa re-run election and Bagwai/Shanono by-election held on Saturday.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Adamu, disclosed this at a news briefing in Kano on Monday.

    Adamu said the suspects were apprehended in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas for reportedly disrupting the electoral process and attempting to undermine the credibility of the exercise.

    He said items recovered from the suspects included one pump action rifle, five locally-made guns, 94 long sticks, 16 swords, 18 cutlasses, 32 locally-made weapons, 18 knives, a bow and 23 arrows.

    Others were seven catapults, 45 stones, 14 vehicles, two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers and N4.048 million cash.

    “All the arrested suspects have been charged before Magistrate Courts 20, 27, 44 No man’s land and Magistrate Courts 8 and 53 in Kano for prosecution under various electoral offences,” Adamu said.

    The offences, he said, included criminal conspiracy, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting, destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles and vote solicitation.

    He commended the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and other security agencies for their professionalism and coordinated efforts in safeguarding the process.

    According to him, their combined efforts prevented the violence from spreading and ensured the safety of voters and election officials.

    The commissioner urged the residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with the security personnel and view security as a collective responsibility.

    “For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, please contact the command via 08032419754 or 09029292926,” Adamu said.

  • 12 parties set to contest in Anambra South By-Election

    12 parties set to contest in Anambra South By-Election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 12 political parties will participate in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election scheduled for Aug. 16.

    In addition, nine political parties will contest in the Onitsha North Constituency 1 bye-election for the Anambra State House of Assembly.

    Recall that Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the Senate, passed away in July, 2024.

    Similarly, Mr Justice Azuka, lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State Assembly, died following his reported abduction by gunmen on Dec. 24, 2024.

    The death of the legislators necessitated the conduct of a bye-election.

    Dr Elizabeth Agwu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, affirmed the commission’s preparedness to conduct the up-coming bye-elections.

    According to Agwu, non-sensitive election materials have already arrived in the state and have been distributed, while robust security measures are in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

    She also noted that the training of ad hoc staffers, including Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), began on Friday and will concluded on Sunday across 15 local government areas in the state.

    “To ensure the credibility of the bye-elections, individuals found culpable in previous exercises have been blacklisted, among other measures taken,’’ she said.

    Agwu expressed concern that certain political parties are focusing on propaganda rather than genuine campaigning.

    “Let me emphasised that everyone contesting in the elections is a candidate approved by INEC, but ultimately, it is the voters who will decide the winners,” she said.

    NAN reports that some of the candidates contesting in the Anambra South Senatorial bye-election include: Mr Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Mr Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Also contesting are; Mr Peter Ekwueme of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Mr Azubuike Okoli of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Chief Emma Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others.

  • PDP victory in by-election will affirm party’s dominance – Makinde

    PDP victory in by-election will affirm party’s dominance – Makinde

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate’s victory in the Aug.16, Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election will affirm the party’s dominance in the state.

    Makinde said this at the Bodija market in Ibadan during the official flag-off of the PDP campaign and the presentation of the party’s flag to its caandidate in the by-election, Mr Folajimi Oyekunle.

    The governor described Oyekunle as trusted, competent and the best man to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

    While appreciating the people of the state for their support since the inception of his administration,  Makinde urged all eligible voters in Ibadan North Federal Constituency to vote PDP candidate on Aug. 16.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Folajimi Oyekunle Campaign Director-General, Mr Ademola Omotosho, implored the  people of the constituency to come out en masse to vote for the PDP candidate on the election day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyekunle, a former House of Assembly member, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Makinde until his emergence as the PDP candidate.

  • APC aspirants for by-election reject imposition, issue 48-hour ultimatum

    APC aspirants for by-election reject imposition, issue 48-hour ultimatum

    Some aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have rejected the choice of Adewale Olatunji Murphy, as the party’s candidate for the Aug. 16, Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

    The aspirants under the aegis of United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, told newsmen on Monday in Ibadan, that Murphy was allegedly imposed on them.

    NAN reports that the six aspirants present at the conference are Olusegun Olaleye, Saheed Aderounmu, Adekunle Oladeji, Oluyinka Omikunle, Idris Lapade and Khalil Mustapha Repete.

    They warned the party’s national leadership to reverse the imposition within 48 hours or face consequences, including internal rebellion and voter apathy during the Aug. 16 by-election.

    The aspirants condemned the selection of Murphy without a primary election, threatening fallout if the party’s national leadership fails to urgently address the unfolding crisis.

    The aggríeved aspirants described the alleged imposition of Murphy as a breach of democratic norms and party guidelines.

    Aderounmu, one of the aspirant, accused the National Working Committee of the party of sidelining due process and opting for a backdoor endorsement of an unpopular candidate.

    They accused the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, of complicity in the alleged imposition, urging him to publicly distance himself to protect his credibility and party unity.

    The group said that they have unanimously adopted Khali Mustapha Repete as their consensus candidate, insisting he emerged through transparent consultation with stakeholders and grassroots members in the constituency.

    The group cited President Bola Tinubu’s emergence through democratic primaries, they urged the APC leadership to emulate his example and preserve the party’s integrity in Oyo State.

    The aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to APC but vowed to resist any undemocratic decision, insisting that party victory lies in justice, openness, and respect for the people’s choice.

  • Police order restriction of movement in 26 states for by-election

    Police order restriction of movement in 26 states for by-election

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered restriction of movements in 26 states, ahead of Saturday’s re-run and by-election.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuywa Adejobi on Thursday in Abuja said the restriction applied to all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation.

    The I-G said the restriction would take effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day in all states where election would be conducted.

    He said that those on essential services, INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters would be exempted from the restriction.

    Egbetokun also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

    “State-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election.

    “The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the election,” he said.

    The police boss said the idea was to safeguard the integrity of the election and guarantee equal participation for all citizens in the affected states.

    He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, in accordance with the electoral laws.

    Egbetokun said any attempt to disrupt the process or violate the established guidelines would be met with the full force of the law.

    The I-G pledged the commitment of the police to foster a secured democratic society and enjoined citizens to report suspicious activities or incidents that could undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.

    He said the authorities could be reached through 08034040439, CP Elections, 08031230631, Toll Free, 08057000001, 08057000002, Complaint Response Unit, @ngpolice, Facebook, @PoliceNG, X or pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, e-mail.

    Egbetokun expressed confidence that through collective efforts, the run-off and by-election would be conducted peacefully, transparently and in line with the principles of democracy.

    The states affected included Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

  • JUST IN: Tribunal declares PRP winner of Plateau Rep by-election

    JUST IN: Tribunal declares PRP winner of Plateau Rep by-election

     

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has declared Muhammad Adam Alkali, candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), winner of the by-election for Jos North Bassa f?Federal Constituency.

    In their verdict on Friday, Justice Hope O. Ozoh. Khadi Usman Umar, and Justice Zainab M. Bashir, held that the petitioners proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.

    The court also nullified the certificate of return earlier issued to Hon Musa Agah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who was declared winner of the election in February.

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared the winner of the Saturday by-election for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Declaring the result, INEC’s Returning Officer, Yinka Oyerinde, said Musa Agah of the PDP polled a total of 40,343 votes to defeat his closet challenger, Muhammed Adam Alkali, of PRP who garnered a total of 37,757 votes while Abbey Aku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 26,111.

    11 political parties contested the February 26th by-Election to fill the position left by Haruna Maitalla of the APC who died in a motor accident in April 2021.

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  • Ogoja/Yala by-election: PDP to challenge Jude Ngaji’s victory in court

    Ogoja/Yala by-election: PDP to challenge Jude Ngaji’s victory in court

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it plans to challenge the result of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election in Cross River in court.

    Mr Venatius Ikem, the state PDP Chairman, said this on Tuesday, in Calabar when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the election.

    Nkem said that the result did not represent the people’s wish.

    “We reject in totality the results announced by the Returning Officer in the last Saturday Ogoja/Yala federal constituency election in which the APC candidate was wrongfully declared winner.

    “This is because he did not score the majority of valid votes cast in that election,” he said.

    He alleged that the election was characterised by massive irregularities including violence and snatching of ballot boxes.

    The chairman charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be ready to produce all the BVAS machines used for the election at the tribunal for proper verification.

    Ikem said that the PDP has enough evidence to tender in court to prove its allegation of irregularities at the election.

    “We will reclaim our victory at the appropriate quarters. We are not relenting,” he said.

    INEC had declared Mr Jude Ngaji of APC as the winner of by-election.

    Mr John Edor, the INEC Returning Officer for the election, said that Ngaji scored 22,778 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Mike Usibe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 20,590 votes.

  • APC candidate. Jude Ngaji wins Ogoja/Yala by-election

    APC candidate. Jude Ngaji wins Ogoja/Yala by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Jude Ngaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election in Cross River.

    Dr John Edor, the INEC Returning Officer for the election, announced the result on Sunday in Ogoja.

    Edor said that Ngaji scored 22,778 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Mike Usibe of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who garnered 20,590 votes.

    Reacting, Mr Alphonsus Eba, the state APC chairman, commended INEC for a good job.

    “The use of BVAS facilitated free and fair election,” he said.

    Eba also commended President Muhammad Buhari for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2022, into law.

    “This will surely strengthen the electoral process, ” he said.

    Mr Venatius Ikem, the state PDP chairman, said his party was still studying the situation and will respond at the most appropriate time.

    “There were discrepancies noticed during the election in many polling units but the party will respond in due course,” he said.

    The election was to fill the vacuum created after Rep. Jarigbe Agom, left to represent Cross River North at the Senate.

  • INEC declares APC winner of Imo state Bye-election

    INEC declares APC winner of Imo state Bye-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Amajirionwu Blyden Okanni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the just-concluded state assembly by-election into the Ngor-Okpala constituency of Imo State.

    Ameh Dennis Akor, a Professor of Drama and Critical Theory from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, and the returning officer, announced the results at Umuneke in the Council Headquarters of Ngor-Okpala LGA on Sunday morning.

    He said that the APC candidate of polled 9 248 to defeat Jeff Nwachukwu of the PDP who polled 7 071 votes.

    He stated that the total registered voters across the 11 existing electoral wards in the area was 94,060, and the total number of accredited voters was 18 083, noting that polling commenced as early as 8:30a.m and ended at about 2:30p.m, noting that all accredited voters with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) cast their votes.

    The election results were published, displayed and transmitted electronically using the forms EC60E and EC8A through the INEC’s portal.

    He further stated that the number of total votes cast was 17 862 and the total number of valid votes was 17 280 with rejected votes being 582.

    He commended the efforts of security agencies especially the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Rabiu Hussaini and all stakeholders who participated before, during and after the elections for their maturity and understanding.

    No fewer than eleven registered political parties participated in the election.
    The parties included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP).

    Others were the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Allied People’s Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

  • PDP candidate laments late arrival of voting materials for Ondo by-election

    PDP candidate laments late arrival of voting materials for Ondo by-election

    Mr Olumuyiwa Adu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the ongoing Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency by-election, has lamented the late arrival of voting materials in some polling units.

    Adu, while speaking with newsmen on Saturday after voting at Oke Aro/Iro Unit 9, Ward 5, noted that he had received information from some polling units that INEC adhoc staff did not arrive on time.

    The candidate, who commended the early arrival of election materials in some centres, urged INEC to look into the issues raised.

    He said that it was too early to access the performance of the electoral body, stating that he has been receiving calls on the late arrival of materials in some areas.

    “I was here much earlier and the INEC officials were able to read our the guidelines, the code of conduct and other instructions, and to the best of my knowledge, we started well but its too early for me to say whether it is free and fair.

    “Even after the end of the conduct, it will be difficult in all the units where this election is taking place, I can only talk about this place where I cast my vote,” he said.

    Mr Mayokun Lawson-Alade, APC Candidate, while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote at Polling Unit 14, Ward 3, Akure, said “INEC has done a great job”.

    Lawson-Alade, who described the process as peaceful, advised electorate to vote and stand by their votes.

    “We are committed to the votes of Akure kingdom,” he said.

    The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, described the election in his hometown, Iju in Akure North Local Government as peaceful and impressive.

    Alasoadura, who voted at the Polling Unit 5, Ward 8, Iju, noted that some card readers were malfunctioning and appealed to voters to be patient.

    Similarly, Mr Bankole Ogbesetore, Chairman, Akure North Local Government, who voted at Polling Unit 7, Ward 1, Itaogbolu, said that the election has been peaceful.

    However, there was impressive turnout of voters in most polling units visited.