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Tag: INEC

  • INEC clarifies misconceptions over delineation of Wards in Warri

    INEC clarifies misconceptions over delineation of Wards in Warri

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made clarifications on misconceptions surrounding the delineation of Wards in Warri Federal Constituency.

    This is coming after Itsekiri Leaders of Thought in Warri, Delta State kicked against a draft report presented by INEC to stakeholders in the constituency on the proposed ward delineation.

    INEC disclosed that contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission was yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    It stated that copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue for the purpose to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have.

    “The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved,” the Commission stated on Thursday in a statement released by Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.

    The statement reads in full: “Our attention has been drawn to the misleading narratives about the proposed delineation of Wards in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgement delivered on 2nd December 2022.

    “Following the Supreme Court judgement, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three Local Government Areas culminating in the production of a draft report.

    “The Commission held further consultation with stakeholders in Warri last week on Friday 4th April 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue. The purpose was to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have. The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.

    “Therefore, contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “We urge representatives of the various stakeholders to submit their obesrvations on the draft report which will serve as the basis for further engagement on the matter.

    “Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders”.

  • BREAKING: Sam Olumekun assumes duties as INEC’s Acting Chairman

    BREAKING: Sam Olumekun assumes duties as INEC’s Acting Chairman

    Mr. Sam Olumekun has assumed duties at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr. Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.

    Olumekun performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.

    The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.

    It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.

    During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.

    He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.

    Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

    TNG reports this is coming amid rumours which circulated recently via social media that INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had been removed from office.

    Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Yakubu was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.

    “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.

    TNG reports Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.

    The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.

    After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.

    Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Yakubu is currently out of the country to the Gambia to attend the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions meeting.

  • Itsekiri leaders reject INEC wards delineations in Warri constituency

    Itsekiri leaders reject INEC wards delineations in Warri constituency

    The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought in Warri, Delta have kicked against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed ward delineation report in the state.

    Sir Amorighoye Mene, the Group’s Secretary, who addressed newsmen on Saturday in Asaba, said they would challenge INEC on the delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    NAN report that the Warri Federal Constituency consists of Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South local governments.

    The Secretary said that they had expected INEC to take into consideration the voting strength of the various ethnic groups that make up the area.

    According to him, the Itsekiris, Urhobos and the Ijaws and other mix up demographics areas would have been taken into consideration while delineating the wards and polling units.

    He said that if INEC was allowed to implement the proposed wards the Itsekiri people would not get fair representation anywhere.

    He called on INEC to reflect on the issues and to be fair and equitable  based on the number of registered voters from each of the areas.

    According to Mene, the INEC at a stakeholders meeting on Friday unveiled the proposed delineated wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency in line with the Supreme Court’s judgement that calls for fresh delineation.

    “We were not given opportunity to speak or react at the venue of the unveiling but we have looked at the report given to us and the entire Itsekiri nation completely condemn and reject the work done by INEC.

    “In Warri North; Itsekiris used to have six wards, Ijaws, four wards since 1999 but today from the reviewed INEC report, out of 18 Wards, itsekiris with 75,912 registered voters with 134 polling units now have eight wards.

    “While the Ijaws with 35,480 voters strength and 58 polling units now have 10 wards.”

    Mene noted that the situation was not different from Warri South West and Warri South where the  Itsekiri’s voter strength was undermined.

    According to him, In Warri South West, Itsekiris with voters strength of 94,074 and 175  polling units based on INEC register, now have five wards out of 19 wards delineated by INEC in their report.

    “While the Ijaws with 95,046 voting strength and 147 polling units now have 14 wards in the area.

    “In Warri South, Itsekiris with the voting strength of 88, 309 and 174 polling units now have eight wards while the Urhobos with 38,000 voters and 72 polling units, have 10 wards and the mix demographic area with about 51,517 voters and 105 units, the Ijaws got two wards in the area.”

    He said that INEC should primarily concern itself with eligible voters and how they could vote conveniently being the purpose for delineation of units and wards for people to exercise their franchise.

    “We expect INEC to be fair, equitable and not bias because wards and polling units delineation is for the convenience of administering elections based on numbers of registered voters in various communities and registered areas.

    ” So, those who have more registered voters should have more wards and polling units. What we are demanding from INEC is  fairness and equity,” Mene said.

  • No going back on Natasha’s recall process – Constituents

    No going back on Natasha’s recall process – Constituents

    Some determined constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District on Thursday vowed never to back down on the recall process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.

    Rather, they insisted that they would fine-tune the process.

    The constituents, in a statement issued on Thursday by Salihu Habib, said there was no going back on their resolve to bring the Kogi senator back home.

    They, however, thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition earlier submitted to it for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the renewed determination by the concerned constituents was sequel to INEC’s declaration of some defects in the recall petition they had hitherto presented to it.

    INEC had, in a statement on its X handle on Thursday said the petition failed to meet the minimum requirement prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, said that they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation.

    They, however, noted that the validation of 43.86 per cent by INEC was a confirmation that Kogi Central constituents had rejected the senator.

    “Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures from the administrative signatures collected.

    “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition.

    “We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” they said.

    They expressed gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong.

    “We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they said.

    The petitioners insisted that the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable.

    “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central senatorial district. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.

    “The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze.

    “We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” they stated.

  • You did well – Sen Natasha hails INEC for rejecting recall petition

    You did well – Sen Natasha hails INEC for rejecting recall petition

    Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has praised  the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for dismissing the petition filed for her recall by a certain groups and individuals.

    The Senator via her social media on Thursday lauded INEC for its commitment to justice and constitutional integrity, rejecting the pressures from undemocratic forces, both within Kogi State and the Senate.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the electoral body in a terse statement announced that the “petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirements set out by the Constitution. As a result, no further action will be taken on the matter.”

    Reacting, Akpoti-Uduaghan issued a statement, saying: “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello.”

    The Senator went on to add: “The voice of the people is the voice of God. Nobody, be it former Governor Yahaya Bello or Senate President Godswill Akpabio and their associates can toy with the mandate freely given by the resolute people of Kogi Central without being put to shame.”

    She continued, “All along, I did not exercise any fear because I have a God that can never fail, and I have people on my side. The decision to reject the recall process is a justice against injustice. INEC has proven to be truly independent, and history will never forget this justice.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her appreciation for the electoral body, stating, “I commend the umpire for shaming the shameless agents of darkness and setting the record straight according to the laws of our land.”

    “To God be the glory, we have defeated them again. This development is another record-breaking moment for those who thrive on manipulation, election rigging, and violence, both in Kogi Central and beyond,” she added.

  • BREAKING: INEC rejects recall petition against Sen Natasha

    BREAKING: INEC rejects recall petition against Sen Natasha

    The Independent National Electoral Commission,( INEC) has declared the petition to recall the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, inadequate.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the electoral umpire via its 𝕏 handle on Thursday, April 3, 2025, made this known in a terse statement where it disclosed that the group, who initiated the process did not meet the requirements of the constitution.

    INEC in a tweet on its ‘X’ handle said; “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)”.

    The commission, however, said that details of why the petition had not met the constitutional requirement would be made available shortly.

    According to reports, a group of registered voters from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial district had, on March 24, submitted a petition to INEC, urging it to commence her recall process from the senate.

    The constituents, in the letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, and submitted at INEC headquarters, said they no longer had confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

    Meanwhile, INEC had, on March 25, confirmed the receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters from the senatorial district.

    The commission also said that it had notified the suspended senator about the receipt of the petition to recall her from the national assembly.

  • BVAS, IReV not electoral scam – INEC

    BVAS, IReV not electoral scam – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reaffirms its Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) are not scams.

    INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, made this clarification during a conversation organised by the commission on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja.

    In his presentation, titled “BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths,” Bayode said both BVAS and IREV were technological innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process.

    He emphasised that INEC had taken bold steps and made concerted efforts to improve the credibility, transparency, and accuracy of elections through technology.

    Bayode described BVAS and IREV as key components of Nigeria’s election process, noting that various misconceptions had created doubts about their functions.

    “There is a belief that BVAS and IREV are scams.

    “This misconception arises from misunderstandings, technical issues, and general distrust in the electoral process. However, this belief is incorrect,” he said.

    “BVAS verifies voters using fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring that only accredited voters cast their ballots.

    “IREV is an online portal that allows the public to view scanned polling unit results for transparency. It does not count votes or collate results.”

    He dismissed the notion that technical failures, such as slow uploads, server downtimes, or network issues, equated to fraud.

    “These challenges do not mean the system was designed to deceive voters. Rather, they highlight areas that need improvement in election management,” he explained.

    Bayode further debunked the myth that BVAS transmitted election results, stressing that its primary role was voter accreditation and authentication.

    “BVAS does not directly transmit election results. Instead, results are recorded on Form EC8A, which is then uploaded to IREV,” he stated.

    “BVAS is used at polling units for voter accreditation. IREV is an online platform where scanned polling unit results are uploaded for public viewing.”

    “BVAS significantly reduces voter impersonation and over-voting, other electoral malpractices, such as violence and vote-buying, can still occur,” he noted.

    He also dispelled the myth that voting could not continue if BVAS failed, explaining that INEC provided backup devices, and in rare cases, elections in affected polling units might be rescheduled.

    Bayode highlighted BVAS’ role in reducing electoral fraud, stating that voter impersonation and multiple voting had been significantly curbed since its introduction.

    “IREV has also enhanced transparency by allowing citizens to verify polling unit results in real time.

    “Before IREV, election results were not easily accessible to the public. Now, discrepancies can be identified, which proves the system enhances transparency rather than being a scam,” he said.

    INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Victoria Eta-Messi, added that the commission was collaborating with the National Assembly and stakeholders to amend the Electoral Act, particularly on election results management.

    She also reiterated INEC’s commitment to voter education to build public trust, reduce voter apathy, and promote credible elections.

  • Motion to name INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu suffers setback

    Motion to name INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu suffers setback

    A motion to name the headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late former Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, on Thursday, suffered set back in the Senate.

    This followed the senate’s consideration of the motion titled, “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu”, sponsored by Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) during plenary.

    Abaribe said that the motion was supported by all the senators from South-East as well as the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta ) and Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi), among others.

    He had urged the senate to immortalise the late Nwosu by naming the INEC headquarters after him and to posthumously honour him with a national award.

    The senator also said that official condolences should be extended to Nwosu’s family in recognition of their sacrifice in supporting his work for a better Nigeria.

    “Mr President, I propose that we observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof. Nwosu, given that his burial is tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

    When the motion was put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, it was, however, greeted with a resounding ‘Nay’ by some of the senators.

    The only prayer that was observed was a minute silence in honour of the late NEC chairman.

    Earlier in the motion, Abaribe noted that the late Nwosu was the NEC chairman from 1989 to 1993.

    “He was responsible for supervising the 1993 presidential election.

    “We recognise that his courageous defence of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 elections led to the famous June 12 event, which ultimately confirmed MKO Abiola as the winner.

    “His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity played a key role in establishing June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.

    “Additionally, we note that Nwosu laid a strong foundation for the present day Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 20, 2024 at the age of 83 and will be buried tomorrow (Friday) in his hometown in Anambra,” he said.

    Contributing, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), expressed the regret that when it mattered most, Nwosu’s courage failed him.

    “We cannot distort history in this unit. We must be seen to have sentiments that reflect the average feeling of the average Nigerian.

    “Prof. Nwosu, when it mattered most, his courage failed him,” he said.

    Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) said: “Mr President, it is important that we will not sit here to distort history. We are legislators and we are representing the people.

    “Get a cross section of Nigerians and ask them what they think about Prof. Nwosu, they will tell you he was a hero.

    “So for us to sit here now and begin to distort history is not fair for our democracy.”

    Also speaking Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) said: “This is one issue I have tried as much as possible to avoid.

    “Mr President, many of my colleagues have pulled up here and said he conducted the freest and fairest election.

    “There are three different meanings and three different expectations that we should look at.

    “Conducting elections, releasing results and announcing results. Yes, he conducted the election; yes, Prof. Nwosu released the result. But you and I know, releasing results is not the same thing as announcing results.

    “He failed at the critical moment when he was supposed to save this democracy”.

    In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended his colleagues on the manner in which the debate was conducted.

    “You did very well. You marshaled your points. You said your views. And no rancour at all. This is how debates should be in an august institution like the senate.

    “I subscribe to all these. I have my view. But I try not to be partial. I believe in June 12,” he said.

  • JUST IN: INEC writes Senator Natasha over recall from Senate

    JUST IN: INEC writes Senator Natasha over recall from Senate

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has written to the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of move to recall her by her constituents.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC made this known in a statement released on Wednesday by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee.

    The statement reads: “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025.

    “As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address. The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.

    “The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency. This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent”.

  • NATASHA: Your petition fails diligence test, INEC tells Kogi Central constituents

    NATASHA: Your petition fails diligence test, INEC tells Kogi Central constituents

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has faulted the process adopted in the petition filed by Kogi Central constituents against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a statement issued and signed by Sam Olumekun
    National Commissioner & Chairman
    Information and Voter Education Committee
    Tuesday 25th March 2025.

    In the statement it was explained that: “Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    “The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.

    “The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.

    “The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.

    “The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only.

    “The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    “Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.

    “The Commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.