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Tag: INEC

  • Opposition parties in Nigeria going through hell – Kano Gov

    Opposition parties in Nigeria going through hell – Kano Gov

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work on measures that would guarantee the survival of opposition parties in Nigeria.

    Yusuf gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja during the visit of INEC members to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) office for routine party verification.

    Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, said that virile opposition was important for the survival of any democracy.

    “The opposition parties in this country are going through hell, politically. All these crises, left, right and center, are artificial. They are being engineered and sponsored.

    “So, INEC should come up with ways to checkmate any untoward excess of any national government in power towards opposition.

    “I believe a vibrant opposition is the oxygen of democracy in any given situation. Without any oxygen in the democracy, opposition is weak and dead, and democracy will fail,” Yusuf said.

    He, however, expressed confidence that the NNPP would in the nearest future win more elections including power at the central government.

    In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, pledged that NNPP would continue to play its role as the ruling party in Kano state, and a viable opposition in other parts of the country.

    He said that the annual verification exercise had laid to rest the falsehood by a group of expelled former members of NNPP claiming the management of the party had been handed over to them.

    “They claim that the management of the party has been handed over to them.

    “The fact that the electoral umpire, the regulator of parties, INEC have come here today to perform their statutory duty, shows that we have been, we are, and by God’s grace, shall continue to be the NNPP,” he said.

    Ajuji, however, warned members of the party against antiparty activities.

    “This is a democratic party. However, we shall not tolerate members who engage in anti-party activities to do so with impunity.

    “No matter how highly placed, all members are expected to remain disciplined and operate within the ambit of our constitution. The internal mechanisms of our party shall be guarded jealously,” he said.

    The party National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also said that the issue of leadership of the party was strictly a Constitutional matter based on the extant statutes and regulations.

    He described the judgment “purportedly obtained” by Dr Aniebonam and his group at Abia State High Court, Uzuakoli as a ruse and without substance.

    “It is pyrrhic “victory” and confers nothing to Chief Aniebonam and his co-travellers.

    “The judgment is a default judgment that was obtained by fraud and therefore liable to be set aside, which process of setting same aside has already commenced,” he said.

  • INEC to introduce new means of voting during elections

    INEC to introduce new means of voting during elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to review the use of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, at the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and unveiling of the hardcopies Election Report, and the Review Report on 2023 general election.

    Yakubu said that the intention for the review followed some of the recommendations contained in the review reports.

    He said that the commission believed that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the PVC, as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed.

    “Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website, will suffice for voter accreditation.

    “This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters, in order to disenfranchise them,” he said.

    Yakubu said that having released its 524-page main report on the election, INEC had wide internal consultation with its officials and externally, with all major stakeholders.

    He said that from the internal and external engagements, INEC identified 142 recommendations dealing with various aspects of election, out of which 86 required administrative action by INEC.

    “This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies; mobile network operators; statutory bodies; political parties; transport unions; civil society organisations and the media.

    “On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly. Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.

    “Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results,” INEC chairman said.

    Yakubu also disclosed that the review report also contained recommendations on early/special voting for the millions of Nigerians who do not vote at the moment, on account of the roles they play during elections.

    According to him, the categories of the people include INEC officials, security personnel, adhoc staff, observers and journalists, who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote.

    He said that there were also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal, and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.

    “Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to Polling Units.

    “As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register, in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC).

    “Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation.

    “Furthermore, the commission intends to review the mechanisms for a more effective implementation of agreements on logistics with the transport unions and other service providers.

    “This will be done by consolidating on the recent experience with early deployment and commencement of elections in the recent Ondo State Governorship election,” Yakubu said.

    He said that with the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 General Election, INEC believed it was time to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from the review of the general election.

    Yakubu said that the softcopy of the report would be uploaded on INEC’s website in earnest.

  • Senate asks INEC to conduct fresh election in Edo

    Senate asks INEC to conduct fresh election in Edo

    The Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) has been called upon to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacant seat of Edo Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Edo Central Senatorial District seat became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo was elected and sworn in as the Governor of Edo State.

    Okpebholo was a member of the 10th Senate, until his election as Governor of Edo, on September 21, 2024.

    Calling on INEC to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacant seat in the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio earlier declared the Edo Central senatorial seat vacant.

    Senator Akpabio declared the Edo Central senatorial seat vacant at a valedictory session held for Senator Okpebholo.

    “In line with the Constitution, the seat of Edo Central Senatorial District is, hereby, declared vacant and INEC is, accordingly, invited to conduct fresh election to fill the seat left by Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo,” Akpabio said.

    The Senate President went on to urge Senator Okpebholo to keep up with his legacy of good works as he carried out his duties as the Governor of Edo State.

    Speaking at the valedictory session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) described Okpebholo as a humble, resourceful, committed and intelligent man.

    “We’re happy that in 30 days, Edo people are aware that there is a new governor in town,humble, resourceful, committed, intelligent, few words but maximum action,” he said.

    Senator Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe) described Okpebholo as a man of good character, honest and a committed Nigerian.

    Goje advised the Edo governor to continue with his good traits, adding that his good disposition was a great asset for the state.

    Reacting, Okpebholo said his involvements in the legislative session was to drive good governance, especially in infrastructure development, security, education, health,among others.

    The Governor, who described the plenary as emotional one for him, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, especially those who stood by him during his campaign period.

    “Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me. From the moment I joined the 10th Senate in June, 2023.

    ”Every moment at the red Chamber has remained memorable. We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy and we wanted the best for the nation. Thank you for standing by me through out the campaign exercise,” he said.

  • VIDEO: Watch INEC Chairman speaks on Ghana’s election

    VIDEO: Watch INEC Chairman speaks on Ghana’s election

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has commended Ghana for the successful conduct of its 2024 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ghana’s former President John Mahama won the country’s presidential election held on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

    Mahama’s victory ended the two-term in power of President Nana Akufo-Addo, who ran in the election under the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    While commending the smooth conduct of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, INEC Chairman said Ghana’s decision to decentralise its electoral system was inspired by Nigeria’s success in managing constituency election results.

    Yakubu observed that until the last election, all parliamentary and presidential results were sent to the headquarters of the Electoral Commission in Accra for announcement.

    For the 2024 presidential election, Ghana adopted a decentralised system, allowing constituency-level officers to announce parliamentary results locally, while only presidential results were sent to Accra.

    Yakubu, who monitored the election in a short video posted on Sunday, believed that Ghana’s current approach to managing results at the constituency level was inspired by Nigeria, adding that the process has improved the efficiency of the electoral process.

    “The second thing for me is the lesson that Ghana also learned from Nigeria in the area of managing constituency election results. Until the last election in Ghana, all results came to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra, both parliamentary and presidential.

    “Although Ghana is not a federal system, they learned from Nigeria, where you have returning officers who announce results for parliamentary elections in various constituencies around the country. Only the presidential election results come to Accra.

    “In Nigeria, this is what we have done, and they borrowed a leaf from us, and this is the second time they are implementing that. That is why, as you can see, the declaration of the presidential election result was a lot faster than it used to be in the past,” he said.

    Yakubu further observed the political stability inherent in Ghana’s democracy, noting the consistency of its political party structures and voter loyalty.

    He cited the perseverance of the main opposition candidate, a former vice president, and the current President, Akufo-Addo, who contested multiple elections before achieving success.

    “Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election. So, that is important.

    “It provides stability. It also provides their supporters with stability. So, there are people who have supported political parties for many years. Whether the party is in power or opposition, they stick to the political party,” Yakubu said.

    Watch video below:

  • Just in: Supreme court orders INEC to recognize Ezeokemwa as APGA national chairman

    Just in: Supreme court orders INEC to recognize Ezeokemwa as APGA national chairman

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recognising Sly Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman.

    This ends litany of cases on the leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and further clears way for second term of Prof. Charles Chukuma Soludo in Anambra State.

    Details shortly…

  • INEC presents certificates of return to Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy

    INEC presents certificates of return to Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has presented certificates of return to Ondo State Governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Adelami Olayide.

    The certificates were handed over in Abuja on Wednesday by the Supervisory National Commissioner for Ondo State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi.

    This comes four days after INEC declared Aiyedatiwa the winner of the governorship election held on Saturday.

    Representing the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa defeated Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party and 15 other candidates.

    He won across all 18 local government areas of the state, polling 366,781 votes against Ajayi’s 117,845.

  • Tinubu asks Senate to confirm INEC commissioners, PenCom DG

    Tinubu asks Senate to confirm INEC commissioners, PenCom DG

    President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate seeking confirmation of the appointment of commissioners for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Tinubu’s request is contained in a letter to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Tuesday.

    The letter is titled: “Request for the Confirmation of Appointment of Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission”.

    The letter read: “In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following three nominees as commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The nominees, according to the letter, include: Tukur Yusuf, National Electoral Commissioner, representing North-West; Prof. Sunday Aja, National Electoral Commissioner (South-East) and Mr Saseyi Ibiyemi as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo.

    “While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter stated.

    Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of Oloworaran as PenCom DG

    Similarly, President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate requesting confirmation of the appointment of Omolola Oloworaran as Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom).

    The request is in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “I write in accordance with the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Pension Reform Act, 2014, to forward to the Senate for confirmation, Omolola Oloworaran, as Director-General of PenCom.

    “While I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and regards,” the letter read.

  • INEC promotes 1,731 officers

    INEC promotes 1,731 officers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the promotion of 1,731 officers who excelled in the 2024 promotion examinations.

    This is contained in the commission’s daily bulletin issued by the Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Adenike Tadese, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    A detailed breakdown of the promotions list showed that 59 deputy directors were elevated to the rank of directors, 168 assistant directors to the rank of deputy directors.

    Also, 167 chiefs on grade level 14 were elevated to the position of assistant directors, and 1,337 other officers, between grade levels 7 and 13, were also promoted, accordingly.

    Tadese said that the exercise marked another milestone underscoring INEC’s unwavering commitment to enhancing staff welfare and supporting career progression.

    “This achievement highlights INEC’s steadfast commitment to staff development, motivation and continuous self-improvement.

    “The commission remains dedicated to maintaining a tradition of annual promotions aimed at boosting staff morale and driving organisational productivity,” she said.

    Tadese reiterated INEC’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment that recognises and rewards hard work, diligence, competence and professional growth.

    According to her, the commitment ensures a motivated workforce capable of delivering on INEC’s mandate of conducting credible elections.

  • BREAKING: INEC declares Aiyedatiwa winner of Ondo governorship election

    BREAKING: INEC declares Aiyedatiwa winner of Ondo governorship election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the governorship election conducted in Ondo State on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Aiyedatiwa, who is the incumbent Governor of Ondo, is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    He polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival in the election, Agboola Ajayi, who is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the election. The APC cleared all 18 local government areas.

    While the PDP polled a total of 117,845 votes, the Labour Party (LP) polled 1,162 votes and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 2,692 votes.

    TNG reports the collation officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi announced the result of the Ondo governorship election at the State headquarters of INEC in Akure.

    Declaring the winner of the election after collation of results, Prof Akinwunmi said: “That I am the returning officer for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election held on the 16th day of November 2024.

    “That Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the election and returned as elected”.

  • Why Ondo election was largely successful – Observer group

    Why Ondo election was largely successful – Observer group

    The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), an election monitoring group says adequate preparation  by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) impacted the successful conduct of the governorship election in Ondo State.

    The Board Chairperson of KDI, Dr. Abiola Afolabi, stated this on Saturday in Akure after the assessment of the election.

    “Our field observers reported significant early arrival of election materials at the polling units, ,indicating  the well-preparedness of INEC on logistical movement. We commend the relative professionalism and adequacy of policing in the Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    “We noted that the election process has been largely peaceful, with no major incidents leading to a breakdown of law and order in the early hours,” he said.

    Afolabi, however, acknowledged that while poll workers arrived in many polling units early, there were isolated cases of late commencement of polls at certain locations.

    “Of the 275 reports received from the field, 33.09 per cent indicated late commencement Observations indicate that election officials arrived at polling stations between 6:30a.m.. and 8:00 a.m,, while voting commenced in those locations of the 33 per cent reported, between 8:45am and 10:00a.m.” he said.

    Afolabi added that KDI observed that the enforcement of restriction of movement and roadblocks by security personnel were handled professionally.

    He said the security personnel seamlessly allowed movement of essential workers in most of the local government areas.

    Afolabi said that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned very well in the election adding that the pockets of incidence reported were quickly resolved making voting to hold peacefully.

    According to him, the KDI’s Election Day Data Room received 20 reports of incidents of violence among which only that in Polling Unit 3, Ward 5 in ldanre Local Government led to disruption of the polling units.