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Tag: Mahmood Yakubu

  • All materials used for 2023 general elections were printed in Nigeria, says Yakubu

    All materials used for 2023 general elections were printed in Nigeria, says Yakubu

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says all sensitive and non-sensitive materials used for the 2023 general election were printed in Nigeria.

    Yakubu stated this during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the ongoing review of the 2023 general election held on Monday in Abuja.

    “I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 General Election was entirely done in Nigeria.

    “This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved.

    “This id in spite of the record number of 93.4 million registered voters and over 500 million ballot papers, result sheets and other documents for the five categories of the main elections and supplementary polls.

    “For this reason, the 2023 General Election was held as scheduled for the first time in the last four electoral cycles without a postponement arising from the non-arrival of materials,’’ Yakubu said.

    He added that other recorded positive development in the election include the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 into the Electoral Act 2022, which gave INEC opportunity to get prepared on time.

    The chairman said that the new act which provides a period of 180 days for political parties to conclude their primaries and submit the names of candidates and the political parties for the elections.

    This according to him,  also helped INEC to commence the process of producing the election materials  in good time.

    “Furthermore, we were also able to expand voter access to polling units for the first time since the initial delimitation exercise in 1996.

    “Similarly, we introduced many technology-based innovations, including the physical registration and online pre-registration of voters using the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED), the various portals for the nomination of candidates, party agents and the accreditation of observers and the media.

    “We also collected and published data on the distribution of voters not only by age and occupation but also by disability.

    “Within the limits of available resources, we also tried to provide such inclusivity materials as braille jackets and magnifying glasses for some categories of voters with disabilities,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that nevertheless, there were many challenges encountered before and during the elections including severe cash and fuel situations as well as the perennial insecurity nationwide.

    “Their impact on our deployment plans, compounded by the behaviour of some of our own officials in the field, made logistics management particularly challenging.

    “The deployment of thugs by some political actors made election day administration difficult in a number of places,’’ he said.

    The chairman said that while voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was very successful, the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), especially for the presidential election, encountered a glitch.

    Yakubu said that this was explained in the commission’s statement released Feb. 26, adding that INEC is aware that the matter is currently the subject of litigation; hence the commission would reserve its comments for now.

    “Nevertheless, the performance of the technology deployed for the election is part of the ongoing review of the 2023 general election.

    “It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria,’’ he said.

  • Post-election review: INEC meets CSOs

    Post-election review: INEC meets CSOs

    Members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, met with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the review of the 2023 general elections.

    The meeting, held at the conference room of the Commission in Abuja, is the fourth in a series of post-elections review meetings that INEC scheduled with those who played key roles in the 2023 general elections.

    Addressing the gathering, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said the meeting is intended to focus more on the 2023 general election by way of introspection, stocktaking, review and evaluation.

    He said “This is one of the best ways to continue to improve the electoral process. As I said on several occasions, since we commenced the review meetings three weeks ago, the Commission welcomes diverse opinions about the election insofar as their purpose is to improve the future conduct of elections and to consolidate our democracy.

    “Since the 2019 general election, we have worked together with the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders for the improvement of the electoral process.

    “We were meticulous in our preparations for the election and there have been many positive developments in this regard. One area is the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 into the Electoral Act 2022. The new law provides a period of 180 days for political parties to conclude their primaries and submit the names of candidates and the political parties took advantage of it for the 2023 general election. This enabled the Commission to commence the process of producing the sensitive materials for the election in good time.

    “I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 general election was entirely done in Nigeria. This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved, in spite of the record number of 93.4 million registered voters and over five hundred million ballot papers, result sheets and other documents for the five categories of the main elections and supplementary polls.

    “For this reason, the 2023 general election was held as scheduled for the first time in the last four electoral cycles without a postponement arising from the non-arrival of materials.

    “Furthermore, we were also able to expand voter access to polling units for the first time since the initial delimitation exercise in 1996. Similarly, we introduced many technology-based innovations, including the physical registration and online pre-registration of voters using the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED), the various portals for the nomination of candidates, party agents and the accreditation of observers and the media. We also collected and published data on the distribution of voters not only by age and occupation but also by disability.

    “Within the limits of available resources, we also tried to provide such inclusivity materials as braille jackets and magnifying glasses for some categories of voters with disabilities.

    “Nevertheless, as you are aware, there were many challenges encountered before and during the elections.

    “The severe cash and fuel situations were compounded by the perennial insecurity nationwide. Their impact on our deployment plans, compounded by the behaviour of some of our own officials in the field, made logistics management particularly challenging. The deployment of thugs by some political actors made election day administration difficult in a number of places.

    “While voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was very successful, the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), especially for the presidential election, encountered a glitch, as explained in our statement released by the Commission on 26th February 2023.

    “The Commission is aware that this matter is currently the subject of litigation and would reserve its comments for now. Nevertheless, the performance of the technology deployed for the election is part of the ongoing review of the 2023 general election. It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.

    “On this note, it is appropriate for the Commission to express its appreciation to Civil Society Organisations and development partners for their enormous support to the Commission during the 2023 general election. This came in the form of technical advice, civic and voter education, organisation of meetings and capacity-building workshops, as well as the publication of documents.

    “However, it is necessary to seize this opportunity to correct the impression in some sections of the public that the Commission received huge sums of money from development partners for the election.

    “On the contrary, and for the avoidance of doubt, the Commission did not receive any direct funding or cash support from international development partners. Rather, their support was totally indirect through Civil Society Organisations and implementing partners working on elections. Indeed, it has been a longstanding policy of the present Commission not to receive direct funding and cash transfers from sources other than the Federal Government of Nigeria. We hope that we shall continue to have this type of productive partnership with civil society and development partners in the future.

    “It is in furtherance of this partnership that the Commission accredits observers because the feedback we receive, and their actionable recommendations have been very helpful to the electoral process.

    “For the 2023 general election, the Commission received 538 requests (504 domestic and 34 foreign) for accreditation as observers. After a thorough evaluation of the requests, only 228 groups (190 domestic and 38 foreign) met the requirements for accreditation.

    “However, so far, only 67 observer groups (62 domestic and five foreign) have, so far, submitted their observation reports, which represent just about 30% of the accredited groups for the election. We urge all accredited observer groups that are yet to submit their reports to do so in earnest.

  • Be loyal to Nigerian People – INEC charges new REC

    Be loyal to Nigerian People – INEC charges new REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has sworn in Dr. Mahmuda Isah as Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) for a second in office .

    National Chairman, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while administering oath of office on Dr. Isah at the INEC National headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday 16 May 2023, charged him to be loyal to the Nigerian people and always abide by the provisions of the law.

    According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC National chairman, Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, “Dr Mahmuda Isah was moments ago sworn in as Resident Electoral Commissioner at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja for a second and final term.

    “Isah took his oath of office during the Commission’s weekly meeting, which has the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, National Commissioners and the Secretary to the Commission in attendance.

    “Prof. Yakubu told him to be loyal to the Nigerian people and always abide by the provisions of the law.

    “Isah was first appointed in Jan 2018 and he served in both Jigawa and Kaduna States before his first term expired in Jan 2023. He has been deployed to the Federal Capital Territory.”

  • BREAKING: Warri-Itakpe Train Service to resume operation Monday

    BREAKING: Warri-Itakpe Train Service to resume operation Monday

    The Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS), hitherto grounded after a derailment, will resume operation from Monday 24 April 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls the only train operating the WITS route derailed at km 30 Ajaokuta-Itakpe section of the track in January.

    While there were no  fatality nor casualty as a result of the derailment, since the incident, daily activities at the WITS route have been grounded.

    The Station Manager, Helma Sani, who confirmed resumption of activities on the route, said: “We are resuming operations on Monday 24th of April 2023”.

    Sani disclosed that resumption of activities along the route followed repair works carried out on the affected tracks. He also disclosed that locomotives operating the route were serviced; hence, the delay in resumption.

    Meanwhile, the Station Manager was silent if on-line train ticketing system has been deployed for the WITS route.

    The board and management of NRC had disclosed the on-line train ticketing system would soon be deployed for the route.

    The disclosure was made through the Deputy Director, Public Relations of NRC, Malam Mahmood Yakubu.

    “We are bracing up to deploy the on-line train ticketing system on LITS and WITS routes soon, with far reaching arrangement being concluded for hitch-free deployment of the technology,” Yakubu had earlier said.

    However, on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), passengers have been enjoying the on-line electronic train ticketing system seamlessly, for quite some time now.

  • Group demands sack, arrest of INEC Chairman

    Group demands sack, arrest of INEC Chairman

    …Free Nigeria Movement calls for a boycott of Soyinka’s books, articles, events and all public engagements

    A civil society organization known as Free Nigeria Movement has called for the sack and arrest of Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Moses Paul, Convener of Free Nigeria Movement, who made the call at a world press conference on Monday, also called for the cancellation of the February 25 presidential election results.

    According to Dr Paul, Nigerian youth represents the most abused demography in the “unlawful conduct of Prof Yakubu in the 2023 elections”, adding that the INEC Chairman toiled with the trust of the youths, their faith and reliance on the credibility of the electoral process.

    “Hardly can any Nigerian alive deny that the outcome of the presidential election did not represent the will of the Nigerian people or amount to an abuse of their suffrage.

    “We all know the truth,” Paul said, adding that the day Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner of the presidential election is a dark moment in Nigeria’s history.

    The Free Nigeria Movement Convener disclosed that the movement has made its position clear in presentations to the governments of the United States, Britain, and country representatives of the United Nations, European Union and ECOWAS Commission.

    He said: “The international community, especially Europe and America, must understand that despite its prescribed neutrality based on diplomatic ethics, will be the most affected if anything happens to  Nigeria’s democracy. The weight of human energy that will mob your borders will be as never imagined.

    “We frown at the rush by most of the diplomatic community to congratulate INEC’s “President – select”. This action will further embolden the plunderers of the will of Nigerians to hold on to their stolen victory. We, therefore, call for discretion forthwith”.

    Paul stressed all victims of electoral violence during the elections must be compensated and that a truth and reconciliation committee should be established in Lagos State and other flashpoints of violence across the country.

    According to him, “our country is not a military state and must not be allowed to run on the dictatorial pace of a  junta”, adding: “we cannot let our country die however broken, scarred or traumatized we may be”.

    He went further to say: “Whatever gold silence has amassed since February 25th, 2023, has lost its ethical value. Any attempt to further explore it would amount to dealing in blood as the cost is the lives, faith and hope of poor Nigerians who we represent today on this table”.

    Paul called on Nigerian youths to leave the pages of social media and join in the street to demand for justice, equity and fairness. He, however, expressed hope that “the judiciary will do what is appropriate for our country in terms of our laws”.

    On the recent comments made by Prof Wole Soyinka, the movement described them as most unfortunate and regrettable, while calling for boycott of his books, articles, events and all  public engagements.

    “The recent comments by Prof. Wole Soyinka are most unfortunate and regrettable. While we do not frown at his remarks because of any politicians, political parties or movements referenced, we do so because of his emotionless detour from the real issues of the election to pursue what appears as selective  witch-hunt.

    “It is on record that Prof. Wole Soyinka never condemned the shameless episode of  ethnic profiling, instigation and hate speech by elements such as Musiliu Akinsanya (a.k.a MC  Oluomo), Bayo Ononuga, Femi Fani – Kayode, and a host of other atrocious persons. Or are their  actions not fascist? Nor did he condemn Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu’s insistence on flouting INEC’s  guidelines, the Electoral Act and his rush to declare a winner.

    “It is sad that when it mattered that  the voice of our dear Prof. whose books and thoughts formed the base of academic pursuit by some  should breathe reason on the polity, he chose to stand with the oppressor in a burning house enjoying a rat chase. The Prof. should be a father to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, religion,  party or social affiliations. However, he has betrayed the trust of many Nigerians who before now  hold him in high esteem.

    “We therefore call for the boycott of his books, articles, events and all  public engagements that celebrate his literary achievements which as of today do not recognize  the well-being of the ordinary Nigerian. We need role models and not sell-outs,” Paul stated.

  • Attack on Mahmood Yakubu’s property false – INEC

    Attack on Mahmood Yakubu’s property false – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked speculations in the social media that a property vandalised by some youths in a video clip, belonged to its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, said Yakubu had no such property anywhere in the world.

    He urged members of the public to disregard the claim.

    “The property being purportedly attacked by some youths in a video clip, circulating on the social media, does not belong to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    “The INEC Chairman does not own the property in question in either Bauchi or anywhere else around the world.

    “This narrative is indeed the latest in the series of desperate smear campaign efforts by mischief makers. The public should disregard it,” Oyekanmi said.

  • Police open up on rumoured attack on INEC Chairman’s residence

    Police open up on rumoured attack on INEC Chairman’s residence

    The Police Command in Bauchi State has dismissed rumours emanating from video reports that the Bauchi residence of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was attacked by hoodlums.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Command, SP Ahmed Wakil, and made available to Journalists on Saturday in Bauchi.

    He noted that the the attention of the Command has been drawn to a viral video, making the rounds in the media, that the Bauchi residence of the INEC Chairman was attacked.

    “We categorically wish to state that the video and its content are entirely fake, as no such event occurred within or around Bauchi metropolis earlier today,” he said.

    Wakil said the Bauchi Commissioner of Police, CP Aminu Alhassan, is cognisant of the negative impacts of disinformation to public peace and security.

    “However, we have already ordered a discreet investigation to unravel the origin of the video, with a view to ensuring that the fabricator of the viral clip faces the full wrath of the law.

    “The Command reiterates that there was no attack of any nature on the residence of the INEC Chairman in Bauchi,” he said.

    The Spokesman, however, urged the general public not to panic, while also disregarding the fake video and its malicious content.

    Attack on Yakubu’s property false — INEC

    Similarly, INEC had debunked speculations in social media that the property vandalised by some youths in a video clip, belonged to its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, said Yakubu had no such property anywhere in the world.

    He urged members of the public to disregard the claim.

    “The property being purportedly attacked by some youths in a video clip, circulating on the social media, does not belong to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    “The INEC Chairman does not own the property in question in either Bauchi or anywhere else around the world.

    “This narrative is indeed the latest in the series of desperate smear campaign efforts by mischief makers. The public should disregard it,” Oyekanmi said.

  • Just In: INEC fires another state REC

    Just In: INEC fires another state REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has suspended its Resident Electoral Commissioner REC in Abia State, Ike Uzochukwu from office.

    Abia State was one of the states where the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections did not commence as scheduled, following a logistical failure.

    It reports that following the suspension, INEC has consequently directed its Administrative Secretary in the state, Clement Ohia to immediately assume office and ensure the smooth conduct of this Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly election.

  • BREAKING: INEC finally accedes to Labour Party’s request

    BREAKING: INEC finally accedes to Labour Party’s request

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally accepted to provide all the documents requested by the Labour Party to prosecute its case in court.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave Labour Party the assurance on Monday as the party seeks to redress the 2023 presidential election in court.

    The Labour Party’s legal team was at the INEC headquarters to discuss modalities for obtaining documents and materials used for the election.

    “INEC has nothing to hide. Documents available at the headquarters will be given immediately.

    “We are meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners today and we will discuss how other documents at the state level could also be made available to you speedily,” Yakubu said.

    TNG reports the legal team of Labour Party consists of about 60 legal practitioners, led by Dr Livy Uzoukwu.

  • Group demands INEC chairman, Mahmood, must go for flouting Electoral Law

    Group demands INEC chairman, Mahmood, must go for flouting Electoral Law

    A coalition of Civil Society Organizations under the aegis of the Democracy Protection Coalition (DPC) has demanded that the national Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, must resign over his failure to comply with copious provision of the Electoral Act in the conduct of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

    According to the DPC, which made the demand at a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos where it presented its observations and recommendations on the disputed election, Prof. Yakubu’s immediate resignation as INEC boss has become very necessary “in order for him not to erode the people’s confidence in the forthcoming Governorship and State Assembly elections now postponed to March 18, 2023.”

    In his opening remarks at the press conference, DPC Convener Eze Eluchie, Esq. advised that, “if the INEC boss fails to resign, efforts should be harnessed by the INEC Board to, in a manner similar to how the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State was suspended, likewise suspend Mr. Yakubu from office until further notice.”

    According to Eluchie, in view of his lack of remorse in the face of deliberate flagrant nonconformity with the Electoral Act and INEC’s Regulations for Elections regarding the BVAS machines; deliberate falsehoods and lies to Nigerians regarding the sanctity of the electoral process; and audacious display of impudence against Nigerians and Nigeria; the INEC Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Yakubu, has lost the confidence of Nigerians and Civil Society regarding his ability to continue as an impartial umpire in the electoral process.

    “Considering that people’s confidence, trust and belief in the electoral system and electoral umpires is an integral component of elections, and that such confidence, trust and belief in INEC and its current Chairman, haven been irrevocably eroded, the INEC Chair, Mr. Yakubu, should immediately, resign his position as Chairman of INEC.

    “To avoid further tainting the sanctity and integrity of the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, Mr. Mahmood Yakubu should totally forthwith recuse himself from participating in any manner whatsoever, in the processes and administration of the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections. “

    DPC said that “in the event of Mr. Yakubu’s failure to resign from office of his own accord, efforts should be harnessed by the INEC Board to, in a manner similar to how the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State was suspended, likewise suspend Mr. Yakubu from office until further notice, by which time the manipulations and untoward actions of the said Mr. Yakubu would have been addressed and rectified.

    Alternatively, the people of Nigeria in whom ultimately power resides, should rise and effectively demand the exit from office of this INEC Chairman who has displayed gross incompetence, lack of capacity and a penchant to be deceptive and dubious in the discharge of the highly sensitive functions of Chairman, INEC.”

    Therefore the coalition advised INEC, to, “in the light of its alleged ‘collapse’, compromise and failure of the BVAS machine process and systems in the course of the 25th February elections, to collate and declare the results of the said elections by the summation of Polling Unit results from each of the polling units across the country.”

    “These results,” DPC noted, “are already within the purview of INEC and the political parties. The mostly grossly distorted, mutilated and concocted documents belatedly uploaded unto the INEC IReV, days after the elections were held, should be discountenanced as manipulation of desperate politicians.

    “In line with its self-correction of errors it made in other elections, such as with regards to the case of the Doduwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, where INEC reversed its earlier declaration of the current Leader of the House of Representatives (Mr. Ado Doguwa) as winner of the House of Representative elections, INEC should likewise correct the monumental error of historical proportions it has committed by its wrongful declaration of a non-winner, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as winner of the 2023 presidential elections.

    INEC may rightly say, as it has already stated in the Doguwa/Tudunwada Federal Constituency elections, that it had made that declaration either under duress or under false pretenses.”

    DPC, “sequel to the admission of the INEC Chairman that several INEC staff and some politicians colluded to compromise the electoral process”, called upon the law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to, “as a matter of urgency, apprehend, investigate and prosecute all individuals and entities, irrespective of position occupied inclusive of the INEC Chairman, who/which participated in thwarting the elections held on the 25th of February 2023.”

    “Considering the high number of security personnel (soldiers, the Police and other security agencies) who participated in election related crimes, such as snatching and destruction of election materials including ballot papers, a Judicial Panel of Inquiry should be instituted to inquire into and gauge the involvement of security personnel in election-related offences with the view of ascertaining if such security personnel involvement was as a result of systemic, hierarchical and institutionalized interventions or ad-hoc and unrelated malfeasance perpetuated by individual security personnel and their cohorts.

    “Whilst applauding the various domestic, regional and international election observers (inclusive of International Observer Missions from the Africa Union, ECOWAS, European Union, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the United States) for rightly stating that the 25th February elections fell far, far short of domestic and international standards, and even the standards INEC had set for itself, we call on all friends of Nigeria to be on the side of the Nigerian people by impressing on INEC and State authorities, the importance of allowing the will of the people freely expressed via the ballot box, to be upheld. The various Observer Missions should impress it upon their principals that condemnation and effectively ostracizing characters who seek to attain political power via stealing votes, nips in the bud the need to condemn violent and unconstitutional putsches,” DPC further said.

    “The people of Nigeria,” according to the group, “must come together, as we all did on the 25th of February 2023, devoid of ethnic, religious and other primordial sentiments, to decisively insist on the actualization of the mandate given via the ballot during the Presidential elections. We must all in unison insist that the votes cast during the said elections are declared as counted at the various Polling Units, and that the winner of the said elections is rightly declared as the President-elect of the Federal Republic.”