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NYCN stage peaceful protest against exclusion of political appointees, urges NASS to wade in

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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) yesterday staged a peaceful protest against the exclusion of political appointees in the electioneering process.

The youths group led by Comrade Solomon Adodo in letter to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawn, argued that over 75 percent of those affected under the extant Electoral Amendment Act are youths who are appointees of local government Chairmen, Governors, the President and legislators.

The group further argued that the measure would lead to the total disenfranchisement of over 70 percent of potential candidates who are mainly youths.

The group contended that if the electoral act is allowed to stand, it will be tantamount to an abuse of the not too young to run Act as most youth will automatically be disqualified.

The group called on both Chambers of the National Assembly to immediately expedite actions to expunge the said section 84(12) within the next 48 hours.

The group noted: “Since the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria already provides that appointed public officers could stay in office up to 30 days before the elections in which they are candidates in, it therefore makes the Electoral Act which provides for them to resign 180 days before such elections, to be inconsistent with the Constitution.

“It negates the powers and discretion of the appointing officers who should determine whether the involvement of such public officers is inimical to the objectives for which they are appointed.

” On the issue of Political appointees participating as delegates in Political Party Primaries, which the Electoral Act prohibits, it is the stand of the NYCN that it is also against the Constitution which allows all citizens to participate in the electoral processes (except those constitutionally barred from specific parts of those processes) Section 42 of the 199 Constitution is very clear on this.

” Moreover, the point in (3) above is a legal emasculation of participatory democracy, which cannot be allowed now that we are making democratic progress on many fronts still refer to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“If there should be a law regulating citizens’ participation as Political Party Delegates, it should be left for Political Parties to handle internally. Section 84 (12) appears to be a targeted legislation, for the National Assembly to take it upon itself to legislate on what is ordinarily an internal Political Party matter.

“Very importantly, it is dishonourable for the National Assembly to make a volte face after agreeing with President Muhammadu Buhari on these Constitutional observations.

” Consequently, in the light of the fact that this particular clause 84(12) is totally inconsistent with the Constitution, it will inevitably lead to multiple litigations which will worsen whatever problem it is intended to address.”

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Politics

Akpabio Dispels Impeachment Plot Rumors, Says He’s Still in Charge

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Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has dismissed rumors of an alleged plot to impeach him, describing the news as “fake” and AI-generated. Akpabio addressed the issue during Wednesday’s plenary, following reports that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) had surrounded the National Assembly due to the supposed plan to unseat him.

Akpabio assured the Senate that its leadership remains stable, emphasizing that there is no truth to the impeachment speculations, which he labeled as a “mirage.” He expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news in the media, jokingly suggesting that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

The Senate President referred the issue to the Committee on Special Duties for further investigation, with a report expected within 24 hours. Akpabio has faced recurring impeachment rumors since the 10th Senate was inaugurated in June 2023.

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Ogun PDP Caretaker Committee Inaugurates New Executive Committee

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The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially inaugurated its newly elected executive committee, led by Abayomi Tella, who will guide the party for the next four years.

During the inauguration, Dada Awoleye, chairman of the caretaker committee, presented the certificate of return to Tella and urged the new executives to focus on securing the party’s victory in the upcoming local government elections on November 16. Awoleye emphasized that this executive committee represents the legitimate leadership of the party in Ogun State and called for efforts to reconcile disgruntled members, highlighting that the party’s success hinges on unity.

In his acceptance speech, Tella expressed the commitment of the new executive to rejuvenate and reposition the party in preparation for the 2027 elections. He acknowledged the potential for differing interests within the party but stressed the importance of managing those differences effectively.

Tella stated, “We’ve started managing our interests, and it is crucial for the party’s progress.”

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Edo Guber: PDP Faces Criticism Over iREV Results, Dismisses Allegations

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Over three weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor-Elect in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are facing backlash from a pro-democracy group. The Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech accused the PDP of relying on media propaganda instead of accepting the election results.

Patrick Osaigbovo, the group’s Executive Director, criticized the PDP’s focus on INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (iREV), claiming the party is trying to undermine state institutions. He noted that the PDP failed to engage voters directly and instead relied on external sentiments and media appearances.

Osaigbovo further alleged that the PDP prematurely released results from its “Situation Room” during the election, aiming to sway public opinion. He emphasized that INEC guidelines stipulate that results should be uploaded to the iREV after voting ends.

In response, the PDP Campaign Council’s Deputy Director-General, Reverend Olu Martins, dismissed the accusations as baseless and unsubstantiated, adding that election observers had deemed the process fair at the polling units. The PDP maintains that the election results should be scrutinized to improve Nigeria’s electoral system.

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