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  • Coalition Expresses Concern Over November 2023 Off-Season Guber Elections

    Coalition Expresses Concern Over November 2023 Off-Season Guber Elections

    • • Urges Mahmood to ensure credible polls

    Ahead of the scheduled off-season elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa; Saving Our Votes, a coalition of INEC registered civil society organisations and consultative partners, has expressed concerns and observations in electoral preparations while calling for credible polls.

     

    In a press briefing jointly signed by Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, Christian Empowerment & Development Initiative, Centre for Strategy Ethics and Value, Centre for Social Value & Early Child Development, Initiative for Civic Obligation and Sustainable Peace, Grassroots Initiative for Promotion of Peace, Love Unity & Ethics, Water Light Initiative, Citizens Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Centre for Strategic and Conflict Resolutions and Centre for Positive Change & Civic Responsibility, the coalition reiterated that “the credibility of every election starts with the Integrity of the Voters’ register.”

     

    The statement read by the principal convener, Comrade Prince Stafford Bisong, highlighted concerns and observations which should be looked into in order to observe and ensure a seamless, credible and fair elections especially in the area of voter registration, accreditation and the portal for real time result viewing direct from the polling units in line with the electoral act 2022.

     

    “In consonance with section 19(I) of the electoral Act 2022, we observe that INEC DID NOT display or publish for public scrutiny the voters’ register in the LGAs, Political Wards and registration area across the three states (Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi) where off-season elections are scheduled to hold on 11th November 2023 and on its websites or any website established by the commission for that purpose in line with the above section of the electoral act.

     

    “It is against this background that we (Saving Our Votes) a coalition of INEC registered civil society organisations have taken time to scrutinize the voters register in the aforementioned states to see, observe and discover for ourselves the state of affairs and level of preparation of INEC to deliver credible elections in those three states in November, 2023.

     

    “Upon Inquiry as to why the voters register was not published, INEC informed us that they had published the voters register in November 2022 and at the same time, given to all political parties before the 2023 general elections and the same register Will Be Used in the Governorship elections in November 2023 in the respective states.

     

    “Over the years many electoral commissions in Africa have seen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an institution to learn from about good conduct of elections and election management but in recent times, our democracy has been epileptic with several records of malpractices leading to negative publications in the social and international media discrediting the entire electoral processes that has been painstakingly built.

     

    “Our areas of concern as we approach November 2023 elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo include;

     

    • The integrity or otherwise of the state’s voters’ register

     

    • The conduct of security agencies before, during and after the elections should be in line with the International best practices.

     

    • Because of peculiar riverine terrine in these states, INEC should make adequate logistics preparations in ensuring that both sensitive and non-sensitive material get to the polling units on time.

     

    • While we applaud technological advancements in the electoral process, INEC should find solutions in creating a seamless process for efficiency of the BVAS machines.

     

    • We call on politicians to recalibrate their minds knowing the leadership is a Trust for selfless service to the people and politics is the game that produces such leaders. Politicians should STOP seeing politics a Do or Die Affair, and discourage violence perpetrated by their followers.

     

    • The Nigerian Judiciary and Politicians should be informed that the BVAS has broken the thuggery and ballot snatching jinx and has ended massive thumb printing. Hence the need to stop trying to manipulate the electoral process.

     

    • That all electoral stakeholders should advocate for judicial reforms and a review of the powers of the Election Petition Tribunal and Courts pre and post elections. Sanitizing the Judiciary will largely reduce the number of upturned and re-run elections emanating from the influence of politicians.

     

    • We want to use this opportunity to commend INEC on the notable gains in our electioneering process while asking for more deliberate improvements.

     

    • We use this opportunity to challenge the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to leaving behind a legacy of credible elections in Nigeria in line with the 2022 Electoral Act which is meant to bring sanity to our electioneering process.

     

    • Finally, in the words of Thomas Jefferson and I quote, “We do not have government by the majority, we have government by the majority who participate in the election process”. It added.

     

    The CSOs however, encouraged every eligible voter in these three states to ensure with their permanent voters card full participation in the electioneering process while urging all stakeholders to desist from vote buying, a menace threatening the dividends of democracy.

  • 2023: Support Tinubu’s emergence- APC Chieftain tasks Nigerians in Diaspora

    2023: Support Tinubu’s emergence- APC Chieftain tasks Nigerians in Diaspora

    ….Urges INEC to organize process for those in the Diaspora to vote

    A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Yakubu Murtala has asked Nigerians living outside the country to throw their weight behind the party’s presidential flag bearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the forth general election.

    He explained that Bola Tinubu has robust and fruitful relationship with Nigerians across the geo-political zones and indeed every state pointing out that his investment in making relationships confers on him as the best bridge builder that Nigeria needs now.

    Hon. Murtala who was speaking on Saturday at a Town Hall meeting in London for young Nigerians stressed that BAT’s passion for youth development and engagement differentiates him from others while re affirming that only Tinubu understands the youth better and would facilitate the opportunity for young Nigerians in Diaspora to participate and contribute to the rebirth of a new Nigeria.

    He said that “Nigeria needs a patriotic leader who can give others outside his geo-political zone, tribe and religion equal opportunity for self-actualization and service to the nation. He should be a leader with a firm belief in the potentialities of the country”.

    The party stalwart opined that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former executive Governor of Lagos state, Nigeria’s economic and commercial center, a former high-ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was equal to none, and employed the services of Nigerians from other states to serve in his cabinet.

    According to him, Tinubu laid sustainable policies that have continued to attract both local and international investments to Lagos state, while the people and government of the state get empowered economically.

    While discussing issues of Diaspora’s participation in polity, he suggested that INEC’s next move was to start organizing the process for those in the diaspora to vote affirming that with that in place, Nigerians living in other countries could exercise their franchise and be active participants in the collective quest to build a new and prosperous nation whose future should be entrusted to the youth.

    Similarly, he said “the right of Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote during elections as critical stakeholders gives them the opportunity in the rebirth and of course, nurturing of our democracy and a better Nigeria. This provides Nigerians in the Diaspora the opportunity to vote for leaders with the zeal and commitment to move the nation forward and improve the lives of the citizenry”.

    Mr. Murtala asked youths to be the real agents of rebirth by actively engaging in politics and governance. Although In his submission he attested that it was always difficult to effect change from the outside and much easier when you are within, he urged them to align in support of a candidate who has plans for the youth, such who is accommodating and willing to support and bring talented youths into governance.

  • Buhari writes senate, seeks confirmation of 19 nominees as INEC commissioners

    Buhari writes senate, seeks confirmation of 19 nominees as INEC commissioners

    Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari has written the Senate to confirm 19 nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The confirmation request to the upper chamber was contained in a letter dated 25th July 2022.

    The letter was read at plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

    President Buhari, in the letter, said the request for the confirmation of the nominees was in accordance with the provisions of Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He explained that five of the Resident Electoral Commissioners are for renewal, while the other fourteen (14) are fresh appointments.

    The nominees for confirmation include Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo O. Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Alh. Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Dr. Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Prof. Samuel E. Egwu (Kogi – Renewal).

    Others are: Onyeka Pauline Ugochi (Imo); Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu (Katsina); Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); and Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Benue).

    Also to be confirmed are, Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim (Kaduna); Dr. Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Sylvia Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Yushau Garki (FCT); Barr. Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke (Anambra); and Mohammed B. Nura (Yobe).

  • CVR: INEC receives 2.4m applications, as online registration hits 1.9m

    CVR: INEC receives 2.4m applications, as online registration hits 1.9m

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far received 2, 449, 648 applications since the start of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on June 28, according to a pictogram of the weekly update of the exercise it released on Monday, in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the update also showed that to date, 1, 923, 725 Nigerians had completed their online pre-registration within the same period of seven weeks as at 7 am on Monday, Aug. 16.

    INEC also disclosed that the 315,791 Nigeria had also completed their online/in-person or physical registration at the physical registration centres across the country, within the three weeks since its commencement.

    The commission indicated that the 2,449,64 received applications included, those seeking voter transfer, requests for replacement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and update of voter information record, among others.

    The gender distribution of the received 2,449,64 applications showed that 1,370,469,were male, 1,079,179 female, while 28,789 applicants, were people with disability.
    The age distribution also showed that 1,592,178 were youth aged between 18 and 34-years old, 585,802 of the figure were middle aged between 35 and 49 years, 238,606 were the elderly, between age 50 and 69, while 33,062 were old persons aged 70 and above.

    The gender distribution for the 315,791 persons that had completed their registration process also showed that 176,379 were male, and 139,412 female; of which 3,554 of the total figure were Persons living with disability.

    The registration type also showed that 126,936 applicants started with online registration, while 188,855 applicants started and completed the process with physical registration.

    Physical distribution of the figure by occupation indicated that 19,041 of the registrants were artisans, 59,441 business men and women, 17, 482 civil servants, with 20,682 who were into farming/fishing.

    Others included, 26,993 house wives, 17,347 traders, 5,679 public servant, 130,961 students, and 18,165 others/not specified.

    Of the 1,923,725 total online pre-registration, Osun state is maintaining a lead with 346,819 registrants, followed by Edo state with 179,422, Bayelsa with 160,793 and Delta State with 117,400.

    States with the least number of online registrants included Enugu with 6,112, followed by Borno with 6,328 and Yobe with 6,363. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • INEC says set to conduct by-election in Kaduna

    INEC says set to conduct by-election in Kaduna

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said it had concluded all arrangements to conduct by-election for Lere Federal Constituency in Kaduna state.

    Mr Haruna Mohammed, Head of INEC, North-West Team, gave the assurance during a stakeholder’s meeting held at the headquarters of the commission in Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that INEC had fixed Aug. 14 for the Lere Federal Constituency by-election to elect a representive that will occupy the seat following the demise of late Suleiman Lere, who died in April this year.

    Mohammed said that sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the exercise had arrived Kaduna, adding that the ballot papers and all the necessary forms where results would be imputed, were already at the Central Bank office in Kaduna.

    “When the materials arrived, they were taken to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kaduna, and will be delivered on Friday to the electoral body at the local government where the election will take place,” Mohammed explained.

    The official then assured that the commission would ensure a free, fair and credible election and therefore solicited for the cooperation of members of the public.

    NAN reports that the meeting was attended by representatives of political parties, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions .

    An estimated number of 231,000 registered voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 249 pulling units spread across the Federal Constituency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Anambra guber: Reactions trail INEC candidates’ list

    Anambra guber: Reactions trail INEC candidates’ list

    Some politicians in Anambra have expressed mixed reactions to the governorship candidates’ list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Friday.

    The list came as a surprise to many as prominent names including that of Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Mr Valentine Ozigbo who were expected to contest for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were missing.

    While Rep Chukwuma Umeoji was listed for APGA, that of PDP had no candidate on the list.

    Sen. Andy Uba and Dr Akachukwu Nwankpo were listed for all Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside their deputies.

    Reacting to the vacant space in PDP, Mr Samuel Anyakorah, a chieftain of the party loyal to the Chukwudi Umeaba faction said his camp was satisfied that INEC acted according to law.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP held two primary elections on June 26 conducted separately by Umeaba Caretaker Committee and PDP national leadership.

    Anyakorah said what would have been a surprise was Ozigbo’s name was listed when the matter challenging the legitimacy of his candidacy was still pending in court.

    According to him, that is what we wanted, we are happy that INEC obeyed the court, the substantive suit is still pending and as I am talking to you we have adopted our cases and are expecting judgement.

    “When the matter is determined by the court, INEC will know the right candidate to list,” he said.

    On his part, Chief Valentine Ayika, a director in the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo Campaign Organisation told NAN that nothing had gone wrong with the development apart from its distractive value.

    Ayika said the unfortunate thing about the development was that Ozigbo would not have his credentials scrutinised at the time as those of his contemporaries.

    He expressed dismay that the court would stop an electoral process that was in progress against the provision of the Electoral Act, saying it was misled by some people.

    He however said Ozigbo’s would be published 30 days to the election in line with guidelines after the cases would have been determined because they had no locus to challenge a process they did not belong to.

    On his part, Mr Jude Okoye, a strong enthusiast of APGA said the listing of Umeoji for APGA was a welcome idea in view of the ‘impunity’ prostrated by the party leadership.

    Okoye, who described Umeoji as a grassroots politician, said he was a unifier and had the capacity to win the Nov.6 election if the candidacy was upheld.

    In their reaction, the Soludo Campaign Organisation said the basis upon which Umeoji was recognised by INEC was not sustainable and that the Economist would contest the election on the ticket of APGA.

    A statement which was signed by Joe Anatune, a director in the organisation, urged the Anambra electorate to be calm as their legal team was handling the situation.

    “Therefore, there is no need for Anambra people and all lovers of progress in Nigeria to be worried about the judgment, the judgment will be set aside.

    “We thought that the state had passed the stage where some politicians moved from one end of the country to the other in the dead of the night in search of judicial orders to impose themselves on the people.

    “Our supporters should rather remain supremely confident of not only Soludo’s participation in the November 6 gubernatorial vote but also his triumph in the polls with a big margin,” it stated. (NAN)

  • INEC begins online voter registration on June 28 – official

    INEC begins online voter registration on June 28 – official

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday said it would begin the online voter registration, via its registration portal, on June 28.

    The INEC National Commissioner, Mr Festus Okoye, announced this at a news briefing on the preparations for the Gwaram bye-election in Dutse.

    “The INEC Voter Registration Portal will be deployed to enable people register online and thereafter go to their respective state or local government office of the commission to capture their biometrics and facials.

    “Those that want to transfer their registration from one place to another can also make use of the online portal.

    “Those that have prior issues of accreditation and with damaged or defaced PVC’s can also use the online portal to rectify the challenge,’’ the commissioner explained.

    Okoye also said that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would announce the time for the commencement of the physical registration at the end of the consultation with critical stakeholders.

    He, therefore, appealed to all critical stakeholders to rave up their voter education initiatives.

    He also called on civil society groups and the media to assist in educating Nigerians on the import of online voter registration. (NAN)

  • INEC converts 1,495 voting points to polling units in Adamawa

    INEC converts 1,495 voting points to polling units in Adamawa

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has converted 1,495 Voting Points (VPs) to Polling Units (PUs) in Adamawa.
    Mr Kassim Gaidam, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) disclosed this at stakeholders meeting on Wednesday in Yola.
    He said the aim was to decongest PUs with many VPs to address the challenge of voter apathy during elections.
    Gaidam said population growth, new settlements, difficult terrains and other factors were considered by the commission in trying to decongest the available PUs.
    “You will recall that during the 2019 elections, the statistics showed that we had 1,973,083 registered voters, spread across the 2,608 PUs and 1,495 VPs.
    “With the exercise therefore, the state will have a total of 4,104 full-pledged PUs,” he said.
    According to him, all the PUs will be at public buildings.
    He said that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) would commence on June 28 and urged those who have reached the age of 18 years to register.
    Alhaji Adamu Alhaji, the state Commissioner of Police advised political parties to play the game of politics by the rules.
    Adamu, was represented by ACP Audu Paul at the event.

  • INEC creates 1,235 polling units in Imo

    INEC creates 1,235 polling units in Imo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created additional 1,235 polling units in Imo, bringing the total number of polling units in the state to 4,758.

    The state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Francis Ezeonu made this known while briefing newsmen on the commission’s efforts to expand voter access to polling units on Wednesday in Owerri.

    Ezeonu said over the years, there had been attempts by the commission to create additional polling units to cater to the interest of new settlements and areas with unmanageable voter population.

    He explained that in 2011, the commission opted to create voting points and voting settlements to address the issue of overcrowding during election and new settlements not served by existing polling units.

    Ezeonu said the 1,235 polling units were created by converting existing voting points and voting point settlements into full polling units.

    He said the commission also relocated, where necessary, new or existing polling units to places where they were closer or more accessible to voters and unserved areas.
    He said INEC equally decongested existing polling units by reducing the number of voters per polling unit.

    The INEC REC said the additional polling units were in line with the expectation of the law which provided that “the Commission establish sufficient number of polling units in each Registration Area and allot voters to such polling units.”

    According to him, INEC conducted five general elections using the same set and number of polling units established by the defunct National Electoral Commission in 1996 and used in 1999.

    Ezeonu said the commission would continue to improve the quality of access to electoral services provided to voters by ensuring better access to polling units for persons with disabilities.

    “The commission has also decided to improve the health and safety conditions at polling units during elections in order to comply with COVID-19 protocols as well as address declining voter turnout at elections due to lack of access to polling units,” he said.

    Our correspondent reports that the REC presented the local government areas in the state and the number of polling units assigned to each.

    Ezeonu said that the commission was undertaking a verification exercise after which it would compile the new polling units, publish their names and delineation data before the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in June.

  • Ondo election: Sensitive materials to arrive Akure Oct. 5 – INEC

    Ondo election: Sensitive materials to arrive Akure Oct. 5 – INEC

    Akure, Sept. 24, 2020(Nigerian News 24) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says sensitive materials for Ondo State Governorship election will arrive Akure on Oct. 5.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during an interaction with the media in Akure on Thursday.

    Yakubu said that the non-sensitive materials for the election had been delivered.

    “We have delivered all, but a few of the non-sensitive materials required for the elections. What remains can be accomplished within the days remaining to the polling.

    “It is exactly 16 days to the election. If we exclude the election day, which is Oct 10, we have 15 days. So, we have two weeks and a day to the election.

    “The sensitive materials for the election are ready. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will deliver them to their branch here in Akure on Monday, Oct. 5,’’ Yakubu said.

    He said that the commission had moved enough card readers to Ondo State for the conduct of the election, adding that they were being configured and charged in Akure.

    Yakubu said that the Z-pad used in Edo for the transmission of Polling Units (PUs) results to the commission result view portal would be deployed to Ondo State.

    “As we speak, we are moving the z-pads from our state office in Benin City to Akure. The z-pads will arrive in Akure this afternoon (Thursday).

    So, we will deploy the same technology to upload results, real time, from all the 3, 009 polling units, all the 203 Wards and the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo state,’’ Yakubu said.

    The chairman urged the media organisations to sensitise electorate to the need for peaceful election, voters turnout and adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

    Yakubu expressed worry over incidents of violence involving supporters of some of the political parties in the state.

    On awareness, he said that INEC had produced many voter education materials for the print and electronic media to educate the voters to turn out en mass to vote.

    “No effort is too small and no effort is too much to continue to engage and educate and inform the voters.

    “That is why the commission has always appreciated the partnership with the media and would like to strengthen it

    “Learning from the experience in Edo state, we should continue to emphasise the message of peaceful election.

    “The importance of obeying health instructions in the era of COVID-19. No face mask, no voting; orderly queue in the polling units, including the observance of social distancing.

    “Every eligible voter, who is on the queue before 2.30 p.m. will be allowed to vote even if voting goes beyond 2.30 p.m. No one will be disenfranchised.

    “Expose vote buyers during the election. There are still some people who would attempt to compromise the integrity of the process, where that happens, please help us to expose them. We will be very grateful if you do so.

    “As journalists, we are not only reporters, but citizens with responsibilities.

    “Kindly report to the commission using our social media platforms, any malpractice you witness early enough so that we can respond immediately as the election is going.

    “Ahead of the governorship election on Oct.10, there may be some observations you have for us to improve our communication and outreach on voter education.

    “I am aware the office here in Ondo State is already doing a lot but we need to do a lot more,’’ Yakubu said.

    Yakubu disclosed that the National Peace Committee chaired by the former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalm Abubakar would also be organising signing of peace accord in Ondo state as it did in Edo.

    He said the peace accord will take place on Oct. 6 in Akure, while INEC regular stakeholders meeting with the political parties and their candidates will hold on Oct. 5.

    Yakubu said that out of the 14 activities scheduled for Ondo State governorship election, 12 had been accomplished remaining submission of the list of polling agents or political parties and the conduct of the election.

    He said the commission would remain professional and neutral in the election, saying the electorate would determine the next governor of Ondo state.