Politics
Politicians Pressuring Me to Compromise Electoral Process
– Prof. Ngwu, Chairman, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission
Professor Chris Chimdubem Ngwu, the newly appointed Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), has revealed that some political parties participating in the upcoming local government elections on September 21, 2024, have been pressuring him to compromise the electoral process. Formerly a Professor of Mass Communication at Enugu State University, Agbani, Ngwu is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election, despite these challenges.
In an interview, Ngwu discussed his commission’s preparedness for the upcoming election and the steps taken to ensure the process’s integrity. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and openness, noting that these are the core innovations introduced under his leadership.
Addressing concerns about the independence of state electoral commissions, often seen as extensions of state governors, Ngwu dismissed the notion that ENSIEC is merely a tool for political manipulation. He drew a parallel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that just as INEC is not an appendage of the presidency, ENSIEC is not under the control of the state government. Ngwu firmly stated that the election process would be open and fair, urging all candidates to prepare for a genuine contest.
Ngwu disclosed that several politicians have approached him, seeking assurances of victory due to personal relationships. However, he has consistently refused such requests, reiterating that the election would not follow past practices but would be a keenly contested, transparent process.
When asked about the frequent low voter turnout in local government elections, Ngwu clarified that it is not the commission’s role to mobilize voters but that of the political parties and candidates. However, he mentioned that the commission has made efforts to sensitize the public through television, radio, and social media campaigns, ensuring that voters are informed and engaged.
Reflecting on his transition from academia to the political arena, Ngwu expressed no concerns about potential damage to his reputation. He views his new role as a call to service, a chance to engage with the broader society beyond the academic environment. Ngwu expressed fulfillment in his current position and remains confident that his experience will enrich his academic career when he eventually returns to the classroom.
Ngwu strongly opposed calls for INEC to take over the conduct of local government elections, arguing that INEC is already burdened with its statutory responsibilities. He questioned INEC’s ability to manage additional duties, given the controversies that often surround its elections.
With the local government elections rescheduled for September 21st, 2024, due to a court order, Ngwu reassured the people of Enugu State and the participating political parties of the commission’s neutrality. He firmly stated that the election would be conducted fairly and that the winners, whether councillors or local government chairpersons, would be declared without bias.
Ngwu’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in Enugu State signals a determined effort to uphold democratic principles amidst external pressures.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied allegations of defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party.
In a statement signed by Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, the Assembly members refuted rumors circulating online, claiming that 25 members were planning to leave APC for an unnamed political party. A similar claim surfaced recently, suggesting that 27 members were considering joining the Labour Party due to leadership disputes within the Assembly.
Ogundipe stated that these claims had been unequivocally refuted, with members expressing their unwavering commitment to APC and their confidence in resolving internal issues through established party mechanisms.
“To avoid any confusion, no APC member of the Lagos State House of Assembly is considering defection. As true progressives, we acknowledge that challenges may arise, but we remain committed to addressing them through democratic and lawful processes,” he said.
He added that the party leadership is fully engaged, and any outstanding issues would be resolved amicably. Ogundipe urged the public to disregard the baseless reports designed to mislead and create unnecessary tension.
“We reaffirm our loyalty to the leader of our party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ogundipe concluded, emphasizing that the Lagos State House of Assembly would continue focusing on its legislative duties, enacting laws that promote the development of Lagos State.
Finally, he advised those spreading falsehoods to desist, reaffirming the Assembly’s dedication to its legislative mandate.
The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Atiku’s camp described the rumors as baseless and misleading.
“We have observed that some news platforms are peddling unverified information that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement read.
The former vice president’s media team clarified that Atiku remains committed to the PDP and is actively working on forming a broad coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties – the PDP inclusive,” the statement added. “It is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping the PDP ship.”
The statement further emphasized that Atiku’s focus remains on uniting opposition forces to “rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.”
Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has been vocal about the need for a strong opposition alliance to counter what he describes as the failures of the current administration.
The media office urged Nigerians to disregard speculations about Atiku’s defection, reaffirming that he remains a committed member of the PDP.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted the indirect primary method for selecting its candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election. This decision was announced by the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Bashiru stated that the decision aligns with the position of the Anambra State chapter of the APC. He also confirmed that the Abdullahi Ganduje-led NWC will meet with aspirants and stakeholders next Tuesday to finalize the modalities for the primary. Dismissing speculations that the party had already endorsed a preferred candidate, Bashiru emphasized that all seven aspirants remain in contention.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing concerns over its inability to attract aspirants for the Anambra governorship race. With the deadline for the sale of nomination forms fast approaching, no candidate has yet purchased the party’s N40 million expression of interest and nomination forms.
The PDP had recently expressed confidence in reclaiming Anambra, following a peaceful zonal congress in Enugu, where party leaders unanimously re-elected the Ali Odefa-led executive. However, reports indicate that high costs and internal crises within the party are discouraging aspirants.
With uncertainty surrounding the PDP, aspirants are now turning to alternative platforms such as the APC, Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for their governorship ambitions.
As the election race intensifies, political observers will be watching to see how the PDP resolves its internal challenges and whether the APC’s chosen primary process will unify or divide its ranks.
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