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Tag: council poll

  • Lagos council poll: Six million to elect 57 chairmen, 376 councillors

    Lagos council poll: Six million to elect 57 chairmen, 376 councillors

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) yesterday said over six million Lagosians are to elect 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors in the Saturday Local Government Election.

    LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), said this while briefing reporters on the commission’s preparations for the poll.

    She cleared the air that the election will hold in the 20 Local Governments Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

    Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile said that out of the 19 registered political parties that expressed interest in the election, only 15 political parties would participate in the election.

    The election, she added, will be held in all the 13,325 Polling Units across the state.

    “The total number of registered voters stands at 7,060,195. The number of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected is 6,214,970 while the number of PVCs uncollected is 845,225.

    She expressed optimism that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a peaceful, fair and transparent Local Government election.

    She said the LASIEC was not taking anything for granted as it had put everything humanly possible in place to ensure a successful election.

    Read Also: Countdown to Lagos Council poll Obasa urges residents to vote for APC

    “The commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful, free, fair and credible election that is devoid of violence, intimidation, or harassment. We count on you for an unbiased and balance reportage of the exercise. My appeal to all the contestants is to uphold democratic values and conduct themselves with decorum, maturity, and respect for the rule of law. The commission remains non-partisan and will not condone any form of electoral malpractice or violence,” she said.

    On accreditation of voters, she said that LASIEC would not use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the election.

    She said, instead, an alternative electronic device would be used for seamless accreditation.

    “We have worked with a device using telephone to get voters accredited for the election. It works anywhere and does the same work with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” she said.

    She stated that the distribution of sensitive materials to all councils would be done on the eve of the Election Day in the presence of security agencies and political party agents to ensure security and transparency.

    According to her, non-sensitive materials have already been deployed.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile informed the gathering that councillorship results would be collated at the ward collation centres while the chairmanship results would be collated at the local government collation centres.

  • Council poll: Youth party candidate unveils economic plan

    Council poll: Youth party candidate unveils economic plan

    Youth Party chairmanship candidate, Ayodele Adio, has unveiled an economic blueprint to transform Eti-Osa Local Government’s economy and create jobs. The plan: “RISE” (Recycle, Invest, Strengthen, Empower), targets Eti-Osa’s pressing challenges while capitalising on its unique advantages.

    Speaking to community leaders, business owners, and residents, Adio detailed the four pillars of his vision.

    “Our RISE plan addresses immediate economic needs and long-term sustainable growth. It’s about creating real opportunities for our people while building an economy that works for everyone.”

    Adio said the first component tackles Eti-Osa’s waste management crisis while creating a new economic sector. The initiative will establish community recycling centres that convert waste into marketable products like bio-gas and tiles.

    Recognising the construction boom in Eti Osa, the second pillar focuses on equipping youth with specialised construction skills through certification programmes and apprenticeships.

    The third, Adio said is Strengthening Tourism. “We’ll develop our beaches, historical sites, and cultural festivals into world-class attractions,” Adio noted, outlining plans for infrastructure upgrades and international campaigns.

    The final component, Empowering Communities,  focuses on grassroots economic empowerment through microfinance initiatives, creative funds, business incubation centres, and community cooperatives to ensure that growth benefits reach all.

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    Rise Plan, Adio argued, will deliver a 50 per cent increase in tourism and hospitality revenue in 18 months, create 15,000 jobs in tourism, hospitality, construction, and environmental services sectors and reduce youth unemployment by 30 per cent in Eti-Osa.”

    In conclusion, Adio noted that “What sets this plan apart is its holistic approach. It addresses environmental concerns, skills gaps, tourism potential, and community inclusion simultaneously. Although the projections are ambitious, I believe that they are achievable with proper implementation.”

    He emphasized that the RISE plan includes detailed implementation timelines, funding mechanisms, and accountability measures. “This isn’t just campaign rhetoric,” he insisted. “We’ve mapped out the execution details, including public-private partnerships, grant opportunities, and revenue-generation models that will make this plan succeed.”

  • Council poll: Stakeholders kick, seek help

    Council poll: Stakeholders kick, seek help

    Some party faithful in All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bariga and Somolu have decried the primary election conducted on Saturday.

    Speaking as Concerned Stakeholders, they demand cancellation of the exercise, while seeking intervention of the President.

    In a statement, they listed reasons for condemning the exercise, claiming it was skewed to achieve a pre-determined outcome.

    The statement signed by Aisha Lawal and David Balogun for others, reads: “We demand that the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Working Committee, and Lagos State APC leadership investigate this travesty and cancel the compromised elections in Somolu Local Government and Bariga LCDA.”

    The protesters alleged over-voting and other malfeasances in driving their demands, which include cancellation of the exercise and commencement of disciplinary actions against those allegedly behind the issues raised against the exercise.

    Read Also: Nigeria to locally produce paramilitary uniforms, boots

    “We reject the outcome of the Bariga and Somolu APC chairmanship primaries in totality’’, they noted.

    “We declare that Bariga and Somolu do not have authentic chairmanship candidates as the process that produced them was fraudulent, monetised, and manipulated..’’

    “We assert that no amount of intimidation, manipulation, or rigging will force us to support unpopular, imposed candidates.

    “We affirm that the political leadership in Bariga has unanimously endorsed Babatunde Adesida as the authentic chairman, and until this daylight robbery is reversed, we shall remain peaceful but firm in our resistance.

    “We call on respected leaders such as Senator Anthony Adefuye, Senator Tokunbo Abiru,  Ademorin Kuye, Adeyemi Oluwole, and other true democrats to rise and defend the integrity of our party”.

  • ‘Comply with laws on council poll’

    ‘Comply with laws on council poll’

    Political and women advocate, Princess Abiodun Islamiyat Oyefusi, has called for strict compliance with the law ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.

    In a statement, she urged the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to strictly adhere to established electoral guidelines and laws to ensure transparency and credibility in the entire electoral process.

    Oyefusi emphasised that the integrity of local elections is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic values, as the local government system represents the closest connection between the people and the government.

    “The grassroots is the bedrock of a thriving democracy.

    “When the process at this level is compromised, it weakens citizens’ faith in governance and democratic institutions,” she said.

    She further called on LASIEC to ensure timely publication of election timetables, fair access to election materials for all political actors, and strict neutrality in handling candidates and political parties.

    Read Also: Rising cost of living pushes inflation to 24.23%

    Oyefusi expressed concern over the commission’s practice of disseminating key information—such as election timetables—solely through platforms like Facebook, arguing that such actions fall short of what is required by law and lack the formal authority and transparency electoral guidelines demand.

    She raised alarms over the continued involvement of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the electoral process despite the fact that they are not constitutionally recognised.

    She stressed that this undermines the legal integrity of the elections and calls into question the legitimacy of outcomes in those jurisdictions.

    Oyefusi, known for her unwavering advocacy for inclusive good governance and gender equality, also highlighted the need for increased participation of women and marginalized groups in the local government electoral process.

    “As we approach the elections, LASIEC must demonstrate that it is an independent and credible body committed to the democratic aspirations of all Lagosians,” she added.

    Her statement serves as a clarion call for vigilance, fairness, and adherence to due process as Lagosians prepare to elect leaders at the grassroots level.

  • RISIEC to unveil timetable for fresh council poll today

    RISIEC to unveil timetable for fresh council poll today

    The timetable and guidelines for a fresh Local Government election in Rivers State will be unveiled today.

    Chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) Adolphus  Enebeli announced this through a statement made available to reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    The announcement of the proposed election came barely five days after last week’s Supreme Court judgment that nullified the October 2024 council poll in the state.

     A hitherto unknown Action People’s Party (APP)  won   22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the state.

      It was, however, learnt that the plan for a new council poll might deepen the bad blood between the state  House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara .

    Part of the key resolutions of the House on Monday was its  decision “to amend the Local Government and RISIEC laws to be in tandem with the Electoral Act and pave the way for the commencement of plans for fresh local government elections in the state.’’

    While the Amaewhule–led House believes that preliminary procedures and requirements for a fresh local government election,  including a valid appropriation law were not ready yet, the state government feels that the process for another poll must begin immediately in line with the Supreme Court verdict.

    The  House had also given the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill. The deadline expires today.

     As of 9 pm yesterday, Fubara had made no comment on that.

     But Enebeli,  in his statement, invited leaders of all registered political parties, Non-Governmental Organisations,  traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organisations, and the media, among others to RISIEC’s secretariat where the date for the election would be made public.

    “The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2025 local government elections in the state,” he said.

    Read Also: Council poll: Adeleke breached oath of office, says APC

    Just as Enebeli made the announcement,  22 Rivers indigenes elected as council chairmen nine years ago added a new twist to the crisis over the leadership of the local governments.

    The 22, who were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during Rotimi Amaechi’s tenure as governor,  said they were the rightful chairmen and should therefore be reinstated.

    They said in a statement yesterday that their demand stems from the outcome of last Friday’s Appeal Court judgement in Port Harcourt which upturned the    July 5, 2015 Federal High Court verdict that removed them from office. 

    The sacked council chiefs added that the ‘’vacancy’’ created by last week’s  Supreme Court judgment was another good reason for their demand.

    ‘’The rightful persons to occupy the vacant positions at the Local Government Councils in Rivers State are the council chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors duly elected in 2015, and having been lawfully recognised by the court of Appeal after a protracted legal battle,’’ they said in the statement by the then ALGON Chairman, Imie Benson.

    INC, IYC disagree with RRM on alleged impeachment move against Fubara

    Also yesterday, the   Ijaw National Congress (INC)  and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone,   differed with the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) on the feud between Governor Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House. 

     While the INC and IYC  warned against any attempt to impeach Fubara, RRM advised the House of Assembly   not to  ‘’hesitate to wield the big stick of impeachment if the governor continues on the part of illegality.’’

    Chairman of the INC, Benjamin Okaba, warned that any attempt to undermine the office of Governor Fubara would have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability, especially in the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta.

    Okaba  accused  the  Ikwerre    of seeking  to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades and  said  that the Ijaw  would defend Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins.”

    He also faulted the  Supreme Court judgment, saying it was capable of plunging the entire Niger Delta into crisis.

    Calling  on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis, Okaba enjoined Fubara to, as a law-abiding citizen, work with all duly constituted arms of government in the state.

    Also, the IYC  warned those hiding under the Supreme Court verdict to destabilise  Rivers State to have a rethink.

    The group, in a statement by its  Chairman  Datolu Sukubo, Secretary Tamunokuro Dango and Information Officer, Odia Igbikis,  described the 48-hour ultimatum by the House as a move to impeach  Governor Fubara.

    The statement partly reads: “We are deeply concerned over the current tense political situation in Rivers State, following the recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying the election of local government council chairmen.

    “This decision has created an environment ripe for manipulation by those who do not have the best interests of Rivers State or the Ijaw nation at heart.

    “We are aware of alarming plans by certain elements to destabilise Rivers State and undermine the mandate given to our elected officials.

    “The purported 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Governor, Sir Simin alayi Fubara, by the defected Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget is a clear indication of an orchestrated effort to create chaos and potentially impeach the governor.

    “This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who have entrusted their governance to one of our own.”

     “The IYC firmly warns that we will not stand by and allow detractors to steal this mandate. We are committed to defending our rights and ensuring that the voices of the Ijaw people are heard and respected.

    “We call upon President Bola Tinubu  and the National Security Adviser(Nuhu Ribadu) to intervene immediately and halt the ongoing madness that threatens to plunge Rivers State into an avoidable crisis.’’

    But the RRM, in a statement by its Director-General, Johnson Georgewill and Secretary, Sarima Akpata, urged Amaewhule and his colleagues to defend democracy in Rivers State.

        “The time for us has come to ensure all illegal appointments, spendings and actions by the Rivers State Government are halted until a proper budget is presented,’’ it said.

  • Ogun declares Friday public holiday for council poll

    Ogun declares Friday public holiday for council poll

    The Ogun State Government has announced Friday, November 15, will be a work-free day for all civil servants in the state. 

    This directive was issued in a circular on Thursday by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya.

    AGovernor Dapo Abiodun approved the holiday to encourage full participation of civil servants in the local government elections on Saturday, November 16, across the 20 local government areas and 237 wards.

    The statement added: “The work-free day aims to ensure active participation in the electoral process, allowing citizens to exercise their civic duties without hindrance. This move demonstrates Governor Abiodun’s commitment to promoting democratic participation and civic engagement in Ogun State.

    “This decision aligns with Governor Abiodun’s efforts to prioritize the welfare and participation of citizens in democratic processes.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, also confirmed this announcement in a statement.

    Ojo explained that the government declared Friday a work-free day to allow civil servants to travel to their respective local government areas and participate in the polls.

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    The statement partly reads: “The Bureau of Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, has announced that the @OGSG_Official has approved Friday, November 15, 2024, as a work-free day for civil and public servants.

    “This directive, approved by His Excellency, Governor @DapoAbiodunCON, is intended to give workers the opportunity to travel to their respective local government areas to participate in the local government election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.

    “This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to fostering inclusiveness and participatory democracy. Permanent Secretaries and heads of government agencies have been advised to ensure compliance with this directive”.

  • Low turnout as Kano holds peaceful council poll

    Low turnout as Kano holds peaceful council poll

    There was low turnout as the local government council elections in Kano State held peacefully on Saturday. 

    The low turnout was more prominent in the metropolitan areas of the State. 

    For instance, at the History and Culture Bureau, elections had not started by10:44am when our correspondent visited due to late arrival of election materials.

    It was however observed that even though election had started on time at Tarauni PHC polling centre which houses three polling units, there was generally low turnout of voters.

    However, at the Gandun Albasa Special Primary school where there are 21 polling units, many voters were seen waiting in the queues for their turn to cast their votes.

    A cross section of voters expressed happiness over the peaceful conduct of residents against what had been anticipated.

    “Many people anticipated crisis during the election but thank God it’s peaceful,” one of the voters said.

    Also commenting on the election, another voter said he was happy the election was generally peaceful as many residents complied with the order on restriction of movement.

    Also speaking, a presiding Officer, Polling unit 002, at Gandun Albasa, Tajuddeen Uba said voting commenced some minutes after 8:00am and the election was peaceful despite non participation of the police and other federal security personnel.

    Read Also: Stakeholders concerned over conduct of council polls

    In some polling units, voting ended as early as 10am after receiving the election materials.

    In places like Tudunwada, Rimin Gado, Gwale, Municipal and Bichi, among others, elections were conducted peacefully with voters coming out very early to cast their ballots.

    It was observed that even though election had started on time at Tarauni PHC polling centre which houses three polling units, there was generally low turnout of voters.

    However, at the Gandun Albasa Special Primary school where there are 21 polling units, many voters were seen in the queues waiting for their turn to cast their votes.

  • LASIEC displays voters’ register for council poll

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) yesterday displayed voters’ register for the conduct of the councillorship by-election in Ward ‘C’ (Owode Orile), in Bariga Local Council Development Area.

    It urged voters to visit the ward collation centre at CMS Primary School, Okuta Road, Bariga to check their names.

    The register will enable voters to confirm the polling units where they will vote.

    Candidates for the election are expected at the commission tomorrow for the validation of their documents.

    The Nation learnt that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) have indicated interest to contest the election.

     

  • Court ruling: Peterside tells RSIEC not to conduct council poll

    The Deputy Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has urged the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) not to  conduct next month’s council election on June 16.

    Dr Peterside was reacting to yesterday’s  Supreme Court ruling, which asked the appellant (Governor Nyesom Wike) to properly serve the 17th respondent (Department of State Services).

    The suit seeks to determine whether or not elected chairmen under ex-Governor Chibuike Amaechi could be joined.

    The Supreme Court adjourned the matter to December 18.

    According to Peterside, any action by RSIEC while the Supreme Court is yet to rule will be subjudice and of no effect.

    “I am happy that the chairman of RSIEC is a retired judge and should know better. He should advise Governor Nyesom Wike not to force him into regrettable circumstances and actions,” he stated.

    The former lawmaker declared that the Wike-led administration cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time in a matter it clearly has a vested interest.

    “The same Wike that said the High Court has nullified elections of chairmen and councillors elected under former Governor Amaechi is also the same person saying their tenure has expired. How can the tenure of those he claims were not in office expire?

    “Wike is not in a position to determine the tenure or otherwise of those elected by Rivers people. It is left for the court to determine and until that is done, any attempt at organising local government election is a sham.

    “The judiciary remains the hope of those seeking for justice and as such, the governor should not be in a hurry to foist his henchmen on Rivers people in an attempt to score cheap political points,” he declared.

    Peterside, director-general of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), called on APC faithful in the state not to be deterred by the antics of Wike and his collaborators, noting that victory is certain.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Council poll: Court adjourns hearing in PDP suit

    A Federal High Court in Ibadan yesterday adjourned a case involving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Governor Abiola Ajimobi and House of Assembly.

    The matter follows plans to conduct local government elections next month.

    OYSIEC, through its Chairman, Mr. Jide Ajeigbe, on February 2, said elections into the 33 local governments and 35 local council development areas would hold on May 12.

    He said parties were expected to participate in the poll.

    But PDP approached the court, presided over by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, challenging INEC, OYSIEC, Governor Ajimobi and the Assembly on allegations that certain things about the proposed election were wrong.

    Yesterday, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oluseun Abimbola and the Director of Civil Litigation and Advisory Services, Mr. S.O. Adeoye, stood as counsel to the second, third and fourth defendants, including other parties sought to be joined.

    Mr. Koyejo Oyetunde and Dr. Nureni Adeniran appeared for the plaintiff.

    When the case came up for hearing, Oyetunde told the court that he had a motion dated April 9, slated for hearing, while Abimbola said they had a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

    Justice Ayo-Emmanuel, requesting to be briefed on the matter by counsel, noted that briefs must be presented through documents before motions could be raised.

    He adjourned the case till May 3 for hearing and told Oyetunde to ensure he collects his service copy before the adjourned date.